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Olympia Express is now a subsidiary of Schatti Metallwarenfabrik located in Glarus Switzerland. The Olympia Cremina is now being manufactured in the new home of Olympia Express. The last model iteration of the Cremina was designated the Model 2008 and this new Cremina arrives with no model designation, so for the sake of naming we shall refer to it as the Model 2011, as there are differences both major and minor between this machine and the previous production model.
First look of the new models shows little or no superficial differences for the new production. Colors are red or anthracite, powder coated both on the case and the black frame. Out of the box the Cremina arrives with an instruction manual, as well as booklet on espresso and Olympia Express, a single filter basket, single portafilter spout, double spouted portafilter with spring, double basket, a stainless steel funnel and plastic tamper. No knock box is included.
The Olympia marked manometer has no zero pin as in the previous model.
The stainless steel coverings for the face plate and the top cap are very highly chromed and polished to mirror perfection.
Upon removal of the cover and case the differences are immediately evident. The boiler and fittings have been extremely streamlined and simplified as compared to the last model. Gone are the brass block unions for the steam and water level fittings and have been replaced with simple stainless steel blocks welded to the sides of the boiler toward the rear.
The pressure stat switch is a Mater pstat which is mounted on a J shaped brass pipe. As the boiler occupies almost all available space in the case this J shape not only keeps the pstat in the proper upright orientation but allows it to be placed forward in the front corner space within the case.
The heavy stainless steel boiler is beautifully manufactured with expert welds throughout....very lovely welds actually.
Another large change is the bottom of the machine, which has the boiler access cover made as a full rectangular plate held by 6 screws. There is no serial number or model designation, but the product code number and the new Glarus address. There is no red reset button through the bottom plate, although the thermostat safety switch remains the resettable type, under the bottom plate.
The view with plate removed shows the wiring access to the power switch and a slight reworking of the wiring with somewhat different terminal connectors.
The electrical system uses high temperature wire and there is a single post with 4 ground wires, including a separate ground to the top machine cover.
The steam is supplied through a 4 hole wand tip.
The group screen slips over the cylinder and is held in place by the group gasket. Note the square central area of the screen.
The boiler is affixed to the frame with screws along the entire length of the boiler with an additional stainless steel channel welded to the face of the boiler.
The machine uses standard brass compression fittings and the safety pressure valve is serviceable and adjustable through the bottom.
The water sight glass tube is serviceable OFF the machine by removal of two flat head machine screws.
The extreme attention to detail is shown by the design and finishing of the group lever yoke, with recessed lever pins and additional stainless steel bushings inside the yoke for greater stability of the lever mechanism.
In summary, there are a few changes to the newest Cremina Espresso Machine from Olympia Express....involving a simplification of the components inside the case while maintaining the tradition of quality in construction, and attention to detail that we associate with Olympia Express. |
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