giotto premium plus - a quick look at the updated model

© Bella Barista Bella Barista, Nene Court, The Embankment, Wellingborough, Northants, NN8 1LD

Tel: 01933 273275 e-mail: [email protected]

Giotto Premium (revisited) closer look v4.doc

G IOTTO PREMIUM PLUS

A QUICK LOOK AT THE UPDATED MODEL

H T T P : / / W W W . B E L L A B A R I S T A . C O . U K

Since writing the revisit of the Giotto Premum

Plus, Rocket Espresso has addressed the issues

and written to me, as they take the comments

seriously. With permission, their reply is shown

below.

As a result of the Bella Barista review of our Giotto Premium Plus machine, I have met with our technical and production manager to discuss the points raised in this review. Primarily the problems were caused by incorrect boiler placement in the machine. The inclination of the boiler within the machine needs to be correct to allow correct alignment of additional internal components. In the machine you reviewed this was not the case, and consequently we have reviewed our jig design to eliminate the unlikely (but possible) cause, so this cannot happen again in the future.

Rocket Espresso is a boutique producer of handmade espresso machines. We believe our machines are capable of producing the finest espresso and strive for excellence of build quality. The review process offered by companies such as Bella Barista ensure that an unbiased view of the machines they sell is available to their customers, and furthermore has indicated an area of our production that can now be enhanced so we are able to deliver an even better product to the market. Andrew Meo General Manager Rocket Espresso

I think that it’s great to see the manufacturer

taking the time to read reviews of their

products and using the comments

constructively rather than defensively. This will

ensure that your machine is even better than

the one I had……and I did like the review

machine.

Update!



GIOTTO PREMIUMGIOTTO PREMIUMGIOTTO PREMIUMGIOTTO PREMIUM PLUS PLUS PLUS PLUS –––– (engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model)(engineering revisit of updated model) Page Page Page 222 of of of of 20202020

I was not sure how best to present the

information in this engineering revisit. . . . Its

purpose was to complete a quick engineering

evaluation in light of recent changes and

improvements. TTTThe Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called he Giotto Premium, now called

the Giotto Premium Plusthe Giotto Premium Plusthe Giotto Premium Plusthe Giotto Premium Plus has some has some has some has some

improvements to the earlier modelimprovements to the earlier modelimprovements to the earlier modelimprovements to the earlier model

As much information in the review of the earlier

model is still relevant. I will present the

Changed information first, together with my

conclusions, leaving the old review below. Red Red Red Red

Italic text in the old reviewItalic text in the old reviewItalic text in the old reviewItalic text in the old review (Pages (Pages (Pages (Pages 8 8 8 8 ––––

19) 19) 19) 19) highlights changehighlights changehighlights changehighlights changessss in in in in thethethethe new new new new

model model model model called called called called the the the the Giotto Premium PlusGiotto Premium PlusGiotto Premium PlusGiotto Premium Plus

and you should refer to the first and you should refer to the first and you should refer to the first and you should refer to the first 7777

pages for more details.pages for more details.pages for more details.pages for more details. This allows you to

see what’s changed in the model vs. the old and

compare photos etc.

One of the immediate differences is the

improvement in packaging to something

obviously custom made for the Giotto Premium

Plus. The manufacturers’ user guide is also

produced to a much better standard. It still

comes double boxed from Bella Barista to

ensure it arrives in good condition

Externally the machine has a few cosmetic changes.

The most obvious of which are:

• Improved Feet

• Round Steam boiler pressure gauge,

although I personally thought the “half

moon” shaped gauge used previously

looked good. This one is a better quality

gauge.

• Revised Placement of On/Off switch

• Top cup tray now has fixing screws hidden

(for a cleaner look)

• Revised and I think much better looking

badge, which is also continued on the rear

of the machine.

• Improved drip tray rack replacing the old

“cheap” looking wire grid.

The details were correct at the time of writing, but the manufacturer and Bella Barista reserve the right to change the technical specification of the packaging, machines and any accessories supplied with the machine (including quantity and type of accessories supplied)

Introduction – The revisit




Item/Description Picture/Comments

The portafilter handles in the revised Giotto Premium Plus are a much better fit in the group than before and are not too wide. This means no grinding or wearing of the outer chrome part of the lugs on the portafilter

The group gasket is an 8.5mm, but because the portafilter lugs are slightly thicker than on some makes, the 8.5 mm thick group gasket does not result in the best fit. The portafilter has to be pulled round to the right quite hard to ensure the lugs are well engaged. This use of force would be unnecessary if an 8mm thick group gasket was fitted

The portafilter handles are different (manufacturer) to the ones on the previous review machine (still good quality though), but they fit so much better into the group.

Bella Barista after reading this review may decide to provide an extra 8mm thick group gasket as a “free of charge” replacement for the existing 8.5mm gasket &.if you replace it immediately, the machine should “feel much better”.

Rocket espresso still do not provide a blind filter with the machine*.essential for back flushing the machine with cleaner (so don’t forget to add one to your order, if Bella Barista don’t add one free at their expense).

Improved manufacturers user guide They have made a decent effort with this, although the supplied Bella Barista user guide will cover many areas not fully covered by the manufacturer e.g. descaling.

The feet are a huge improvement on the earlier versions with nice metal trim and plastic tips. However, they are still not height adjustable! I simply don’t understand why manufacturers of some machines seem to feel you will not need to level the machine front and back after installing?

The detachable plastic trim (to stop cups from sliding off) on the top of the cup tray looks cheap. It would be far nicer to have a detachable steel rail that matched the finish of the rest of the machine.

I have not removed the protective plastic film, because this will ultimately become someone’s machine, but it looks no better with the film off.

The Steam pressure gauge was not straight and this does annoy me. It takes but a moment in the factory to ensure these are straight. It’s more difficult to fix it when you have the machine and is something you notice every time you look at it!

What has changed?




A brew pressure gauge is very useful as it allows you to easily spot brew pressure issues and adjust the brew pressure to the correct level and for the price I think this model should have one

The steam tip now has 2 holes and should be much easier for home use than the old style 3 hole tip fitted on the previous Giotto I had for testing.

The new (metal) badges front and back are a great improvement on the previous versions

The previous machine I reviewed had a few quality control issues, such as a spinning thread insert, making removal of one of the screws difficult and retightening impossible.

The current machine had a steel machine screw with a stripped thread, making tightening impossible and removal difficult. This screw was one of the 4 required to remove the cup warming tray from the water tank carrier.

I initially could not understand how this could happen, but the cause of the problem became apparent later. The Water tank holder now fits differently and is a separate part screwed to the frame at the bottom. If this is not lined up properly, it becomes difficult to line up all 4 screws. This lack of alignment caused the thread to strip as they assembled the machine at the factory. The reason the water tank carrier would not align properly follows.

The water tank carrier fouled a fitting at the rear of the boiler, making it extremely difficult to refit and caused further difficulties refitting the 4 screws which hold the cup warmer tray in place.

This simple problem should have been rectified at the factory. When I see things like this I always worry if it reflects a quality control issue, where problems might “lie dormant” for the consumer to find a year or 2 later!

The top picture shows the threaded inserts at the bottom do not line up properly with the holes. This makes the machine screws that hold the water tank carrier in place quite difficult to fit

This picture shows the water tank carrier fouling the fitting at the back of the boiler and is the reason things don’t line up properly.




The mounting of the Vibration pump concerned me, if you look carefully at the picture you can see that the rubber mounting is distorted (shown by the right hand arrow)&

The reason soon becomes apparent when you look at the left hand arrow and can see the (plastic) end of the Vibration pump it forced downwards by the boiler refill pipe above it.

I don’t like the idea of the plastic end of a vibration pump (which vibrates), butted up against a copper pipe. Vibration pumps are on rubber mounts, so they can float freely and not touch anything.

Another quality control concern

This is a minor niggle and is becoming more common. It’s nice to see a machine with a factory fitted UK 3 pin plug, but I do wish they would go to the trouble of fitting the exposed pins with those plastic “plug” protectors to prevent any risk of scratching in transit.

Low Water Alarm – The previous model would quietly loose steam pressure, the light would remain on and with a casual glance you would have no idea that it had switched off the heating element, due to low water. In the new machine the green light flashes which is an improvement.

Giotto Autolevel controller shown (left)

It’s a shame that they don’t use the same basic Gicar Autolevel controller as in Izzo machines (right), because these have a buzzer built in, and it sounds when the water level is low.




The new machine is greatly complemented by the use of a Commercial grade heavy duty Sirai pressurestat (right of picture) to replace the previous MATER – XP110. Although the Sirai pressurestats cost significantly more, they are known to be very reliable, accurate and with a small dead band.

You adjust them by removing the yellow cap to reveal the adjuster screw&.you may need more turns than you are used to say when adjusting a cheaper MATER Pressurestat.

I have one of these in one of my spare coffee machines and although slightly noisier in operation they do give great service.

The thermosyphon tubes have been enlarged, the reasons stated are:

“Superior layout of thermosyphon system resulting in optimum extraction. Generously dimensioned. 20% higher volume as with comparable machines on the market.”. and&“Optimised boiler capacity to thermosyphon system ratio. Results in fast heat up time”

I thought it worked pretty well before and made great coffee. I did note that the previous model needed less of a cooling flush that other HX machines&..possibly not the case any more. I can also imagine that the heat up time of the group will be reduced&.the light touch nature of this review meant I was not able to test this claim, but have no reason to doubt it!

My internal inspection shows a much longer route for the thermosyphon pipes than before, especially the top pipe (probably to make connections easier). I suspect this was also a reason for increasing the diameter of the pipes.

The heating element (1200 watt element) is stated as being, made from special long life material (5 times longer than normal elements). I think this is great, because heating element replacement is one of life’s less pleasant tasks.

I think it’s time that all manufacturers started to insulate the boilers of their machines&It’s not so much a complaint as an observation. Currently most manufacturers do not, but more are insulating them as standard e.g. Quickmill, Izzo, Expobar etc.

I think the Giotto Premium Plus would also benefit from such insulation in the areas of, component life, steaming and reduced power consumption.




The picture above identifies the major

components of the machine, once the case is

removed accessibility for maintenance is good.

Removal/refitting of the case is moderately time

consuming. The Giotto Premium Plus would be

fairly simple to work on for most of the major

components requiring replacement over time.

A detailed Tour

Brew Boiler

(nickel plated

copper)

Vibration

pump

(Ulka)

OPV/Expansion Valve,

used to regulate brew

pressure

Heating

element

(not visible)

Autofill,

“solenoid

valve”

Vent tube to

prevent vacuum

from forming & air

to escape

ECM control

box, autofill,

heating elements

etc.

Low water sensor (via

electrical conductivity)

Pressure relief valve

(Safety valve)

Vacuum breaker Autofill,

“level”

probe

Sirai Commercial

grade pressurestat

Resettable

limit stat

De Aerator




Well actually the question put to me was “would

you buy a Giotto Premium Plus after some of

the problems, or a Vivi”. The answer is not so

simple, because they are both great machines

and the Giotto Premium Plus is currently about

£100 more expensive, but I believe has more

than £100 of extra value built into it. For me

this value comes in the form of:

1. Commercial Sirai pressurestat

2. Large 1.8 litre Nickel plated boiler

3. No burn steam and water wands

4. No compression Valves

5. Extra Long life heating element

6.6.6.6. Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic Fantastic water tank system and low water tank system and low water tank system and low water tank system and low

water level detection (best in class)water level detection (best in class)water level detection (best in class)water level detection (best in class)

These 6 items alone are well worth the extra

cost, without considering some of the higher

quality knobs and gauges. I also think it is a

very nice looking machine, but again that will

be down to personal preference.

The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, The quality of materials is extremely good, but but but but

itititit has been let down by has been let down by has been let down by has been let down by a a a a fewfewfewfew quality control quality control quality control quality control

issues mentioned earlier.issues mentioned earlier.issues mentioned earlier.issues mentioned earlier. I have mentioned I have mentioned I have mentioned I have mentioned

these for 2 reasons:these for 2 reasons:these for 2 reasons:these for 2 reasons:

• I don’t think they are a “one off”

(especially as the previous machine had

a few issues which I treated as perhaps

“one off” problems)

• I think the best way to ensure they get

addressed by the manufacturer, is to

place them in the review.

I’d like to think they made improvements as a

result of the previous review and I sincerely hope

that Rocket espresso read this revisited review and

rather than react defensively, take the feedback as

information they can use to make positive

improvements to the Giotto Premium Plus

It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra It’s a really nice machine but with a little extra

efforteffortefforteffort and passion on their part and passion on their part and passion on their part and passion on their part,,,, can be reborn as can be reborn as can be reborn as can be reborn as

“best in class”.“best in class”.“best in class”.“best in class”.

I just thought….I never answered the question.

YesYesYesYes,,,, I would buy one if I was looking for a I would buy one if I was looking for a I would buy one if I was looking for a I would buy one if I was looking for a

single boiler Heat Exchanger espresso single boiler Heat Exchanger espresso single boiler Heat Exchanger espresso single boiler Heat Exchanger espresso

machinemachinemachinemachine....

Final Thoughts – and would you buy one!



G IOTTO PREMIUM – A CLOSER LOOK

H T T P : / / W W W . B E L L A B A R I S T A . C O . U K

The Giotto Premium arrives well packed (Rocket

Espresso use heavy grade packaging and Bella

Barista also double box the machines). The

build quality is good with high quality (industry

standard) components and a lot of care has

been taken with assembly. Constructed using

chrome plated steel, outside a black painted

steel frame insideinsideinsideinside.... The quality is noticeable

when lifting the machine as the Giotto Premium

is a heavy machine.

This type of heat Exchanger (HX) machine

internally, is slightly more complex than

cheaper non HX machines, but much simpler to

operate. There are fewer controls and no need

to do anything special (apart from filling the

water tank occasionally) to draw steam, hot

water or espresso at any time. The Giotto

Premium automatically maintains the water

level in the boiler as required and if run low on

water in the tank the Giotto Premium switches

off the heating element as a safety precaution,

but has no low water alarmbut has no low water alarmbut has no low water alarmbut has no low water alarm.

The machine is attractive and fits comfortably

under standard height kitchen cabinets. The

Giotto Premium compares favourably with other

similar prosumer machines that have a heritage

and reputation for looking good.

Some coffee enthusiasts buy second hand

commercial machines that are very large,

plumbed into the mains and with 3-6kw

heating elements in 5 litre or larger boilers to

make quality beverages at home. The Giotto

Premium can make the same high quality

drinks), without the hassle.

Overview

Inside This ReviewInside This ReviewInside This ReviewInside This Review

Overview 9

How it works 11

Inside the Giotto Premium 12

A detailed Tour 13

Key Features 14

Using the Giotto Premium 18

Final Thoughts 19

Gallery 20

The details were correct at the time of writing, but the manufacturer and Bella Barista reserve the right to change the technical specification of the packaging, machines and any accessories supplied with the machine (including quantity and type of accessories supplied)

ThThThThis is is is sssseeeection ction ction ction isisisis the the the the old old old old reviewreviewreviewreview for the previous model for the previous model for the previous model for the previous model, any t, any t, any t, any text ext ext ext

highlighted in red Italics indicateshighlighted in red Italics indicateshighlighted in red Italics indicateshighlighted in red Italics indicates changed areas changed areas changed areas changed areas in the in the in the in the newnewnewnew Giotto Giotto Giotto Giotto Premium Plus and you should refer to Premium Plus and you should refer to Premium Plus and you should refer to Premium Plus and you should refer to pages 1 pages 1 pages 1 pages 1 thruthruthruthru 7 7 7 7



GIOTTO PREMIUM GIOTTO PREMIUM GIOTTO PREMIUM GIOTTO PREMIUM –––– A A A A CLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOKCLOSER LOOK Page Page Page 101010 of of of of 20202020

The Giotto Premium went out of production

some time ago and has been reborn under the

care of Rocket Espresso. A legend, built again,

to the same standards, in the same way as

before. The Giotto is a great machine both for

the customer to use and the reseller to

support. It will provide years of reliable service

with the minimum of maintenance. Once in

position on the counter the machine looks nice

and does not dominate on a standard sized

work surface. The height of the machine is very

convenient and gives plenty of room under

standard height kitchen cupboards. It has a

nice large cup warming tray. Placing the Giotto

Premium in a corner is ideal, especially when

located near the sink.

The Giotto Premium comes well packed, in a

tough box and with comprehensive

documentation covering all aspects of

operation, routine maintenance and production

of espresso based drinks. A valuable addition to

the Italian manufacturer’s written User guide

that comes free with the Giotto Premium.

Even if you are completely new to coffee making

and this type of machine, you will have no problem

making all those great coffee drinks in a very short

time The Giotto Premium is easy to keep clean, a

quick wipe with a damp cloth and a buff with a

micro fibre cloth is all that’s required to keep it

looking great. The more complex tasks such as

backflushing and descaling are actually very easy to

do and the supplied Bella Barista user guide

explains how to do them in detail.

Overview – cont.

The Giotto The Giotto The Giotto The Giotto

Premium, Premium, Premium, Premium,

ppppositioned in the ositioned in the ositioned in the ositioned in the

corner of my corner of my corner of my corner of my

kitchenkitchenkitchenkitchen

Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in Very well packed inner box, protected by double packing in

an airan airan airan air----cell filled outer by Bella Baristacell filled outer by Bella Baristacell filled outer by Bella Baristacell filled outer by Bella Barista




How it works

The diagram shows a simplified The diagram shows a simplified The diagram shows a simplified The diagram shows a simplified diagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giottodiagram of the Giotto. The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with . The pump keeps the boiler about 60% filled with

water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3water that is heated and kept at a pressure of 1.3----1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water 1.4 bar (about 22 psi). The temperature of this water

is above boiling point and has is above boiling point and has is above boiling point and has is above boiling point and has an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).an area of steam above (similar to a pressure cooker).

SteamSteamSteamSteam The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened, The pipe for the steam wand is at the top of the boiler (in the steam area) as the steam tap is opened,

steam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instantsteam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instantsteam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instantsteam is forced through the steam pipe and as the pressure drops more of the water instantly flashes to ly flashes to ly flashes to ly flashes to

steam, giving a continuous supply.steam, giving a continuous supply.steam, giving a continuous supply.steam, giving a continuous supply.

Hot WaterHot WaterHot WaterHot Water The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is The pipe for the hot water tap is submerged below the waterline in the boiler. As the hot water tap is

opened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the hoopened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the hoopened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the hoopened, steam pressure forces the hot water from the boiler through the pipe and out of the hot water t water t water t water

outlet.outlet.outlet.outlet.

Coffee Brew WaterCoffee Brew WaterCoffee Brew WaterCoffee Brew Water Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped Coffee brew water for the group does not actually come from the water in the boiler, but is pumped

directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through directly from the tank through a “heat exchanger” (essentially, a big copper tube) that passes through

the hot boiler. As tthe hot boiler. As tthe hot boiler. As tthe hot boiler. As the cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct he cold water from the water tank passes through this tube it is heated to the correct

temperature for brewing coffee.temperature for brewing coffee.temperature for brewing coffee.temperature for brewing coffee.

Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally Lifting the lever starts the pumping of brew water, lowering the lever stops the pump and additionally

releases the pressure (all 140 psreleases the pressure (all 140 psreleases the pressure (all 140 psreleases the pressure (all 140 psi of it) from the group, so you can remove the filter handle safelyi of it) from the group, so you can remove the filter handle safelyi of it) from the group, so you can remove the filter handle safelyi of it) from the group, so you can remove the filter handle safely,,,, (the (the (the (the

excess water goes into the drip tray when pressure is released)excess water goes into the drip tray when pressure is released)excess water goes into the drip tray when pressure is released)excess water goes into the drip tray when pressure is released)




A close inspection of the Giotto Premium shows

a machine that has all the usual refinements

internally that one would expect. Internal build

quality is good, with great attention to detail.

Components are well positioned, neatly

assembled; all cables are well away from hot

spots and comprehensively tied to avoid

movement.

Some internal shots below;

Inside the Giotto Premium

The vibe pThe vibe pThe vibe pThe vibe pump tucked under the boilerump tucked under the boilerump tucked under the boilerump tucked under the boiler

Clever managements of the tanked water supplyClever managements of the tanked water supplyClever managements of the tanked water supplyClever managements of the tanked water supply

The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with The powerhouse of the machine accessible from the top, with

the removal of only 6 screwsthe removal of only 6 screwsthe removal of only 6 screwsthe removal of only 6 screws

Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all Removal of the outer case, gives easy access to all

components, e.g. heating element.components, e.g. heating element.components, e.g. heating element.components, e.g. heating element.




The picture above identifies the major

components of the machine, once the case is

removed accessibility for maintenance is good.

removal/refitting of the case is moderately time

consuming

This machine would be fairly simple to work on

for most of the major components requiring

replacement over time.

A detailed Tour

MA-TER XP110 pressurestat

Brew Boiler

(nickel plated

copper

Position of cold

water tank

Vibration

pump

(Ulka)

Resettable

limit stat

Vacuum breaker

Pressure relief valve

(Safety valve)

OPV Valve, used to

regulate brew

pressure

Heating

element

Autofill,

“level”

probe

Autofill,

“solenoid

valve”

Vent tube to

prevent vacuum

from forming & air

to escape

ECM control

box, autofill,

heating elements

etc.

Brew

Switch

(activated

by group

lever

Low water sensor (via

electrical conductivity)

A detailed Tour




• Ball Joint steam and water arms (no burn)

• Nice quality internal water tank

• “Clever” low water sensor and tanked water supply mechanism

• “non compression” steam & water valves

• “No burn” steam and water valves

• Adjustable pressure stat.

• Attractive retro design and chromed steel case

• 2 portafilter holders and 2 filter baskets as standard

Item/Description Picture Comments

Chromed Steel external case with plenty of room for internal components to stay cool. The case is a good fit, but does require care during removal and refitting. Access to some components is quickly achieved from the top via removal of 6 screws. More involved maintenance requires case removal, which is moderately time consuming. One or two areas need a little care and may pose difficulties for the inexperienced, some very small spanners and small/slim sockets are required (as are slim/long fingers).

Good routing of internal cables and pipes, avoiding hot spots and areas of vibration scuffing.

Nice quality nickel plated boiler with good brazing

High quality internal components

All components quite accessible. This makes servicing easy

Very accessible pressurestat that is not too sensitive to adjust. This makes pressure adjustment extremely easy and can be adjusted without removing the entire case, just the water tank carrier needs to be removed (4 screws)

Key Features




A nice quality metal badge. For a change a machine with a badge that actually is in keeping with it’s value.

It is even riveted in place, which means it won’t fall off&.something that occasionally happens on some espresso machines with constant exposure to heat and steam.

Readers of past reviews will know that I am not a fan of cheap badges, especially when stuck on, or even worse, not level.

Nice quality cold water tank holding 3 litres and simply slots in the top, no tubes to worry about. Refilling can be done with the tank in or out of the machine and there is a handy access hatch for filling.

Nice large cup warming tray. You can get plenty of cups on there, definitely no lack of space. The little hatch for refilling means you don’t have to remove every cup.

The Giotto Premium is heavy, because the internal frame is rigid and constructed with a quality (thick) steel

The feet are not height adjustable and the machine is difficult to slide around. You will want to slide it around to refill it if it is under cupboards.

The feet are soft and rubbery, with a metal screw holding them to the frame in the centre. Should the rubber tear or wear, there is a risk of the screw scratching the work surface!

I strongly recommend the use of felt bottomed (or Teflon faced) castor cups for a few pounds, to make it easy to move and protect your worktop.




The drip tray is not the largest I have seen and holds around 250-300ml before it needs emptying (it can hold more but you will spill liquid whilst trying to empty it).

It is all steel and nice quality.

The Giotto is a powerful steamer and it’s 3 hole tip foamed large quanitites of milk with ease. It took some practice to microfoam smaller quantities of milk, to the texture I like (aprox 100-120ml) and would certainly be easier with a single hole tip or one with smaller holes.

Professional quality no compression steam valve and ball joint “no burn” steam wand. It was also long enough to reach to the bottom of all my smaller pitchers.

I like the ball-joint mounted steam and hot water arms, both of which are “no burn” . I also like the large knobs with “non-compression valves”, much more tactile and look good too.

“No Burn” – a wand with an airspace preventing the walls from heating up when water (or steam) is drawn. However even these wands do eventually get hot.BUT cleaning the milk from the steam wand is MUCH easier.

“non compression” valves - use a spring and seal to seat. Opening the valve typically “pushes” the sprung seal open, closing simply allows the spring to close the valve, there is no “compression” of a washer as in some taps. Commonly found in the commercial environment, because the seals connot be damaged by “ham-fisted” operators closing them too tightly.




The equipment supplied with the Giotto: The review machine had 2 portafilter holders (good quality) with single and double baskets and the usual plastic tamper (usless) and measuring scoop. It would have been nice to see the “necessary backflushing blind filter basket provided as standard.

On my review machine the portafilters were quite a tight fit into the group, but better when the group was hot. Rocket Espresso stated that they would take time to “bed in”, and they have improved a little as the review progressed.

The machine switches off the heating element when low on water, the boiler then goes cold and the pump will not run. However, there is NO low water alarm and no visible indication that the machine is off apart from the slowly decending boiler pressure gauge. Also the green power light stays on,so it is not apparent from a distance, or from a casual glance that the machine has switched off the heating element. I really think that in a machine of this value, an audible alarm should be added. It can be very irritating to go to make a coffee only to find that the machine switched off the heating element an hour ago and then have to wait 20 minutes or more for it to warm up.

It was nice to see a De-Aereator fitted to a machine as these seem to have gone out of fashion in recent years (it’s certainly cheaper for the manufacturer to omit them!). This device simply bleeds air from the outlet side of the pump, this prevents air in the system causing the OPV valve to screech

I believe the reason for OPVs screeching, is air in the brew line, this is often caused by scale (the reasons for this are beyond the scope of this review). However, the fitting of a de-aerator can only be helpful should air enter the brew line for whatever reason especially when priming the pump (it makes it much easier).

The rating plate, placed on the underside of the machine




The Giotto Premium runs quite hot, which is

usual with Heat Exchanger (HX) machines,

because of the tight compromise between

continuously available steam, and production of

brew water for espresso. The pressure in the

boiler is directly related to the temperature, a

higher pressure gives higher temperatures.

Because of the way HX machines work most

require a cooling flush prior to drawing the first

in a series of espressos, the Giotto Premium in

common with other machines of this type also

requires this “cooling flush”. However, However, However, However, I I I I felt felt felt felt the the the the

Giotto did not need as large a coGiotto did not need as large a coGiotto did not need as large a coGiotto did not need as large a cooling flush as oling flush as oling flush as oling flush as

many HXmany HXmany HXmany HX machines machines machines machines

You can alter the pressure/temperature of the

boiler if required, although I found the factory

settings to be perfect.

As long as a cooling flush is performed, the

Giotto Premium makes consistently good

espressos and easily maintains the temperature

during the pour. Domestic volumes of espresso

one after another will be absolutely no problem

with this machine. The brew pressure when

tested was set to 10.5 bar, but could easily be

adjusted lower (the good quality OPV is quite

adjustable).

It’s nice to have really hot water on tap,

recovery time after drawing hot water for an

Americano is very fast. Although I always say for

regular hot water production a kettle is a better

option in areas where lime scale is a problem

and saves having to descale your machine so

often.

The E61 group is an industry standard (as are

many of the components in the machine), so

parts such as, pumps, gaskets, shower screens,

filter holders, filter holder handles etc. are all a

standard size and readily available from multiple

suppliers. This also means that the pricing of

these spares is highly competitive.

The Giotto has powerful steam performance and

you will not run out of steam. To steam that

500ml of milk will not take long! In fact, it takes a

little while to get used to steaming, especially

with smaller quantities of milk. What worked for

me was to be careful not to open the steam valve

too far with these smaller quantities.

Pressure Settings

Espresso

Steam Production

Hot Water

The E61 group

Using the Giotto Premium – simple and easy to use!

I felt the Giotto did not need as large a cooling flush as many HX machines




This was an opportunity to review a machine

that has been “reborn”. The Giotto Premium is

being produced to the same plans and standard

as before. The Giotto Premium was always

considered a very good machine and certainly

nothing has changed.

It definitely holds its own against other similar

machines and is often significantly better than

more expensive offerings from the competition.

I truly believe it is one of the finest machines

you can buy for the money.

It’s heavy at 23kg, but not too large, although

slightly deeper than some machines. It’s also

not too tall and I do prefer machines that are a

little more balanced in this way. A commercial 1

group (which would make similar beverages),

would be significantly bigger, heavier and

overkill for the home user.

As a reviewer, with my 20/20 hindsight, there

were a few things, especially considering the

price of the machine.

• A low water alarm should be added to

the machine, I do not think it’s now

acceptable to not have one of these.

especially when the only indicator of

low water, is a falling boiler pressure

gauge.

• I would like to see a brew pressure

gauge as well, or if space is limited a

dual pressure gauge (one dial for boiler

pressure one for brew pressure).

• Improved quality, height adjustable

feet.

But these are minor items on a machine that has

many admirers and do little to detract from its

day to day operation.

There are people who are going to love the looks

of the Giotto and as a lifestyle choice (for some),

nothing else will do. It is a fine looking machine

and it makes espresso as well as other machines

in the prosumer class.

Its vibration pump is not as quiet as an Izzo Vivi,

but is about the same as an Andreja Premium or

Expobar machine. The overall quality of the

machine is good and towards higher end of the

prosumer machine category. It does need a

slightly smaller cooling flush and the water

refilling/management is easier than on some

machines. It’s detection of low water level is

excellent (and reliable) and the entire tank is used

before the machine switches off the heating

element (and pump).

I would have liked Rocket Espresso to have

addressed the issue of; low water alarm, feet and

brew pressure gauge, when they bought the

rights, and re-started production, of the Giotto

Premium; I think it’s a lost opportunity.

The Giotto Premium is a great machine, with

fantastic retro styling, that any owner would, and

should be proud of.

Anything you would change?

Conclusions

Final Thoughts – so what’s the bottom line!




The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just The beautiful lever operated E61 group, just

waiting waiting waiting waiting to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!to make that espresso or latte!

Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable Removing only the top and back panels gives reasonable

access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good access, removing a further side panel can give very good access for maintenanceaccess for maintenanceaccess for maintenanceaccess for maintenance

2 high quality group handles, with 2 high quality group handles, with 2 high quality group handles, with 2 high quality group handles, with single and double basketssingle and double basketssingle and double basketssingle and double baskets

Gallery – A few pictures of the Giotto Premium

giotto premium plus - a quick look at the updated model

Documents

Transcript of giotto premium plus - a quick look at the updated model