If your Heating element leaks (specifically written for the Duetto brew boiler)?
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This procedure is specifically for the Izzo Alex Duetto, but is actually applicable to most coffee machines with a screw in element on coarse threads. The number of turns of Hawk special fibre and PTFE tape may not of course be exactly the same as the pitch and depth of threads could vary. That said, the advice given for number of turns is likely to be in the general ballpark.
The earlier models of Duetto and perhaps even the current ones, have a teflon gasket at the bottom of the brew boiler. If it's not leaking great (strangely enough the steam boiler element never seems to leak?), leave it alone. If it does leak, I have found it's better to not use a gasket and use the procedure in the attached .pdf file. I also think this may be the case for heating element gasket replacement in general. It's quite common for most espresso machines to leak a little at these points after a few years (you just tend not to notice it as the water evaporates) and when you do want to take the heating element out, it feels like the Gremlins have come and welded it in. They can be extremely hard to remove after a few years.
The procedure has a few big advantages
- If done correctly, it's unlikely ever to leak, even after many years
- The element will come out VERY easily, no matter how many years have passed.
- Less force is required to tighten it than when using a gasket
- You don't have to worry about holding a spare, or finding a replacement gasket
Does this affect the latest Duettos….I don't know, what I do know is, I am unlikely to ever use a Gasket on a heating element again. (click here to read rest of article)