LaSpaziale S1 Vivaldi I Website

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I purchase the La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi I?

Chris Coffee Service.

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How much will it cost me to leave the S1 Vivaldi I turned on 24x7?

Click this link to go to the Power Analysis page.

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Where can I find pictures of this machine?

S1 S1 Vivaldi I Photos

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Why is my La Spaziale S1 Vivaldi I so noisy?

This should only impact pre-June 2004 S1 Vivaldi I purchasers with serial numbers below 252263. Click here for details and you will soon enjoy the quiet operation you expect from a rotary pump machine. Back to Top

Why does the fine temperature control on my new S1 Vivaldi I seem to work backwards?

The addendum to the instruction manual included with the machine that describes operation of the fine temperature control mode is in error. If you follow the included instructions for increasing temperature, you will actually be decreasing the temperature and vice versa.Click here for the correct documentation.

Note: Units shipped after 2/20/2004 work correctly.Click here for the documentation for these corrected units. "Early adopters" can contact Chris Coffee directly to inquire about an upgrade for their units.

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How accurate is the temperature control?

Tests by the author indicate the the temperature of the water exiting the group is quite accurate relative to the set temperature with 1-2°C. Within 5 seconds of pulling a double shot the group boiler comes on for 40 sec. Consequently, shots pulled at least 45 seconds apart show consistent water temperatures. Here are the latest test results (16K PDF file).

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Did I get the entire User's Manual? It's only 7 pages long.

  • I lost my Manual.
  • I lost a page out of my manual.
  • I've got coffee stains all over my manual.

Click this link to get a scanned in copy in PDF format (2.5MB). This includes a protective cover page not found on the original and the corrected fine temperature control addendum with instructions applicable to the old and new units (also available as separate downloads above).

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How do I backflush the S1 S1 Vivaldi I?

  • Using 1/3 tsp Cafiza every 2-3 weeks is plenty for home use. Backflush the S1 S1 Vivaldi I more often with plain water.
  • Place the backflush disk in the single basket with 1/3 tsp of Cafiza powder.
  • Press the single or double cup button. In 5-10 seconds the three yellow LEDs will start to blink indicating a "flow problem".
  • Press the single or double cup button again to stop the pump which automatically engages the 3-way valve. (The three yellow LEDs normally come on when you grind too fine and choke the machine. So the instant this condition is sensed is the ideal point at which to engage the 3-way valve.)
  • Otherwise, normal backflush instructions apply.
  • Perform the above cycle 5 times waiting about 30 seconds between each cycle.
  • Then rinse the remaining detergent from the basket and replace the portafilter with the backflush disk still installed.
  • Backflush for 5 more cycles to rinse the remaining residue from the group and 3-way valve.
  • Remove the backflush disk, make a single or double shot of espresso and throw it out.
  • Now you're back in business.

Late breaking news from LaSpaziale. I have the official recommended method for cleaning the S1 S1 Vivaldi I group head. Did you ever wonder why you got that "barbecue grill" wire brush and the extra set of shower screens? LaSpaz didn't include the extra screens so you'd have an extra set. They are required with their recommended cleaning regimen which is targeted at light commercial use where there is no time for a complete backflush routine. The supposed reason for the double screen arrangement is to trap grounds between the screens so that the 3-way valve doesn't really need a detergent cleaning.

  1. With the S1 Vivaldi I still on, use the included wrench to remove the shower screen bolt.
  2. Drop out the screens and the dispersion disk.
  3. Use the "barbecue grill" brush to quickly scrub the group head while water is running through the group to flush out the particles. (Apparently this is why the long handled brush - to keep your hands well away from boiling water.)
  4. Also give the dispersion disk a quick scrub.
  5. Reassemble using the other set of screens.
  6. Soak the original set of screens in Cafiza, scrub, rinse, and put away for next time.

There you have it, straight from LaSpaziale. Frankly, I'm sticking with my backflush routine.

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Should I buy the 15 Amp or the 20 Amp model? (applies to 115V models only)

  1. The good news it that they are physically the same unit with the following differences. There is a jumper on the PC board to select 15A or 20A mode. It can be changed later (not easily *) if desired.
  2. The 15A model has a standard 115V three prong plug.
  3. The 20A model has a special plug where the two blades are perpendicular to each other rather than parallel. This requires a special socket easily purchased at Home Depot or equivalent. It also requires that the circuit have a 20Abreaker and that the wiring is at least 12G. 10G if the run is over 75'. 20A circuits are common in newer houses in the kitchen but they normally do not have the proper socket. If you decide you have a 20A circuit with nothing else substantial connected to it (the S1 Vivaldi I needs almost 18A of the 20A capacity) you can simply change out the wall socket.

The S1 Vivaldi I supports three power modes:

  1. Steam boiler off, only group boiler on. (This can definitely reduce your electric bill if you are just making shots and not steaming milk or using the hot water feature.
  2. Steam boiler and group boiler alternate. Both can't be on at the same time. (Economy mode)
  3. Both steam and group boilers can be on at the same time

When the S1 Vivaldi I is jumpered for 15A mode only the first two options are possible. It defaults to mode 2 on power up. Pressing the Boiler button puts it in mode 1.

When the S1 Vivaldi I is jumpered for 20A mode all three options are possible. It defaults to mode 3 on power up. Pressing the Boiler button puts it in mode 1. Pressing the Econ button puts it in mode 2.

* Look on the S1 Vivaldi I Photos page at picture 6. Arrow B points to the circuit board that contains the 15/20A mode jumper. From this you can see why the term "not easily" was used.

Note: Another improvement made to the S1 Vivaldi I's shipping since June 2004 is to replace this jumper with an easily accessible switch. At least it's easily accessible when the covers are removed!

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How do I get into Economy Mode?

Good question since the instruction manual is inaccurate. The correct operation is covered in this document or else download an entire replacement for the instruction manual that includes this correction and others.

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Is there an easy way to steam small quantities of milk?

Note: Units shipped after 2/20/2004 have a new improved steam arm with a 3-hole tip. Those original owners that upgraded to the new steam arm may have received a 4 hole tip which makes obtaining excellent microfoam is a challenge. Contact Chris Coffee if you'd like a 3 hole tip. This 3 hole tip makes it easy, with a little practice, to steam small to moderate quantities of milk and get good quality microfoam.

Those using the S1 Vivaldi I in a semi-commercial environment and steaming large pitchers of milk may wish to contact Chris Coffee for the optional 4 hole tip.

If you feel that the three hole tip still produces too much pressure, Chris Coffee sells an adapter and 2 hole tip that fits. This solution is suitable for steaming very small quantities of milk at a time.

NOTE: Chris' website does not mention that either this adapter or the two hole tip fit the S1 Vivaldi I, but they do.

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Where can I find a 20A surge suppressor?

The computer controller board in the S1 Vivaldi I costs over $200 if it needs to be replaced due to a circumstance not covered under warranty. If you live in a lightning or power surge prone area, a surge suppressor is a good idea. Thanks to the prevalence of computers and consumer electronics you can find inexpensive ones almost anywhere that will work with the 15 amp version of the S1 Vivaldi I. HOWEVER, if you have a 20 amp S1 Vivaldi I model, finding a 20A surge suppressor with the NEMA 5-20 outlets is a challenge. A google search will pull up 2-3 different options.

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I am getting drips into the drain pan when my S1 S1 Vivaldi I is just sitting idle. Is this normal?

First you need to remove the two screws holding on the chrome front panel behind the group - the one that the steam pressure gauge sticks through. These screws are labeled "B" in picture 1 on the S1 Vivaldi I Photos page.  Now you will clearly be able to see which of two potential sources might be dripping. Picture 2 on the S1 Vivaldi I Photos page shows these valves labeled "D" and "E". "D" is the 3-way valve. It may drip a bit during warm up but otherwise should only gush water for several seconds at the end of pulling a shot. Then residual water may drip out for a few minutes. When the unit has been sitting idle for a long time no dripping should be seen. If it is dripping. your water pressure may be too high. Contact Chris Coffee regarding availability of a pressure reducer kit.

If, while pulling a shot you see water dribbling or running out of the Expansion valve labeled "E" in picture 2 of the S1 Vivaldi I Photos page, the pressure at which it opens is set too low and requires adjustment. If the Expansion valve drips when the machine is idle and it has been adjusted properly, debris may be keeping the Expansion Valve from seating properly. This requires cleaning following by readjustment of the opening pressure. Both of these procedures are documented on the S1 Vivaldi I Expansion Valve page.

For additional information contact one of the technicians at Chris Coffee Service.

The bottom line is that even after the above adjustments are made, sometimes the valve drips and sometimes it doesn't. LaSpaziale says this is normal and expected for this design.

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The pressure relief valve pops off on my steam boiler and makes a mess. What's up with that?

This seems to be affecting a fair number of users who purchased the S1 Vivaldi I after July 2005. The solution appears to be replacement of the steam boiler heat sensor.  Instructions are on the Heat Sensor R&R page.

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Chas Rimpo
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