New steam wand connection
Starting today, we have a custom made steam wand, that has our connector built into it, so no converter is needed.
Previously, our DE1+/DE1PRO models have used an off-the-shelf steam wand, and we've put a threaded converter on the end of it.
All the tubes in our espresso machines are solid teflon, and end with a clip connector design made popular in Nespresso machines. Think what you will of their drink quality, but those Swiss designed Nespresso machines just don't have mechanical problems. I've never seen one leak, and in fact, the entire espresso industry is slowly moving to this connector style.
This “clip connector” is self-sealing and only needs a paperclip like piece of metal to hold the tube in. A silicone o-ring finishes the job. The tube can freely move when there's no pressure.
These amazing connections are totally resistant to thermal cycling, something which frequently destroys traditional espresso machines that use screwing connectors or (worse) welded connections.
The solid teflon resists calcium adhering to it, and is also a good insulator. Copper tubes, in traditional machines, cake up with calcium over time, and also look heat to their surroundings, stealing steam power and heating up your room.
As Decent has grown, our buying power has enabled us to get parts manufacturers to make things specifically for our needs. We couldn't get this done 5 years ago.
The advantages of the new steam connectors:
- one less piece to leak (no threaded adaptor is needed)
- less heat loss, for more powerful steam
- easiest installation/changing
- the tube bend is less angled, so we don't need to worry about kinking the steam tube.
Like most improvements we make, this one is compatible with all previous DE1 models, and available at a low cost to existing customers: https://decentespresso.com/c?s=72057+1
-john
Updated 2021/02/10