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CMA Astoria Sibilla custom order

Background information The Sibilla is made by CMA, one of the largest machine companies in the world.  They manufacture machines under 3 brands, Wega, Astoria and San Marino.  And they also do the Rio machines sold by ESI in Seattle I believe.   The story behind the unique shape of the Sibilla is quite a good one.  Apparently a firm of architects came up with the design and approached CMA.  The design sat there for a long time and eventually it became a reality.  But I believe that it was a good few years of debating within CMA on whether to undertake the project. Obviously the most unique feature of the machine is that the groups and boiler and supposed to float in the air.

The machine has an external pump since basically there really isn't any free space inside.  The internal components such as flowmeters, the electronic controls, the main switch etc. are contained in the base.   In the top half of the machine is just the boiler, the groups, the steam valves, the safety release valve and the vacuum breaker.  Oh and the cup-warmer which is controlled by it's own thermostat and element. The base is made of steel whilst the "red bits" are made in ABS plastic. The group covers are a bit of a disappointment since they do look a bit "plasticky".

Why CMA are one of the top espresso companies worldwide I am not just referring to the Sibilla machine here, but all their machines in general.  They are extremely well thought-out and designed machines with regards servicing and layout.  Let me just show you a few examples of how well designed they are by using the Sibilla as a reference.  And remember we are not dealing with a standard "box shape" machine but one in which space is almost non-existent.

If you take time to analyse the picture on the left, the espresso technicians amongst you will appreciate the work put in by CMA.   1. The boiler drains directly into the drain tub by opening the ball valve which is pictured.  2. The solenoids have flexible silicone relief hoses - reinforced with a wire coil. 3. The steam safety valve, if it blows, has a cover to collect moisture - that again drains into the drain tub!  4. The flowmeter is in a great position for easy change-out.

This overhead view will again show a few amazing design features.   1. The pressure switch is very easy to access.  2. The electronic are away from the water splashes and those that are (main switch) is in a sealed rubber case. 3. The wiring is very neat and tidy and all of it is protected in heat shield covering.

A touch of class Hardly noticeable but if you look carefully there is a feature here that is so simple yet brilliant and is just sheer class.  The adjustment screw for the pressure switch is accessible without removing any covers or panels as the hole in the base of the frame lines up exactly with the adjustment screw.  Perhaps I am just a geek, but what a great feature!

The customisation job The client was opening a restaurant with a winter theme.  The decoration of the restaurant was predominantly white and therefore they requested a metallic white colour.  At the time I was a bit reluctant because the red Sibilla is just great.  But we went ahead and did it because of course it is their machine and being a small company I can customise pretty much anything according to requests.

At the location Well it was a lot of extra work, but I have to say that it was worth the effort and doing the one-off specials is what I love doing best.

This website is created by Paul Pratt, Hong Kong 2004. If you would like to use any of the images or text I am sure I will say yes, but please ask first!   Email me here.