Operation Manual

1
Welcome To Vibiemme!
Congratulations on your choice of a Vibiemme
(“VBM”) Double Domobar espresso machine (the ma-
chine is referred to as “DD” in this manual). In Italian,
the name is pronounced:
Vee Be Em-may Dough-Mow-Bar
The DD is a highly sophisticated machine
representing years of research and develop-
ment. We regard the DD as one of the very
finest home espresso machines available to-
day, and as you become accustomed to the
DD we think you will agree. We want you
to be successful in your espresso making
endeavors, and to help you get the best
from your DD we have provided this
manual.
Patience is, indeed, a virtue, and
so it is with creating espresso. The
machine you have just purchased will
last many, many years with proper care,
and your skills will improve over time as well.
Don’t expect the very first espresso you create to
be perfect, and if your early efforts are delicious, don’t
be surprised if you later make a few drinks that are not up
to that standard. We highly recommend reading this manual
in its entirety before using your Vibiemme DD espresso machine! It is written to give you an understanding
of how the DD works, the process of making espresso, and how to diagnose and overcome some of the more
common problems associated with creating espresso. To help you enjoy your machine as long as possible we
have also included a chapter on maintenance.
The process of getting an espresso machine, a grinder, and all the variables involved in making espresso
aligned is called “dialing it in.” Just because you bought a good cut of beef and have a nice stove, it does not
mean that you are about to cook a great steak. Just because you have one of the finest home espresso machines
available does not guarantee that the espresso is going to be great. It takes attention to detail and the right in-
gredients, combined with some skill and finesse to make great espresso. It is not a very difficult skill to learn,
but it does take a long-term commitment to master. There is actually a World Barista Championship to test the
professionals’ skills, and the competition is grueling!
As you begin learning how to make fine coffee beverages, the best advice we can give is that your early
efforts should be aimed at consistency. Mastery of the machine as well as the process comes from repeti-
tion. As you start out, the best skill to hone is the ability to do all the various steps the same way each time.
When that happens, small changes can be made in the process with the goal being to improve the flavor of
the espresso. That is the difference between being a person who makes espresso and a barista, or, if you will,
between a cook and a chef! We want to help you go from a person who makes coffee to a person who creates
fine espresso.
Follow this guide and practice, practice, practice, and soon you will have all your friends, family and
neighbors clamoring for you to throw yet another espresso party!