Does my Slayer Espresso Machine need a Water Pump System? We think so!
"Does my Slayer Espresso Machine need a Water Pump System? Slayer says I don't have to have one. "
We have seen this question come across our inbox a few times recently and we have some thoughts, research and opinions.
The Slayer Espresso machine uses a Rotary Vane Pump, rotary vane pumps do in draw water as a function of developing pressure, but this does not mean it is a best practice for such an expensive espresso machine, or any espresso machine.
If the rotary vane pump runs dry, like in the instance of running out of water, the pump will be damaged as they are not designed to run dry. Pressurized water from a pump system ensures the rotary vane pump in the machine has water as lubrication.
One of the incredible features of your Slayer is low flow preinfusion ( Center position of paddle ) Pressurized line pressure into the machine is what makes this work.
If you choose to not use a water pump system, you lose a primary feature of your machine and risk damage to the rotary pump.
Here is a capture of the Slayer installation requirements for the current single group ( Post 2021 ) We have highlighted the requirements for water
After the first time we heard this question we reached out to the tech department of Slayer and had a great conversation:
"Slayer's official requirement for water supplied to the pump should always be based on the installation documents we provide. These dictate 3 Bar min, 5 Bar max incoming water pressure.
In the past, there may have been some talk about "just dropping the lines in a bucket", but it's not that simple. A self-priming rotary pump can effectively draw from an open bucket, but this will probably cause greater strain and amp draw on the pump over time. If that situation was ever recommended, it was hopefully for a temporary solution.
For long-term or permanent setups, the phrase "can draw from an external reservoir" should be used at the installer/technician's discretion. Reservoir doesn't necessarily mean "bucket", but rather a non-plumbed water source. This allows for the freedom to build out a good mobile set-up for the customer. For example, a mobile coffee cart would probably be outfitted with an external pump and regulator with check valves in-line, such as the ones Caffewerks makes.
Bottom line: a pump's greatest threat is running dry or on bad water, and it's up to the seller/installer to make sure that isn't a situation that can happen. Using in-line pressure is the best approach to this and the reason it's listed on the install requirements."
In the past, there may have been some talk about "just dropping the lines in a bucket", but it's not that simple. A self-priming rotary pump can effectively draw from an open bucket, but this will probably cause greater strain and amp draw on the pump over time. If that situation was ever recommended, it was hopefully for a temporary solution.
For long-term or permanent setups, the phrase "can draw from an external reservoir" should be used at the installer/technician's discretion. Reservoir doesn't necessarily mean "bucket", but rather a non-plumbed water source. This allows for the freedom to build out a good mobile set-up for the customer. For example, a mobile coffee cart would probably be outfitted with an external pump and regulator with check valves in-line, such as the ones Caffewerks makes.
Bottom line: a pump's greatest threat is running dry or on bad water, and it's up to the seller/installer to make sure that isn't a situation that can happen. Using in-line pressure is the best approach to this and the reason it's listed on the install requirements."
Taylor - Slayer Espresso — 09/06/2023
Based on this information it is our, at Caffewerks' best practice suggestion that a water pump and accumulator should ALWAYS be installed with any espresso machine, including Slayer Espresso Machines
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