Solis SL 90 Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

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Product Description

The SL 90 is a "purist" machine with a bit of cutting edge technology built in. This machine will make the production of all of your favorite coffee house drinks like cappuccinos, lattes, café mochas and more. This Swiss masterpiece has all the features of the SL 70, with the added benefit of digital control over the espresso shot volume allowing you to select a program for your own perfect shot. Classified as an "automatic machine", we prefer to call it a traditional machine for 2004 and beyond.

The SL 90 has an initial heat up time of just over two minutes. It will brew a single shot of espresso in 15-20 seconds and a double shot in 20-25 seconds; however, these times can be programmed to your liking. Initial heat up time for the steaming function is 48 seconds, with an average heat time of 58 seconds for an 8-ounce cappuccino and a 12-ounce latte takes 96 seconds. These are impressive performance figures for a machine in this class.

If you desire espresso topped with a thick layer of crema, the SL 90 delivers. It’s specially designed coffee basket ensures the proper espresso extraction regardless of the grind of the coffee beans or tamping pressure of the coffee grounds, thus yielding a perfect layer of thick golden crema (foam), which is the hallmark of perfectly extracted espresso. The SL 90 permits you to use your own pre-ground coffee or single serving espresso pods. These espresso pods can be purchased from many online retailers and make the production of espresso quick and easy, no need for a coffee grinder.

The SL 90 is hand built in Switzerland and clearly shows this quality and attention to detail. It features simple to use controls, the most powerful water pump in its class at 19 BAR, large 3.2 quart water reservoir and a thick walled brass boiler. Due to the large boiler, the SL 90 produces an abundance of steam for making large lattes, café mochas, and cappuccinos.

We recommend either the Solis Maestro or Solis Maestro Plus coffee grinders with the SL 90 for a complete coffee bar package in your home or office.

Detailed Product Features

Automatic Brewing Control

The SL 90 automatic espresso machine uses a microprocessor controlled programmable water flow meter. The microprocessor automatically measures the water that flows through the coffee grounds. When the brew button is pushed, the pump will infuse hot water into the coffee grounds and then automatically stop based on your preferences.

Choose from 12 preset brewing volumes from .75 ounces up to 6 ounces, to suit your own "perfect shot". The computer control also keeps the brewing temperature to within 2 degrees (Fahrenheit) of the optimum brewing temperature.

The SL 90 features flush mounted, touch sensitive buttons and a dual function knob for steam/hot water control. The first switch on the left side of the control panel is the main power switch. Just above that is the cup warming plate on/off control. The middle two switches are the “single” or “double” shot brewing controls. The third switch on the right side of the control panel is for activating the steam mode. Lights indicate when the boiler is at the proper temperature for either brewing espresso, dispensing instant hot water, or steaming. To start the flow of steam, simply turn the steam knob on the side of the machine.

Choose your Coffee Strength

By programming the SL 90 and altering the amount of water, you can adjust the strength of your espresso or coffee. After programming, you may press either the ‘single’ or ‘double’ cup brew button. The single cup button allows for brew volumes up to 3 ounces per cup, while the double cup allows for brew volumes up to 6 ounces per cup. If you like to experiment with the extraction process to achieve the perfect shot, this machine lets you have all kinds of control with the manual override feature.

Professional Milk Frothing

The most popular drinks at the local coffee bar include lattes, cappuccino, and café mochas. The Barista behind the counter is able to froth milk quickly and consistently because their espresso machine has a large boiler. The SL 90 too, has a large boiler for a machine in its class allowing you to froth enough milk for two standard cappuccinos in 40 seconds and the average latte in 1.5 minutes. Many competing machines will take over two minutes to do the same. The SL 90 uses a stainless steel steam wand that swivels to accommodate up to a 20 ounce frothing pitcher. The standard tip allows for precise control over the volume and consistency of the foam.

Heavy Duty Portafilter

The portafilter is the removable part of your machine that holds the filter baskets during the brewing process. The portafilter is made of chrome plated brass and features a heavy duty plastic handle. The handle is equipped with a retaining clip that prevents the filter basket from inadvertently falling out of the portafilter while discarding the spent coffee grounds.

Perfect Espresso Made Easy

Solis included advanced pressurized 53mm, stainless steel filter baskets (to hold the pre-ground coffee), which make the production of espresso easy. They are designed so that little or no attention has to be paid to the grind consistency of your coffee beans. Regardless of the “grind and tamp” of the coffee grounds, the espresso will come out perfect since these baskets insure that the proper pressure is applied to grounds during extraction. The SL 90 also accepts non-pressurized filter baskets which can be purchased from many online retailers or Solis.

Built In Coffee Tamper

The SL 90 includes a built in coffee tamper. Although the special filter baskets all but eliminate the need to tamp your coffee grounds, the built in tamper is necessary in order to “level” the grounds prior to brewing. The tamper fits the filter baskets perfectly, eliminating the need for you to buy a separate tamper.

Pre-infusion Coffee Conditioning System

When the brewing button is pushed, the microprocessor controlled pump will infuse a small amount of hot water into the coffee grounds and then pause for two seconds. Called pre-infusion, this small injection of water conditions and pre-soaks the coffee grounds insuring maximum flavor extraction. When the pre-infusion cycle completes, brewing resumes and the extraction of espresso will be superior to other traditional machines.

Instant Hot Water Control

The SL 90 is the only traditional pump espresso machine that allows you to simply turn the steam/hot water control knob on the right side of the machine to obtain instant hot water. Use the hot water for making an Americano (espresso with hot water added) or tea.

Use Your Favorite Espresso Pods

Solis includes a special espresso pod filter basket with each SL 90. Espresso pods are single proportioned servings of ground coffee that are encased in a round paper packet. Simply place an espresso pod in the basket and insert the portafilter into the machine. When you have finished brewing espresso, remove the pod and discard. It’s quick and there’s no mess, and no need to grind coffee.

Large Water Reservoir

The Solis SL Series machines have the largest water reservoir of any home espresso machine. The large clear plastic 3.2 quart capacity is ideal for entertaining since it holds enough water to make coffee and espresso for the whole crowd. It is conveniently located on the rear of the machine. It’s easy to see the water level and determine if the tank needs refilling and then it’s easy to remove. The reservoir features a special valve on the bottom that permits you to remove it from the machine with water still in it.

Warm Espresso Cups Are Essential

The SL 90 features a cup-warming shelf on top of the machine that can be turned on or off. The metal shelf takes the chill away from your espresso cups, thus allowing freshly brewed espresso to stay warmer. Espresso is very susceptible to temperature, so it’s essential to serve it in a warm cup. The shelf is large enough to hold up to six standard espresso cups.

Large, Efficient Boiler

The large 9-ounce boiler is made of durable brass for long life and good temperature stability. The heating element is powered by 1100 watts, which insures fast heating on initial startup and fast recovery between brewing and steaming functions. The SL 90 has the largest and most efficient boiler of any espresso machines priced under $500. The large boiler provides large volumes of water either for brewing espresso or dispensing hot water for Americanos or tea. The large size also provides plenty of steam for frothing large amounts of milk.

Quiet Powerful Pump for Maximum Flavor

Despite the fact that the SL 90 features a powerful 19 BAR maximum rated water pump, it is by far one of the quietest pump driven espresso machines. Swiss engineering and design are immediately apparent from the first moment you use the machine. While most pump driven espresso machines can stop a conversation in its tracks, you can whisper and still be heard next to this machine. The 19 BAR pump insures that you will have plenty of pressure to adequately force water though the finely ground coffee, thus resulting in an excellent espresso.

Additional Product Features, Maintenance & Information

Accessories:

The SL 90 comes with single shot and double shot stainless filter baskets, espresso pod filter basket, measuring spoon for ground coffee, detailed instructions, and espresso machine cleaner.

Cleaning and Maintenance

In order to keep the inside of your machine healthy, the SL 90 must be cleaned periodically. Scale buildup from naturally occurring minerals in your water can build up on sensitive components like the inside of the boiler, which left unchecked can cause considerable damage to the machine. By descaling your machine every two-three months, your machine will last for many trouble-free years.

Service & Support

All Solis products are offered with an unlimited toll free technical support service. If you have any questions or need help, just call us at the number provided in your help guide. We offer a one-year parts and labor warranty for home or office use.

Product specifications:

Colors: Black with silver accents

Size: 12’’H x 10.5”W x 9.25”D

Weight: 19 pounds

Power: 1100 watts – 9.2 amps

Body Material: Steel and plastic

Warranty: One year parts & labor

Support: Unlimited toll free technical support