The model Rancilio Classe 5 is already a while in production, which also means that the chance becomes bigger that the machine breaks down. For this specific model of coffee machine is a variety of spare parts available. The advantage with the espresso machines of Rancilio is that there is a lot of interchangeability between the various models. This is the case with old and new ones.
With most espresso machine espresso machine brands you have 2 types of coffee machine. That is the volumetric and the non volumetric. In the case of Rancilio the volumetric models are called the USB and the non volumetric ones are called the S.
The model Classe 5 is available in a wide variety of versions. Both the S and the USB come in a 1, 2 and a 3 group version. There is also a compact version for the 2 group. Besides that they are also available in the Tall versions, these are specifically for tall cups and take away.
The most common version of the Classe 5 is the USB version, which is the volumetric model. This version is fitted with a mechanical valve for the water outlet and for the steam . These steam wand can be upgraded to a Rancilio valve called the C-lever, this type of valve can only be found on Rancilio espresso machines. Next to that you can go for I-steam, which is their automatic steam wand. With this steam wand you can make a latte or a cappuccino in a lot less time and with a lot less experience.
The Rancilio Classe 5 S is the non volumetric espresso machine of the Classe 5 series. This espresso machine does have a lot similarities with the Classe 5 USB, but there are also quite some differences. The biggest difference is that this model is only fitted with a on/off button to start and stop the brewing process. Seen this is a non volumetric one. A other feature this espresso machine doesn’t have is the C-lever for the steam valve, this is only available for the Classe 5 USB.
One of the few brands which still makes Lever espresso machines is Rancilio. This is also the case with the Rancilio Classe 5 Leva. For some barista’s the lever espresso machine is still better then the volumetric pump driven coffee machines. This model of the Classe 5 is available in a 2,3 and a 4 group version. A lot of the parts used on the Classe 5 Leva are interchangeable with the rest of the models, but the brewing group parts are unique to this specific model.
As you above can read there are a variety of versions made of the Classe 5, all with various capacity requirements. Seen a single group boiler needs to produce a lot less energy then a 4 group boiler. For the 1 and 2 group versions of the USB and S is a 110V available for the American market. For all the other models they are 220/240V or 380V. So you do need to be aware which connection you have in your bar has.
The smallest single group espresso machines have a tiny boiler with only a capacity of 4L, where the biggest 4 group model a capacity has of 22L. So it is handy, for your energy consumption, which type of model you need for your location
At Brooks we sell a variety of spare parts for the Rancilio Classe 5 espresso machines. These parts can be OEM/Original ones or aftermarket ones. The aftermarket parts have similar quality as the originals, only a bit less expensive. In some cases the lead times for OEM parts can be rather long.