(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[ahhjiee]

moi only drink 3in1... no time to brew

 

[BestPilot]

Gong Xi gong Xi.

 

[Desmond_]

gong xi gong xi

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Are you using the espro?
While the espro is a very nice idea esp for newbies, I feel a level tamp is more important. I always tamp by placing my thumb and index finger on the base itself and press down firmly with my elbow straight up. Gives me pretty consistent results.
I tried holding the handle to tamp, don't feel right to me and its easy to be off-level imo.

Agreed a level temp is more important than the pressure for even extraction! Now if only someone can invent a tamper with a level balance.

The espro is good to prevent introducing extra variables in the mix when trying to get the grind, temp and dosage correct.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

If it's a mound, won't the center be too dense and loose at the sides?
What about using those "shaped/ribbed" tamper?

Haven get my own machine and already start to research...

Theoretically the puck would be denser in the center but honestly I feel that the tamping process actually evens out the grounds so eventually the puck is consistent in its density. Nonetheless I still tap the portafilter after grinding so that the grounds are more flatly distributed across the filter basket.

I tested out different methods of distribution and tamping, WDT, NSEW, nutating etc but eventually I didn't see any difference in my naked portafilter nor in the cup. As long as as the grounds are more or less evenly distribution and the puck is leveled properly there should not be any difference.

Anyway I use a VST 18g filter basket like Nod3, I can't do any leveling off with finger or ice-cream stick as the basket is too deep.

In fact I think even the stock filters when filled with their proper dosage (14-16g) won't allow for leveling off with a ice-cream stick method as the mountain doesn't rise above the edge of the basket.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

prefer brewed coffee. above setup cost $100+.

the freshness and quality of the coffee grinds is all that matters in this way of brewing

care to share your brewing routine and parameters? I'm not very successful when using the vac pot. results often too muddy tasting.

 

[chikyblink]

Anyway I use a VST 18g filter basket like Nod3, I can't do any leveling off with finger or ice-cream stick as the basket is too deep.

Thanks for adding another item on my to-buy list.
I noticed the VST comes with standard or ridgeless.
Does the ridgeless allow you to spin your basket freely on the portafilter? Or do I have to remove the tension springs on my portafilter?

 

[n0d3]

Thanks for adding another item on my to-buy list.
I noticed the VST comes with standard or ridgeless.
Does the ridgeless allow you to spin your basket freely on the portafilter? Or do I have to remove the tension springs on my portafilter?

You need to get stronger springs to hold it in place if you going ridgeless, it shouldn't spin.

Do I need a ridged or ridgeless basket?

The other thing is with ridgeless you get more spillover (more things to cleanup).

 

[chikyblink]

You need to get stronger springs to hold it in place if you going ridgeless, it shouldn't spin.

Do I need a ridged or ridgeless basket?

The other thing is with ridgeless you get more spillover (more things to cleanup).

I asked abt the spinning coz I once saw a video where the guy holds the portafilter and spins the basket with his thumb while dosing from the grinder. This results in an even distribution straight from the grinder. This is useful if your grinder tends to spits out grinds to one side rather than falling straight down.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

I asked abt the spinning coz I once saw a video where the guy holds the portafilter and spins the basket with his thumb while dosing from the grinder. This results in an even distribution straight from the grinder. This is useful if your grinder tends to spits out grinds to one side rather than falling straight down.

i modify the spring of the portafilter by bending it in such a way so that the spring doesn't catch on the ridge to hard. Prefer to be easier to remove filter basket for fast cleaning. otherwise have to use a spoon to pry it out.

 

[blimey]

Actually a knock box is to complete the whole setup right?
Can just scoop the stuff out over a plastic bag. I still trying to find a use for a knock box if can just clear the portafilter over a plastic bag

my own homemade knock box.

Plastic box $1.95

the knock bar $5

 

[The_King]

Actually a knock box is to complete the whole setup right?
Can just scoop the stuff out over a plastic bag. I still trying to find a use for a knock box if can just clear the portafilter over a plastic bag

can scoop out(but still need something to scoop out and wash it,)

somemore i brought this for USD2 some 1 yr back, so thinking why not making a simple knock box

for something that cost around $7 dun worry so much.

 

[n0d3]

I asked abt the spinning coz I once saw a video where the guy holds the portafilter and spins the basket with his thumb while dosing from the grinder. This results in an even distribution straight from the grinder. This is useful if your grinder tends to spits out grinds to one side rather than falling straight down.

Never seen that before, if the portafilter is loose I suspect it might get stuck in your grouphead when removing the portafilter.

 

[chikyblink]

Sad attempts at latte art.

This one was made with badly steamed milk. I don't know wad was I trying to do. One of my first few attempts.


This was made with better quality microfoam. Still don't know wad was I doing. I think it looks somewhat like a tulip with missing leaves lol.


This one I was set on trying to make a heart. Sad.

 

[Gixxerfied]

prefer brewed coffee. above setup cost $100+.

the freshness and quality of the coffee grinds is all that matters in this way of brewing

Sinn watch??

 

[soggy_hASHbrown]

chikyblink,

got use toothpick? yakult straw?

i saw my latte being made at dean & deluca bkk, the barrister keep wiping off the foam after each stroke.

 

[n0d3]

chikyblink,

got use toothpick? yakult straw?

i saw my latte being made at dean & deluca bkk, the barrister keep wiping off the foam after each stroke.

That's etching, it's different. Chinky is aiming for freepour art.

 

[derazor]

10 Best Espresso Machines & Buying Guide - Gear Patrol

 

[chikyblink]

Chinky is aiming for freepour art.

wah racist **** you lol.

 

[n0d3]

wah racist **** you lol.

LOL sorry typo. :c