(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[testerjp]

Normally i will only consider buying overseas if the product is not an advance electronic, below $200 and it saves me more than 30%.

 

[Corsabrin]

ah i see. I narrowed down to vario and bsgp. bsgp new 398 at taka. vario I can't find any local shop selling. papapalheta has Forte AP, but arnd 1.3k. I was very inclined to get the bsgp, but scared quality issue. would it be considered sane to buy the Forte for home use?

Sent from OUKITEL K10000 using GAGT

 

[qwe7410]

ah i see. I narrowed down to vario and bsgp. bsgp new 398 at taka. vario I can't find any local shop selling. papapalheta has Forte AP, but arnd 1.3k. I was very inclined to get the bsgp, but scared quality issue. would it be considered sane to buy the Forte for home use?

Sent from OUKITEL K10000 using GAGT

Can check with the Aussies since it's an Aussie brand.
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/breville-bcg800-smart-grinder-with-dosing-iq.html?sort=rating_low

 

[mirage86]

ah i see. I narrowed down to vario and bsgp. bsgp new 398 at taka. vario I can't find any local shop selling. papapalheta has Forte AP, but arnd 1.3k. I was very inclined to get the bsgp, but scared quality issue. would it be considered sane to buy the Forte for home use?

Sent from OUKITEL K10000 using GAGT

I bought my baratza preciso from papa palheta a long time ago. they mark up like crazy, and aftersales service isn't great. If you have other alternatives, i'd recommend looking for other suppliers.

I also have the breville smart grinder pro, came with my dual boiler when i purchased from Tangs. It's actually a very good grinder for that price and works well for espresso. If you look at some tests results from Socratic Coffee, the grind size distribution for BSGP is surprisingly better than other more expensive brands.

Can't comment on durability since it's only been with me for a few months, but works great so far.

 

[IntelFlash]

Suggest placing durability as the priority.

Big flat stainless steel burrs are cheap to replace and last pretty long.

Even if you can change the grind size easily, you will still need to calibrate the timer to get the right weight of dose. In practical use, won't be as fuss free as it seems.

It is easier using with a separate grinder.

 

[Corsabrin]

thanks for the input guys. agree on the durability issue. actually i realised for similar price bracket as vario, PL53 and bb005 can also be obtained. As my consumption is low (just myself) , I'm afraid they may be underutilised.

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[patryn33]

Better grinder product better results, sure they last longer
Just because it's under utilize you sacrifice taste? If you ok with it
Some ppl don't see it as under utilize as its giving them the quality and taste.

If u cannot tell the result from 400 to 1000 grinder then go with cheaper one, that to me is under utilize

 

[mirage86]

I'd even go as far as to say grinder is more important than espresso machine. You can get very decent espresso with a $200+ single boiler machine and a good grinder, but you are not going to get anything good with a very expensive espresso machine but lousy grinder.

I started out with a Philips Saeco single boiler that cost me only 200+ but I spent more than double of that on my Preciso - never regretted that choice.

 

[chikyblink]

I'd even go as far as to say grinder is more important than espresso machine. You can get very decent espresso with a $200+ single boiler machine and a good grinder, but you are not going to get anything good with a very expensive espresso machine but lousy grinder.

I started out with a Philips Saeco single boiler that cost me only 200+ but I spent more than double of that on my Preciso - never regretted that choice.

Totally agree.
For me the order of importance is good fresh beans - >grinder - >espresso machine - >barista skills.
Once you got at least the first 2 right, it's gonna be very hard to make something undrinkable.

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[qwe7410]

I think they will all pay equal importance though.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

I think they will all pay equal importance though.

While its hard to say which play a more important part than the other I think they all play their own individual role in getting the drink right.

Some machines/grinders are more expensive then others due to some useful or convenient features but a barista with an intimate knowledge of his tools and beans and experience in playing around with the parameters can still have a high chance of pulling a good shot by maximising on the capabilities of his tools even if his tools are simple or have certain quirks

I recall an quote in the anime Tokyo Ghoul which struck me as very relevant: "Just because beans are expensive does not mean the coffee will turn out well. Nothing will if you brew it without care. But the opposite is also true. Even cheap beans can be flavorful if you brew them with care to bring out their unique qualities." of course some beans are just hopeless.

So i think the experience in knowing how to play with the parameters and knowledge of the tools and raw materials is important!

 

[testerjp]

Went FHA to have a look.

Nothing much.
A lot of brands no longer participate or downsize.
I went to see the bakery stuffs.

 

[Corsabrin]

alas.. after 1 week, i'm still on my porlex -_-

on a side note, the BOD cold brew thing just arrived. In my horror, to begin the brew, i'm supposed to use 8oz of beans (=226g) = 1 bag of coarse grind. I have to put it on hold as i'm on my porlex.

hey! what is FHA?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

alas.. after 1 week, i'm still on my porlex -_-

on a side note, the BOD cold brew thing just arrived. In my horror, to begin the brew, i'm supposed to use 8oz of beans (=226g) = 1 bag of coarse grind. I have to put it on hold as i'm on my porlex.

hey! what is FHA?

What is on your list? I did a bit if reading for the vario apparently changing grind settings still take a bit of beans and grinding before the settings are in effect. best to get 2 grinders if you are not getting a hg-1.

FHA is food and hotel asia.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Some new tech from the SCAA

The Della Corte Machine looks great!
http://sprudge.com/new-tech-scaa-2016-98302.html

 

[erwinseow]

Does anyone know where I can get some food grade grease/lubricant? TIA!

 

[chikyblink]

Some new tech from the SCAA

The Della Corte Machine looks great!
http://sprudge.com/new-tech-scaa-2016-98302.html

Looks really awesome! The drip tray's kinda small so I guess its only plumbed-in?
Then again for that kinda price I'd rather get a Slayer.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Does anyone know where I can get some food grade grease/lubricant? TIA!

I previously ordered mine from orphan espresso. brewing bobby had it but seems to be out of business.

what are you greasing? usually most use dow/molykote 111 or super lube.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Looks really awesome! The drip tray's kinda small so I guess its only plumbed-in?
Then again for that kinda price I'd rather get a Slayer.

Should be plumbable i guess. the mina is interesting because the flow restrictor is adjustable on the fly. for slayer the flow restrictor cannot be adjusted while brewing.

 

[erwinseow]

I previously ordered mine from orphan espresso. brewing bobby had it but seems to be out of business.

what are you greasing? usually most use dow/molykote 111 or super lube.

I am greasing the Bezzera Steam Joystick. It has become rough and sticky after much use.

Anyway, I found the super lube locally. Thanks!