(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[wook2000]

edit - nvm didn't realise the price. just starting out, any recco for grinders <400? unless there's some lifetime warranty i don't mind dropping <1k.
so far only do aeropress/ french press

If ya keen i have a last set to let go https://sg.carousell.com/p/coffee-grinder-74mm-burrs-left-white-color-only-234329628/

Suitable for Aeropress and French press

 

[purpleberry]

Those using the Strega like testerjp, how do you pull your shots? Do you just let go the lever until the final drop of water or do you stop midway? Past few months I've been stopping at 50-60% so far for pure espresso but recently tried to overstretch a bit until 90%. Still tastes nice that feels like a blend of espresso and drip coffee. I am now doing this for ethiopian beans.

 

[patryn33]

edit - nvm didn't realise the price. just starting out, any recco for grinders <400? unless there's some lifetime warranty i don't mind dropping <1k.
so far only do aeropress/ french press

Don’t even think the most expensive grinder offer life warranty

 

[alim218]

Hi guys so update on my HG-1

I’ve refunded it.

Basically I wasn’t ready for so much manual grinding and I think I’ll outgrow that grinder pretty fast. Just curious anyone here owns a Monolith Conical (Moncon)? I wanna reserve one but not sure if anyone has had experience with it. I’m not willing to pay up for a Monflat. Can a Moncon do French press?

 

[alim218]

edit - nvm didn't realise the price. just starting out, any recco for grinders <400? unless there's some lifetime warranty i don't mind dropping <1k.
so far only do aeropress/ french press

I’m starting out too but I feel that one shouldn’t waste money to keep upgrading. Just buy the best one as a good one can last you a very long time. I’m planning to buy a really good grinder and hopefully a stable espresso machine.

 

[testerjp]

Those using the Strega like testerjp, how do you pull your shots? Do you just let go the lever until the final drop of water or do you stop midway? Past few months I've been stopping at 50-60% so far for pure espresso but recently tried to overstretch a bit until 90%. Still tastes nice that feels like a blend of espresso and drip coffee. I am now doing this for ethiopian beans.

Normally release the lever 2 secs from the appearance of the first drip. Extract another 20 secs

For dark roast, I release the lever earlier after the pump starts for about 5 seconds.

 

[patryn33]

Hi guys so update on my HG-1

I’ve refunded it.

Basically I wasn’t ready for so much manual grinding and I think I’ll outgrow that grinder pretty fast. Just curious anyone here owns a Monolith Conical (Moncon)? I wanna reserve one but not sure if anyone has had experience with it. I’m not willing to pay up for a Monflat. Can a Moncon do French press?

U looking at this? Usd$2k to do french press? Rich. I would just get a niche zero. 1 min max on hg-1 each day too much effort, the us$1k extra is worth the investment
https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith/

Usd$3.3k wow
https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith-flat-max/

The best grinder is only good if u can taste the difference. So many factors to making good coffee. Don’t need to pay for a slayer when perhaps a decent will do the trick

 

[alim218]

U looking at this? Usd$2k to do french press? Rich. I would just get a niche zero. 1 min max on hg-1 each day too much effort, the us$1k extra is worth the investment
https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith/

Usd$3.3k wow
https://www.kafatek.com/index.php/monolith-flat-max/

The best grinder is only good if u can taste the difference. So many factors to making good coffee. Don’t need to pay for a slayer when perhaps a decent will do the trick

So the suggestion is to go for a basic one (Niche Zero/ HG-1)? I’m not sure about our climate, but are we affected by static when grinding? What grinder do you use? My plan was to use the MonoCon for French press before I have enough coffee money for a LMLM.

My motivation for a high end grinder is to avoid upgradatitis, and I thought Monolith Conical is the end-game grinding machine with 0 retention and built to last. My concern for Niche Zero is that it has rubber and plastic parts that will wear off eventually (I read the burrs are great, but nothing more).

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to promote anything, I’m just curious if anyone here has had any experience with MonoCon. There are better things for me to buy with the money saved from the grinder, like a LMLM.

Amongst other grinders I was also considering an Eureka Mignon Specialita, HG-1 (paid but refunded) and Ceado E37S. Hero looks awesome but there is still sanity in me.

Speaking of Slayer, do you know how much to get a one group head shipped in? I’ve emailed them but they didn’t reply. I’m not a troll but just wanna buy/consider the best set up I can afford and not upgrade it all the time, and grinder happens to be the key element for espresso coffee. But I guess it’s all relative, right?

 

[purpleberry]

Normally release the lever 2 secs from the appearance of the first drip. Extract another 20 secs

For dark roast, I release the lever earlier after the pump starts for about 5 seconds.

For the first option, does it mean more pressure to the beans?

For dark roast, this means less pressure applied?

 

[wook2000]

So the suggestion is to go for a basic one (Niche Zero/ HG-1)? I’m not sure about our climate, but are we affected by static when grinding? What grinder do you use? My plan was to use the MonoCon for French press before I have enough coffee money for a LMLM.

My motivation for a high end grinder is to avoid upgradatitis, and I thought Monolith Conical is the end-game grinding machine with 0 retention and built to last. My concern for Niche Zero is that it has rubber and plastic parts that will wear off eventually (I read the burrs are great, but nothing more).

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to promote anything, I’m just curious if anyone here has had any experience with MonoCon. There are better things for me to buy with the money saved from the grinder, like a LMLM.

Amongst other grinders I was also considering an Eureka Mignon Specialita, HG-1 (paid but refunded) and Ceado E37S. Hero looks awesome but there is still sanity in me.

Speaking of Slayer, do you know how much to get a one group head shipped in? I’ve emailed them but they didn’t reply. I’m not a troll but just wanna buy/consider the best set up I can afford and not upgrade it all the time, and grinder happens to be the key element for espresso coffee. But I guess it’s all relative, right?

Wow, that escalated quickly lol.. Simply put, upgraditis will never cease. As long as you are constantly keeping tabs on the latest gear, somebody will always be selling you something "better". Alot of Monolith users started with conicals followed by flat, upgraded with SSP burrs, now they are releasing Monolith Max, good luck getting any of them btw.

Espresso machine wise its also the same, leverheads will have their camps, LM wil have their camps, slayer will have theirs too, Decent also, each "selling" their advantage, which ultimately leading to not enjoying the coffee itself but always doubting and doubting.

The Niche is great grinder, the build quality is really great, eventually the motor, burrs will wear out, but that would likely be 10 years / 600Kg coffee later at my rate of coffee consumption.

The monolith conical will not be an end game grinder, conical burrs are limited in their extraction compared to a flat unimodal grinder, especially if you are using light filter roast for espresso.

What is your past experience with coffee like?
What kind of coffee style you typically drink?
What is you experience with coffee machines/ grinder like?

 

[testerjp]

For the first option, does it mean more pressure to the beans?

For dark roast, this means less pressure applied?

Yeah the first method applies more pressure. That's the "standard" way of using I guess. I don't use this method alot though.

For dark roast I use lesser pressure, I hold and gently release the lever so it won't suddenly exert a rush of pressure.
The grind setting has to be set a little coarser else the water can't pass well. Even the cheap 50 pct Robusta coffee I tried taste smooth and balance done in this way.

 

[purpleberry]

Yeah the first method applies more pressure. That's the "standard" way of using I guess. I don't use this method alot though.

For dark roast I use lesser pressure, I hold and gently release the lever so it won't suddenly exert a rush of pressure.
The grind setting has to be set a little coarser else the water can't pass well. Even the cheap 50 pct Robusta coffee I tried taste smooth and balance done in this way.

Thanks. Will give this a go. So far enjoying all kinds of beans.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

I’m starting out too but I feel that one shouldn’t waste money to keep upgrading. Just buy the best one as a good one can last you a very long time. I’m planning to buy a really good grinder and hopefully a stable espresso machine.

actually if you are ok with manual grinding, the HG-1 is a really good grinder. I have had a Rancilio rocky, Delonghi burr, Compak K3, baratza sette, 2x hario slim and 1 x hario skerton, 1 porlex and 1 feldgrind. Using EG-1 is now as main grinder for home. HG-1 for work espresso, at least 2x a day.

The HG-1 once seasoned can grind faster than the EG-1. 15g dose for espresso in less than 10secs. 15g dose for filter in less than 4 secs. No kidding. will try to do a video one day.

There is no motor or electronics that will play you out. But yes its a hand grinder. some manual effort required. For hard light roasted beans ground for espresso it will take more effort to grind.

So yeah...if you are starting out i don't think a HG-1 is a bad choice unless you really dislike turning a crank or are making alot of back to back shots.

you could go with a motor grinder but do get minimal retention designs like the niche zero, monolith, settes, eg-1, etc. Retention can drive you nuts when you are trying to dial in or switch often between different beans.

I got my slayer from jimmy monkey (try e-mailing michael). but yes you don't have to go with a slayer if you don't intent to experiment with light roasted espresso (i use filter roasts for espresso). If you don't make milk drinks, just go with a manual level espresso, single boiler with a dipper design. This is very reliable, the design has been around for half a century. A strietman is also an excellent reliable design, beautiful but expensive.

If you do make espresso then any number of the Hx or double boiler machines out there are good enough. In terms of reliability, well, you get what you pay for. After market support is very important. You machine will break down one day. certain Parts do require periodic replacement.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

So the suggestion is to go for a basic one (Niche Zero/ HG-1)? I’m not sure about our climate, but are we affected by static when grinding? What grinder do you use? My plan was to use the MonoCon for French press before I have enough coffee money for a LMLM.

My motivation for a high end grinder is to avoid upgradatitis, and I thought Monolith Conical is the end-game grinding machine with 0 retention and built to last. My concern for Niche Zero is that it has rubber and plastic parts that will wear off eventually (I read the burrs are great, but nothing more).

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to promote anything, I’m just curious if anyone here has had any experience with MonoCon. There are better things for me to buy with the money saved from the grinder, like a LMLM.

Amongst other grinders I was also considering an Eureka Mignon Specialita, HG-1 (paid but refunded) and Ceado E37S. Hero looks awesome but there is still sanity in me.

Speaking of Slayer, do you know how much to get a one group head shipped in? I’ve emailed them but they didn’t reply. I’m not a troll but just wanna buy/consider the best set up I can afford and not upgrade it all the time, and grinder happens to be the key element for espresso coffee. But I guess it’s all relative, right?

My recommendations:

Your no fuss buddy for the next 10 years:
HG-1
cremina
good beans

Supermodel girlfriend(s):
Plumbed in Slayer Single Group or LM GS3 with newer flow control valve
EG-1 or Monolith flat with SSP
good beans, preferably light roasted. She will take you to places you never knew existed but needs alot of flirting, teasing, some recklessness and yes money.

Your work colleague who with a bit of investment in building and maintaining good relationship can get you there:
Most HX or double boiler with after market support (You get what you invest in).
Most prosumer grade grinders (You get what you invest in. Some will waste more beans than others).
good beans


Your mom who will always love you and be there for u no matter what:
Porlex
French press
good beans



So yeah actually the common denominator is good beans. Try to avoid those machines with no aftermarket service.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Espresso machine wise its also the same, leverheads will have their camps, LM wil have their camps, slayer will have theirs too, Decent also, each "selling" their advantage, which ultimately leading to not enjoying the coffee itself but always doubting and doubting.

Very true. For those starting out the focus of effort should be more on where to get good beans and honing brewing skills and being able to keenly recognise what they enjoy and what they don't.

I think TS is still using the VBM e61. Simple and rock solid machine.

 

[chikyblink]

I think TS is still using the VBM e61.

Yes sir I am.

Still rocking the HG-1 gen 1.

 

[patryn33]

So the suggestion is to go for a basic one (Niche Zero/ HG-1)? I’m not sure about our climate, but are we affected by static when grinding? What grinder do you use? My plan was to use the MonoCon for French press before I have enough coffee money for a LMLM.

My motivation for a high end grinder is to avoid upgradatitis, and I thought Monolith Conical is the end-game grinding machine with 0 retention and built to last. My concern for Niche Zero is that it has rubber and plastic parts that will wear off eventually (I read the burrs are great, but nothing more).

Don’t get me wrong I’m not trying to promote anything, I’m just curious if anyone here has had any experience with MonoCon. There are better things for me to buy with the money saved from the grinder, like a LMLM.

Amongst other grinders I was also considering an Eureka Mignon Specialita, HG-1 (paid but refunded) and Ceado E37S. Hero looks awesome but there is still sanity in me.

Speaking of Slayer, do you know how much to get a one group head shipped in? I’ve emailed them but they didn’t reply. I’m not a troll but just wanna buy/consider the best set up I can afford and not upgrade it all the time, and grinder happens to be the key element for espresso coffee. But I guess it’s all relative, right?

Niche zero plastic and rubber parts did u look into how they will be subjected to wear and tear? The only thing rubbing together all the time are burrs. The plastic shell what are u doing to it to break over time? How much time u want it to last? Don’t plastics take a long time to breakdown?

Slayer cost? Try here
https://prima-coffee.com/equipment/slayer/slayer-single-group

Is there a need to upgrade all the time? In a blind taste test if u cannot taste the difference with your skills no pt paying for the best. Many times small improvements big cost jump.

 

[unclepodger]

Anyone can share experience with grinding local Nanyang roast kopi at home? Was at Lam Yeo wanted to buy some but the uncle said grinding at home will spoil your grinder because of the sugar caramelization on the bean. For those who have tried, is this true? Or do you use a separate dedicated grinder for local kopi? I'm using the niche zero if it matters.

 

[DriftKing]

Anyone can share experience with grinding local Nanyang roast kopi at home? Was at Lam Yeo wanted to buy some but the uncle said grinding at home will spoil your grinder because of the sugar caramelization on the bean. For those who have tried, is this true? Or do you use a separate dedicated grinder for local kopi? I'm using the niche zero if it matters.

I would take his advice, given he has all experience in grinding all sort of coffee, even for him he has dedicated grinder for different roast.

Mechanical standpoint, sticky residue will choke your grinder, think of your grinder as gears. Get a cheaper hand grinder to do a separate job. Not worth killing the expensive tool

 

[Knight_Rider]

Wah expensive. Who is going?

https://cafeculture.sg/passes