(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[SNAG]

Thanks.. When I mean mad rush, I got at least 30 mins to shuffle around prepping up and brewing coffee. Understand for the Victoria, it takes around 15 mins to fully heat up, and around 2 mins prepping from espresso to steaming. That's fine for me.

Separately, what would be decent Hx machines?

 

[purpleberry]

Thanks.. When I mean mad rush, I got at least 30 mins to shuffle around prepping up and brewing coffee. Understand for the Victoria, it takes around 15 mins to fully heat up, and around 2 mins prepping from espresso to steaming. That's fine for me.

Separately, what would be decent Hx machines?

Maybe can consider Bezzera BZ series? Takes about 10-15mins to warm up. Or you can get those smart plugs to set the timer.

 

[chikyblink]

If you're ok with waiting between pulling a shot and steaming, then go ahead with single boilers.
But with heat exchangers, you can pull shots and steam at the same time.
The advantage of single boilers is that they're fast to warm up, 15mins vs 45mins for heat exchanger.
But warm up times is negligible with a timer plug.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

 

[SNAG]

If you're ok with waiting between pulling a shot and steaming, then go ahead with single boilers.
But with heat exchangers, you can pull shots and steam at the same time.
The advantage of single boilers is that they're fast to warm up, 15mins vs 45mins for heat exchanger.
But warm up times is negligible with a timer plug.

Sent from HUAWEI CLT-L29 using GAGT

Thanks. Given the budget I will likely stick to a single boiler machine. BTW has anyone purchased Lelit from cowpresso before? They mentioned they are the official Asia distributor but warranty is only 6 months with drop shipping from Italy.

 

[blackt@lon]

I shipped my Breville Dual Boiler back from Aussie about 3-4 years ago. Bottom line, it can be done. I simply marked the box as fragile (very nicely packed by Breville though) and checked it in to the airline. You will have to pay excess baggage fees for that (around $200 for me). When you arrive to SG, you might have to pay GST as well, though they may or may not stop you.

Something else to consider, is warranty. The machine I had stopped working after 3 years. Breville Singapore does not have strong service. I was directed to a shop in Paya Lebar, who, after paying the fee to assess it, plus 2 weeks of waiting, told me that they couldn't fix it.

In the end, I decided to bite the bullet and upgraded to Profitec Pro 700. No regrets at all. If your budget allows, definitely suggest going for something less "consumer" and more robust. Profitec Pro 300 or 500 maybe?

 

[blackt@lon]

Do people use rechargeable inline water softeners with tap water for espresso machines in SG?

SG tap water is supposed to be soft, but the TDS meter gave 110 ppm, which I know includes not just Calcium and Magnesium but other solids too. In contrast, the TDS of Crystal Geyser (Mt Shasta) spring water that I use in the USA is 50ppm. I'm surprised spring water has lower TDS than SG tap water which mostly comes from rain. It's because of fluoride?

I'm thinking I might be able to get rid of the softener and the sodium it puts out by switching the tap water with distilled water + potassium bicarbonate. Then no descaling will be necessary.

Have you checked out Third Wave Water? Just gotta add a packet to a bottle of distilled water.

 

[1 Ghz]

Have you checked out Third Wave Water? Just gotta add a packet to a bottle of distilled water.

Third Wave Water costs $24 for use with 48 liters of water.

I decided to go with just potassium bicarbonate for now. 1lb (454g) of that sells for ~$21 on Amazon. I only need 0.1g per liter of distilled water.

 

[wook2000]

I would be recommending staying away from Sette 270, get the niche instead. The sette 270 is very prone to stripped gears due to the design and material

Hi all,

Need some recommendations for espresso machines. Ready to move up from Nespresso. I make 1-2 milk based drinks every morning, before I head off to work. Can be a mad rush, so workflow is prioritized. Need something that has reasonable heat-up.

So far, have shortlisted the following:

Grinder: Sette 270wi, or Niche. Appreciate advice on Lelit's offerings.

Machine: Was initially looking at Gaggia Classic/Silvia, but now considering for Lelit's Grace/Victoria as that will give more mileage. More inclined for Victoria as that has a 58mm grouphead, larger power and shorter warm-up time? Robot seems too much hassle/work for a morning cup.

Appreciate your thoughts!

 

[SNAG]

I would be recommending staying away from Sette 270, get the niche instead. The sette 270 is very prone to stripped gears due to the design and material

Thanks for this. On second thoughts, single dose machines might not fit as I’m trying to minimise the workflow. My folks will also be using the machines. Was considering the Euraka Migon Perfetto but there are retention issues?

From what I read at HB, newer versions (especially the 270Wi) have got a revised gearbox, and the later batches are more reliable.

It’s the espresso machine that I’m having difficulty. Cowpresso is selling the Lelit Victoria cheaper but they aren’t responsive at all - doesn’t seem to provide much confidence. The other options are out of my $1-1.5k budget.

 

[xdaggersoul]

Been using Nespresso machine for the past 4 years and finally upgraded to a Bezzera Strega and a Niche Zero. Using Pacamara P1-P3 beans from Thailand and what a difference freshly roasted beans makes as compared to Nespresso.

Any tips and tricks for the Strega from current owners?

 

[wook2000]

For home use, single dosing is the only way to minimise workflow, filling up a hopper of beans in our tropical climate will ensure the grind settings changing drastically day by day, which means you end up purging, adjusting grind settings, testing and purging somemore just to make a cup of coffee.

If you are keen on China made machines i am currently using a Milesto EM-30 Double boiler machine in the office, for its price its quite hard to beat. Rotary pump, PID control, etc. PM if you are keen.

Thanks for this. On second thoughts, single dose machines might not fit as I’m trying to minimise the workflow. My folks will also be using the machines. Was considering the Euraka Migon Perfetto but there are retention issues?

From what I read at HB, newer versions (especially the 270Wi) have got a revised gearbox, and the later batches are more reliable.

It’s the espresso machine that I’m having difficulty. Cowpresso is selling the Lelit Victoria cheaper but they aren’t responsive at all - doesn’t seem to provide much confidence. The other options are out of my $1-1.5k budget.

 

[Wryer]

Anyone knows of any local roasters for 100g/week subscription? Reason is because of low consumption, but still really prefer freshly roasted beans. Ideally dark roasts for espresso...

 

[chikyblink]

Anyone knows of any local roasters for 100g/week subscription? Reason is because of low consumption, but still really prefer freshly roasted beans. Ideally dark roasts for espresso...

I think most if not all of roasters do minimum 250gm? 100gm doesn't seem viable business sense.
Have you thought about roasting it yourself?

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[relaxlabrudder]

Anyone knows of any local roasters for 100g/week subscription? Reason is because of low consumption, but still really prefer freshly roasted beans. Ideally dark roasts for espresso...

Why don't you buy a home roaster like genecafe?

I bought mine and i buy green beans to self roast. Green beans can tahan very long...

 

[Wryer]

Thanks for the suggestion! Not considering self roasting at this moment, unfortunately.

 

[purpleberry]

Why don't you buy a home roaster like genecafe?

I bought mine and i buy green beans to self roast. Green beans can tahan very long...

How's the taste profile for freshly roasted beans? Stronger with more clarity?

 

[patryn33]

Why don't you buy a home roaster like genecafe?

I bought mine and i buy green beans to self roast. Green beans can tahan very long...

Gene cafe not cheap, I am thinking of behmor if I do upgrade.
What make u choose gene?

 

[patryn33]

Thanks for the suggestion! Not considering self roasting at this moment, unfortunately.

If u have to buy 250g and is fine with stale beans why not.
If u can find someone to share great!

If u really want 100g and fresh do reconsider
https://www.kelvinroaster.com/design

 

[linbeh]

Or you can make cold brew with the remaining beans

 

[patryn33]

Or you can make cold brew with the remaining beans

Yes if one is into cold brew.
Or grind it up for acidic loving plants lol