(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[patryn33]

Steam wand tips usually can change. Going from 1 to 2 or 4 steam tips usually not a big issue. I actually find 1 harder to create micro foam.

Cremina - Small, pretty and probably the most robust. but expensive. Makes awesome single shots but steaming is soso. Local support need to check if coffee in a place is still around. But actually a cremina is a no brainer to service, no pumps, just simple electronics and mechanical levers. i changed the pressurestat myself. Once you nail the routine, it is actually very simple to brew using a lever. No need to worry about pressure since you provide the pressure.

Appartamento - small and compact too. seems to have good steam. not too expensive. I htink papa palheta provide servincing.

Decent - small, high tech, can probably replicate commercial machines in terms of temp stability and pressure/flow profiling. Can play with the parameters. Not sure about local support. More complicated electronics to spoil.

VBMs new domobar series looks really good. Might want to see if highlander still brings it in.

My buddy got a decent, if they are issues they surface within the first year. Since China made QC is issue. But after sales support great. Instructions given on repair, he fix 2 things so far. Guess he super unlucky but he love the machine and has no regrets. Parts always ship from HK

Breville quality issues tend to surface after 3-5 years. His boiler start leaking like 4years.

 

[SNAG]

Thanks for the suggestion. Did some research and found that seems like Lelit MaraX is also using a similar Ulka pump like Delonghi Dedica.

Maybe can some experts here comment? If the machines are using similar pumps, would the pressure given out be similar? Or does it depend on other parts of the mechanism designs as well?

Anyone has used a Delonghi Dedica and Ascaso Dream side by side and compared how well they pushed?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

From what I understand, there's minimal differences. But unless you're in a cafe setting (with high volumes), a rotary pump is better.

Am using a MaraX, and no issues with pulling 3-4 back to back shots.

 

[jordanlah]

From what I understand, there's minimal differences. But unless you're in a cafe setting (with high volumes), a rotary pump is better.

Am using a MaraX, and no issues with pulling 3-4 back to back shots.

Thanks SNAG. Check with you- where did you get your MaraX from? Any local warranty or servicing to go to if there are any problems?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Thanks for the suggestion. Did some research and found that seems like Lelit MaraX is also using a similar Ulka pump like Delonghi Dedica.

Maybe can some experts here comment? If the machines are using similar pumps, would the pressure given out be similar? Or does it depend on other parts of the mechanism designs as well?

Anyone has used a Delonghi Dedica and Ascaso Dream side by side and compared how well they pushed?

Thanks in advance for your advice.

ulka pump has different models. tricky to assess. It could be you got a bad pump hence the pressure is not strong now. but yes generally commercial machines uses rotary or gear pumps so they are more reliable. But a small vibrating pump is not a bad thing, they are cheaper and easier to replace. For home user who want to keep running costs low, i don't think a vibrating pump is a bad choice.

I think your main reason to upgrade from the dedica should be more for better steam, temp stability, looks, 58mm basket.

I believe the ascaso dream uses a thermoblock so i don't think you can get powerful dry steam for microfoam that you can get from large boilers. But yes the ascaso does look good though.

Some questions to narrow your choices

Do you steam alot: get a Hx or double boiler. If you don't mind waiting or make only 1-2 drinks then a single boiler is fine.

Do you want to rely on recipes from the roaster: then it think you should really go for a 58mm portafilter. Get the 20mm VST baskets since these are most commonly used in recipes. If enough budget get a pid thermo control. recipes and stable temp really takes our the guess work to consistently brew good espresso.

Ascaso dream seems to be more than $1k Sgd? To me it seems quite expensive but i suppose you are paying for the looks too.

The silvia i think is slightly cheaper but uses 58mm solid brass portafilter, solid brass group head with brass boiler mounted directly on it. If you have a chance to take a look at the silvia you can see where the money goes too. The panels and parts are simple but solid. No complex electronics so no brainer to fix it yourself.





ultimate qn: budget. buy now or save and buy later?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Has anyone here have experience with the Flair Pro 2? Been wanting to start my espresso journey at the lower price point.

-does the work flow get annoyingly troublesome to sustain?

-anyone using it with Baratza Encore? its probably not the most ideal pairing, but as I said, lower price point.

-if not, what grinders are you pairing it with?
(was thinking of comandante c40)

-any other comments/advice?

I am using the cheapest flair model, got it for $200 from amazon. I also have a variety of machines and I still think the flair is a keeper and a good way to start espresso journey.

even if you upgrade to other machines in future, you can still use the flair if you travel .

If you don't mind a bit of learning curve, some extra step and time to prep, some extra clean up compared to machines, then i think the flair could be for you. once you get the routine squared away then i don't think i take more than 5 mins to brew one espresso from the flair.

if you don't need the portability then consider the cafelat robot. seems good reviews too.

i am also eyeing the commandante. seems to be a very good hand grinder. even if you get an electronic grinder in future. the comandante should still be a keeper if you want to have a mobile set up. but i recommend you try handgrinding espresso first before deciding. it can be tiring with smaller hands.

 

[idjekyll]

Can anyone recommend a good international roaster that don't take ages for deliveries to reach? I tried The Barn but I found their service lacking even though their beans were awesome.

 

[jordanlah]

ulka pump has different models. tricky to assess. It could be you got a bad pump hence the pressure is not strong now. but yes generally commercial machines uses rotary or gear pumps so they are more reliable. But a small vibrating pump is not a bad thing, they are cheaper and easier to replace. For home user who want to keep running costs low, i don't think a vibrating pump is a bad choice.

I think your main reason to upgrade from the dedica should be more for better steam, temp stability, looks, 58mm basket.

I believe the ascaso dream uses a thermoblock so i don't think you can get powerful dry steam for microfoam that you can get from large boilers. But yes the ascaso does look good though.

Some questions to narrow your choices

Do you steam alot: get a Hx or double boiler. If you don't mind waiting or make only 1-2 drinks then a single boiler is fine.

Do you want to rely on recipes from the roaster: then it think you should really go for a 58mm portafilter. Get the 20mm VST baskets since these are most commonly used in recipes. If enough budget get a pid thermo control. recipes and stable temp really takes our the guess work to consistently brew good espresso.

Ascaso dream seems to be more than $1k Sgd? To me it seems quite expensive but i suppose you are paying for the looks too.

The silvia i think is slightly cheaper but uses 58mm solid brass portafilter, solid brass group head with brass boiler mounted directly on it. If you have a chance to take a look at the silvia you can see where the money goes too. The panels and parts are simple but solid. No complex electronics so no brainer to fix it yourself.





ultimate qn: budget. buy now or save and buy later?

Thanks Lazy_Tiger - awesome advice!

 

[linusz]

Can anyone recommend a good international roaster that don't take ages for deliveries to reach? I tried The Barn but I found their service lacking even though their beans were awesome.

Square miles coffee

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Can anyone recommend a good international roaster that don't take ages for deliveries to reach? I tried The Barn but I found their service lacking even though their beans were awesome.

Cafebond next day delivery for ona coffee and padre coffee

 

[jordanlah]

Any Singapore based Home Coffee Brewing group on Facebook that I can join to learn and improve my journey in espresso brewing?

 

[erwinseow]

Can anyone recommend a good international roaster that don't take ages for deliveries to reach? I tried The Barn but I found their service lacking even though their beans were awesome.

Bro... There are so many local roasters that are just as good as international ones. Support local!

 

[SNAG]

Thanks SNAG. Check with you- where did you get your MaraX from? Any local warranty or servicing to go to if there are any problems?

There's no official distributor but I got my set from Carousell. Since it's your new set, you might want to try stores with a physical presence (and presumably better support) - highlander coffee.

 

[jordanlah]

There's no official distributor but I got my set from Carousell. Since it's your new set, you might want to try stores with a physical presence (and presumably better support) - highlander coffee.

Was it from Cowpresso? They stated on their page they are the official distributor of Lelit in Singapore?

 

[purpleberry]

 

[SNAG]

Was it from Cowpresso? They stated on their page they are the official distributor of Lelit in Singapore?

Both Cowpresso and Highlander claim that they are official distributors. Cowpresso has no physical store, whereas Highlander has one.

 

[tremor]

I just purchase Xiaomi TDS meter from Shopee. Time to measure my tap and filtered water.

 

[purpleberry]

I just purchase Xiaomi TDS meter from Shopee. Time to measure my tap and filtered water.

Interesting find. Do share your results.

 

[tremor]

Interesting find. Do share your results.

Hmm same same at 66. Maybe my filter needs to change liao. I test again after changing.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

check out new bezzera hobby! looks like a contender to the silvia

 

[purpleberry]

Hmm same same at 66. Maybe my filter needs to change liao. I test again after changing.

Have you tried again? Plan to get one also to test my filter.