(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[patryn33]

better use for filters..

Some how WBC a lot of ppl using single origins.
Better is subjective imho.

To say the best coffee is better used for filters and blend for espresso.
Does it mean ppl use a little inferior coffee for espresso and the best reserve for filter. Sound like espresso class is low.. Hehehe

Like those excellent malt only for single malt and blend not so good... Well it's kinda apple to orange comparison in a way.. Oops

 

[derazor]

Some how WBC a lot of ppl using single origins.
Better is subjective imho.

To say the best coffee is better used for filters and blend for espresso.
Does it mean ppl use a little inferior coffee for espresso and the best reserve for filter. Sound like espresso class is low.. Hehehe

Like those excellent malt only for single malt and blend not so good... Well it's kinda apple to orange comparison in a way.. Oops

Hahah.. my friend intro me to single malt Whisky ( Kavalan ).. not really an alcohol fan but ok lor.. like that drink....

but if u observe ( in general ) more expensive coffee ppl use as filter but of course you can use for espresso, no right or wrong.....

 

[Sylar22]

Anw just a quick question. What happens if you use filter beans for espresso extraction ? I just tried new beans and the extraction is damn thick like honey dripping(not flowing), wonder what is wrong ?

 

[compuser]

It's still coffee beans.
I even tried taking those coffee shop coffee for my espresso and it's still not bad.

You grind coarser for filter and finer for espresso, that's all.
It's slower due to nature of the bean, it might be more oily or fresher.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Some how WBC a lot of ppl using single origins.
Better is subjective imho.

To say the best coffee is better used for filters and blend for espresso.
Does it mean ppl use a little inferior coffee for espresso and the best reserve for filter. Sound like espresso class is low.. Hehehe

Like those excellent malt only for single malt and blend not so good... Well it's kinda apple to orange comparison in a way.. Oops

SOs can be brewed for espressos but they can be a bit unbalanced even if u tweak the roast level. Some baristas in wbc use SOs but they have generally done a lot of test to ensure the flavor profile is ok when brewed with espresso. Easier for the narrative too when trying to explain the bean qualities to the judges compared to complex blends. Actually many still use blends.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Hahah.. my friend intro me to single malt Whisky ( Kavalan ).. not really an alcohol fan but ok lor.. like that drink....

but if u observe ( in general ) more expensive coffee ppl use as filter but of course you can use for espresso, no right or wrong.....

A lot of the expensive lots are obtained thru auction and usually the origin advertises certain outstanding flavors that is easier to showcase with filter brew rather than espresso.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Anw just a quick question. What happens if you use filter beans for espresso extraction ? I just tried new beans and the extraction is damn thick like honey dripping(not flowing), wonder what is wrong ?

Could be bean varietal or roast level. Can try to grind coarser to use less beans. Machines like the Strega or slayer seems to be able to get balanced espresso from light roasted beans using pressure profiling.

 

[chikyblink]

putting some lube on my stiffy lever

whenever I did grouphead cleaning with detergent, my lever becomes quite stiff when lifting up. but that stiffness usually goes away after a couple of shots were pulled.
the oils from the coffee helps a little.

but recently the stiffness remained even after 10+ shots. so I guess it's time to do some small maintenance.

took apart the lever. the insides were kinda dirty with old coffee residues. cleaned it out with some tissues and applied some food grade grease.

here's the cam all cleaned and greased up.

my machine came with 10 bars of pressure stock. I've never really thought much about it but decided to reduce it to the more conventional 9 bars just for the fun of it.


removed the panel. it's just one whole piece of U-shaped metal covering the sides and back. locked in a blind, activate the pump and adjust the round thingy with a groove using a 20 cent coin till the needle stops at 9 bar.

I haven't got time to pull some shots yet but I think it's gonna affect the mouthfeel.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

whenever I did grouphead cleaning with detergent, my lever becomes quite stiff when lifting up. but that stiffness usually goes away after a couple of shots were pulled.
the oils from the coffee helps a little.

but recently the stiffness remained even after 10+ shots. so I guess it's time to do some small maintenance.

took apart the lever. the insides were kinda dirty with old coffee residues. cleaned it out with some tissues and applied some food grade grease.

here's the cam all cleaned and greased up.

my machine came with 10 bars of pressure stock. I've never really thought much about it but decided to reduce it to the more conventional 9 bars just for the fun of it.


removed the panel. it's just one whole piece of U-shaped metal covering the sides and back. locked in a blind, activate the pump and adjust the round thingy with a groove using a 20 cent coin till the needle stops at 9 bar.
I haven't got time to pull some shots yet but I think it's gonna affect the mouthfeel.

Mine is the same after backflushing with cafetto. The lever is not so smooth. Do you only grease the cam?

Seems 10 bar on the gauge is about 9 bar on the puck cos the gauge measures upstream of the group head or something like that. So must take into account the resistance of the tubing and esp the gicleur. anyway would be interesting to try out different pressures. Happy experimenting!

 

[chikyblink]

I think you're suppose to grease the cam rod too. But I can't seem to get the rod out, so I just grease where I can.
Here's an amazing clear and detailed tutorial.

 

[derazor]

Mine is the same after backflushing with cafetto. The lever is not so smooth. Do you only grease the cam?

Seems 10 bar on the gauge is about 9 bar on the puck cos the gauge measures upstream of the group head or something like that. So must take into account the resistance of the tubing and esp the gicleur. anyway would be interesting to try out different pressures. Happy experimenting!

yeah this type of things if it ain't broke don't fix it . to me at least.

 

[prozaizxc]

Hey guys, I'm going to USA, specifically Las vegas and orlando.
Anybody knows if there are any shops there that have cheaper espresso machines for sale there like the Bezzera BZ09 or anything?
Which machines are recommended for a budget of about 1000-1200?

 

[compuser]

Hey guys, I'm going to USA, specifically Las vegas and orlando.
Anybody knows if there are any shops there that have cheaper espresso machines for sale there like the Bezzera BZ09 or anything?
Which machines are recommended for a budget of about 1000-1200?

What's the point?

You can't use in SG.

 

[prozaizxc]

What's the point?

You can't use in SG.

Why? Because of voltage issues?
What if I order from online stores like www.espressocoffeeshop.com ? They offer international shipping so it should work internationally?
Then where do you guys buy your machines from?

 

[IntelFlash]

110v cannot use in SG.

If it's spoilt good luck.

Send back to EU shipping $500 + VAT.
EU send back to SG$500 + GST.
Not counting insurance and repair cost.

When send by air, for almost a day of freight, not sure how your 30kg parcel will end up
Not sure about the handlers.

Bought my Brewtus and later Bezzera Strega(PIC claim, hope pass) for my office from www.finecoffeecompany.com

I will only buy online from overseas if the item is an inexpensive item which i'm ready to throw and it saves me at least 30%.

 

[chikyblink]

Bought my Brewtus and later Bezzera Strega(PIC claim, hope pass) for my office

I'm surprised you got the strega for office use, given its complexity of usage. how is it working out for you guys? do you have a dedicated guy who make coffee for everyone or do you have to train everyone to make their own?
and what grinder are you pairing the strega with?

 

[IntelFlash]

I'm surprised you got the strega for office use, given its complexity of usage. how is it working out for you guys? do you have a dedicated guy who make coffee for everyone or do you have to train everyone to make their own?
and what grinder are you pairing the strega with?

My office has all the typical NMNHNPLM big and fat EDMWer type of guys, just the 3 of us and one lady. No problem handling.

Pair with the bezzera grinder so it's automatically set by a push of the button.

Except the part to pull down, which requires a little more strength.

It's actually easier to use and has a higher "success" rate.
Can grind till super fine, surprisingly the flow still comes out nicely, evenly and rich. No backflushing required.

We later figured out need to lock the elbows then bent your knees to pull the lever and it's a lot easier.

Quite fun and delighting.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Why? Because of voltage issues?
What if I order from online stores like www.espressocoffeeshop.com ? They offer international shipping so it should work internationally?
Then where do you guys buy your machines from?

Most us buy local. Warranty and repair is important as the machines do break down. Besides the oft mentioned Bezzera and expobar boxes You can also go for fracino machines for about 1.5k.
CAP carries them and they are manual fill machines that can pull a shot and steam together. Grouphead is heated by a thermosyphon so the temp is likely more stable then by using an active heater.

If you drink espresso then can just go for a single boiler with PID. THe hx may not be worth the cost if you are not too picky and generally drink without milk. U can try modding a silvia or look for gaggia.

That being said in the long run its still better to save and get a semi-commercial machine with some kind of preinfusion and a bottomless portafilter. I think it helps with consistency and channeling issues esp for beginners.

 

[compuser]

I think get HX is more worth it.
The price difference is not much

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

I think get HX is more worth it.
The price difference is not much

Yep i agree esp in the long run and if you have other people at home who drink lattes or have guests.

Till not no brand is able to produce a really cheap mass-market espresso machine. 1k for entry level machine is not cheap for a household appliance that makes coffee.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/zpmespresso/pid-controlled-espresso-machine
$200 espresso machine is attractive but in the end the company closed shop and ran away with the funds......