(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[derazor]

Its been great. Trying out the manual functions and how they affect the end product. Also, I tried roasting some raw peanuts. Turned out a little too dark but still good. Made peanut butter with it.

You want cheap ones can do a little research on Freshroast SR500/SR700. Very small footprint. Its basically a highly modified popper imo. I think it can roast up to 130gm, not too sure.

You want at least 200gm? Then its either Behmor or Genecafe.
Roasting coffee is potentially a fire hazard. You want unattended, do it at your own risk.

For easy cleaning, no matter which roaster, a vacuum cleaner is a must imo.

What is the most important criteria for the roaster?
even heat distribution ?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Its been great. Trying out the manual functions and how they affect the end product. Also, I tried roasting some raw peanuts. Turned out a little too dark but still good. Made peanut butter with it.

You want cheap ones can do a little research on Freshroast SR500/SR700. Very small footprint. Its basically a highly modified popper imo. I think it can roast up to 130gm, not too sure.

You want at least 200gm? Then its either Behmor or Genecafe.
Roasting coffee is potentially a fire hazard. You want unattended, do it at your own risk.

For easy cleaning, no matter which roaster, a vacuum cleaner is a must imo.

Is your end product comparable to what we get from good roasters in sg and overseas? Do you foresee yourself getting a higher end roaster?

 

[chikyblink]

What is the most important criteria for the roaster?
even heat distribution ?

Depends on what you want, fluid bed or traditional drum.
Bro I think for your requirements the behmor suits you the best. It has pre programmed profiles which you can just sit back and watch. It can roast up to 400gm if you wish. And the cleaning is easy, just don't open the door until the cooling's done.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

 

[chikyblink]

Is your end product comparable to what we get from good roasters in sg and overseas? Do you foresee yourself getting a higher end roaster?

Very hard to compare, since the quality of the greens and the roasting profile is different. But I've been enjoying my roasts all the same.
Hasbean sells their blends in greens too. I might try buying both their roasted and greens to do a comparison some time.

I don't plan to upgrade any time soon. The behmor fits all my needs. Could I be happier with the M3? Maybe, I dunno. The M3 is fully manual, to get consistent results, probes are needed to log the roasts. This is something I don't have time or energy to do now.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

 

[patryn33]

Coffee roaster at kickstarter
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewstordy/ikawa-home-coffee-roaster

 

[derazor]

Depends on what you want, fluid bed or traditional drum.
Bro I think for your requirements the behmor suits you the best. It has pre programmed profiles which you can just sit back and watch. It can roast up to 400gm if you wish. And the cleaning is easy, just don't open the door until the cooling's done.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

how is the skill required compared to pulling a shot? steep or quite easy?

 

[Sylar22]

Anybody knows where to get relatively cheap cappucino or latte cups ? I saw papapalheta selling $17 for one acme & co cup

 

[CTBR]

Anybody knows where to get relatively cheap cappucino or latte cups ? I saw papapalheta selling $17 for one acme & co cup

Try nylon or espresso cups? ipa, nuova point and d'ancap. I think jimmy monkey sells inker cups.

 

[derazor]

Anybody knows where to get relatively cheap cappucino or latte cups ? I saw papapalheta selling $17 for one acme & co cup

Cheap IKEA but questinable quality . $17 cup and saucer ok LA

 

[patryn33]

Anybody knows where to get relatively cheap cappucino or latte cups ? I saw papapalheta selling $17 for one acme & co cup

Taobao or ailexpress don't have?

 

[Lastwishes]

Anybody knows where to get relatively cheap cappucino or latte cups ? I saw papapalheta selling $17 for one acme & co cup

I got my coffee cups from daiso. No accompanying plates though.

 

[sohzai]

hi all, have been reading up and finally shortlist to between a vibiemme junior and a bezzera magica. Not easy for people to have tried both, but would like to ask for views that you guys have for each. I have slight preference for vibiemme, but the cost difference is about $500 locally. And I have yet to see anything superior with the vibiemme to justify the price difference.

 

[testerjp]

You mean Bezzera bro?
I'll save the $500 for a grinder.

Much prefer the manual lock steam wands than those turn style knobs anyway.

Don't expect world of difference.
Your coffee plays the biggest part in the end.

 

[sohzai]

Yupz, mis-spelt it!

I don't need a grinder now, just talking about machine. I don't expect a world of difference, just seeking more opinions from you guys before I decide which brand to go.

 

[testerjp]

Then I suggest save the $ to buy beans or roaster beta.

 

[patryn33]

hi all, have been reading up and finally shortlist to between a vibiemme junior and a bezzera magica. Not easy for people to have tried both, but would like to ask for views that you guys have for each. I have slight preference for vibiemme, but the cost difference is about $500 locally. And I have yet to see anything superior with the vibiemme to justify the price difference.

Not worth the $500 more get the bezzera magica.

I like quick mill and check below post. Local review
http://espresso.colinloh.com/2007/07/dream-machine/

Old post if u source overseas
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/553828-quick-mill-coffee-machines/page-2

U have the right grinder for such baby?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

hi all, have been reading up and finally shortlist to between a vibiemme junior and a bezzera magica. Not easy for people to have tried both, but would like to ask for views that you guys have for each. I have slight preference for vibiemme, but the cost difference is about $500 locally. And I have yet to see anything superior with the vibiemme to justify the price difference.

Not trying to start WWIII here but again i would say cheaper is not always better.

VBM 2799, mitica is 2448. Get the vendor to open the cover, inspect the internals. Look at the layout of the wiring, any insulating materials used, pressurestat, boiler type. Compare the grouphead used, the size difference, quality of the chrome plating. Look at the finishing of the machine. Check out the egronomics too. position of pressure stat, opv. Is it easy to adjust without having to disassemble the whole machine? You eventually have to adjust them as your new machine wears in. Not all of this can be translated to the quality in the cup but you may see it in durability, ease of use and consistency. I've not seen the mitica in the flesh but it would appear the finish of the panels are better. VBM is famous for that giant e-61 group . More metal cost more money.

And yes get a good grinder too. erics thermometer is very useful for a HX machine esp if you like to experiment between light and dark roasts.

Why not add ECM Technika and Profitec in your list too? Or join the lever club!

 

[patryn33]

Care to educate to the non EE major on how to compare circuits? The type of pressure stats? Etc? Must bring multimeter to check current draw and grounding to make sure good design?

Group head used if 1mm difference how significant is the performance?

How soon does one needs to starts adjusting machine as it wear in? How to tell it needs adjustment? Which component needs to touch?
I am sure they can be easily googled.. Lol

Durability - what define durability? Better brand of component used? Which pressure stat maker or opv maker is well known for quality? So much to compare a lot to learn is there a check list you made to share to 1st time buyer?

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Care to educate to the non EE major on how to compare circuits? The type of pressure stats? Etc? Must bring multimeter to check current draw and grounding to make sure good design?

Group head used if 1mm difference how significant is the performance?

How soon does one needs to starts adjusting machine as it wear in? How to tell it needs adjustment? Which component needs to touch?
I am sure they can be easily googled.. Lol

Durability - what define durability? Better brand of component used? Which pressure stat maker or opv maker is well known for quality? So much to compare a lot to learn is there a check list you made to share to 1st time buyer?

Well its not about comparing the circuit design per se. Its not like high end audio where circuit design can have an effect on the sound. more of the the workmanship and quality components.

Here are some tips:
1. Look at the boiler and compare. lead free brass, stainless steel, chrome plated. large stainless steel boilers cost more. apparently less prone to scaling.

2. Group. VBM has done alot of testing with theirs for temp stability. I'm not saying VBM makes the bestest or the most solid group ever but at least you can be assured some testing is done and its not just a copy with some parts shaved off to save costs. Look at the chrome plating too. The group and portafilter will be one of those parts that will experience alot of wear and tear at the mating surfaces. which one is over engineered for structural stability? 1mm of thickness can make a world of difference. for E-61 check out the thermosyphon design. does it overheat at idle (i'm not taking about the HX), or does it maintain stable temps after reaching a good set point?
Is your HX design a dragon, mixer or agnostic? I really feel this is very important to know esp if you want to explore different roasts. If you vendor doesn't know...well then he doesn't know his product very well.

3. pressurestat. some are better than others. tighter dead band and reliability. compare jaeger and sirai and MATER.

4. Chassis. any flex when you lock in the portafiler. how is the boiler and pump mounted on the chassis. Some brands used to have a flexing problem. (alex i think). Vibrations? loose panels? sharp drip trays?

5. Wiring and layout. examine the wiring, soldering. If inside is a total mess then likely the machine is not well made and will present a headache when doing repairs. Are wires directly touching the boilers? Is the power control unit, PIDs and other electronics (volumetric brewing etc etc) isolated far from the boiler? Will there be a problem over time when the electronics are exposed to boiler heat?

6. Are things that you need to adjust easy to access? Do you need to remove all the panels and find some hard to reach screw to turn? or is everything within easy access? (OPV, Rotary pump pressure, pressurestat, pid,) Whether need to adjust or not for new machines wearing in really depends on luck. Some do some don't. My guess is most do. Pressure stat almost definitely. What to adjust depends on what machine you have. settings are likely to drift from default factory settings. if it changes to much eg boiler pressure or brew pressure then its really a good idea to adjust it back to factory settings.

Sure some settings are easily googled. but still very difficult to do, like rancilio silvia opv adjustments to get correct brew pressure...

 

[testerjp]

Not worth the $500 more get the bezzera magica.

I like quick mill and check below post. Local review
http://espresso.colinloh.com/2007/07/dream-machine/

Old post if u source overseas
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/553828-quick-mill-coffee-machines/page-2

U have the right grinder for such baby?

No wonder the name and logo so familiar.

I saw the Quickmill shop in Bangkok last yr, not far from my hotel.
Inside there's an Italian guy, Mr. Giampiero Feletti, very nice and knowledgeable guy. He actually gave me his card.

I think most of his range are E61.
He says he only has Quickmill because all E61 works essentially delivers the same result so did not bother paying more premium for more expensive brands.