(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[Rprime]

If you use detergent back flush u can see gunk left in the blind basket, usually do it once a month since usually I back flush with water after running through

 

[DriftKing]

Pulling down the shower screen is standard after usage, but the grease is there when I first receive the Strega before even turning on the machine!

It has been documented in several forums and this is quite common.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Does anyone know where can I purchase some silicone lube Dow Corning 111 for my Bezzera Strega piston?

Just a note for all new Bezzera Strega users, if don't want to open up the piston chamber, at least pull out the shower screen and gasket and clear the gunk of grease that they use, there will be ALOT of residue that flow down from the spring/piston down to the shower screen. Thats why initially the water will smell funky.

Get your Dow 111 here
http://www.brewingbobby.com/collections/all/lube

I use it for the cremina.

Maybe they over greased the piston for your Strega.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

My first time posting new toy, testing.. bwahahaha

THe kit looks nice. Did you get it locally? Do you have to preheat alot? With my minipresso i have to heat it over and over to get it to a decent temp to produce espresso.

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

Roasting is a great way to learn more about coffee beans but I agree that it will cost a lot of time and money, probably more than you save buying from roasters(at least in the short run). For me, I'm too lazy to learn about roasting for now haha.

I agree. Roasting coffee is probably the holy grail in appreciating coffee short of growing beans ourselves. But really very time consuming and need a high degree of precision and control. So many parameters to play with and not much knowledge readily available on how the parameters affect the final product. Not to mention identifying and getting good greens not easy. Would love to try but too busy recently.

 

[barok]

I am still a newbie on this and currently checking out BZ13 at http://www.finecoffeecompany.com.
Is a S$500 dollar difference between an electronic version and push button version worth it?

 

[Rprime]

THe kit looks nice. Did you get it locally? Do you have to preheat alot? With my minipresso i have to heat it over and over to get it to a decent temp to produce espresso.

i had to soak the filter cap and the entire chamber in a mug of hot water, it does fit in my mug! lol... else it would be bit on the cold side and cause underextraction.

it produces decent crema with proper tamping. in all, it produces a servicable shot esp when i'm desperate. but dont expect it to win a full sized machine.

minipresso seems to have a foaming device built in whereas the handpresso "portafilter" is completely non presurised, thus requires tamping. i do understand that handpresso sells a intenso pressurised filter.

i kinda get it for my work and explore using ESE pods but it seems i could only find illy pods locally..

got it from the states. locally? dont think you can find these toys...?

final concluding comments: "IT IS A TOY!!"

 

[testerjp]

I am still a newbie on this and currently checking out BZ13 at http://www.finecoffeecompany.com.
Is a S$500 dollar difference between an electronic version and push button version worth it?

I've the BZ13 with PID for the office, I seldom adjust the temperature.
Nowadays just take coffee as it is.

The dosage panel is useful though, very good for the staffs.
If you are the only one using, think no need.

 

[Rprime]

I am still a newbie on this and currently checking out BZ13 at http://www.finecoffeecompany.com.
Is a S$500 dollar difference between an electronic version and push button version worth it?

i think 500 is not very worth it for a 2000$ machine. even the difference between GS3 paddle and GS3 auto is only 200 USD$, paddle being more expensive!! i didn;t think machines with PID would cost 2000$ last time..
but in the long run i think the auto doser will cut you some slack when you use it every morning. i still havent work to the level of frothing and pulling a shot at the same time lol it would be good if my machine had a auto doser... but... i'd like the retro look of mine haha

 

[chikyblink]

Save the $500 to buy a better grinder. It'll make a more significant difference to your shots than the electronics.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

 

[barok]

Save the $500 to buy a better grinder. It'll make a more significant difference to your shots than the electronics.

Sent from Samsung SM-N910G using GAGT

Is the Bezerra BB005 grinder good enough?

 

[testerjp]

It's stepless, you can calibrate infinitely until you finally reach the right setting. So it's as good as how you calibrate.

 

[Darknights]

guys, mind sharing how often you clean and maintain your machines, including the steps and procedures?

I'd been using my machine (e61 group head) for a couple of months now and all I do is a back flush on a weekly basis. doubt that'll be sufficient for maintaining the machine though.

 

[testerjp]

You should backflush with water everyday and with detergent once every few weeks.

I pull my screen down to inspect every 3 months and the routine shows results, very clean.

 

[barok]

I am choosing between BZ13 and Breville Dual Boiler BES920. Any advice is highly appreciated.

 

[compuser]

I handled the Breville while i was in HK/Macau, it's too plastic.
Pressure and heat will eventually make things give way faster.
Last time my Delonghi machines spoilt every year.

You can find more reviews from Aust since it's from there.
BES920 only adds the descaling function compare the BES900.
http://www.productreview.com.au/p/breville-bes900-dual-boiler.html?rating=1#reviews

I'll pay more for better built machines.

 

[patryn33]

You should backflush with water everyday and with detergent once every few weeks.

I pull my screen down to inspect every 3 months and the routine shows results, very clean.

I use detergent every week.
some ppl backflush before turning machine off everytime.
screen inspection/cleaning.. 3 months u doing a great job!

 

[testerjp]

You don't flush with water after your last cup everyday?

 

[isolate51]

anyone buying coffee machine from finecoffeecompany but not getting grinder? PM me as I wanna get the BB005.

 

[patryn33]

You don't flush with water after your last cup everyday?

i wish to do it but I cannot afford the time.
If I can bring my machine to work and not EDMW no issue lol.

I also don't clean my stove daily at the end of day.

Anyway ideally one should back flush before shutting down machine. Use detergent to black flush weekly and clean grinder by opening it up to clean weekly. Every 6 mths clean shower screen. If u can afford replace with a new one every year.