Espresso machines

[dashDustin]

Also look at 58.5mm tamps and Espresso Parts.com HQ baskets.

[pritchet74]

Alrighty. As of yesterday and after much research I decided on the ECM Elektronika.
I was really on the fence about the push button vs lever operation but I think it'll work for my needs. I know the purist will scoff but...
This thing has a rotary pump, plumbable, and able to brew and stem at the same time. Plus a really nice build quality.
I know the grinder is the most important parts of the equipment equation, so I'm bringing in the ECM S-Automatika. I like the infinite adjustability with the wormgear/thumb-screw settings.

Now I'm going to focus on the bean.

Oh man that's a fantastic setup!

[Andrevich4]

Thanks Dustin. Yes, the timed outlet is a must and has been in the plan. along with the chris king tamper...

That's what I use. Just a $5 timer from the hardware store. My Duetto turns on 20 minutes before I'm (supposed) to wake up then turns off when I have to leave for work to keep me moving.

We keep the Wifi off most of the time but getting a Wifi-capable one would open up a lot of possibilities with IFTTT. When I'm on a ride 20 minutes from work, when my heart rate drops to the point I'm falling asleep reading, etc. Could be a thing.

Congrats on the new machine!

[Ras72]

Well, I re-learned something very valuable tonight. No matter how easy people make it look in videos, there’s nothing like doing it yourself. Those folks make it look easy. And I have a steep learning curve ahead of me.
43667849-E99C-49AF-8E08-EBBDC9E40D8B.jpg

The first ‘real’ drink...
Attachment 106539

[j44ke]

Yay coffee!

[Too Tall]

Well done Rick. If it makes you feel better I ruined close to 10 lbs of beans learning how to roast and probably tossed out a good lb of coffee figuring out how to become consistently AWESOME with my Flair espresso machine/thingee.

When you are "on it" post some coffee-porn pics and make us envious.

[Ras72]

Well, I’ve had this machine for a few months and beginning to comfortable with the process. I have a crazy work schedule so I can’t spend a lot of daily time so the learning curve has been long. But I’m now doing less measuring and more by looks and feel. I will say that the machines are top notch. Built and designed well enough that I can’t blame my short comings on the equipment. I am having a helluva time getting a proper ‘looking’ cappuccino. This micro-foam gig isn’t working out but nonetheless, it’s tasty!

Attachment 107723

¡Salud!

[ericpmoss]

This looks fun -- an Android-controlled espresso machine that shows exactly what's happening with the brew, and lets you program it second-by-second.

[mzilliox]

Well, I’ve had this machine for a few months and beginning to comfortable with the process. I have a crazy work schedule so I can’t spend a lot of daily time so the learning curve has been long. But I’m now doing less measuring and more by looks and feel. I will say that the machines are top notch. Built and designed well enough that I can’t blame my short comings on the equipment. I am having a helluva time getting a proper ‘looking’ cappuccino. This micro-foam gig isn’t working out but nonetheless, it’s tasty!

Attachment 107723

¡Salud!

steaming milk is one of those aha moments waiting to happen. with a powerful steam wand, dont let it sit at the surface of the milk too much, rather start close to the surface, then bury the wand to incorporate all the micro bubbles into the mix. and stop steaming just after the pitcher feels too hot in your hands. Much hotter and you have oversteamed the milk.

and good luck

[oldguy00]

What kind of milk are you using? While not 'calorie friendly', the full fat milks are easier to get right IMHO. Skim being much more difficult.

[Ras72]

Thanks guys!
I’ve been using almond milk but has since used whole milk. The whole milk definitely steams better (I’m also using a different technique - resembling mxilliox’s suggestions). But I do prefer the taste of the almond milk.
Aesthetically, things are improving...
Attachment 107937

[Too Tall]

That looks real good Rick.

[froze]

I too have been looking at grinders, any thoughts on the JavaPresse manual coffee grinder which got 4 1/2 stars on Amazon by over 4,000 reviewers, and it does espresso grind. I don't need a bulk grinder, I only make two shots of espresso a day, and that's it.

[Too Tall]

I too have been looking at grinders, any thoughts on the JavaPresse manual coffee grinder which got 4 1/2 stars on Amazon by over 4,000 reviewers, and it does espresso grind. I don't need a bulk grinder, I only make two shots of espresso a day, and that's it.

I've been using the Porlex JP30 when traveling for espresso. I've spent a little time adjusting the burrs than marking them for the perfect espresso grind which is a worthwhile endeavor. @rwsaunders might chime in, there are a few others here using handgrinders on a daily basis.

[Ras72]

Getting this shit nailed! That’s all...carry on.
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[Andrevich4]

This dude has an opinion:

Why Espressos in America are not Good? – Augusto Marietti – Medium

Going from Korea to Italy and then to DC, it was apparent how rediculously casual our neighborhood barista in Italy was about coffee. Of course, that particular barista needed to get back to ranting and raving to his audience of regulars about politics or soccer or the weather or whatever BUT it always consistently better than the $4 espresso from the hipster with the fancy machine in DC.

So what I'll try:

1. Leave the grinds in the hopper
2. Finer grind
3. Less pressure on the tamp
4. Single shot pull
5. Straight into the espresso cup (though warmed with water)
6. Keep it under 30 seconds from grinds to serving

I'll do a taste test my old way and this "new" way and report back.

And I DO think we need to get coffee to being a single piece of currency. If we can't bring back the $2 bill like Clemson fans, then a single George Washington or Pocahontas should be it.

[kytyree]

I enjoyed reading that. I'm curious what those Cimbali machines he mentioned are selling for elsewhere. My cursory internet search showed them to far from cheap.

[rwsaunders]

I typically buy a 1kg bag of Lavazza L'Espresso Gran Crema beans from my neighborhood Italian grocery store for $20 so I'm somewhat in compliance with the author's guidelines. I don't think that I've ever seen a Cimbali machine in a shop.

[kytyree]

The machines didn't seem to be that common in online stores I browsed, but they're in a bit higher price range than most of what's for sale online here in the US.

[kytyree]

I typically buy a 1kg bag of Lavazza L'Espresso Gran Crema beans from my neighborhood Italian grocery store for $20 so I'm somewhat in compliance with the author's guidelines. I don't think that I've ever seen a Cimbali machine in a shop.

I've never tried that brand, but I ordered some Gran Crema beans. Lavazza has a few different ones, any particular reason you go with Gran Crema?