Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

Muska · 27 Apr 2019 at 14:26

I've had best results with Yeo Valley whole milk, the dates are never very long on it though. Cravendale Whole also good in my experience.

Raymond Lin · 27 Apr 2019 at 15:41

Just tried again with whole milk, the milk just doesn't have enough micro foam…I need to watch a lot more videos I think.

Begbie · 28 Apr 2019 at 08:09

Guys looking at a 2nd hand espresso machine.

Can I go wrong with the gaggica classic? Or anything else in a similar price range (£100). It seems the wand needs changed but relatively cheap mod.

Raymond Lin · 28 Apr 2019 at 12:39

Yay !!!! latter art…getting there….

I can now texture milk, now learn how to pour.

Raymond Lin · 28 Apr 2019 at 12:42

Begbie said:
Guys looking at a 2nd hand espresso machine.

Can I go wrong with the gaggica classic? Or anything else in a similar price range (£100). It seems the wand needs changed but relatively cheap mod.

Can't go wrong for that money, the mod is easy, 5min job, cost like £12. I did it this week. Much better than the one that it comes in and no point spending more for the "Pro" edition from the new one.

Begbie · 28 Apr 2019 at 17:15

Raymond Lin said:
Can't go wrong for that money, the mod is easy, 5min job, cost like £12. I did it this week. Much better than the one that it comes in and no point spending more for the "Pro" edition from the new one.

Awesome, thanks!

Scottland · 7 May 2019 at 15:58

Raymond Lin said:
Yay !!!! latter art…getting there….

I can now texture milk, now learn how to pour.

Practice is the main thing. I find at home, unless you're making several a day it takes a while to progress. That being said, watching plenty of videos helped me as everyone has a slightly different technique - one of which might suit you better.

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2019 at 16:28

Scottland said:
Practice is the main thing. I find at home, unless you're making several a day it takes a while to progress. That being said, watching plenty of videos helped me as everyone has a slightly different technique - one of which might suit you better.

See, I could not get the froth into the milk evenly, I get a lot of. froth at the top so can't do the detail latte art...i need micro foam.

Scottland · 7 May 2019 at 23:07

How far is the tip into the milk? Try burying the wand and raise it slightly until you hear the 'paper tearing' noise - then as soon as the bottom of the pitcher starts to get warm raise the pitcher so the noise disappears and it's stars to swirl round.

Try this video:
https://youtu.be/6YMgB61WyvE

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2019 at 23:10

Scottland said:
How far is the tip into the milk? Try burying the wand and raise it slightly until you hear the 'paper tearing' noise - then as soon as the bottom of the pitcher starts to get warm raise the pitcher so the noise disappears and it's stars to swirl round.

Try this video:
https://youtu.be/6YMgB61WyvE

I tried all kind of positions (fnar!) and the only place I could get that noise is with it barely into the milk.

Scottland · 7 May 2019 at 23:16

Yeah it's probably only under the surface 1cm or less for me but you may need to adjust it slightly as you go, as the milk stretches the volume will increase meaning you need to drop the pitcher a little.

Edit: Also, one of the reasons you've got too much foam is it's either not mixed in enough - or it's separated.

I've not tried this myself, but I've seen people pour half the milk into a new pitcher to 'force' it to mix a bit more. Or just keep swirling it in the pitcher until you pour.

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2019 at 23:26

Scottland said:
Yeah it's probably only under the surface 1cm or less for me but you may need to adjust it slightly as you go, as the milk stretches the volume will increase meaning you need to drop the pitcher a little.

Edit: Also, one of the reasons you've got too much foam is it's either not mixed in enough - or it's separated.

I've not tried this myself, but I've seen people pour half the milk into a new pitcher to 'force' it to mix a bit more. Or just keep swirling it in the pitcher until you pour.

I do have foam but just all at the top, it’s not blended into the milk. I think I lack that vortex.

Scottland · 7 May 2019 at 23:28

It just takes a bit of practice, milk is cheaper than coffee

Raymond Lin · 7 May 2019 at 23:34

Scottland said:
It just takes a bit of practice, milk is cheaper than coffee

I accidentally left a 6 pinter out on the counter for over a day, had to bin the whole thing…..I should have used that to practice.

Dj_Jestar · 8 May 2019 at 21:14

A couple of attempts from today:

Been using these bodum cups/glasses my sister bought as a gift. Vacuum so no burning of hands picking up hot beverage and, allegedly, drunk stays hot for longer but I haven't noticed any difference as most head will be lost from the open top anyway.

Nick1881 · 12 May 2019 at 12:17

My new setup

Grimley · 12 May 2019 at 16:40

/\/\/\/\ Lelit Machine I assume? I Like the wooden feet/knobs/lever/portafilter handles. They do a couple of models that are quite narrow, narrow enough for me to consider an upgrade at some point in the future. How do you find the Niche Grinder?

Nick1881 · 12 May 2019 at 23:07

Yea Lelit machines look really nice, I also considered ECM, they also have some slim models. The Niche has been great, such low retention, I'm loving the single dosing workflow.

jpaul · 14 May 2019 at 11:17

so does the Lelit have boiler insulation ? I have become more conscious of the electricity consumption of my non-insulated bezzera.

I imagine, like for non-e61 HX machines, you have to pull a warming/cool-down shot, too ?

Snookums · 14 May 2019 at 11:22

So you beautiful people, I have a Sage barista express arriving with me tomorrow, have 2 bags from dog and hat on order but will be popping into town to grab some bags from outpost and cartwheel to tide me over until my subscription arrives.

I have never poured an espresso in my life, so my research begins, any recommended videos to watch for it. I understand I am going to have a lot of trial and error so may pick up a bag of beans from the supermarket for testers so i don't nice beans.

Basically after tips and recommendations.