Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

GiraffePencils · 21 Apr 2020 at 16:49

I've been swaying between gaggia classic and sage duo temp .
But I think as my first machine, I should go to the sage? cheaper and I believe easier to use?.

Scottland · 21 Apr 2020 at 20:10

mid_gen said:
Didn't like having the grinder above it chucking grinds all over it. More room here too, and it looks great in the sun.

Need to work on my steaming...

Looks shiny that

. What led you to that machine over others in the price range? I keep threatening to replace my Silvia with a HX or Dual Boiler machine - but quickly get lost down the rabbit hole as I start to look.

mid_gen · 21 Apr 2020 at 21:18

Scottland said:
Looks shiny that . What led you to that machine over others in the price range? I keep threatening to replace my Silvia with a HX or Dual Boiler machine - but quickly get lost down the rabbit hole as I start to look.

Seems like the sweet spot in terms of price, features, finish. I don't think there's a better value alternative around. The ACS Minima is dual boiler and only a little more, but it looks naff. Space is also a big factor, once you move up to dual boilers the machines are a fair bit bigger. I'm buying a tiny little cottage at the moment and won't have room for a huge machine.

There's a new model, the MaraX just come out that is apparently a little better in terms of temperature control....but not enough for me to notice I don't think.

I also like that you can upgrade the Mara with a flow profiler later on, at which point, in terms of capability to pull a shot, you're not going to get anything better.

jpaul · 22 Apr 2020 at 09:17

looks good, the e61 with the lever(+heritage) is definitely more asthetic/participative than a push button,
finishing the shot too, e61 has a more satisfying noise than electro mechancal 3-way valve , dumping pressure - definitely star trek doors like.

I should be taking lock-down as an opportunity to improve steaming, or bottomless PF technique ...

Do you have any double/single spout original purchase option ... I had a double with Silvia, but Bezzera came with a single,
lining up a double on a single cup, sometimes challenging, dictating cup rim size

mid_gen · 22 Apr 2020 at 09:32

The cheaper PL62S has cheap plastic knobs, one portafilter, a crappy plastic tamper, and the case is only partly polished steel.

The PL62 has nicer shiny black knobs, a single spout portafilter, a double spout portafilter, nice red wood and steel tamper, and is complete polished steel. Internally both identical though. Not a huge price difference.

I've ordered the Lelit wood handled bottomless portafilter....pretty happy my extractions are good already though, it'll be interesting to see

Probably get the wooden knobs to match it at some point...

Scottland · 22 Apr 2020 at 09:35

How is the steaming? How far does the knob turn to full pressure? One annoyance with my Silvia is that it's a few turns to get full pressure for the steam which is a bit awkward. I thought a lever for steam might be better - but maybe not enough control?

mid_gen · 22 Apr 2020 at 09:58

Scottland said:
How is the steaming? How far does the knob turn to full pressure? One annoyance with my Silvia is that it's a few turns to get full pressure for the steam which is a bit awkward. I thought a lever for steam might be better - but maybe not enough control?

Still learning the steam...it doesn't use compression valves for the steam wands, so the knob loosens, and then the valve opens. It's pretty powerful, my problem is getting some air into the milk before it gets too hot....haven't made a good microfoam yet

Scottland · 22 Apr 2020 at 10:28

Damn wish I hadn't started looking now. Looks like the MaraX ticks all the important boxes for me (with the exception of a shot timer).

Dj_Jestar · 22 Apr 2020 at 12:46

Steam is just binary on/off for me to get perfect foam. Same for every barista I've ever seen serving me and on YouTube. I was interested a lever instead of knob but all the models I could find at the time (2015) with a lever were hella 'spensive.

jpaul · 22 Apr 2020 at 13:35

mid_gen said:
Still learning the steam...it doesn't use compression valves for the steam wands, so the knob loosens, and then the valve opens.

you mean , it's binary, too, all/nothing ... or a special valve, with a spring ? ... mine are just regular (kitchen) tap type valves ?

I'd investigated getting a smaller hole nozzle though to additionally reduce flow / make up for my inability, currently 4X1.5mm , but,
"Do you have either 4x1.0mm or 2x1.0mm versions ?"

mid_gen · 22 Apr 2020 at 13:59

jpaul said:
you mean , it's binary, too, all/nothing ... or a special valve, with a spring ? ... mine are just regular (kitchen) tap type valves ?

I'd investigated getting a smaller hole nozzle though to additionally reduce flow / make up for my inability, currently 4X1.5mm , but,
"Do you have either 4x1.0mm or 2x1.0mm versions ?"

Dj_Jestar said:
Steam is just binary on/off for me to get perfect foam. Same for every barista I've ever seen serving me and on YouTube. I was interested a lever instead of knob but all the models I could find at the time (2015) with a lever were hella 'spensive.

Easiest with a video. The the part of the knob travel that opens and closes the steam valve is separate from the limit of the knob's range. It's a turn or so to get from full closed to the steam valve, then a very rapid opening/closing. There's a bit of resistance in the knob so you can feel when you're at it.

It's a 2-hole steam tip. Might try a single hole one then to make steaming smaller jugs easier. I did have more success earlier today

jpaul · 22 Apr 2020 at 20:31

gratuitous steam shot bz02.. this utube interface is junk how do you rotate videos

mid_gen · 23 Apr 2020 at 09:34

Managed to get some decent foam this morning, although my first attempt at latte art turned into a **** and balls :E

Hope the decaf I ordered arrives soon or I'm going to give myself a heart attack...

Raymond Lin · 23 Apr 2020 at 19:52

I got an inch to upgrade my coffee gear...anyone have a Niche Zero?

Btone · 23 Apr 2020 at 21:09

funny enough I'm thinking about upgrading my grinder too and would love people views on the Niche or something similar

mid_gen · 24 Apr 2020 at 08:13

Seems to be very well regarded, tons of reviews around. Don't think you'd be disappointed.

Niche Zero and Eureka Mignon series are the go to entry level decent grinders.

Raymond Lin · 24 Apr 2020 at 08:24

mid_gen said:
Seems to be very well regarded, tons of reviews around. Don't think you'd be disappointed.

Niche Zero and Eureka Mignon series are the go to entry level decent grinders.

What draws me in particular is the fact that the burr in the Niche is 63mm and the same as a machine costing much more.

Dj_Jestar · 24 Apr 2020 at 08:32

£500 for a grinder isn't what I'd call entry level

mid_gen · 24 Apr 2020 at 08:50

Dj_Jestar said:
£500 for a grinder isn't what I'd call entry level

Entry level for a good quality, consistent, low retention espresso grinder, 300-500 range is where you'd look to start.

I try to avoid falling into the trap of buying cheap, twice, or worse, buy cheap, then buying decent!

Dj_Jestar · 24 Apr 2020 at 09:38

Rancilio Rocky is less than half the cost but still a great grinder. A lot of the baratza range are very good but around half the cost, etc.

The niche is rightly labelled pro-sumer for a reason.