Soldato
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Yep that's right, I used office tape but same idea. Actually I don't remember the setting, just set it fine and back off til it works well!
Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread
- Thread starter Siliconslave
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Soldato
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I've actually been doing some research these past couple of days and probably going to buy a Timemore C2.
I have the Hario Skerton and wouldn't recommend it. Not that it's bad per se, but compared to what's around nowadays, there's better options.
The original (which I think has been discontinued now) didn't have the stabilising plate which the plus includes, but even with it there's still some movement so grind consistency isn't the best. Also, because the burrs are ceramic (as well as the Mini Mill afaik) they take longer to grind compared to steel burrs. Granted it's not too much longer (maybe 2 mins for a dose compared to 30-40 secs), but it's a big enough difference, for me anyway.
The other reason why I'm buying a different grinder now, is so that I can take it with me when I travel, as the Skerton has a glass holder.
From what I've been reading it's worth spending the £60 to get a Timemore C2 as it's a decent fast grinder. Spending a little more could opt for the Timemore Slim Plus as it has all metal construction, or a knock off 1Zpresso Kingrinder K series, or if you have the budget, the 1Zpresso JX/Pro or Comandante C40.
Cheers, that looks like a really solid & nice looking grinder. Whilst it's almost double the price, I think I could stretch to that, if it's a lot quicker as you say.
I like the transparent container on the Hario Mini Mill, as you can easily see what's coming out. But not much of a deal breaker.
If you get the C2, let us know what it's like?
Caporegime
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I find them are generally too coarse for espresso, it’s just under. But too fine for cafetière or even V60 (although with paper filter it matters less, just takes forever to draw down).
I'm actually ok with using supermarket ground packs for V60 pour over. It's not fast, sure, but I think it results in a richer cup of coffee than a coarser grind.
Admittedly I'm only using a spice grinder which outputs a coarse grind at the moment, hence thinking of getting a proper grinder.
Nice choice on the Duo Pro - I still can't decide that or a Bambino Plus burning also leaning towards the Duo Pro
I’ve been stressing trying to find the best machine for my needs and this one looks almost perfect. It will be a Christmas present from my wife so sending her the details today. Looks to be discounted right now too.
Is the Sage smart grinder pro a good pairing for my Gaggia Classic? Currently £170 at sage or the dose control pro for £110 good enough?
Still using the GC and a cheap Krups electric burr grinder for 10 years and I think the grinder is holding me back as it’s not fine enough and my shots are all too fast. Thinking also of changing all seals on the GC and maybe figuring out setting the OPV a bit lower. I’ve changed the main head seal before but the rubber ones don’t seem to last well. Also dropped the pressurised portafilter a while back too for something better.
Still using the GC and a cheap Krups electric burr grinder for 10 years and I think the grinder is holding me back as it’s not fine enough and my shots are all too fast. Thinking also of changing all seals on the GC and maybe figuring out setting the OPV a bit lower. I’ve changed the main head seal before but the rubber ones don’t seem to last well. Also dropped the pressurised portafilter a while back too for something better.
Time for some retro coffee
I'll see your retro..
You want snobby.. then ensure your coffee machine turns it's nose up at less than perfect coffee and grind
tear-down of machine yesterday to try and fix OPV which seems to be providing too low pressure
- seems better, although didn't put enough ptfe tape so some small weep from a joint , so will repeat if the fix proves robust.
I think there may have been some scale debris causing issue (not closing fully)
- salmon pink colour - yuck, is a consequence of using citric acid I think
- syphoned the boiler out, but still quite a lot of water in the tubes which is difficult to control when you decouple opv & pump.
- some of the opv parts seemed to have threadlock so had to grip it in workbench (I need a bench vice)
- If I could find a parts kit to replace rubbers/springs I would do that next time.
I've wasted enough expensive beans over the years, when you get home from the coffee shop full of expectation.
eg. https://www.google.com/search?q=newly+roasted+coffe+wait&oq=newly+roasted+coffe+wait
- seems better, although didn't put enough ptfe tape so some small weep from a joint , so will repeat if the fix proves robust.
I think there may have been some scale debris causing issue (not closing fully)
- salmon pink colour - yuck, is a consequence of using citric acid I think
- syphoned the boiler out, but still quite a lot of water in the tubes which is difficult to control when you decouple opv & pump.
- some of the opv parts seemed to have threadlock so had to grip it in workbench (I need a bench vice)
- If I could find a parts kit to replace rubbers/springs I would do that next time.
yes I realised - using coffee roasted less than 6 days ago, as you suggest, usually doesn't produce predictable espresso results - usually get too rapid flow - blond gush, so you let it rest ;
I've wasted enough expensive beans over the years, when you get home from the coffee shop full of expectation.
eg. https://www.google.com/search?q=newly+roasted+coffe+wait&oq=newly+roasted+coffe+wait
tear-down of machine yesterday to try and fix OPV which seems to be providing too low pressure
- seems better, although didn't put enough ptfe tape so some small weep from a joint , so will repeat if the fix proves robust.
I think there may have been some scale debris causing issue (not closing fully)
- salmon pink colour - yuck, is a consequence of using citric acid I think
- syphoned the boiler out, but still quite a lot of water in the tubes which is difficult to control when you decouple opv & pump.
- some of the opv parts seemed to have threadlock so had to grip it in workbench (I need a bench vice)
- If I could find a parts kit to replace rubbers/springs I would do that next time.
yes I realised - using coffee roasted less than 6 days ago, as you suggest, usually doesn't produce predictable espresso results - usually get too rapid flow - blond gush, so you let it rest ;
I've wasted enough expensive beans over the years, when you get home from the coffee shop full of expectation.
eg. https://www.google.com/search?q=newly+roasted+coffe+wait&oq=newly+roasted+coffe+wait
Yep i get the best from it about day 4 after roasting but after day 6 the oils have started evaporating which plays blue murder with having a consistent pour through the puck. That was with hasbean roasting and distributing so depending on the roaster/distribution (ie temps and time) that will vary.
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Soldato
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This is a strange cross-over but the Dualit Eureka Mignon Specialita is on for £290: https://www.dualit.com/products/eureka-mignon-coffee-grinder
This is end-game territory for little money and resale value are fantastic on these.
Thanks for sharing that. Looks like a great deal. Very tempting but also a big chunk over the Sage options I was looking at. I wouldn't be planning to sell it but I guess the uplift in £ per coffee brewed isn't much if it's built to last. That was one of the attractive properties of the Gaggia Classic to me, it's repairability and quality. I have no idea what is equivalent to that in the world of grinders but your link looks like a strong option.
I've ordered a service kit for the Gaggia Classic, as well as a blind basket and a pressure gauge as I think I'll attempt to adjust down the OPV at the same time, since the machine will be apart and I don't plan to use the pressurised baskets again. Just need to decide on grinder.
yes it's a good deal back to pre-covid eureka prices, even if it's not a coloured one - how come eureka are manufacturing for dualit.
the two sages have same basic grinder just different degrees of automation I thought - there is/was a sub £100 £90? deal on the sage a few pages back.
the two sages have same basic grinder just different degrees of automation I thought - there is/was a sub £100 £90? deal on the sage a few pages back.
I think the cheaper sage also has a lower power motor.
So, I have:
- Sage Dose Control Pro - around £95
- Sage Smart Grinder Pro - around £150
- ‘Dualit’ Eureka Mignon - around £290
Given I’m coming from a grinder now worth about £5-£10 they should all be a big jump and I think all would grind fine enough to use with the classic w/unpressurised basket.
The Mignon is no doubt a fantastic deal but £195 more than the first option is big. Like most, I’m not exactly furnished with a lot of spare cash at the moment. I’m just finally fed up of putting up with this unbalanced setup after 10 years!
Curious if anyone else who made the same kind of jump would share their experience, especially if you have a Gaggia Classic.
So, I have:
- Sage Dose Control Pro - around £95
- Sage Smart Grinder Pro - around £150
- ‘Dualit’ Eureka Mignon - around £290
Given I’m coming from a grinder now worth about £5-£10 they should all be a big jump and I think all would grind fine enough to use with the classic w/unpressurised basket.
The Mignon is no doubt a fantastic deal but £195 more than the first option is big. Like most, I’m not exactly furnished with a lot of spare cash at the moment. I’m just finally fed up of putting up with this unbalanced setup after 10 years!
Curious if anyone else who made the same kind of jump would share their experience, especially if you have a Gaggia Classic.
Caporegime
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The Sage are a consumer device, the Eureka is an enthusiast device.
If you see coffee is a hobby than just a ticket to get caffeinated then the Eureka, if not, save your money.
If you see coffee is a hobby than just a ticket to get caffeinated then the Eureka, if not, save your money.
Soldato
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Choose what's right for you now. All those machines will fetch you 75% of your original ROI. You can always upgrade later if you're not happy.
I've had both the SGP and Eureka Mignon. The Mignon is built differently. It's a small tank. Is it worth double the price? If you're new to your journey, I would say not right now. For the experienced enthusiast, I would say so.
The SGP will get you great mileage with the classic. In a year or 2, you can move on. I'm pretty sure there'll be a new OG on the block for £300.
It's common for leading manufacturers to white label goods/partnership to increase revenues/market exposure.
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now looking - eureka build quality is about the same as rancilio rocky , doesn't seem to have a brass carrier at the top though - https://youtu.be/qML6-NKn1AA?t=288
(mine 20yrs old has been modded for stepless and carrier locking.)
The eureka/dualit partnership could have been like LeLit/Breville - but google is not clarifying it
(mine 20yrs old has been modded for stepless and carrier locking.)
The eureka/dualit partnership could have been like LeLit/Breville - but google is not clarifying it