Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

Raymond Lin · 9 Sep 2013 at 15:27

joffy said:
GGGGGRRRR!!! Thanks for the suggestions. Oh, what is that black plate thing for then?

Back plate ... No idea, I just put it in, rattles a bit when you take it out.

FrenchTart · 9 Sep 2013 at 15:35

I just left that plate in the box. I can't imagine it serves any useful purpose.

joffy · 9 Sep 2013 at 15:59

Had a long chat with Philips online support. They suggested a few things, but in the end decided it's faulty. Amazon are picking up and delivering a replacement tomorrow so hopefully that one will work and I can get into making espresso and start asking, "why does my coffee come out crap?"

One More Solo · 9 Sep 2013 at 20:36

That random black plate sits on top of the drip tray beneath the metal grate, not sure why though.

Flibster · 9 Sep 2013 at 23:53

One More Solo said:
That random black plate sits on top of the drip tray beneath the metal grate, not sure why though.

Only reason I've found is that sometimes, when you stop the pour it will spit violently down the waste tube and it can splash. The black bit stops the splashing going over your nicely filled cups.

OCdude · 9 Sep 2013 at 23:53

Got my Rancilio steam wand installed now. Going to (attempt to) get my grinder fine tuned and everything tested this weekend. Hopefully I'm not going to get too stressed out haha.

Does 14g for a double, lasting about 25 seconds sound about right for a starting point? I've seen varying figures all over the place...

Raymond Lin · 10 Sep 2013 at 01:08

OCdude said:
Does 14g for a double, lasting about 25 seconds sound about right for a starting point? I've seen varying figures all over the place...

sounds perfect.

joffy · 10 Sep 2013 at 12:04

Just got the replacement and it works!!! Now the fun begins...

Raymond Lin · 10 Sep 2013 at 13:13

That was fast

FrenchTart · 10 Sep 2013 at 13:14

joffy said:
Just got the replacement and it works!!! Now the fun begins...

Sorry if you've already covered this but - have you ordered a non-pressurised basket and spoken to whoever is currently holding the "OcUK" pressure gauge?

joffy · 10 Sep 2013 at 17:20

FrenchTart said:
Sorry if you've already covered this but - have you ordered a non-pressurised basket and spoken to whoever is currently holding the "OcUK" pressure gauge?

Yep a new basket is on the way, along with a better tamper. Not got a clue about the pressure gauge. I'm just a espresso noob.

joffy · 12 Sep 2013 at 08:26

Got most of the setup for my Gaggia Classic now, just need some shot glasses and cups.
Just tried making a flat whiite. Used whole milk about 150ml and it frothed up and spilled over the top of the jug before it had heated enough. Less milk next time I guess.

Raymond Lin · 12 Sep 2013 at 23:28

Look what I found under the stairs!

molinari · 13 Sep 2013 at 07:35

Raymond Lin said:
Look what I found under the stairs!

She's a beauty!!! I've been using my Zassenhaus almost every weekday for the last 3 years. Expensive purchase, but so worth it

.

Raymond Lin · 13 Sep 2013 at 10:27

molinari said:
She's a beauty!!! I've been using my Zassenhaus almost every weekday for the last 3 years. Expensive purchase, but so worth it .

How much did you pay for yours?

I think I got it like 6 years ago.

molinari · 13 Sep 2013 at 11:21

Raymond Lin said:
How much did you pay for yours?

I think I got it like 6 years ago.

It was about £80 if I remember correctly.

Raymond Lin · 13 Sep 2013 at 12:02

molinari said:
It was about £80 if I remember correctly.

I remember the company going bust around 2007 and that was when I got mine, I think I picked it up for like £50 thereabouts, but then it was so nice I never used it, bought a worktop electric burr grinder and put the Zass away. Not seen it in a few years !

bastic · 14 Sep 2013 at 12:30

OCdude said:
Got my Rancilio steam wand installed now. Going to (attempt to) get my grinder fine tuned and everything tested this weekend. Hopefully I'm not going to get too stressed out haha.

Does 14g for a double, lasting about 25 seconds sound about right for a starting point? I've seen varying figures all over the place...

Raymond Lin said:
sounds perfect.

should that be 25sec from pressing 'start' button ?

haaammit · 14 Sep 2013 at 13:07

bastic said:
should that be 25sec from pressing 'start' button ?

Yep - iirc the ideal time is between 25 and 30 seconds

quickshot89 · 15 Sep 2013 at 15:17

The classic went back up to £225

Now I have no idea what to buy, only wanted to spend about £160