Posted Thu May 10, 2012, 4:17am Subject: can super automatics even make espresso?
Hi,
I have a Saeco Odeao Giro Plus, super automatic at home. (I know super automatics are frowned upon, but it was a present for my parents and they aren't the type of people to spend a lot of time on coffee in the morning) I've been quite obsessed with latte art and have been practicing a lot. I've noticed that my milk is starting to become more and more like the stuff I've found on youtube etc.
However, since the art keeps on failing, I'm starting to wonder of my machine is actually making espresso? I've been going to local coffee bars and when I ask a espresso/ristretto, the crema is usually a lot darker and denser. Mine are looking quite light in color and somewhat "airy" which leads me to believe that perhaps this isn't crema (which is supposed to be an emulsion of coffee oils and gasses derived from the coffee), but just aerated coffee (coffee pressed through a pressurized basket to create foam)? Of course, I can't take the machine apart to test my pressurized basket theory, so I was wondering if someone might have an answer/explanation for me? I'll also upload some pics of a double shot.
(Click for larger image)
life's to short to drink bad coffee preferred brewing method: AeroPress
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,761 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Thu May 10, 2012, 5:52am Subject: Re: can super automatics even make espresso?
Well, this is a loaded question.
If the machine does NOT have a PPF, then yes it is making "real" espresso. That does not mean that it is GOOD espresso though.
The failing of a lot of super automatics is in the grinder and the lack of adjustments. A lot of the super auto machines have grinders that are, at best, marginal. They often have plastic group heads and suffer from a lack of thermal stability. The result is often what you are posting a picture of, even with good beans.
You have what you have and until you "upgrade" you need to learn your machine and what adjustments it has to get the most it can give.
I have not used your machine and can not offer any way to improve what you are getting as I do not know what adjustments and what their range of movement is.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
slybarman Senior Member Joined: 3 Nov 2011 Posts: 344 Location: usa Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Nuova Era Cuadra Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Thu May 10, 2012, 6:53am Subject: Re: can super automatics even make espresso?
My Saeco Talea Ring Plus gave me very passable lattes. I am not a straight espresso drinker, so I won't comment on its quality for a straight shot. I was able to steam well enough to make latte art with it as well (as good as I can do latte art anyway). The lattes are better with my current semi-auto, but the super auto was capable of better coffee than most here would probably give it credit for.
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