DavidBB Senior Member Joined: 10 Jan 2008 Posts: 174 Location: Alberta Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Vibiemme Domobar Super... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: 8 cup FP Drip: Hamilton Beach Roaster: 5lb BBQ Drum, iR2
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008, 7:38am Subject: Starting to worry.
So, upgrade time is here. I pick-up my new Vibiemme Double in 3 or 4 days. It's fitted with the new boiler and will be store tested before I get it. Why worried? Well... I have a Breville CafeRoma that has a pressurized basket and is a no brainer to use. It makes ok espresso, but no skill involved. I also roast my own beans. They seem good to me, but with the new machine they will be put to the test. Should I pick up some roasted beans from a professional roaster to dial in the Vibiemme or stick to my own? I'm also a little worried about making espresso with the new machine after the Breville made it so easy and fool proof to get lots of crema. I am looking forward to this upgrade, but I think the quality of my home espresso could go downhill until I actually develop some skill.
"Once you wake up and smell the coffee, it's hard to go back to sleep".
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008, 8:08am Subject: Re: Starting to worry.
I am using the VBM DS and it is not at all difficult to use. Fr consistent results I highly recommend getting Erics thermometer adapter. I also brew using my own homeroast. The iRoast2 has the potential of roasting very good coffee if programmed well, but its capacity is not that great. The Mazzer mini should serve you well.
My best advice it to check your dosing right from the start. You do NOT want the coffee to touch the showerscreen. Load and tamp, then lock into place and immediately remove. There should be no marks on the coffee at all. If the mini is causing clumps as you dose you will need to use the WDT to get a good, smooth, and even dose.
From that point you will probably need to grind finer. Keep adjusting finer until the pour is too slow (like 45 seconds), then adjust coarser and taste test until you hit the best grind range.
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008, 8:17am Subject: Re: Starting to worry.
David I wouldn't worry at all. While it may be an eye opener you should relax and enjoy it. You'll find that following a few basic "rules" you'll be making tasty espresso in no time!
Like Mr. Glass I also highly recommend the thermometer attachment. I have one for my Quickmill Anita and it makes temperature reading much easier and repeatable (granted this is helpful on a HX).
Relax have fun and as always your virtual friends will always be here to help!
Posted Sun Jun 1, 2008, 9:44am Subject: Re: Starting to worry.
DavidBB Said:
I also roast my own beans. They seem good to me, but with the new machine they will be put to the test. Should I pick up some roasted beans from a professional roaster to dial in the Vibiemme or stick to my own?
It's a good excuse to try something new. For diagnostic purposes, it's helpful to have a "known" blend for comparing notes with online espresso enthusiasts.
DavidBB Said:
The VBM double is PID'd. Are you saying it still needs a thermometer or thermocouple adapter?
I think the above posters may have missed that detail in their first read (I did too). You are correct, there is no need for a thermometer/thermocouple adapter with the Vibiemme Double Domobar. The Vibiemme is a forgiving espresso machine, I'm sure you'll be pleased with the results in short order.
Whoops... missed the "double" in the OP. I have the Domobar Super and with the HX the thermometer is extremely handy. With the double I would say that it would be handy but not at all necessary. Once you get an idea of the offset for your machine (the difference between what the PID says and what the actual temperature is at the coffee) you will be fine.
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