ponti33609 Senior Member Joined: 13 Oct 2010 Posts: 63 Location: Tampa, FL Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Quick Mill Andreja Grinder: Rio Normale/Mazzer SJ
Posted Mon Dec 6, 2010, 4:46am Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
Here is our 1st ever Espresso set-up. The grinder was purchased used from a member here.
It was in great shape but the Mrs wanted the raw aluminum look so rather than perform a re-paint I went the sand and polish route. The espresso machine was purchased from Chris' Coffee.
Thx to everyone for their posts in helping us decide!
Posted Wed Jan 19, 2011, 5:46pm Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
My new Rocket Giotto Evoluzione - plumbed in. Just upgraded from PID-controlled Silvia. There really is a noticeable difference in the cup (and channeling is history!)
Posted Fri Jan 21, 2011, 8:51am Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
On the water filter head:
The left gauge is the static inlet water pressure to the house - normally 60-85 psi. The right gauge is the outlet pressure from the pressure regulator.
I've installed a shut-off for the water supply inlet to the filter cartridge so that I can isolate the espresso machine from the water supply, for extended periods if necessary, without having to shut off the cold water supply for the sink.
The white plastic shut-off valve coming out of the bottom pressure regulator outlet has a quick disconnect hose fitting. This permits easy installation of a short length of plastic hose that empties into a bucket, to purge carbon fines after installing a new filter cartridge (without having to disconnect the espresso machine's supply hose).
Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011, 1:22pm Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
I wouldn't exactly call it an espresso shrine. At the moment my setup is borrowing space in my wife's kitchen. Now that the nest is empty I plan to turn the bedroom adjacent to my home office into a coffee bar. A large Kitchen Island is going in there that will be home to my Mini Vivaldi and whatever lever machine I end up with.
Posted Thu Jan 27, 2011, 5:00pm Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
jsaliga Said:
I wouldn't exactly call it an espresso shrine. At the moment my setup is borrowing space in my wife's kitchen. Now that the nest is empty I plan to turn the bedroom adjacent to my home office into a coffee bar. A large Kitchen Island is going in there that will be home to my Mini Vivaldi and whatever lever machine I end up with.
Very nice looking set up! That is a Sweet nice espresso machine! I thought your Quick Mill Silvano was top of the line but the Mini Vivaldi looks even better.
I just noticed the basket for your Vario - you grind right into the portafilter. I use the "stir the grounds in the portafilter" method - how do you like that style?
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
Posted Fri Jan 28, 2011, 10:57am Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
EricBNC Said:
Very nice looking set up! That is a Sweet nice espresso machine! I thought your Quick Mill Silvano was top of the line but the Mini Vivaldi looks even better.
I just noticed the basket for your oog - you grind right into the portafilter. I use the "stir the grounds in the portafilter" method - how do you like that style?
The funny thing is your "junkyard espresso" kit, overall, is probably worth more than all the espresso shrines after all the modding ;) You manage to do some amazing MacGyver like work with whatever is laying around :)
Posted Fri Jan 28, 2011, 9:21pm Subject: Re: Espresso Shrines
EricBNC Said:
Very nice looking set up! That is a Sweet nice espresso machine! I thought your Quick Mill Silvano was top of the line but the Mini Vivaldi looks even better.
I just noticed the basket for your Vario - you grind right into the portafilter. I use the "stir the grounds in the portafilter" method - how do you like that style?
The Vario does not clump the coffee when it comes out of the chute so the grounds settle into the portafilter evenly if you give it a few light shakes during grinding. After I grind, I level the coffee grounds in the portafilter and then tamp. That has always worked very well for me and I never felt the need to do it any other way.
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