xdavez Senior Member Joined: 21 Nov 2007 Posts: 521 Location: USA Expertise: Professional
Espresso: La Spaziale Vivaldi II Grinder: Mahlkoenig K 30es, Mazzer... Vac Pot: none Drip: Technivorm
Posted Tue May 13, 2008, 3:11pm Subject: A gentle reminder about technique:
With all the ink spent on dosing and clumping, etc., it is time to recall a VERY important part of proper technique as I was reminded at USBC 2008 in Minneapolis:
DRY the inside of the Portafilter basket BEFORE loading with coffee!
otherwise, channeling can result -- as the hot water pressure finds a shortcut through the areas of wetted coffee and escapes.
If you doubt this, watch videos of ANY professional barista competition.
( and it should be noted, they ALL use DOSER grinders!)
Posted Wed May 14, 2008, 10:22am Subject: Re: A gentle reminder about technique:
not only is it important to dry the basket, but it is also important to use a clean towel. you can make it dry but leave behind some coffee residue or oils. but a nice clean towel will dry it as well as clean it.
Posted Thu May 15, 2008, 12:00pm Subject: Re: A gentle reminder about technique:
Thanks for the tip. I haven't even thought about drying the basket in spite of being annoyed with the grounds sticking to the upper sides of the basket. Just in time for my afternoon espresso.
wideasleep1 Senior Member Joined: 19 Feb 2005 Posts: 524 Location: Sausalito,Ca Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: VBMDoubleDomo Grinder: Mazzer Mini Vac Pot: nope Drip: Bodum Press Roaster: IR1 and 2,SC/TO,Behmor
Posted Fri May 16, 2008, 1:10am Subject: Re: A gentle reminder about technique:
Since we're on a roll...
Don't simply rely on a quick visual after a dry towel sweep, either...hold the pf up to a light and examine the holes in the basket, making sure none are plugged with grind flakes, which will affect your pull if you don't use an old toothbrush or similar to clean the basket properly. :)
Symbols: = New Posts since your last visit = No New Posts since last visit = Newest post
Forum Rules: No profanity, illegal acts or personal attacks will be tolerated in these discussion boards. No commercial posting of any nature will be tolerated; only private sales by private individuals, in the "Buy and Sell" forum. No cross posting allowed - do not post your topic to more than one forum, nor repost a topic to the same forum. Who Can Read The Forum? Anyone can read posts in these discussion boards. Who Can Post New Topics? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post new topics. Who Can Post Replies? Any registered CoffeeGeek member can post replies. Can Photos be posted? Anyone can post photos in their new topics or replies. Who can change or delete posts? Any CoffeeGeek member can edit their own posts. Only moderators can delete posts. Probationary Period: If you are a new signup for CoffeeGeek, you cannot promote, endorse, criticise or otherwise post an unsolicited endorsement for any company, product or service in your first five postings.
= No New Posts since last visit 