I noted that availability and cost unknown, i.e. I do not know when exactly it will be available or if there will be a cost for fitting the new steam system onto existing machines. Also, in my opinion having this fix available is great news for everyone who is experiencing these steam issues with their GS3s. While I have not personally experienced problems in getting latte-art worthy microfoam with the existing system (I do small amounts only), I do admit that the new one is better (especially with larger quantities of milk) and I will go for it when it becomes available.
I'm with Mary on this one (If we are charged). When I purchased the machine I was made to believe that this issue were looked into and a fix eventually would be offered free of charge, just like the other bit and pieces.
Teme Said:
I noted that availability and cost unknown, i.e. I do not know when exactly it will be available or if there will be a cost for fitting the new steam system onto existing machines. Also, in my opinion having this fix available is great news for everyone who is experiencing these steam issues with their GS3s. While I have not personally experienced problems in getting latte-art worthy microfoam with the existing system (I do small amounts only), I do admit that the new one is better (especially with larger quantities of milk) and I will go for it when it becomes available.
PhillySteve Senior Member Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Philadelphia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Marzocco GS/3 Grinder: Cimbali Max Hybrid, Mazzer... Vac Pot: not anymre Drip: only if I must Roaster: a bunch of'em
Posted Fri May 16, 2008, 7:17pm Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
EspressoObsessed Said:
I am absolutely outraged that there is now a "fix" of the wet steam issue which will not be an upgrade but an option that I will have to pay for. I was getting great microfoam from Silvia which I cannot even approach on the GS/3. I've had no problem with foaming on other LMs I've tried. Curse my impatience. Lord, let me stop being an early adopter
I found the problem to be the stock steam tip... not the steam itself. When I switched to EPNW's custom 4-hole tip for LMs, silky microfoam became a snap. Note: this is NOT LM's 4-hole tip. I've no need to bother with the retro-fit.
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 163 Location: Los Angeles, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 4:40am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
Teme Said:
Wednesday this week I had the pleasure of trying a prototype of the new version of the steam system. I was impressed and I am happy to say that it eliminates the wet steam "issue" (and brings the steam performance onto the same level with other LMs). The new system will be retrofittable to existing machines. Availability and cost unknown, but it could be around July-August. You will lose the cool touch wand, but gain metal (stainless steel) wand joints.
JacobS Senior Member Joined: 5 May 2006 Posts: 133 Location: Copenhagen Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS/3 Grinder: Robur Roaster: Probat '73 RE 1 Sample...
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 5:35am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
What kind of reference do those of you, who finds the GS/3 is OK for steaming, have?
This is approximately the best I can do with the GS/3 - look how old and dull it looks. The photo was taken at 'serving time' (something like a little less than 60 seconds after steaming). The milk were steamed in a 35 cl pitcher, divided into two pitchers and poured into two 15 cl cups.
PhillySteve Senior Member Joined: 17 Mar 2008 Posts: 25 Location: Philadelphia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Marzocco GS/3 Grinder: Cimbali Max Hybrid, Mazzer... Vac Pot: not anymre Drip: only if I must Roaster: a bunch of'em
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 5:43am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
JacobS Said:
What kind of reference do those of you, who finds the GS/3 is OK for steaming, have?
This is approximately the best I can do with the GS/3 - look how old and dull it looks. The photo was taken at 'serving time' (something like a little less than 60 seconds after steaming). The milk were steamed in a 35 cl pitcher, divided into two pitchers and poured into two 15 cl cups.
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 163 Location: Los Angeles, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 6:01am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
That looks pretty darn good to me Jacob. :-)
Are you guys using 57mm or 58mm tampers? At the lowest I can get with the 58 in the double basket, the dispersion screen screw is still touching the puck...
JacobS Senior Member Joined: 5 May 2006 Posts: 133 Location: Copenhagen Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS/3 Grinder: Robur Roaster: Probat '73 RE 1 Sample...
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 7:04am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
Thanks, but that's exactly what I was afraid of - the quality of the microfoam sucks! The artwork should have had sharp edges with a silky smooth surface.
I use a 57.6mm Reg Barber which bottom outs at the bottom of the ridge. I'm going to use a Synesso ridgeless basket as soon as I can get hold of one.
JimWright Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 163 Location: Los Angeles, CA
Espresso: LM GS/3, Estro Profi Grinder: Macap M7KR Vac Pot: Yama Drip: Other: Eva Solo, Press Pot
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 7:34am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
So does your dispersion screen retainer screw also touch the puck then? (When you remove the PF, do you see the imprint of the screw?) I'm sure this is creating channeling...
JacobS Senior Member Joined: 5 May 2006 Posts: 133 Location: Copenhagen Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: GS/3 Grinder: Robur Roaster: Probat '73 RE 1 Sample...
Posted Sat May 17, 2008, 8:20am Subject: Re: New GS/3 owners thread
I find your question a little wired, you have the same machine and baskets as I/we do and there is no reason to believe that it would behave any different!
But I get contact with everything but the minimum dose that the 57.6mm tamper allows, but it's not a problem and I find the GS/3 very tolerant and forgiving!
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