cv Senior Member Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 69 Location: Vancouver, BC Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Wega Mini EVD, SB Barista Grinder: Vario, Preciso, Rocky DL,... Drip: Capresso MT500+, De Longhi...
Posted Wed Aug 26, 2009, 6:24pm Subject: Wega volumetric control
I'm just learning the ins and outs of a recently resurrected Wega Mininova EVD (automatic) and wondering about the programmable shot volume control.
I've noticed that if I set the double shot for a volume of about 1.75 ounces and then adjust the grind a bit finer for subsequent shots that I no longer get a full 1.75 ounces.
Is that the normal funtion of volume control in an automatic machine or do I have a problem? Does the programmable volume control have to be adjusted every time that I make a significant change in grind?
I'm not thinking of the normal changes in grind necessary to maintain the same shot time due to changes in age of beans or humidity etc. but more with respect to heading towards a ristretto shot. And I understand that it's necessary for the volume to be less in a ristretto shot but just not sure why my machine does not maintain the same volume regardless of the grind?
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Wed Aug 26, 2009, 11:19pm Subject: Re: Wega volumetric control
The Volume you set the button to put out, doesnt always mean you will get that volume in your cup.
I suggest setting the button while pulling a shot, that will give you a more accurate "dose" for any given button.
If you just let the water flow into a measuring cup, depending on the grind setting of a shot, the actual shot volume will change.
And, if you have more then one dosing button, you could set one of them to put out like, idk, 4oz of water, and always stop the shot manually. Its nice to have volumetric dosing, but there will always be time you want to experiment, so having a button which will put out way more water then you need is like having a semi-auto machine.. You decide when to stop it. I know more then a few people who own Volumetric Dosed machines do this with one of the dosing buttons. If you only have two, set one to be your normal shot volume, regardless of what the picture on the button says or if you want a ristretto or a normale, and set the other one to run a very long shot. just because the button says "double", doesnt mean you cant set it for 1oz or 30oz.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
That makes sense that the processor is measuring the volume output before the grouphead and the amount of water that actually makes it through the puck at a given grind and pressure will vary. And the amount of water that exits out the solenoid valve will also vary as a result.
Now that I know this is normal function I can program accordingly. The mininova does have a manual brew button as well as the two programmable single/double shot buttons so I actually have three options that can be set/controlled wherever I want so gives me a lot of options. Will just have to dial in the grind for a given bean before I expect the single and double shot buttons to be consistent.
I tend to use the manual button most of the time already but the preset options just make it a more convenient option for my significant other.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,652 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 Aug 27, 2009, 12:23pm Subject: Re: Wega volumetric control
My habits are just the opposite of yours. I have 4 buttons. 1 restratio 2 normal 3 not programed and 4 manual on /off I can't remember the last time I started and stopped a shot manually. I do watch for blonding and will stop a shot early if that happens but it is SOOOOO nice to push the button and pour the milk at the same time while just keeping an eye on the shot. If all goes well, the shot ends without a hitch and I KNOW I have 2 oz in my cup.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
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