NobbyR Senior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 1,605 Location: Germany Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Poccino Opus One, Ariete Grinder: Eureka Mignon Istantaneo,... Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Melitta Linea Unica de Luxe Roaster: N/A
Posted Sat Oct 22, 2011, 10:05pm Subject: Re: Too many choices!
The triple basket is designed to let more water through its holes than a double or even a single basket. That way, in spite of the higher dose, the desired amount of water can pass the grounds during extraction time.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
Posted Wed Oct 26, 2011, 7:04pm Subject: Re: Too many choices!
Hi Mike, If your head is done spinning from all the really good advice given- let me add a bit and/or reiterate a bit. Start with the coffee maybe- what's the best the coffee you are using can taste? Order a bit of well known well established espresso and see what you can do. I don't like to twist much when I tamp. 1/4 turn max myself. Grind finer and tamp lighter is another rule I like. If your getting shots in the appropriate time span (there's a grey area- I've pulled shots that took over a minute that tasted pretty darn good), then go on to the next part. Play with your flush times and see what you get. I like to get my shot ready then do a quick flush and go- myself. Getting to know your machine- whatever machine that may be- will be a big part of it. Enjoy the ride!! Ron
Posted Fri Nov 4, 2011, 5:43pm Subject: Re: Too many choices!
Update
I have ordered a VST basket which I seem to find easier to work with. Having trouble dialing in my grinder because I grind drip coffee with the same grinder. Whenever changing grind from drip to espresso it takes 3 or 4 shots before I get no more channeling no matter how I tamp and whatever the setting. I measure 16 to 17 gm. of ground coffee tamp without any elaborate distribution. Best is when I have a nice mound in the center of the basket. I do use a curved Espro tamper. After the 3rd shot I get a nice cone with striping which lasts about 25 seconds and tastes great. I need to measure the volume though and might adjust the tamp but am very happy with the flavor.
The coffee made a huge difference. I ordered a 3 day old espresso blend from a professional roaster. It is far more forgiving than the single origin coffee I was using. Even the so-so shots are delicious albeit I am getting fussy. (Very sensitive to any bitter taste. When the shot cools then you can truly taste the difference. Of course when I get the espresso right it rarely has a chance to cool.
Posted Tue Oct 16, 2012, 8:23am Subject: Re: Too many choices!
Has been awhile so I thought I should update the topic. Took the advise in this thread and upgraded the grinder. Now have a Versalab. Wow what a difference! No need to distribute. I tap as per puck method as described with orphan espresso but use a towel instead of a puck. Settles the grinds evenly. Very light tamp , no 1/4 turn and then pull. Might add that I picked up a lever, an Olympia Cremina manufactured in 1976. Expresso is much better although I have more trouble steaming milk with this machine. There certainly is a difference in the shots as I seem to get more consistent and better tasting espresso from the Cremina. Cost 80% less than the Bosca and suits my purpose very nicely. If I win a lottery then I will definitely get the Bosca. For now I really like the Cremin/Versalab for hardware.
Coffee, well I do roast my own but do order an espresso blend on occasion. With the Cremina I can still get a decent shot even with stale coffee. At least for a milk drink.
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