Posted Sun Mar 18, 2012, 6:15pm Subject: Highly endorse alternate 2 hole steam tip for Rocket machines
I've been having a really difficult time getting good microfoam on a consistent basis with my new Rocket Cellini Evoluzione (2 months old). I started out using the stock 2 hole tip and couldn't come close. The Cellini has plenty of steaming power and the stock tip has pretty big holes so opening the valve fully results in hot milk with foamy bubbles if you're not on your game form the outset as your milk is up to temp very quickly. The fact that I was coming from an Expobar Pulsar probably handicapped me in a way as it definitely doesn't have the power the Rocket does and I really wasn't use to it.
I gave the 4 hole tip from Chris' Coffee and go and the orientation of the holes makes is difficult to get a good position for stretching without having either some of the holes submerged too far or not enough--resulting too often in hot milk or big soap bubbles.
I switched back to the stock tip and with very careful modulation of the steam (again, IMO somewhat difficult with no feedback on the steam knob) I could get decent microfoam about half the time.
I'd seen the Rocket 4 pack of alternate steam tips available at various sites but they've been backordered everywhere for at least a month--finally just got mine from Seattle Coffee Gear and gave the 2 hole tip (only tip I wanted but can't buy it individually) a go tonight. It's smaller than the stock tip, the holes are significantly smaller and appear to point outward at a shallower depth than the stock tip. What a HUGE difference. The smaller holes work to limit the strong steam power and eliminate the need to manual manage the pressure with the steam knob. I had a good position at the surface right away and the more manageable steam let me stretch a bit longer (I go to about 85-90 deg. F) and still got a great whirlpool upon plunging the tip--my biggest concern with the smaller holes. The resulting microfoam was easily the best I've achieved since getting the machine 2 months ago
Sorry to for the rambling story but just wanted to share in case any other Rocket owners are having a tough time as I was. The 4 pack of steam tips is worth a look simply for the the alternate 2 hole tip.
Posted Sat Jun 23, 2012, 8:19pm Subject: Re: Highly endorse alternate 2 hole steam tip for Rocket machines
I have had a Rocket R-58 for a couple of weeks and have also had a tough time getting my foaming ability back. I upgraded from a Rancilio Silvia that I had for 6 years and could get good foam but the Rocket has had me stumped. I had wondered about the 4 pack of tips and wondered about the hole size in that 2 hole as compared to the OEM 2 hole.
Thanks for the info!
I also read in another thread about plugging holes to get a one hole. Instead of using toothpicks as the Poster did I would use JB Weld, a 2 part epoxy stuff, and make sure it is smooth before it dries/sets up! The stuff is tough enough to take way more heat than the steamer can throw at it. You can actually powdercoat it so it can take heat. If the 4 hole tip that has that center hole does not work as is I will try and plug the other 3 holes and keep that center hole.
slybarman Senior Member Joined: 3 Nov 2011 Posts: 331 Location: usa Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Nuova Era Cuadra Grinder: Baratza Vario
Posted Sun Jun 24, 2012, 6:11am Subject: Re: Highly endorse alternate 2 hole steam tip for Rocket machines
BLrdFX Said:
I also read in another thread about plugging holes to get a one hole. Instead of using toothpicks as the Poster did I would use JB Weld, a 2 part epoxy stuff, and make sure it is smooth before it dries/sets up! The stuff is tough enough to take way more heat than the steamer can throw at it. You can actually powdercoat it so it can take heat. If the 4 hole tip that has that center hole does not work as is I will try and plug the other 3 holes and keep that center hole.
Just got a Toroid 20oz and it has helped but looking forward to getting the Rocket 4 tip set so I can try the various configurations.
Thanks for the reaffirmation on the JB Weld. I have actually used that stuff for bedding cannon barrels in carriages of Civil War cannon, real ones that shoot, and it is tough stuff!
Mookie10 Senior Member Joined: 13 Jun 2012 Posts: 3 Location: Washington Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Jun 25, 2012, 10:23am Subject: Re: Highly endorse alternate 2 hole steam tip for Rocket machines
I just picked up my R58 from Seattle Coffee Gear yesterday. The machine came equipped with a 1.5mm 2-hole tip, but also included an alternate 1.2mm 2-hole tip. Based on the packaging, it looks like this was added to the box at the factory (versus being added by SCG). I can't seem to find the specs on the 2-hole tip that comes in the four pack, but based on the description that it's "smaller", I'm guessing it's the 1.2mm tip.
Posted Mon Jun 25, 2012, 10:28am Subject: Re: Highly endorse alternate 2 hole steam tip for Rocket machines
Mookie10 Said:
I just picked up my R58 from Seattle Coffee Gear yesterday. The machine came equipped with a 1.5mm 2-hole tip, but also included an alternate 1.2mm 2-hole tip. Based on the packaging, it looks like this was added to the box at the factory (versus being added by SCG). I can't seem to find the specs on the 2-hole tip that comes in the four pack, but based on the description that it's "smaller", I'm guessing it's the 1.2mm tip.
That must have been something that SCG did because WLL R-58 came with one 2 hole tip. Don't have a gauge to measure the hole size, but I did order a 4 tip set from SCG so will be able to make a comparison in a couple of days.
So how does it froth milk with the smaller tip?
Doers your R-58 make a loud buzzing noise/racket when the reservoirs are filling?
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