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Starbucks Barista

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wcgriffin
Senior Member

Joined: 18 Nov 2003
Posts: 2
Location: Maryland
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Starbucks Barista
Grinder: Gaggia MDF

Posted Wed Dec 31, 2003, 1:11pm Subject: Starbucks Barista

Just got a new Barista for Christmas, and I love it. I have just one question. Does anyone know if you can use a commercial portafilter instead of their pressurized one. I would love to play around a little bit more with it.

kouhii
Senior Member

Joined: 30 Dec 2003
Posts: 16
Location: Vancouver, BC
Expertise: Just starting

Espresso: Saeco Classico SS
Grinder: Looking
Vac Pot: Bodum Press
Drip: Frequently. See "Location"

Posted Wed Dec 31, 2003, 9:11pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

From what I understand, the Barista uses the Saeco pressurized portafilter. I've seen references to a non-pressurized portafilter by Saeco, which would most likely fit (I don't imagine pressurized portafilters in multiple sizes). Check with any dealer in your area who carries Saeco to see if you can order one in, and if it is compatible. From what I've seen on various sites, it should cost you about $35. kouhii

JR
Senior Member

Joined: 31 Mar 2003
Posts: 1,807
Location: Germantown, TN (right next to Elvistown)
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Old Coffee Gaggia (x2.5)
Grinder: Cunill Tranquilo
Drip: the late Melitta Clarity...
Roaster: GG/UFO

Posted Wed Dec 31, 2003, 10:30pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

Besides being pressurized, the Barista (Saeco) uses a 53mm. portafilter. Most "commercial" machines use a 58mm. portafilter. I did a search in the forum to see if anyone mentioned where they bought their nonpressurized portafilter, and I couldn't find it. Bloocanary should be able to provide the name of a supplier--he recently bought one. Jack

www.PainFreeComputing.com www.IsuzuPup.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gaggia

Rhinoevans
Senior Member

Joined: 21 Sep 2003
Posts: 132
Location: Las Vegas
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: La Spaziale S1, Starbucks...
Grinder: Rocky DL
Vac Pot: N/A
Drip: N/A
Roaster: N/A

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 9:16am Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

I also received this from SAECO in responce to the non pressurized portafliter:: You can call us directly at 800-933-7876 to place your order

wcgriffin
Senior Member

Joined: 18 Nov 2003
Posts: 2
Location: Maryland
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Starbucks Barista
Grinder: Gaggia MDF

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 2:42pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

Thanks I will look into it.

sjd
Senior Member

Joined: 1 Jan 2004
Posts: 2
Location: Toronto, Canada
Expertise: I love coffee

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 2:53pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

What's a pressurized portafilter? I've also seen it referenced in the review of the Solis SL70, where it was suggested NOT to use the pressurized pf that comes with the machine, but to use a "normal" pf. What does the pressurized pf do? How does it work? How is this different in operation from a non-pressurized pf? What are the benefits/drawbacks? Is this enough questions for one post ? (8(\|) Thanks in advance! Steve

melvy
Senior Member

Joined: 20 Nov 2002
Posts: 113
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Expertise: I love coffee

Espresso: Quickmill Anita PID
Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Drip: Technivorm KBTS
Roaster: Hottop

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 4:46pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

there's some info on what the pressurized pf does and how it works in this thread here. i owned a barista athena for 3 years with a pressurized pf. when i upgraded to miss silvia and entered the world of the non-pressurized pf, i noticed a few things. first, the "simulated," or "manufactured" crema of the non-pressurized pf doesn't linger. it's thinner, and while it looks robust during the pour, if you allow the shot to settle, most of it will disappear. with the non-presurized pf, the crema is thick, hangs on the top of the shot, and sticks to the side of your cup. also, a pressurized pf can produce crema with stale, old coffee, because of the introduction of air. this dissipates, of course, but a non-pressurized wouldn't be so kind as to simulate. drawbacks to the pressurized pf are the above... a lesser shot quality / crema quality, and less overall control of the pour. a potential benefit is ease of use / forgiveness. a pressurized pf is less finnicky, and does not require meticulous attention to tamping pressure. i'm sure there are other pluses and minuses... these are the ones i've discovered from my experience. hope this is helpful...

SquareOne
Senior Member

Joined: 8 Aug 2003
Posts: 31
Location: North America
Expertise: I like coffee

Espresso: Isomac Tea / Saeco Magic
Grinder: Cunill Tranquillo . Solis...
Drip: Mr. Coffee Thermal Gourmet
Roaster: Fresh Roast +

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 8:21pm
Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

melvy Said:

there's some info on what the pressurized pf does and how it works in this thread here.

drawbacks to the pressurized pf are the above... a lesser shot quality / crema quality, and less overall control of the pour. a potential benefit is ease of use / forgiveness. a pressurized pf is less finnicky, and does not require meticulous attention to tamping pressure.

i'm sure there are other pluses and minuses... these are the ones i've discovered from my experience.

hope this is helpful...

Posted January 1, 2004 link

The taste of espresso made from a machine with a pressurized portafilter seems to have an intrinsic sharpness to it , while an espresso from a machine with a non-pressurized portafilter appears to have no such a priori characteristics .

Posted Thu Jan 1, 2004, 8:58pm Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

I think I have talked myself into believing that the non pressurized portafilter taste better

JR
Senior Member

Posted Fri Jan 2, 2004, 7:09am Subject: Re: Starbucks Barista

Rhinoevans Said: I think I have talked myself into believing that the non pressurized portafilter taste better Posted January 1, 2004 link Since you already have an adequate grinder (Gaggia MDF), you should be able to get better results. Just don't expect it immediately. This will take some practice. Jack

www.PainFreeComputing.com www.IsuzuPup.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Gaggia

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