Shrktank Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2007 Posts: 3 Location: St Louis, Missouri Expertise: Just starting
Espresso: Saeco Via Venezia Grinder: Starbucks Barista Burr Drip: Cuisanart
Posted Sun Dec 9, 2007, 4:33pm Subject: Newbie Espresso Questions?
I just purchased this past week a used espresso machine to begin making my own espresso's, lattes and such. I purchased a Delonghi ec140 for under $25.00 just to see if I enjoy the experience.
Thus far I enjoy the experience, but I ahve a few questions.
I can make 2oz of espresso at one time. Are there other machines which can make more at one time. I like to make "venti" size lattes to take with me on the way to work. Or is 2 oz the right amount of espresso for a venti" size latte. What is the proper ratio?
When I steam the milk, I noticed the milk does not reach the optimal temp. of 160-165 without the "ready" light goining off. When it goes off I have to wait for it to reheat the water in the boiler, then restart the process. Do the better machines have bigger boilers so this does not occur? Could I be doing something incorrectly.
I think Santa may be shopping for a new machine for me. Are there any strong recommendations or avoidance alerts you can share. I told Santa I would be happy with a Saeco Aroma, Starbucks Barista or a Starbucks Via Veneza.
Thus far I am using the Starbucks espresso coffee. What is a good online resource link for better coffee.
Can any coffee grounded down be used for espresso?
Bott Senior Member Joined: 16 Apr 2007 Posts: 175 Location: USA Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Athenea Lever
Posted Sun Dec 9, 2007, 5:49pm Subject: Re: Newbie Espresso Questions?
I think 3 -4.5 ounces of espresso would make a better "venti" drink than 2 ounces. If your venti is as big as Starbucks even that may not be enough espresso. http://www.wholelattelove.com/articles/espresso_drink_recipes.cfm is a good link for recipes for drinks. (2 parts milk for 1 part espresso for a latte.) Machines with large boilers don't run out of steam. Seems like getting to 150-155 would be hot enough but since you like the drinks extra hot a small boiler is a big problem.
edit - Jasonian is right about taste being the standard you should go by. Any of the rules or recipes that you encounter should not be considered as absolutes. They're just a starting point. The 2 ounces of espresso to 18 ounces of milk doesn't sound so good to me, but Starbucks is selling them all day long so it must taste right to a lot of people!
Jasonian Senior Member Joined: 8 Aug 2005 Posts: 3,832 Location: Lubbock, TX Expertise: Professional
Posted Sun Dec 9, 2007, 8:03pm Subject: Re: Newbie Espresso Questions?
Shrktank Said:
I just purchased this past week a used espresso machine to begin making my own espresso's, lattes and such. I purchased a Delonghi ec140 for under $25.00 just to see if I enjoy the experience.
Thus far I enjoy the experience, but I ahve a few questions.
I can make 2oz of espresso at one time. Are there other machines which can make more at one time. I like to make "venti" size lattes to take with me on the way to work. Or is 2 oz the right amount of espresso for a venti" size latte. What is the proper ratio?
When I steam the milk, I noticed the milk does not reach the optimal temp. of 160-165 without the "ready" light goining off. When it goes off I have to wait for it to reheat the water in the boiler, then restart the process. Do the better machines have bigger boilers so this does not occur? Could I be doing something incorrectly.
I think Santa may be shopping for a new machine for me. Are there any strong recommendations or avoidance alerts you can share. I told Santa I would be happy with a Saeco Aroma, Starbucks Barista or a Starbucks Via Veneza.
Thus far I am using the Starbucks espresso coffee. What is a good online resource link for better coffee.
Can any coffee grounded down be used for espresso?
Starbucks only puts 2oz. of espresso to a whopping 18oz. of milk. That's just a ton of milk for a little single boiler domestic machine.
That having been said, there is no "magic number". That's a myth, and a business practice standard for Starbucks, but it's no industry standard.
I would probably go with the proportion of milk you prefer, and not stick to silly things like "recipes" or "rules". A latte is just espresso and milk. The proportions are up to your own individual taste, as is the temperature of the frothed milk.
That having been said, I think you should probably invest in an espresso-capable burr grinder (expect to spend at least $200 on it.. and no, Starbucks doesn't carry one to my knowledge).
Pre-ground coffee and espresso as concepts just don't get along very well.
Either of the two links I gave you should be able to help you along your espresso journey locally.
Google to see if there is a local roaster in your area and if not - check out some of the advertisers on this site. The coffee you buy at Starbucks is most likely 3 months old by the time you get a hold (among many other problems...) of it so its definately worth spending the extra buck or two on shipping to get something of much better quality, roasted 3 days before you start pulling shots.
Now I don't know everything, but I have a ton of experience with the Starbucks Barista and since starbucks no longer sells it anymore (clearanced them out in september, i believe) you could probably find a used one for around $200 or even less. For that price it's a great entry level machine. Be sure to buy a tamper though :)
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