LOL, that was pretty much my experience as well. I just burned through a pound of high quality beans in 24 hours, but I am starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe the next bag will last a bit longer. :)
mr_pedro Senior Member Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 31 Location: Baltimore Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Fri Jun 15, 2012, 7:19pm Subject: Re: idiots guide to pulling consistent shots?
Looks like you are well on your way. Another thing you can do, rather than looking at the volume of the shot, is to weigh it. For a 15g dose I like my shots in the 15g~20g range, but you can also go towards the 30g for a regular espresso. All of these shots should be in about 25s~30s, the only difference is the grind. So with each coffee you should experiment a little to what you like best.
I don't know what you mean with not having a clue how to adjust the grinder, it is all done with trial and error at the begining. So if one shot is going too fast, you grind the next a bit finer. But as you see, this method only works if you can keep all else constant, that is why weiging the dose is important.
greattemper Senior Member Joined: 25 Mar 2012 Posts: 19 Location: Tel-Aviv Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Andreja Premium by quickmill Grinder: Lelit Roaster: Popcorn
Posted Fri Jun 15, 2012, 10:30pm Subject: Re: idiots guide to pulling consistent shots?
mig Said:
I am pleased to report that not only is it repeatable, but its delicious! The single biggest adjustment I made since starting this thread is to dose by weight. In theory I should be able to control the dose with the grinder timer, but now that I am starting to "taste" success, I'm not going to mess with it.
He used to hang out at Home Barista, not sure if he still does, but you can reach him via email.
I added his adapter shortly after getting my HX machine. I had a few problems, and he was very helpfull in helping me get things working right.
BTW, I never did get the hang of temp surfing, so I would be lost without his adapter so I can read the grouphead temps.
You already have a good source of beans, get a scale has at least .1g accuracy (mine is .01, overkill), and Eric's adatpter and a digital thermometer and that should help a lot.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,679 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 Mon Jun 18, 2012, 5:58am Subject: Re: idiots guide to pulling consistent shots?
mig Said:
It is stepless but there are notches for reference - see image below. At first I was adjusting by 5-6 notches and the result was much more dramatic than I expected. In fact I have dumped every single shot I've ever tried when *not* using the factory setting, so I am disinclined to mess with it anymore until I know what I am doing and/or have a compelling reason.
I started weighing my beans this morning in an effort to regulate the dose and thus far the two shots I pulled with factory grinder settings have been decent - certainly good enough for a latte. For distribution I tried stirring with a paper clip - not quite WDT since I don't have a funnel but a step in that direction. I assume my unlevel tamping is also a contributing factor.
I only had to dump 60% of my shots this morning. Definitely better than yesterday. Maybe I should temporarily switch to decaf so I can get more practice! :D Just kidding. I think.
When adjusting a Mazzer, SMALL movements make a big difference. Try moving the ring in the smallest possible movements. A move that is almost nothing will make a difference of a few seconds in a shot. The adjustment lever screwed into the ring really helps with small movements. Do not move more than about half of a "bump" on the adjustment ring at a time and when you are close, move it the smallest amount you possibly can to bring it in.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
takeshi Senior Member Joined: 12 Oct 2002 Posts: 731 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Silvia Grinder: Super Jolly Roaster: Amaya Roasting
Posted Wed Jun 20, 2012, 11:45am Subject: Re: idiots guide to pulling consistent shots?
mig Said:
I am glad to hear that tamping pressure isn't as important as I had been led to believe, since that seems pretty difficult to control with any kind of accuracy.
Yup. I had to make adjustments this morning when I switched to a different type of bean and ended up dumping 2 shots. One bump made the difference between 10ml in 30 seconds and 55ml in 26 seconds. I do wish it wasn't so sensitive but its just a matter of getting used to it.
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