nice 
- get that sticker off though!
- get that sticker off though!Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread
- Thread starter Siliconslave
- Start date
Soldato
But how will I know where the portafilter goes?
Soldato
Finally resolved the Barista Express grinding and the mess it makes. All it needed was a portafilter funnel i grabbed off amazon.
They really should sort that and the inconsistency in the amount it grinds
They really should sort that and the inconsistency in the amount it grinds
seeing your nice steamed milk ... I was wondering what's the default tip is - online seems to be 3 holes, I can't see size ?
I previously posted, but, the 4x1.5mm dia I have (bezzera), gives me problems, too powerful;
seems some folks with marax went/recommend a single hole https://old.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/k7584p/single_hole_steam_tip_on_marax/
which is probably what i'll try next.
Anyway - scanned an interesting marax thread about steaming ... looks like some are getting a software fix, for an issue where boiler might choose to refill during steaming,
dropping off the pressure https://coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/56880-mara-x-steam-issue/page/17/#comments
so might be interesting to experiment
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more generally do most folks dump the pf water contents(post cooling) into the sink before filling with coffee ? or the drip tray ?
Soldato
2 hole steam tip. Still playing with it, may look at changing it in the future but I don't feel like I 'know' the machine well enough yet to start changing anything. The only think I definitely want to do is add a shot timer to it. I've seen a few different solutions to it, including homebrew but will probably look into it later this year.
Soldato
I'm about to embark on a project with my ancient Gaggia Paros that had been sat abandoned for at least a decade, and I originally bought from BestofItaly.com back in 1999. If I recall the grinder is a repackaged Gaggia MDF, just housed under the lid of the Paros as opposed to standalone, and the main machine is just a Classic with much nicer water storage system.
I'm not sure what I'll be doing with it overall but a I'll be sanding and repainting it, replacing the steam arm, and maybe installing a pressure gauge. Not sure what else, just in the planning stages so might have to do a bit more research, just hope the boiler is Ok still.
I'm not sure what I'll be doing with it overall but a I'll be sanding and repainting it, replacing the steam arm, and maybe installing a pressure gauge. Not sure what else, just in the planning stages so might have to do a bit more research, just hope the boiler is Ok still.
Chuck some photos up when you do it - they are weird looking machines and pretty uncommon
I'd take a look at the PID options (think Mr Shades kit fits) as the temp stability, like the classic, is hit and miss.
Soldato
Chuck some photos up when you do it - they are weird looking machines and pretty uncommon
I'd take a look at the PID options (think Mr Shades kit fits) as the temp stability, like the classic, is hit and miss.
Sure will, the top is a rusty mess at the moment. I'm not not even sure if I want to turn it on in the current state but I need to diagnose it, its pretty nerve racking stuff!
https://coffeeequipmentreviews.wordpress.com/2020/03/10/lelit-marax-review-in-progress/
would have thought their/gaggia build quality was better back then, silvia had a die-cast & ABS chassis.
ok a more defintive review is showing 2 x 1mm diameter holes , I have 4x1.5
I remember envying those ... they were really before prosumer existed , but I could only justify an original mk1 silvia(Audrey) and rocky.,
would have thought their/gaggia build quality was better back then, silvia had a die-cast & ABS chassis.
Soldato
Yep, I bought it at a time when I had no clue at all, but wanted something that was all-in-one grinder and espresso machine and that fitted the bill nicely. Sadly the top of the machine is cheap nasty steel, with a hammered paint finish, and what with all the steam and such it ended up just rusting, regardless of how often you cleaned and dried it off.
It was given to my mother since she wanted a machine, and I no longer really had time or use for it any longer and migrated to a bean-to-cup machine just simply as I was up and out before the larks.
I am glad I kept it, well my mother did anyhow as it cost quite a bit and if I can get it up and running better than new for ~£150 I'll be very happy given the fact it is getting on for 22-23 years old.
Soldato
Just googled it, looks pretty cool - will be nice to see it get up and going again.
Soldato
I'll get some pictures of it up as soon as it's unboxed, and I have cleared the space in the garage to complete the necessary work... see you in 2025
Which one did you get?
Soldato
I just got one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hands-Free...x=hands+free+dosing+funnel,kitchen,154&sr=8-4
Does the job perfectly - It's funny Sage haven't resolved it yet. Looks like other brand machines don't have the problem (delonghi specialista).
You seem to think about steam tips quite a lot, maybe it's time to invest in the Weber Workshops fully adjustable one
Steam Dial – Weber Workshops
so the tamper will fit through it, according to amazon comments - can you still knock the pf on the side too ? I always do that.
good - just the price tag - the blade of steam it will give is interesting (like my karcher)
Soldato
That's right, you can tamp through it if you prefer - works fine.
However, I also knock into a level(ish) fill - take off, distribute then tamp
... the knock, and tamp sequence I use Sunergos Coffee Single Espresso Bar Work Flow Barista Training
Soldato
Stuck between the bambino plus and grinder vs the barista express - any thoughts? Bambino takes up less space but doesn’t “look” as good as the barista
Soldato
From personal experience, the Barista Express is great as a one stop shop. However, the grinder does have some inconsistencies now and then (See earlier posts) which you just can't explain. You have it all setup perfectly, but then coffee will choke coming out. The grinder is the cause where it will suddenly grind more (I use the timed grind dial - too much faff weighing each time), or become more fine.
Even now, my current coffee pour is around 15-20 seconds. I went for a finer grind earlier and although slower, pressure went beyond the optimal range and the coffee did taste a bit bitter (without milk)
If I was to do it again, I think a separate grinder would have resolved a lot of my earlier teething issues.