Geekzone: technology news, blogs, forums
Guest
Welcome Guest.
You haven't logged in yet. If you don't have an account you can register now.


View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic
1 | ... | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | ... | 26
Fred99
13684 posts

Uber Geek


  #810123 2-May-2013 13:19
Send private message

lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised

 
 
 

Shop now on Mighty Ape (affiliate link).
mrphil
424 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #810125 2-May-2013 13:23
Send private message

Anyone here use the nespresso lattissima en520? Thinking to get one since they are offering a $75 cash back

Also How much discount would a retailer normally give on this machines?

Fred99
13684 posts

Uber Geek


  #810127 2-May-2013 13:27
Send private message

Sancho:
Fred99: 
The smell of coffee being ground more than offsets the inconvenience to me.




Amen to that! :)


It surprises me that Nestle haven't come up with a solution to this problem.  They could have included a "scratchy" perfume dispenser (like perfume testers in fashion magazines) from which one could release a quantity of synthetic "coffee grind" odour, to further advance the illusion that one is getting the real deal.



blakamin
4431 posts

Uber Geek
Inactive user


  #810154 2-May-2013 14:01
Send private message

Edwood: 
freitasm: Press the button to start and keep it pressed until you reach the time or volume you want. Release the button. Done. The machine will forever do the same time/amount each time the button is pressed.

Wow, I wonder if the "U" will do that... I might shorten the espresso shot a little to see if I can reduce the bitter aftertaste.  Thats a cool feature.

Yes, it does.

lchiu7
6466 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #810170 2-May-2013 14:17
Send private message

Fred99:
lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised


probably it. Now trying to locate a replacement filter basket which is non-pressurised.




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


Edwood
218 posts

Master Geek


  #810373 2-May-2013 17:57
Send private message

mrphil: Anyone here use the nespresso lattissima en520? Thinking to get one since they are offering a $75 cash back

Also How much discount would a retailer normally give on this machines?

I haven't really used it, but this is the machine that the 'bartender' at the Nespresso showroom uses.
(I had them use the Nespresso U for me, but the one they use for everyone else is the en520)

If you're using it in a small office or making for a few people at once this would be worthwhile.
It also made a much hotter beverage than the Nespresso U + Airheadcino milk frother

I don't know about discounts, but as I said earlier - check warranty info when price hunting.  I couldn't get Nespresso to reduce their price on the U any more, but it does seem that they are selling it at the lowest price point of anyone anyway.


richms
28036 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Lifetime subscriber

  #810383 2-May-2013 18:26
Send private message

lchiu7:
Fred99:
lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised


probably it. Now trying to locate a replacement filter basket which is non-pressurised.

Why cant you just drill the single hole larger to prevent the pressure difference and therefore it being pressurized?




Richard rich.ms



nickb800
2715 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #810424 2-May-2013 19:32
Send private message

richms:
lchiu7:
Fred99:
lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised


probably it. Now trying to locate a replacement filter basket which is non-pressurised.

Why cant you just drill the single hole larger to prevent the pressure difference and therefore it being pressurized?

You can, but its pretty difficult: there are two metal layers against each other, and you need to enlarge the hole on only one of them. Even the curvature of the typical twist drill bit is often greater than the thickness of the material. If you go too far, then the grinds come straight through - makes for a rather gritty coffee.

So much easier to buy this pre made (suits Breville & Sunbeam) 

Regs
4064 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Snowflake

  #810435 2-May-2013 19:49
Send private message

i'm going to get a new portafilter for my saeco via venezia - my pressurised one is broken, and i didnt like it enough anyway.

this place does pressurised and non, and also 'bottomless'. havent decided if i'll try bottomless yet...
http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=portafilter




lchiu7
6466 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #810465 2-May-2013 20:31
Send private message

nickb800:
richms:
lchiu7:
Fred99:
lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised


probably it. Now trying to locate a replacement filter basket which is non-pressurised.

Why cant you just drill the single hole larger to prevent the pressure difference and therefore it being pressurized?

You can, but its pretty difficult: there are two metal layers against each other, and you need to enlarge the hole on only one of them. Even the curvature of the typical twist drill bit is often greater than the thickness of the material. If you go too far, then the grinds come straight through - makes for a rather gritty coffee.

So much easier to buy this pre made (suits Breville & Sunbeam) 


Doesn't seem compatible with my Delonghi based on their list.

I looked at my filter holder. There are two layers, one which has the holes in it and it's surrounded by a rubber gasket and sits on top of a plastic piece which has a smaller piece sttached to it (aboyt 1cm in diameter).

I just could not see how the coffee could go through the metal grill and then through the plastic layer which does not appear to have any holes in it at all (well I could not see them).

This apparently would work but it's out of stock.

http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/non-pressurized-basket-upgrade-for-breville-delonghi-espresso-machines

So I have punted and purchased this item from Amazon. Hope it's 51mm else it's going on Trademe!

http://www.amazon.com/Delonghi-606348-Filter-2-Dose/dp/B0006GC8GW/ref=rec_dp_0




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


mrphil
424 posts

Ultimate Geek


  #810466 2-May-2013 20:48
Send private message

Edwood:
mrphil: Anyone here use the nespresso lattissima en520? Thinking to get one since they are offering a $75 cash back

Also How much discount would a retailer normally give on this machines?

I haven't really used it, but this is the machine that the 'bartender' at the Nespresso showroom uses.
(I had them use the Nespresso U for me, but the one they use for everyone else is the en520)

If you're using it in a small office or making for a few people at once this would be worthwhile.
It also made a much hotter beverage than the Nespresso U + Airheadcino milk frother

I don't know about discounts, but as I said earlier - check warranty info when price hunting.  I couldn't get Nespresso to reduce their price on the U any more, but it does seem that they are selling it at the lowest price point of anyone anyway.



thanks for that, will ask about the warranty when shopping 

wish we had a nespresso showroom down here

Regs
4064 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted
Snowflake

  #810504 2-May-2013 22:02
Send private message

Edwood:
mrphil: Anyone here use the nespresso lattissima en520? Thinking to get one since they are offering a $75 cash back

Also How much discount would a retailer normally give on this machines?

I haven't really used it, but this is the machine that the 'bartender' at the Nespresso showroom uses.
(I had them use the Nespresso U for me, but the one they use for everyone else is the en520)

If you're using it in a small office or making for a few people at once this would be worthwhile.
It also made a much hotter beverage than the Nespresso U + Airheadcino milk frother



i was sold on the "U", but the milk wasnt hot enough for my wife so that got shelved.  

Bond and Bond had the latissima at a sweet price in their closing down sale... but too late sorry.

Looking at Harvey Norman, Noel Leeming, and Heathcotes (100%), there are differing prices.  I'm guessing the cashback offer probably stands for all of them.

If you're looking for an e-tailer/retailer with an awesome reputation, Heathcotes took out top position in the customer service satisfaction survey Consumer/Fair Go this week.




Fred99
13684 posts

Uber Geek


  #810513 2-May-2013 22:34
Send private message

lchiu7:
nickb800:
richms:
lchiu7:
Fred99:
lchiu7: But for some reason no matter what size grind I use or what beans, the coffee comes out with lots of crema - much more than I see from commercial machines.


This might be typical behaviour from inexpensive machines with dual-wall (aka "pressurised") portafilter baskets:
http://www.espressoschool.com.au/about/faq/28-basics/13-unpressurised


probably it. Now trying to locate a replacement filter basket which is non-pressurised.

Why cant you just drill the single hole larger to prevent the pressure difference and therefore it being pressurized?


So much easier to buy this pre made (suits Breville & Sunbeam) 




So I have punted and purchased this item from Amazon. Hope it's 51mm else it's going on Trademe!

http://www.amazon.com/Delonghi-606348-Filter-2-Dose/dp/B0006GC8GW/ref=rec_dp_0



OK - now some fun will start (and it could be that you'll even want to revert to the pressurised cup).
The double wall cups control flow through the (coffee) puck, so that grind has less impact on flow, so that you get an okay cup of coffee with the typical grind you get from inexpensive domestic grinders.  Many inexpensive grinders can't do a fine enough grind for good espresso, where after pre-infusion, you'd typically aim to pull shots in  ~25 seconds, before the coffee has blonded (over-expressed brings out bitter flavours).  This depends on taste of course - some people like shorter pulled shots (ie ristretto), some people like long pulled shots.
Now that the flow isn't restricted by the pressurised cup, there are more variables to deal with - grind, tamping, pressure control if there is one on the machine, and the coffee itself (which might not be fresh, and/or consistent batch to batch).

lchiu7
6466 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #810705 3-May-2013 11:24
Send private message

..

OK - now some fun will start (and it could be that you'll even want to revert to the pressurised cup).
The double wall cups control flow through the (coffee) puck, so that grind has less impact on flow, so that you get an okay cup of coffee with the typical grind you get from inexpensive domestic grinders.  Many inexpensive grinders can't do a fine enough grind for good espresso, where after pre-infusion, you'd typically aim to pull shots in  ~25 seconds, before the coffee has blonded (over-expressed brings out bitter flavours).  This depends on taste of course - some people like shorter pulled shots (ie ristretto), some people like long pulled shots.
Now that the flow isn't restricted by the pressurised cup, there are more variables to deal with - grind, tamping, pressure control if there is one on the machine, and the coffee itself (which might not be fresh, and/or consistent batch to batch).


Well I do have a burr grinder so I am sure I can produce freshly ground coffee of the right consistency for the machine.

I experimented with all kinds of grinds hoping to reduce the faux crema not realising it was due to the pressurised basket. That was news to me and when I asked Delonghi support, they didn't mention it.

My wife's a trained barista (though she doesn't do it for a living) and has hardly ever pulled a cup of coffee for me but I can ask her to try out the new basket when it arrives and provide some tips :-)




Staying in Wellington. Check out my AirBnB in the Wellington CBD.  https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/wellycbd  PM me and mention GZ to get a 15% discount and no AirBnB charges.


NZtechfreak
4649 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

  #810712 3-May-2013 11:37
Send private message

Regs: i'm going to get a new portafilter for my saeco via venezia - my pressurised one is broken, and i didnt like it enough anyway.

this place does pressurised and non, and also 'bottomless'. havent decided if i'll try bottomless yet...
http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=portafilter


I would say go for bottomless.

Very instructive in terms of letting you identify when your dosing/levelling/tamping regime has resulted in defects in the coffee puck.

I also find they tend to taste better from bottomless ones. I was chatting about it with a Mojo barista and they were saying Mojo only uses bottomless because all the oils are transmitted to the shot resulting in better taste, rather than being largely deposited on the inside of the spouts as they are with typical portafilters. Sounds reasonable to me, but regardless I noticed a difference in the quality of the my coffee at home that I didn't think was entirely accounted for by improvements in the pre-extraction routine.




Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org


1 | ... | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | ... | 26
View this topic in a long page with up to 500 replies per page Create new topic





News and reviews »

Bolt Launches in New Zealand
Posted 11-Jun-2025 00:00


Suunto Run Review
Posted 10-Jun-2025 10:44


Freeview Satellite TV Brings HD Viewing to More New Zealanders
Posted 5-Jun-2025 11:50


HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14-inch Review
Posted 3-Jun-2025 14:40


Flip Phones Are Back as HMD Reimagines an Iconic Style
Posted 30-May-2025 17:06


Hundreds of School Students Receive Laptops Through Spark Partnership With Quadrent's Green Lease
Posted 30-May-2025 16:57


AI Report Reveals Trust Is Key to Unlocking Its Potential in Aotearoa
Posted 30-May-2025 16:55


Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series Brings Intelligent Experiences to the Forefront with Premium, Versatile Design
Posted 30-May-2025 16:14


New OPPO Watch X2 Launches in New Zealand
Posted 29-May-2025 16:08


Synology Premiers a New Lineup of Advanced Data Management Solutions
Posted 29-May-2025 16:04


Dyson Launches Its Slimmest Vaccum Cleaner PencilVac
Posted 29-May-2025 15:50


OPPO Reno13 Pro 5G Review 
Posted 29-May-2025 15:33


Logitech Introduces New G522 Gaming Headset
Posted 21-May-2025 19:01


LG Announces New Ultragear OLED Range for 2025
Posted 20-May-2025 16:35


Sandisk Raises the Bar With WD_BLACK SN8100 NVME SSD
Posted 20-May-2025 16:29









Geekzone Live »

Try automatic live updates from Geekzone directly in your browser, without refreshing the page, with Geekzone Live now.



Are you subscribed to our RSS feed? You can download the latest headlines and summaries from our stories directly to your computer or smartphone by using a feed reader.







Backblaze unlimited backup