Thread: Coffee Enthusiasts

Originally Posted by paco

what grind and time setting are you using for single and doubles. if not using time what amounts of coffee are you using? [grams]
I understand everyone has different taste, but I'm looking for a start point. Thanks for any help

This would depend on your machine, filter baskets, beans and tastes. With my machine and basket it's 21gms of coffee at around setting 11 on the grinder at 17.6 sec. Of coarse changing beans may affect grind which will affect time. Tamp also varies.

I will take 5 shots varying it up till im getting everything right for 60ml in 30 sec and thick, syrupy, sweet espresso. I didn't realize what I was missing till recently when I went to a small place that only does coffee. Got a double espresso. Sweet fruity and no bitterness. Absolute nectar of the gods. I hadn't realized that this was what it should be. Now that is my benchmark and what I can get when I get it set up right.

Good luck chasing the perfect espresso.

Originally Posted by eddy79

This would depend on your machine, filter baskets, beans and tastes. With my machine and basket it's 21gms of coffee at around setting 11 on the grinder at 17.6 sec. Of coarse changing beans may affect grind which will affect time. Tamp also varies.

I will take 5 shots varying it up till im getting everything right for 60ml in 30 sec and thick, syrupy, sweet espresso. I didn't realize what I was missing till recently when I went to a small place that only does coffee. Got a double espresso. Sweet fruity and no bitterness. Absolute nectar of the gods. I hadn't realized that this was what it should be. Now that is my benchmark and what I can get when I get it set up right.

Good luck chasing the perfect espresso.

I agree with you on small shops with ALMOST perfect espresso... in fact I love one coffee shop in Seattle (Ballard) where they have Slayer Espresso machine. They take a time to make espresso at this place and the end result is fantastic...

BTW I think timing is also one of secrets how to make good espresso... It seems like each element during coffee brewing and production must be polished to perfection in order to get a best results for end "user"...

I hope my expression make sense.... still I'm very pleased with my purchase...

For those in the Pacific Northwest looking for espresso machine repair/refurbish Seattle's 'Home Espresso Repair & Café' is a factory authorized. They have rescued my machine three times over 20+ years.

And for automatic espresso machines 'Espresso Repair Experts' is the recommended place.

Originally Posted by proximus26

I agree with you on small shops with ALMOST perfect espresso...

If it was perfect and I could get it perfect I think it would take away from it

Trying to get all the elements right to get the best espresso possible is half the fun and all the frustration. Worth it though when you get it right

New question here guys.
Anyone have experience with and/or comments on the ROK manual espresso maker?

Originally Posted by paco

New question here guys.
Anyone have experience with and/or comments on the ROK manual espresso maker?

Was looking at them. Not much to go wrong but have tp get all variables right including water but could take it anywhere

Originally Posted by paco

New question here guys.
Anyone have experience with and/or comments on the ROK manual espresso maker?

Yup - have had one for a year and a half or so. Two thumbs up from me. I don't use it all the time as I'm often drawn to the ease of the Breville machine, but when I do use the ROK, I have had no complaints.

My one caution would be for anyone with issues such as arthritis or limited strength. It can take quite a bit of force on the handles to make it work if the portafilter is really packed.

Other than that I think it is a brilliant design, very well machined, and frankly kind of fun to use. I also just like simple things that were designed to do one thing very well. And this falls into that category.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Yup - have had one for a year and a half or so. Two thumbs up from me. I don't use it all the time as I'm often drawn to the ease of the Breville machine, but when I do use the ROK, I have had no complaints.

My one caution would be for anyone with issues such as arthritis or limited strength. It can take quite a bit of force on the handles to make it work if the portafilter is really packed.

Other than that I think it is a brilliant design, very well machined, and frankly kind of fun to use. I also just like simple things that were designed to do one thing very well. And this falls into that category.

which Breville are you using?

Originally Posted by paco

which Breville are you using?

"The Infuser".

I think it's pretty much middle of their range. Much better than the first one I had (Roma I think) but nowhere near as expensive as their top models. Works just fine for me though.

EDIT: this one: http://www.breville.ca/the-infuser-bes840xl.html

I treated myself to a new toy (or 2, i got a cheap bean grinder too)