Coffee machine

[GBguy]

Yes, reverse osmosis water filter.

 

But I figured out what my issue was a few ours ago, me. I wasn't paying attention to extraction time as I always stop the machine before the pre-set volume. Was making 34g espresso per 10g bean, turns out that the butter zone for the machine is around 11-12g espresso per 10g beans. Any more and it is bland, burnt and bitter. I just didn't realise that over time the shot just kept getting longer and longer until the point where I was with bad coffee.

Yeah, that would do it. Much better to keep the shot short and add a spot of boiling water if, like me, you want more than a sip.

[V12man]

Yes, reverse osmosis water filter.

 

 

RO water REALLY f's up the taste of espresso - you do need some minerals to achieve good taste.

 

You can actually buy the correct salts to add back to the water (never tried that) after an RO filter set, but most people that need to use RO water because of their local water conditions, add back 'normal' water to get the salts in the ballpark.

 

Study this doc - hope the link works - more than you ever need to know about water quality for espresso here.

 

http://users.rcn.com/erics/Water%20Quality/Water%20FAQ.pdf

 

If the doc link does not work, use this - http://web.archive.org/web/20080526072324/http://www.big-rick.com/coffee/waterfaq.html

[Guest Kalahari ou]

RO water REALLY f's up the taste of espresso - you do need some minerals to achieve good taste.

 

You can actually buy the correct salts to add back to the water (never tried that) after an RO filter set, but most people that need to use RO water because of their local water conditions, add back 'normal' water to get the salts in the ballpark.

 

Study this doc - hope the link works - more than you ever need to know about water quality for espresso here.

 

http://users.rcn.com...y/Water FAQ.pdf

 

If the doc link does not work, use this - http://web.archive.o...e/waterfaq.html

 

Nothing like some coffee made with fresh grounded, self-roasted beans with boorgatwater after a long day of hunting....

[V12man]

Nothing like some coffee made with fresh grounded, self-roasted beans with boorgatwater after a long day of hunting....

 

I guess that depends on whats in the well... exactly....

 

If anyone wants to try to see what I mean - use distilled water (dischem or midas).... that's a bit more extreme than RO, but illustrates the difference very clearly.

 

And using distilled water to make tea is an interesting science experiment when compared to 'normal' water.... great for a kids grade 10 science project.

[the nerd]

I only use filtered water from a Brita in my machine, this is what is recommended almost everywhere.

[Grebel]

I guess that depends on whats in the well... exactly....

 

If anyone wants to try to see what I mean - use distilled water (dischem or midas).... that's a bit more extreme than RO, but illustrates the difference very clearly.

 

And using distilled water to make tea is an interesting science experiment when compared to 'normal' water.... great for a kids grade 10 science project.

 

Just don't heat it in the microwave.......

[mon-goose]

has anyone tried these machines

 

caffelux Verona Espresso Machine

 

http://www.caffeluxe.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=103

[MTB_Roadie]

stay away!!

has anyone tried these machines

 

caffelux Verona Espresso Machine

 

http://www.caffeluxe...&product_id=103

 

Stay away! I read endless problems on their facebook page and besides that their pods nearly broke my Nespresso machine...not impressed at all!

[cadenceblur]

Hi guys

 

What frothing jugs do you use? I'm looking at getting a new one and came across this... Does the bell shape improve the production of micro foam?

 

http://onlinecoffeeshop.co.za/products/barista-gear/barista-tools/motta-milk-jug-750ml

 

Where else can I get a good one? I've contacted Koldserve and am waiting on their reply

[cadenceblur]

Also I would assume that the tip would also have a bearing on one's Latte art?

[V12man]

Hi guys

 

What frothing jugs do you use? I'm looking at getting a new one and came across this... Does the bell shape improve the production of micro foam?

 

http://onlinecoffees...-milk-jug-750ml

 

Where else can I get a good one? I've contacted Koldserve and am waiting on their reply

 

Jugs from www.steelking.co.za - work as well as any others... probably the most common jug in use in SA, and perfect unless you are into competition and want the last few percent.

 

Buy a few... - 400mll and 600ml are most useful - 400 for 1 cup, and 600 for 2.

[cadenceblur]

Thanks, will have a look

[Weight Weenie]

So I finally replaced my grouphead gasket on the Oscar, but now it seems it doesn't pump water properly, almost just trickles out (without any coffee just empty PF or no PF at all).

 

I did fill it with water via big plumbed in filter system so maybe it's an issue with the water not being recognised?

 

Any idea what gives? Was working fine before that though I just ran some water through every now and then, was just using the steam arm because of the gasket leak.

[V12man]

So I finally replaced my grouphead gasket on the Oscar, but now it seems it doesn't pump water properly, almost just trickles out (without any coffee just empty PF or no PF at all).

 

I did fill it with water via big plumbed in filter system so maybe it's an issue with the water not being recognised?

 

Any idea what gives? Was working fine before that though I just ran some water through every now and then, was just using the steam arm because of the gasket leak.

 

Add 1 teaspoon of salt to the tank and shake it - that should show you if it's the sensor not seeing the filtered water - it will stop trying to fill the boiler.

[cadenceblur]

So I finally replaced my grouphead gasket on the Oscar, but now it seems it doesn't pump water properly, almost just trickles out (without any coffee just empty PF or no PF at all).

 

I did fill it with water via big plumbed in filter system so maybe it's an issue with the water not being recognised?

 

Any idea what gives? Was working fine before that though I just ran some water through every now and then, was just using the steam arm because of the gasket leak.

The gaskets appear to be a problem on these Oscars? I have intermittent problems with water leaking out as well, have been jamming the PF in quite tight lately and this seems to have helped a bit.

I'm interested to hear how you got that gasket out though - I've tried, but have given up.

[LukeV-2]

The gaskets appear to be a problem on these Oscars? I have intermittent problems with water leaking out as well, have been jamming the PF in quite tight lately and this seems to have helped a bit.

I'm interested to hear how you got that gasket out though - I've tried, but have given up.

 

Buy a 90deg pick from the hardware store.