Just had my morning latte.. fabulous it was too.... Ive found using lactose free milk steams better than normal milk and Im a little lactose intolerant these days so it all helps.you get a better, and easier microfoam with it imo.
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Just had my morning latte.. fabulous it was too.... Ive found using lactose free milk steams better than normal milk and Im a little lactose intolerant these days so it all helps.you get a better, and easier microfoam with it imo.
I'd get a 2nd hand Gaggia Classic off eBay. I did that and was happy for a couple of years TBH.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
The problem with them is the pressure is way too high for plain espressos. OK for latte and other diluted variations though.
Since Marco has read this he won't do that though. We need to let him lose in his own way:D
Kevin, I hope you don't mind me jumping in on this thread, but I couldn't help myself from responding, being something of an espresso lover here too (my wife too). I found that turning down the boiler temp can help get rid of that aggressive "burnt" taste. I think you have an ECM machine, from the pics I see...correct? Do you have electronic boiler temp control panel on it? If not, try turning down the adjustment on the boiler pressure stat, which will mean opening the hood (bonnet to you guys over there :)) and tweaking it with a screwdriver. Grant has a good suggestion too -- your grinder might be too fast, overheating the beans.Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
What ECM do you have? We have an old Giotto, now called the Rocket. Wonderful machine! Totally reliable, built like a brick outhouse, to put it politely.
Great thread!
Cheers, and hope this helps.
Svend
Ordered 2 more packs of coffee beans from Tank Coffee..........
Cameroon Hosnia and Tanzania Mount Meru. Keep my coffee levels up for xmas
That Taylors Italian roast I mentioned is very good, btw :)
Marco.
I like Taylors green packet coffee. Not tried the Italian as its not currently in stock in Tesco, but they do keep it. So when it comes in it should be fresh. Ive been going through the stuff Ive got so thought i would get some in for xmas b4 the rush. its kept in nice packs so should last a month b4 opening without degradationQuote:
Originally Posted by Marco
Svend,Quote:
Originally Posted by Svend N
Thanks for the response. I have a Mazzer Mini grinder which is anything but fast.
The machine is an ECM Synchronika, so has a PID control. I have been turning the boiler temperature down, and I am currently at 93 degrees C. The Mrs preferred the coffee when I changed the beans, with no complaints.
I am wondering if the change from conical to flat burrs will also have an impact, or if it is just a case of her not liking the Italian roasted beans.
Kevin,
Nice machine! I do wish our Giotto had a double boiler. Would be very good to have, as setting the pressure stat for correct brew temp means that steam pressure is reduced, and vice-versa. Oh well, our next machine shall be double-barrelled. But if I wait for the Giotto to die, I'll be old and grey.
I wouldn't think that your Mazzer is causing any burnt taste. You're right, it's got a nice leisurely pace, eh? We have a Macap...same thing..."Come on, damn you! Can't you see I'm in a hurry? Need coffee. Stat!"
Seems like your wife might just be sensitive to that flavour. I know that some beans don't please my wife either, whereas I just find them "robust" tasting. She can tell if the roaster had the fire too hot -- inside of the beans are done, but shell is slightly burnt. I presume the roasters do this for faster throughput, but Lord, it can taste horrible if overdone. Glad to hear all is at peace again around your espresso making. :D
Cheers,
Svend
It's arrived:Quote:
Originally Posted by CageyH
Attachment 21921
Marco,
Have you bought anything yet?
If you want simplicity, have a look at the Melitta Varianza bean to cup machine.
Apparently it works well.
Having a built in grinder means it may take up less space.
Personally, I prefer the seperate machines, but if you are after convenience in a relatively small package, this may hit the spot.