The Coffeehouse.... Baristi, Barista, Bariste

[Marco]

yes even distribution is crucial as is making sure there are no weak links in the puck.

Yup, ^^ *EXACTLY THIS* ^^

Especially your point about the puck. I think too many folk underestimate that vitally important aspect of the process, so it should be up there in flashing lights, in any 'Barista manual', for how to optimise an espresso!

Btw, since we're talking about levelness, have you ensured that your machine is anally *100% level* on your worktop? That's bound to also make a difference... If not, get yer spirit level out! I've just done mine, by adding a little packing at the edges, although is was already almost spot on.

I use my levelling tool to skim top after i tamp as i always tamp slightly off. I guess many do. so the tool skims high bit off and i can either redistribute or remove the do a final tidy tamp.

Interesting.... So you reckon it's best to tamp FIRST, before using a levelling tool? I do it the other way round, as do most 'experts' I've seen on YT.

warming the group head up and the portafilter is important as is cup.

Which part of the machine is the "group head"? And how do you warm the portafiller, other than simply switching the machine on and waiting for the water to warm up?

I switch my machine on, and it tells me when the water is up to temp, then simply pour the coffee.

I run a little water thro group into cup, and i use the hot tap to clean and heat the porta..

That's the bit I'm trying to get my head around, as I don't get what you mean First of all I need to know what the "group head" is....

most important is to dry the basket thoroughly.. a damp edge will provide a weak point...

getting a knockbox will help too

Yup, good point. I always throughly dry mine. In terms of a 'knockbox', I just use a flat-bladed knife to scrape the puck out from the basket, and put the contents onto the soil in the garden, as coffee grinds provide good nutrients. Then wash the residue out afterwards.

In that respect, I can't see how a 'knockbox' would improve matters? But I stand to be corrected!

Marco.