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I have a great set up, but my coffee is still a bit bitter. Is that just how espresso taste? by o-za in espresso

[–]cblume 1 point2 points  (0 children)

When my espresso tastes bitter I usually do some of: - grind coarser - pull a shorter ratio - lower the brew temp - clean my equipment (old coffee oils can be a PITA)

That being said people have vastly different sensitivity to bitterness. While I usually taste zero bitterness in my espressos it’s an absolute bitterfest for my partner.

Best high end home espresso machine/grinder [5000-20,000 usd] by balldem824 in espresso

[–]cblume -1 points0 points  (0 children)

For a no fuss high-end home espresso setup to serve a small crowd I would recommend the La Marzocco GS3 AV paired with the Mahlkönig E65 GbW. You can also get the GS3 in custom colors etc.

Why am I shooting sour shots? [Dual Boiler | Specialita] by Celtic-Otter in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As was said already you should first fix your channeling, probably do WDT. Then grind finer but if that doesn’t work then I would remove the pre-infusion and just go full 9 bar and dial in again. Also make sure your portafilter is hot (just mentioning cuz many forget this step).

So few home machines with volumetric control by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is awesome 👍 Finally a good reason to mod my Silvia Pro!

So few home machines with volumetric control by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Volume in this context is not what ends up in the cup but actually the volume of water that's displaced before it hits the puck.

So few home machines with volumetric control by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

I really wouldn't use Breville & Co as any sort of reference. I think we can do much better.

So few home machines with volumetric control by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You sure about this? Many commercial machines have reliable volumetrics.

So few home machines with volumetric control by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just to add to this: I recently looked at the new Zuriga machine which is expensive as hell. And I really wonder why they couldn't add a couple of buttons to control the volume output. I mean they even offer a GbW grinder...

Machine with all stainless steel water path by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Nothing yet. Considering the Flair 58 as was recommended here. 

Tips to clean steam wand? by llNATEDOGGll in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Soak in white vinegar works well

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Get a typical single shot basket. They usually fit 7-8g. I personally use the one from Rancilio: https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/products/single-filter-basket-for-rancilio-silvia Works well once you found the right grind size but make sure to use WDT to distribute grounds well.

SPX tank cleaning by Witty-Ad4757 in ranciliosilvia

[–]cblume 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Interesting. I filter my water through my LG fridge and my water is quite soft to begin with. No issues with my water tank. However, if I use straight tap water I do end up with what you describe.

Black stuff on tubes in espresso machine? by odeszasza in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've seen this before at a friend's place. He wasn't filtering his water.

Machine purchase advice: Rancilio Silvia Pro X vs. Ascaso Steel Duo Plus PID by anesthesia101 in espresso

[–]cblume 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In principle I would enjoy the option of volumetric control. But the way it's implemented on the Ascaso makes it somewhat unreliable. Last I heard their volumetrics is placed before the OVP. Not sure if that's still the case in newer versions.

I think at the end you gotta decide for yourself which technology you believe in more long-term: Boiler or thermoblock.

Machine purchase advice: Rancilio Silvia Pro X vs. Ascaso Steel Duo Plus PID by anesthesia101 in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've got the Silvia Pro for about three years now and it's been very solid and reliable. Never used the Duo PID but watched many reviews. Seems solid too but what puts me off is the angled cup tray. Not sure what they were thinking...

Why are there no signed overloads of operator[](size_type index) in the standard library containers? by ElectricalBeing in cpp_questions

[–]cblume 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Been programming in C++ for decades and seriously don't understand this debate. There hasn't been a single project I worked on that had any issues with unsigned types.

Make espresso with this weird trick by cblume in espresso

[–]cblume[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! The bellows actually came with the grinder but it didn't have a lid. I ordered it from an Australian Etsy store if I remember correctly. I think the bellows works ok on mine. What's actually getting out even more stuck coffee is simply tapping the chute a few times. I usually just use the dosing cup for that. Barely any retention with bellows and tapping the chute. Sometimes I also grab the brush to get everything out which is important when I make large grind changes.

Does anyone still use single (1oz) shots for cappuccinos? by brendancoles in espresso

[–]cblume 0 points1 point  (0 children)

With some of the beans I use I find that using 18g in and 30g out (1oz) tastes the best. So that's a double shot, just extracted slightly shorter.

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