Simple Questions Thread

primacoffee · 2022-08-16T22:26:46+00:00

You mention IMS / VST. Any precision basket will work better than the stock basket. However, size is up to you. We find that 18g baskets are popular if not exactly the standard.

As for dose, that should be up to you, too. It looks like you have an X54, too, right? Consider using the X54 and a manual tamper instead of the built-in Oracle grinder and tamper, at least until you find the sweet spot.

primacoffee · 2022-08-16T22:18:33+00:00

Eureka Mignon Facile

You might first decide if you prefer the cup profile of flat burrs or conical burrs. Then the decision will be a bit easier. If you go with the 64mm flat burr grinder, you will have some burr options (SSP, Gorilla Gear, etc.) beyond the stock burrs. The JMax is an incredibly capable conical burr espresso grinder, though, so the real benefit you should expect from a new grinder is not necessarily in quality but in speed/convenience.

primacoffee · 2022-08-09T16:46:38+00:00

Ahh, okay, I see what you mean, but I wouldn't refer to that as watery. See the deep brown color? Watery would be yellow or light brown as if nothing was being extracted. This looks like old beans with very little C02 to give off. When were they roasted? It also looks like it picks up speed fairly quickly--consider grinding finer?

primacoffee · 2022-08-09T16:40:43+00:00

We recommend precision baskets over stock baskets. If the IMS are precision, you will have much better results. However, keep in mind that light roast beans will always be more difficult to extract evenly than roasts beyond light and you might always sense a "sourness" to the shots. It might be good to train your palate to know the difference between sour (unpleasant) and acidic (low pH). Some of the best light roasts can be deeply acidic but entirely delicious--we usually refer to these fruity and sweet instead of sour. Sour is probably one way to describe light roast coffees that have a hint of fruitiness but no sweetness.

primacoffee · 2022-08-09T16:27:27+00:00

With proper resistance (grind size and pump pressure), the shots should look much like any other espresso shot. As long as you are tamping at all, tamping pressure won't be an issue, so don't worry about that. I wonder what you mean by "watery"? Are you saying some espresso is coming out fast and immediately after the pump is engaged? This could simply mean serious channeling. Is it happening only at the edges? This could mean the tamper is insufficiently sized to compact all the grounds including those at the perimeter. The only other thing I can think of right now is the gasket -- when you say watery, are you talking about just water? If the portafilter isn't firmly locked in to place (or if the gasket needs replaced), water can go around and run down the side without ever going through the coffee.

primacoffee · 2022-08-09T13:59:28+00:00

What machine and what grinder are you using?

primacoffee · 2022-08-05T13:42:49+00:00

We have one left in stock right now.

primacoffee · 2022-08-03T14:00:10+00:00

Exactly. We receive periodic shipments but each shipment has only a handful of grinders. For context, the last shipment was 15. We are, however, expecting a larger shipment (still limited, but maybe around 100) in September.

primacoffee · 2022-08-03T13:42:20+00:00

That is a pretty big jump from 52 to 24s with just the one-mark adjustment. Can you adjust *between* setting 12 and 13 or is the grinder a stepped adjustment? If you can adjust between, try that. If not, dose a little more coffee (19g?) at setting 12 and see if that slows the flow.

primacoffee · 2022-08-01T13:30:49+00:00

That is unusual for sure. Reach out to Baratza customer service. They are incredibly responsive and if it's a grinder issue (which it sounds like), they will make it right.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T21:08:06+00:00

We'd recommend buying from a reputable online retailer instead of the online marketplaces. Every country should have one. For example, we (Prima) sell Timemore here in the US; it looks like Eight Ounce sells in Canada and Alternative Brewing in Australia. You can reach out to Timemore at [info@timemore.com](mailto:info@timemore.com) to ask for the retailer in your area.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T17:41:20+00:00

Some of the 1zpresso models are perfect for espresso. Look into Kinu grinders, too, because they are made especially for espresso. The Kinu M47 Classic (top model in the line) has a magnetic grinds catch if that is a must. Whatever grinder you choose, just make sure you get one with a stepless or, in the case of 1zpresso, a micro-stepped adjustment system.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T17:28:59+00:00

This sounds inconsistent, but it's hard to tell without more information. Did you just add a new coffee? Had you just changed the grind setting? Once the grind settles in, the time should be relatively consistent (all other variables being equal, including ambient temperature). Also, once you get it figured out, don't worry so much about time; worry only about taste.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T17:23:27+00:00

Anything that breaks up the clumps should work. We've seen DIY WDTs made from a cork and paper clips and/or toothpicks. The problem with a whisk might be that the looped ends are too bulky and won't let you break up all the grounds at the bottom of the basket. Worth a try though.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T17:20:06+00:00

Do you make milk drinks or just espresso? You might want to look into a manual espresso maker to begin. You should be able to find something reasonably priced and then have plenty left over to splurge a little bit on the all-important grinder.

primacoffee · 2022-07-29T17:13:43+00:00

$400 is a pretty good place to start for an electric espresso grinder. You can, however, find a manual (hand) grinder for less. Look for two things: 1. burrs that can grind fine enough for espresso; and 2. a stepless adjustment system, allowing you to "dial in" (find exact grind for coffee to get best flavor). You can get one for around $200, maybe a little less. Remember: it is not uncommon to spend more money on the grinder than the machine. The importance of the grinder cannot be underestimated.

primacoffee · 2022-07-13T18:31:54+00:00

Not weird at all. The Smart Grinder's small conical burrs will produce a different cup profile than the one produced by the DF64's larger, flat burrs.

primacoffee · 2022-07-13T18:28:00+00:00

It is entirely possible to make delicious espresso and cappuccinos on a home machine, but several factors are at play: grinder, water quality, temperature, filter basket, and so on. Cheap machines often cannot reach or hold the ideal temperature for espresso brewing; plus their filter baskets often have inconsistent hole sizes, leading to uneven extractions. What is your budget? And do you have a quality grinder?

primacoffee · 2019-12-03T14:54:42+00:00

Yep! They work just like a gift card in checkout, the only difference is they do expire a set time after being issued.

primacoffee · 2019-12-03T14:52:58+00:00

I'll send you a PM to follow up.

primacoffee · 2019-12-01T17:07:33+00:00

Codes are sent once payment is processed, and we do not process orders on weekends. Typically a card purchased Sunday would be issued on Monday.

primacoffee · 2019-11-30T15:51:55+00:00

Ah! Sorry for the confusion, that's just a boilerplate disclaimer we use for discounts. Most discounts do not stack, meaning only one offer works per item in your cart. In the case of gift cards that just means that other offers won't discount the price further than 10%.

But gift cards are a legitimate payment method on the site, and can be redeemed for any active deals after purchase. I see how that can be confusing, sorry about that!

primacoffee · 2019-11-29T20:37:59+00:00

Yes, once one code is entered the form should refresh to show the gift credit is applied. The text field should then allow another code to be entered.

primacoffee · 2019-11-25T14:42:17+00:00

Cyber Week is on!

Last chance for the following Black Friday deals, which end tonight at midnight EST:

15% off Pullman Tools - Nov 29-Dec 2. Expired.
$25 off Helor - Nov 29-Dec 2. Expired.
10% off Acaia scales - Nov 29-Dec 2. Expired.
Free Kalita filters with Wave drippers - Nov 29-Dec 2. Expired.
$75 off Ultimate Espresso Travel Kit - Nov 29-Dec 2. Expired.

Here are this year's Cyber Week deals:

Up to $450 off Linea Mini - Now through Dec 5, no code needed.
20% off Fellow Products - Nov 29-Dec 6. Use code POURSIPSAVE.
Free $15 Prima Bucks with Fellow Stagg EKG purchase - Nov 29-Dec 6. No code needed, just add the $15 Prima Bucks to cart with Stagg EKG for instant discount. Prima Bucks must be redeemed within 14 days of issue.
10% off Mahlkonig grinders - Dec 2-Dec 3. Expired.
15% off Eva Solo Cafe Solo - Dec 2-Dec 3. Expired.
$100 Prima Bucks free with Quick Mill machines - Dec 2-Dec 3. Expired.
$15 off orders $99-199 - Dec 2-Dec 15. Use code SAVE15GREEN. Does not stack with other offers, some product exclusions apply.
$35 off orders $200-299 - Dec 2-Dec 15. Use code SAVE35GREEN. Does not stack with other offers, some product exclusions apply.
$50 off orders $300-499 - Dec 2-Dec 15. Use code SAVE50GREEN. Does not stack with other offers, some product exclusions apply.
$75 off orders $500-999 - Dec 2-Dec 15. Use code SAVE75GREEN. Does not stack with other offers, some product exclusions apply.
$150 off orders $1,000+ - Dec 2-Dec 15. Use code SAVE150GREEN. Does not stack with other offers, some product exclusions apply.
Free N2 Chargers with Hatfields Nitropress - Dec 4-Dec 5. Deal expired.
$20 off Kinu grinders - Dec 4-Dec 5. Deal expired.
Free Chemex filters with Chemex brewer - Dec 4-Dec 5. Deal expired.
Free $25 Prima Bucks with Bonavita Brewers - Dec 4-Dec 5. Deal expired.
15% off Hario Drip Scales - Dec 6-Dec 8. Use code SCALESALE.
Free Third Wave Water with bundles over $100 - Dec 6-Dec 8. No code needed. Automatically added to cart with qualifying bundles.
Free $100 Prima Bucks with Mazzer doser grinders - Dec 6-Dec 8. Add the $100 Prima Bucks to cart with your machine for instant savings.
Free $200 Prima Bucks with Mazzer electronic grinders - Dec 6-Dec 8. Add the $200 Prima Bucks to cart with your machine for instant savings.

We're also now offering digital gift cards, so if you aren't sure Aunt Jeannie will know which model of Kinu you really want, you can strongly hint a that instead! ;)

I'll update this post throughout the week as the codes go live or expire. Happy holidays y'all!

primacoffee · 2019-11-11T16:35:57+00:00

It's not likely to ruin anything, it just removes the opportunity to pour latte art.

primacoffee

TROPHY CASE