Trouble with Extraction

[Shotgun]

Now this may have been asked hundreds of times before but here goes anyway. Thanks in advance.

Ive only had good equipment for a month or so (Vibiemme Super and Mazzer Mini) so a Shot Gun I aint (yet).

When Im extracting, I almost always start with a great looking extraction for 10 seconds or so (dark rats tail appearance) which fairly quickly begins to increase in volume and runs a light cream colour. The Crema is usually very good and the Puck comes out of the handle nicely and in one piece.

Upon inspection, the puck seems like its been a good extraction and breaks cleanly. Nothing seems to be wrong there.

Is it usual that the extraction would start looking good pouring slowly and then increase in extraction volume to finish. I always pour doubles from the double group handle.

I suspect that the problem is in my Grind - Pack or Tamp somehow. Is there a video somewhere that shows a perfect extraction or can anyone help?
Thanks and cheers,
Tony

[A_M]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

a perfect extraction

It will depend on the beans, how fresh and the roast..

Thus there is NO perfect extraction as such..

If whats in teh cup is good and worth drinking it sounds like ya 95% there....

[blanyon]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

A good investment down the track is a naked group handle, this will allow you to look at the effects of your technique on the extraction. If you do a search of utube you should be able to get some good videos of what people consider to be good extraction.

Like AM says if it tastes good then your not too far off the mark welcome to the world of snobbery.

[Identity]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Thus there is NO perfect extraction as such.

heretic!

[A_M]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Thus there is NO perfect extraction as such.

heretic!

Realist ;D

Dont like setting self up; to always fail

[blanyon]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Todays perfect extraction is tomorrows every day one, we are always moving towards perfection but the horizon keeps moving.

[A_M]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Todays perfect extraction is tomorrows every day one, we are always moving towards perfection but the horizon keeps moving.  

Tell that to the wife.. When it comes time to upgrade

[Shotgun]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Thanks all once again. I reckon I might be close to good extraction with my double shot basket but do you think I can get anything worthwhile from the single shot basket.

Is the grinding packing, tamping different for a single than a double?

Also, my local roaster reckons I should put at least 2 shots through my machine and discard them before extracting for my drinking shot. Does anyone else do this?

Cheers
Tony

[A_M]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

Thanks all once again. I reckon I might be close to good extraction with my double shot basket but do you think I can get anything worthwhile from the single shot basket.

Is the grinding packing, tamping different for a single than a double?

Also, my local roaster reckons I should put at least 2 shots through my machine and discard them before extracting for my drinking shot. Does anyone else do this?

Cheers
Tony

1: Yes... For all the same reasons you have to work out on the double.. Same goes for teh single.. Extraction / grind size / tamp etc etc Different if you want a Good shot.



2: I guess he wants ya to buy more beans...  ;D    :  :P



I will pull a shot and dump after a chemical clean.. But that is only once in a while and to prep the machine and to ensure any last chemical taste is dealt with..

Just watch the best and most shops.. Do they dump two shots before making a coffee.. NO...

Now there are plenty of shops that should... But then they would never serve a shot as none of theres are worth it any way...

[Bullitt]

Re: Trouble with Extraction

In regards to dumping shots....
- Yes dump one after chemical clean as noted above for good reason.

- Other times, you may need to do a cooling flush if your machine has been sitting idle for some time, as it may pour a bit hot first up.

- Occasionally if there has been a dramatic change in the weather during the day, or overnight or when opening a new bag of beans, you may need to adjust the grind to optimise the shots, but that does require tasting it to see, not just dumping it. Just dumping tow shots every time seems like a waste of good beans to me.