creama

[jimandlet]

Hi all,

I would just like to get an idea of how much creama CSers are producing when they make their coffee and what machine/technique they are using. Also what blend/bean is best (?? 5%robusta). I currently have a 1group Krups machine and I get about 1mm creama "head". At first I thought this was great, but I hear stories of people getting half an inch of creama. Is that right?? My Krups makes a pretty good coffee but I would love a thicker creama. Is the creama machine dependant.

Great site Andy. My first post and I am expecting my first batch of CS beans this week.

cheers

J&L

[Thundergod]

Re: creama

Welcome to CoffeeSnobs jimandlet.


You get more crema from fresh beans.

I can get 1/2 inch crema from a good shot with fresh beans.

Where do you get your beans from?
Do you know how long before you buy them, that theyve been roasted?

[jimandlet]

Re: creama

Hi TG

I only use freshly roasted beans (mainly PNG and columbian varieties). I roast twice weekly (dog bowl method) with excellent consistent results, however I only achieve about 1mm or so of creama. Im amazed that people get 1/2 inch creama. im jealous. In the past I have purchased green beans from an online Aussie place. I wont mention the name, as I dont know whether its appropriate (they are not a sponsor of this site) but the beans and the service is pretty good, having said that, they dont really stock much variety. I managed to get some Indian Monsoon in the november poll, Im hoping to blend some in to improve creama.

As a last resort, i may have to upgrade the old Krups machine.

cheers

J&L

[scoota_gal]

Re: creama

Welcome Jim.
Ive moved your thread to a more appropriate forum. The one you started in is generally used for news etc.

Crema has been discussed around here heaps. It seems to be something that can vary with atmospheric conditions, machines, technique, freshness of beans etc, etc.

Dont get too caught up with exactly how much crema you are supposed to have as more importantly, IMO, is taste!

[Thundergod]

Re: creama

Others know more about the Krups than I.
Hopefully theyll be along soon to comment on that aspect.

Yet some others will know more about bean varieties and their crema properties.

How long after roasting do you use the beans?

I dont roast my own yet but have oredered my starter pack.
Ill probably see it tomorrow.

Another thought in case it makes a difference.

What grinder do you have?

[rayzurhed]

Re: creama

jimandlet - creme is wonderful stuff but I agree with scootergal its the taste youre after.... but the creme is all wrapped up in the taste too : Firstly dont be afraid of robusta- it is a controversial subject but let me tell you when I got my hands on some indian kaapi and pulled a single origin shot with masses of creme- It was wonderful! AND THATS AS AN S.O!! ;D

But robusta aside- Im wondering if the machine might be at fault because any freshly roasted bean should produce plenty of creme.
Perhaps a look n the "hardware for sale" section today might interest you... Theres a nice silvia and it would do wonders to your shots... :-?

Im not an expert on machines though- does yours have a pressurized portafilter?
I would think that a presurized one would (at least artificially) produce creme.
Apart from that I really dont know what it could be... Others may have more insight.
RH

[JavaB]

Re: creama

My Krups makes a pretty good coffee but I would love a thicker creama. Is the creama machine dependant.
J&L

Welcome to CS...

Crema is somewhat machine dependant... but more bean (freshness), grinding and technique (tamping) dependant.

You say you have a Krups - what model is it? Might give us a better idea.

[krusty]

Re: creama

having just bought some st ali blend X, roasted on the 17th i think, i am getting a good 1cm or so of crema..... it will depend on the glass you are brewing into as well. before i smashed my 30ml/60ml marked shot glass from coffeeparts (dropping the portafilter on a shotglass will do that!!) i was getting about 1/2 cream....the narrow glass made a bigger crema...

[Javaphile]

Re: creama

What model of Krups do you have? Most of the ones Ive seen use a crema enhancing portafilter, which pretty much ruins real crema.


Java "Whered the crema go?!" phile

[chris002200]

Re: creama

I used to have a Saeco VV which had a pressurised portafilter. The crema was always there but not "real" crema. Only about a few mm.

Since changing machines, now a sunbeam em 6900, I am producing a good 1cm of crema.

Same beans (5 senses) and grind as before with the VV.

As mentioned before coffee isnt all about the crema but it certainly does give the "OOO Ahh" factor.

Try giving all your equipment a complete clean along with the cups / glasses. updose the coffee and keep your tamp uniform.

Just as an option, have you tried using some beans from a commercial roaster to rule the roasting process out? Just a thought.

Good luck and let us know how you go.

[jimandlet]

Re: creama

Hi All,

Thanks for all the comments.
Talk about learning something new everyday. It seems that my Krups has a pressurised portafilter. Oh well I had been looking for an excuse to upgrade.

Speaking of upgrading, Rahzurhed mentioned silvia. Obviously a good machine, but what makes it stand apart from the others. I really dont want to spend more than $1K. Any suggestions

cheers
J&L

[Javaphile]

Re: creama

Speaking of upgrading, Rahzurhed mentioned silvia. Obviously a good machine, but what makes it stand apart from the others. I really dont want to spend more than $1K. Any suggestions

Ill let other Silvia owners speak up for their quality and simply direct you to the For Sale section where there is currently a Silvia available at a price that would leave you enough for a matching grinder and still leave you change from your $1k. 8-) ;D

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1161579354

And another with a nice grinder.

http://coffeesnobs.com.au/YaBB.pl?num=1161488062


Java "Redirector Service" phile

[JavaB]

Re: creama

Hi All,
Speaking of upgrading, Rahzurhed mentioned silvia. Obviously a good machine, but what makes it stand apart from the others. I really dont want to spend more than $1K. Any suggestions
J&L

In a word - quality!!

It is ultra reliable, produces great espresso, produces it with minimum "fiddles" and fuss..... and lots and lots of CS members can attest to its reliability.

There ARE cheaper (and of course dearer) machines... but value for money the Silvia is hard to beat! And some of the cheaper machines have real reliability issues (at least at the moment!)

HX machines (which allow you to steam and pour at the same time) are more convenient than the silvia..... but cost quite a bit more!

For a single boiler machine you wont go wrong if you buy a silvia!

[Dimal]

Re: creama

If possible Jim,

Id recommend talking to anyone or all of our esteemed site sponsors about your needs, budget limits, etc. They are all professionals and there are many members here who have dealt with them over time and sing their praises long and loud. You wont be steered into something that is neither suitable or outside your budget but you will receive the benefit of decades of professional knowledge and experience. Itd be a shame to not take advantage of that ,

Mal.

[Viviane]

Re: creama

Welcome to CoffeeSnobs

A new Silvia is considerable less than $1k - many of our site sponsors can help you and I can personally recommend Cosmorex Coffee. Also, if you look in the Coffee Hardware for Sale section of these forums, there are a couple of second hand Silvias for sale, one including a Rocky grinder for around the same price as a new Silvia alone.