Re: What do we know about crema?
Well.... Had a day off and did some experimenting with grind/tamp combinations using the single basket. This was prompted by a really ordinary result using the same grind/tamp as I use for the double basket (Grind 10, med-light tamp, standard dose)
My first test was Grind 15, firm tamp, std dose - Result was a rapid pour of 40ml in 20secs - thin & flavourless.
Second test was Grind 13, very firm tamp, std dose - Result was a very free run of about 35ml in 20 secs. Very good coffee though minimum crema.
Third test was Grind 11, very firm tamp, std dose - A free run of 30ml in 20 secs. Lovely colour and very good coffee.
So I have confirmed for myself that you can compensate somewhat for variations in Grind/Tamp but only within a narrow window - in my case between Grinds of 13 & 10 matched with Tamps of very firm to medium-light.
In terms of Crema...I think I have decided that for my machine & current bean combo, the crema does not change dependent upon grind or tamp and is better in a narrow cup than a broad one - as you would expect. I let the shot sit for a couple of minutes and the crema does appear to reabsorb somewhat into the body of the shot, and likewise for the shot with 60ml of hot water. Dribbling it down the side of the cup does not make a difference.
So... for my set-up the Single-basket optimum is Grind 11 & V.firm tamp whilst Double basket is Grind 10 & light-medium tamp on an optimum dose. I would be interested to hear what others with Rocky/VBM or Perfetta combos find.
Cheers.
.
Well.... Had a day off and did some experimenting with grind/tamp combinations using the single basket. This was prompted by a really ordinary result using the same grind/tamp as I use for the double basket (Grind 10, med-light tamp, standard dose)
My first test was Grind 15, firm tamp, std dose - Result was a rapid pour of 40ml in 20secs - thin & flavourless.
Second test was Grind 13, very firm tamp, std dose - Result was a very free run of about 35ml in 20 secs. Very good coffee though minimum crema.
Third test was Grind 11, very firm tamp, std dose - A free run of 30ml in 20 secs. Lovely colour and very good coffee.
So I have confirmed for myself that you can compensate somewhat for variations in Grind/Tamp but only within a narrow window - in my case between Grinds of 13 & 10 matched with Tamps of very firm to medium-light.
In terms of Crema...I think I have decided that for my machine & current bean combo, the crema does not change dependent upon grind or tamp and is better in a narrow cup than a broad one - as you would expect. I let the shot sit for a couple of minutes and the crema does appear to reabsorb somewhat into the body of the shot, and likewise for the shot with 60ml of hot water. Dribbling it down the side of the cup does not make a difference.
So... for my set-up the Single-basket optimum is Grind 11 & V.firm tamp whilst Double basket is Grind 10 & light-medium tamp on an optimum dose. I would be interested to hear what others with Rocky/VBM or Perfetta combos find.
Cheers.
.

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