Suggestions?

[rushcoffee]

Hi guys i am a new user to this forum. I would just like to get some suggestions on what would be best for my coffee cart.

To give you a run down on what I am running with I am using a 3 group high back Dalla Corte espresso machine which until recently was running with a twin Mahlkonig grind on demand grinder. I just recently ditched the Mahlkonig and now have a sole BNZ grinder and will be getting another one in the next month or so.

We are a high volume coffee cart doing around 20kg+ today (maybe 80kg+ a week) and running quite tight extractions with about a 24mL espresso. The problem with our current setup we are using very shallow shower screens and also some damn deep baskets. I am saying we are running around a 26gram double and maybe around 18 single?

The questions I have are, am I really just over killing it with those dosage levels? Am I better off with a different grinder? Do I go back to something like the Mahlkonig? Is there something I am overseeing?

Any feedback would be appreciated. :-?

[jkarlis]

Re: Suggestions?

Im no expert but dont see how changing to a different grinder would make much difference.

Those dose levels certainly are high, your single is enough for a double. Youre effectively serving up doppio ristretto bases to your customers (I wouldnt be complaining if I were one of them).

Couldnt you just go a shallower basket and adjust your grind? Obviously you dont want to sacrifice the quality of your coffee but at the moment you must be spending ~$0.50 per single shot depending on what your beans are costing (plus cup/lid and milk).

[Thundergod]

Re: Suggestions?

Couldnt you just go a shallower basket

I had the same thought.

[blanyon]

Re: Suggestions?

IMHO, as long as you have your coffee blend setup for those dosage levels then go for it. I would suggest however that you are overdoing it and you could increase your profit a bit by changing your dose (and your blend to suit). Mind you at 20kg a day you are doing something right so maybe just keep on doing what you are doing as the customers seem to be beating a path to your door.

Welcome to the forum

[jkarlis]

Re: Suggestions?

Mind you at 20kg a day you are doing something right so maybe just keep on doing what you are doing as the customers seem to be beating a path to your door.

Indeed. As said you are probably overdoing it on the dose but at over >1000 coffees per day, you wouldnt want to change too much!

[GregWormald]

Re: Suggestions?

When I am home I routinely use 20 grams of coffee grounds for a single extraction of around 20 ml. So in my books you are right in the ballpark for best taste.

When I order a doppio ristretto in a café, the best taste again comes from a shot less than 30 ml and often closer to 20 ml.

Whats the problem?? too many customers?? ;D

I gotta say: If it aint broken, dont fix it!

Greg

[jkarlis]

Re: Suggestions?

I gotta say: If it aint broken, dont fix it!

Although I agree with your sentiment Greg, I think its worth trying a shallower basket. If the taste difference is not noticeable in a milk-based beverage, which I am assuming will be the bulk of his business, then he could be pocketing an extra $100 per day (or $25,000 p/a).

If there is a noticeable difference then I agree, dont change it.

[danq]

Re: Suggestions?

Perhaps a bit out of topic, but Id love to be your customer. You are not located in Newcastle by any chance, are you?

[Luke_G]

Re: Suggestions?

As far as attempting to reduce coffee usage/wastage i might suggest going back to the Mahlkonig. I get less than 50g wastage on a 6kg day?

I own a DC Mini which im led to believe has the same brewing system as the full commercial machines including the 54mm baskets?
If thats true then what i can suggest is this...
The Dalla Corte loves an underdosed basket with a fine grind. Give it a go and see the(if any) difference.

[A_M]

Re: Suggestions?

I gotta say: If it aint broken, dont fix it!

Although I agree with your sentiment Greg, I think its worth trying a shallower basket.  If the taste difference is not noticeable in a milk-based beverage, which I am assuming will be the bulk of his business, then he could be pocketing an extra $100 per day (or $25,000 p/a).

If there is a noticeable difference then I agree, dont change it.

Depending on the actual wastage and the ability to be consistent... In addition to $$ spend to change baskets / grinders / habits of those behind the group Vs happy and returning clients..

Then the espoused $ gained need to be fully investigated and not just some quick maths etc.

1: Current wastage rates = ?

2: Change to dosing levels = ? savings in beans

3: What change / impact to wastage rates ?

4: What change / impact to consistency ?

5: What change / impact to flavour ?

If it is about dollars ? Do a better contract with ya Milk supplier and other volume consumables

If it is truly about dose volumes and $$$ then make it a KISS approach.

A: Get custom baskets; such that the dosing procedure is able to be managed by all.

B: Ya may also be able to customise ya machine settings...

However I ask teh Question...

Is it about Quality or Squeezing an extra buck out of ya processes

AM

[coffeescotttaste]

Re: Suggestions?

My thought is if your honestly doing 20kg a day then wat ur doing is awsome. On average how many coffees do u get per day. The consumer is obviously loving wat u give them and if u try to squeeze extra cash for less coffee then u run the risk of loosing clients and once word of mouth gets out youll drop 5kgs a wk.
Somone else said it and i agree if it aint broken then dont try to fix it.......... i wish i was doing 20kgs a day job well done....

[blanyon]

Re: Suggestions?

Getting back to the original question, I think it sounds like you are going pretty well and any improvements would be small. For that sort of improvement I would suggest (and assume you do) seeking the advice (and possibly paying for it) of industry an professional who can help you improve. It is hard to give good advice on such a setup without seeing it in action. IMHO.

[aussiebuggaa]

Re: Suggestions?

I agree with the others, youre doing well, why change!!  (unless your margin is tiny, ie. your beans are very high price and you undercut your competitors + almost double the normal dosage etc)..