Please help with setting up my new package

[SLAV]

Hi ALL,
I am new to the semi professional scene.
I have just upgraded to a VBM Domobar Junior HX, complemented with a Mazzer Mini electric grinder.
I am comfortable with steaming the milk( still have a lot of improvement ) however I am struggling to get good crema.
I am currently using the beans I received from the place I purchased the equipment from, which is of Ethiopian origin. I only grind when i'm going to have a coffee.
I do plan on using a Balkan blend of coffee which is a product I normally buy from the coffee company in Melbourne.
I have the grinder set at a little bit to the corse side of setting, however I have tried a few steps to the fine to no avail. the VBM is set as factory with no adjustments made.
Can anyone help pls
Thanks
Dejan

[tucrazy]

Hi Dejan

I am no expert and I'm sure others will provide more useful/correct advice.

How does it taste? If it's good, then a lot of "crema" may not mean it's good. I think that generally Ethiopian beans tend to have less or thinner creama than other variety (eg, Colombian) but it may depend on how they are roasted and the condition/quality of the beans. Also, have you set the grinder correctly? If not, this link may help you (nb: it's for a different machine but the principles are the same) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHhxTiYVyzQ

Or are you referring to something else?

Cheers

[richard_m_h]

Are you making singles or doubles and are you timing your shots?

[SLAV]

HI,
Taste is fine, as far as the grinder I am only going on the advice of the shop owner.

I'm making both single and doubles, timing is about 16-20 secs.
Cheers

[fg1972]

Welcome Slav,
There are so many variables, a bit daunting at 1st but as you understand each one, it will get easier.
Try altering the below, (one at a time)
tamp a bit harder
put in a little more coffee into the basket
grind a little finer

Good luck and enjoy your new toys

[Yelta]

Morning Slav, welcome to Coffee Snobs.

You mention your extraction time is 16 to twenty seconds, this is quite fast, you should be aiming at approx 30ml in approx 30 seconds, try grinding progressively finer until you reach your goal, creme should improve.


what size basket are you using?

[artman]

And don't forget using freshly roasted beans is a must (say no more than 3-4 weeks post roast).

There are good videos on YouTube and heaps of info here to help you nail it.

I would use the double basket. Do the 5 cent test to get the level of coffee required in your basket after tamping. Then adjust grind to get ~60ml in ~30 seconds, keep tamp constant. This way you are only adjusting one variable. Keep trying and you will be pulling ripper shots in no time.

Cheers

[Dimal]

Welcome Dejan...

Just for your info re: "The Five Cent Test", this is what it refers to.... http://coffeesnobs.com.au/brewing-eq...ents-test.html

Also, here's a link to a set of very helpful videos on how to setup and use your new coffee making gear. Even though it's not the exact same equipment you own, the principles still apply. All the best

Mal.

[SLAV]

Thanks guys. Ill play on a little further encompassing all the advice and report further.

[Baref00t]

Does sound like your shots are running a little fast. It may also be that you need to distribute the coffee more evenly in the basket.

[SLAV]

Hi all,
I seam to have improved slightly, however the coffee isnt coming out like a honey consistency yet. I seam to have the right colour, though it appears a bit runny.
Should i adjust the grind a bit finer, or grind more coffee?
I am much happier with the timing. It takes approx. 7-8 seconds for coffee to start pouring out and total extraction is in the mid 20 secs.

[SLAV]

Hi all,
I seam to have improved slightly, however the coffee isnt coming out like a honey consistency yet. I seam to have the right colour, though it appears a bit runny.
Should i adjust the grind a bit finer, or grind more coffee?
I am much happier with the timing. It takes approx. 7-8 seconds for coffee to start pouring out and total extraction is in the mid 20 secs.

[Dimal]

Any chance of throwing up a video of a couple of shots Dejan, might make it a bit easier to help you out...

Mal.

[chokkidog]

Hi Slav and welcome to CS.

It would be great if you could provide some more info, like a video, as suggested.

There is no easy cure for fixing problems with coffee online......

there are just too many variables.

Can you tell us what size basket and what approximate dose weight you are using? How old is the coffee and what is it's roast depth?

By not being specific you'll sometimes get conflicting advice, which only complicates the issue...... 30 ml/60ml????

You ask if you should grind 'finer' or 'more' but we don't know what the start point is........

Dose somewhere between 18-22 gms in a double or triple basket, grind fine enough to choke the shot, ( no coffee comes out except a drip or two but don't wait longer than

10-12 seconds ) then start to back off your grind setting until you get a 'drip that wants to pour'. Aim for 30ml in 30 secs ( Yelta's post ).

If you only have a double basket then dose around 16- 18 gms or so. When dosing avoid over dosing as per Mal's post ( or under dosing).

Once you have achieved a satisfactory shot you can use it to benchmark a base point to calibrate different filter basket sizes,

different shot times and volumes and different coffees with varying roast depth and age.

[SLAV]

Hi there all,
I have a video however currently trying to work out how to post it from my phone