Hi everyone,
So I bought a almost new EM3500 (yes, I know...thermoblock, but at $10 this has to do for now). I have an EM0480 to go with it.
I have been grinding at the finest settings, and using an unpressurised ESP4 basket. The results so far have been good. I have been trying different quantities of coffee. I do not have a scale yet (ordered one) so I have been using around 1 Aeropress scope, freshly ground. That works out to a slightly overdosed Brevile ESP4 double basket. I do a heavy tamp (have not really measured yet). The shots have half crema (dark brown, blondes around the 23-25s mark) and the flow is generally good. Most of my inconsistencies come from the hardness of the tamp (so sometimes I overshoot and get a tighter Ristretto-esc shot) Generally the bitterness is not there and I can drink straight. Sometimes it shows up, I am using an Italian roast from a local roaster (it seems this roast is quite forgiving
).
I am wondering if any one has experience with this machine (seems similar to EM3600, EM4800). Specially, with temperature surfing (I have ordered a digital thermometer, but until then I cannot really measure the temp).
My usual routine is:
1. Warm up the machine for 5 mins or so (the themoblock generally warms up quite fast)
2. Run a double shots worth of water through the group with portafilter in it
3. Grind/tamp
4. Run a bit of more water through the group
5. Count to ten
6. Pull
Any tips?
I must say so far I am quite happy with the machine as it produces better espresso than most of the Cafes around
albeit not matching Single Origin and Mecca who I venture to now and then.
So I bought a almost new EM3500 (yes, I know...thermoblock, but at $10 this has to do for now). I have an EM0480 to go with it.
I have been grinding at the finest settings, and using an unpressurised ESP4 basket. The results so far have been good. I have been trying different quantities of coffee. I do not have a scale yet (ordered one) so I have been using around 1 Aeropress scope, freshly ground. That works out to a slightly overdosed Brevile ESP4 double basket. I do a heavy tamp (have not really measured yet). The shots have half crema (dark brown, blondes around the 23-25s mark) and the flow is generally good. Most of my inconsistencies come from the hardness of the tamp (so sometimes I overshoot and get a tighter Ristretto-esc shot) Generally the bitterness is not there and I can drink straight. Sometimes it shows up, I am using an Italian roast from a local roaster (it seems this roast is quite forgiving
).I am wondering if any one has experience with this machine (seems similar to EM3600, EM4800). Specially, with temperature surfing (I have ordered a digital thermometer, but until then I cannot really measure the temp).
My usual routine is:
1. Warm up the machine for 5 mins or so (the themoblock generally warms up quite fast)
2. Run a double shots worth of water through the group with portafilter in it
3. Grind/tamp
4. Run a bit of more water through the group
5. Count to ten
6. Pull
Any tips?
I must say so far I am quite happy with the machine as it produces better espresso than most of the Cafes around
albeit not matching Single Origin and Mecca who I venture to now and then.

Hope this helps!
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