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  • Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

    gday all.

    long time lurker, first time poster.

    so i was meant to get myself a silvia, or even a lelit or isomac...but seeing as im a bit strapped for cash at the moment i decided to go a cheaper option...sunbeam.  :-?

    i thought being my first machine ill get something cheap and play around with and upgrade later on.

    so ive done an actual coffee course because i wanted to learn more about coffee and get a hands on approach. even got my accredited barista certificates (although i wouldnt call myself a barista at all - at least not yet  )

    anyway, to the gear. i ended up picking them up brand new for $380 (espresso machine and grinder). RRP is 499 for the machine, and 149 for the grinder - so i thought it was a good deal even though its a sunbeam. lol.

    thought id give you guys an impression about the gear i just bought for those looking for more info on the sunbeams. please note i am not a coffee expert and these opinions are just from a regular joe.

    so lets start with the grinder, the EM0450.



    this is the alternative conical burr grinder to the EM0480 which is $50 more expensive. im not entirely sure what mechanical differences there are but physically the EM0450 has less stainless steel. and according to the sunbeam website the EM0480s extra features include a dual mode setting (which im not sure what that means).

    the grinder comes with attachments to fit both domestic portafilters, and larger commerical ones too. operation of the grinder is by a small button where you grind on demand by pushing the button with the portafilter.

    there are 25 grind settings on the grinder, with 1 being the finest, and 25 being the most coarse.

    so what is it like to use? i cant give u specific differences since i havent really used any other grinders...but i will explain what a regular joe like me thinks of it.

    adjusting the grind settings is a bit annoying - the adjustment isnt the smoothest and doesnt really click into place when u turn it and its not like one of those types u can make fine adjustments with. so when you turn the adjuster its not a smooth movement, but a stepped one and sometimes its a bit hard getting it onto that exact setting. hope that makes sense. lol

    another annoying thing ive found (and im sure other SB owners agree) is the amount of coffee grind that the grinder holds back. after i finish grinding i have to tap and knock the grinder a bit as there is residual grind still inside the grinder. i usually get an extra teaspoon or two of grind after i tap it. the problem with this is of course the possibility of stale coffee grinds when you decide to grind new beans. so i always have to make sure i knock the grinder around and tap it furiously to make sure i get all the coffee out.

    in terms of quality of the grind, it seems to look ok and seems to be pretty consistent every time i grind. particle size of the coffee grounds seem to be uniform and consistent.

    out of interest... to other SB owners out there, what grind setting do you use and how much tamp pressure do you use to get a 30sec extraction? im currently using a setting of 18 with a heavy tamp, or a setting of 14 with a very light tamp. i find it kind of weird that the setting is at 18 (25 is the most coarse) as its up towards the coarse end of the scale.   or is my machine just crap with its pressure to take on a finer grind? (these settings are with a non pressurised filter btw)



    ok, so onto the machine. the EM5900.



    the machine is a single thermoblock system so you cant steam milk at the same time whilst brewing espresso. comes with a 2 spout portafilter (the spout is welded on) and has that plastic thingy guide inside. i thought about removing this plastic thing but it means i will have the problem of an empty hole in the middle where it screwed in. i think i may leave it as is and just clean it properly to make sure no crud builds up underneath.

    it also comes with two PRESSURISED filter baskets...i only just picked up a non-pressurised basket today which i will talk more about later. the machine features a nice long and thick steam wand with a one hole steam tip. and is also used for the hot water function.

    operation is straightforward and manual by using the buttons at the top. hit the coffee button for it to start brewing, and hit it again for it for turn off. simple. steam operation involves pressing the steam button and allowing the machine to warm up further, and then using the knob on the side.

    the machine features pre-infusion so it wets the puck a second before it starts extraction. not sure what the advantages are to this...any gurus care to explain?

    anyway, ive been using the 2 cup pressurised filter lately and have been getting some ok coffee. only just got the non pressurised filter today so there is alot of testing and fine tuning to do again. will report on results when i get there. the pressurised filters seem to leave me with some very wet pucks and theres a layer of water on the top when i take out the PF. im assuming all that residual water cant get through the single hole on the filter basket... the non pressurised filter seems to also leave a layer of water on top of the puck but it drains quickly and the puck dries when the PF is taken off and the pressure is relieved. is it possible to get dry pucks straight away on these domestic machines that dont have 3 way valves?

    also, what should a straight espreso shot taste like?? in terms of bitterness, sweetness, sourness? what tastes/smells should i be looking for? i usually have milk based coffee drinks and the coffee ive made so far as been ok and close to those ive bought from cafes so im assuming im on the right track...but im a complete newbie when it comes to tasting straight espresso shots.


    anyway, onto the milk steaming part and this is where i fail.

    ive followed KKs tips and techniques and tried so many things but still cant get perfectly textured milk. steam pressure from the machine seems to be strong enough and the steam is nice and hot and dry....

    i start with a cold milk jug that ive put in the freezer beforehand, and follow KKs tips exactly (although i have to tilt the jug a little bit to get a good whirlpool going). i even switched between a 400ml and 600ml jug with not much difference. the smaller jug seems to be a bit better though with folding/whirlpooling the milk.

    what i end up with is beautiful microfoam at the top, with hot/steamed milk on the bottom. the foam layer on the top looks very nice and silky smooth (albeit a bit thick). i can stretch the milk fine although it doesnt expand as quick as when i did it on the la san marco machines at the barista courses. i think the problem im having is folding the milk together with the foam....even though i give it plenty of time in that whirlpool stage. i always end up pouring hot milk into my cup and then end up with thick foam at the end which i pour out. appearance wise it looks good but the milk isnt smooth and uniform throughout.

    i steamed milked perfectly on the la san marco machines when i did my coffee course and it was uniform and lovely. yet im struggling with this damn sunbeam. any further advice or tips for me?  

    anyway, im still learning alot and experimenting alot with the machine so ill post more info as i go.

    i think ive covered most of what i wanted to say...hope it wasnt too much to read for you lot. lol. just wanted to post some things about the sunbeam machines for people who are looking for more info on them as i couldnt find much info either on the EM5900.



    so thanks for reading. looking forward to your comments and feedback. ive learnt a bunch from you lot just from browsing the forum.

    if anyones interested i can maybe get some photos or videos up as well.



    but for now, happy brewing.  

  • #2
    Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

    Long post

    With out changing teh settings and playing a bit... The steam can be a slight pain...

    Unless you mod it; but that is another story.

    1: Coffee shot / Steam milk - Purge steam and then Purge / flush the group.

    2: Then another short cooling flush and then ya ready for coffee number two.

    3: Ya never mentioned teh beans your using ?

    4: KKs steaming tip.. IS great but is not always so ideal with systems that do not have; that true full on steaming capacity.

    Keep trying .... Thats what coffee is about.

    As to how should it tast...

    That is Pallet training and also not putting faith into others hands. It is about YOU, not THEM.

    If its what you like, then great... Go and dry a few sponsors.. Try a few little shops and get ready to drink some dammed horrible crap... Then one will hit you and you will want to go back... That is teh one you want to try to copy..


    Comment


    • #3
      Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

      Hi,

      I have got the same combo and am quite happy, apart from the delay when you switch between steam and coffee mode. (would love a two boiler machine). I think this combo is a good entry into the world of espresso. I love the solid feel of the steam wand..

      I use a unpressurized basket (of course). My grinder sits at setting 12ish...
      I find that the steaming performance of my machine is sometimes a bit inconsistent, meaning the steam pressure seems to be quite a bit higher on some days then on others...

      I am using the stainless steel mug that came with it and find its volume a bit on the small size, even when making milk for one person only..

      I did remove the plastic insert in the portafilter and plugged the hole with a screw and nut. I recommend doing the same..you will get build up under there...




      @quickbrownfox
      I end up with pretty dry pucks, especially when pulling the shot, steaming milk, then knocking out the puck. how long does it take you to extract 60mls (double shot) are you around the 25 sec mark?

      @angermanagement: what sort of modding regarding the steam wand have you got in mind?
      I have got access to a work shop and thought about making up a steam nozzle with more than 1 hole....

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

        i got myself a breville ESP4/51 unpressurised filter for my machine. picked it up for $16. the grinder setting sits at 17 for me to extract 60mls in about 25secs.

        i am getting dry pucks now with the unpressurised filter...the pressurised ones seem to not drain properly and its pretty obvious why. lol.

        ive yet to pull the plastic insert out. probably need to find a nut first to plug that hole as i usually make two cups of coffee - so i need an even drip from both spouts.

        not sure about steam pressure but ive found it to work better on smaller jugs. how much milk do you use if you think the 600ml jug isnt enough? thats about 300ml of milk if youre filling it half way. lol.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

          I am using the jug that came with the machine, which is a 300ml one.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

            Originally posted by 727E637F777D707A7462110 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
            this is the alternative conical burr grinder to the EM0480 which is $50 more expensive. im not entirely sure what mechanical differences there are but physically the EM0450 has less stainless steel. and according to the sunbeam website the EM0480s extra features include a dual mode setting (which im not sure what that means).
            Supposedly all the internals are the same but that doesnt explain why they give a longer motor warranty on the 0480.
            The dual mode setting consists of another switch on the side which changes it from grind on demand to grind until I turn the switch to off.

            Originally posted by 727E637F777D707A7462110 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
            another annoying thing ive found (and im sure other SB owners agree) is the amount of coffee grind that the grinder holds back. after i finish grinding i have to tap and knock the grinder a bit as there is residual grind still inside the grinder. i usually get an extra teaspoon or two of grind after i tap it. the problem with this is of course the possibility of stale coffee grinds when you decide to grind new beans. so i always have to make sure i knock the grinder around and tap it furiously to make sure i get all the coffee out.
            Typical.

            Originally posted by 727E637F777D707A7462110 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
            out of interest... to other SB owners out there, what grind setting do you use and how much tamp pressure do you use to get a 30sec extraction? im currently using a setting of 18 with a heavy tamp, or a setting of 14 with a very light tamp. i find it kind of weird that the setting is at 18 (25 is the most coarse) as its up towards the coarse end of the scale.Sad or is my machine just crap with its pressure to take on a finer grind? (these settings are with a non pressurised filter btw)
            You cant compare settings from one grinder to the next. The Instruction book suggests starting at 13 and working it out from their.
            I havent used a 5900 only a 6910. It looks like youve worked out whats best for your machine and basket.

            Originally posted by 727E637F777D707A7462110 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
            the machine features pre-infusion so it wets the puck a second before it starts extraction. not sure what the advantages are to this...any gurus care to explain?
            Im not a guru but the theory is that by pre-infusing the puck gently expands before being hit with the full water pressure in the belief that this will prevent channelling because of sudden full force pressure.

            Originally posted by 727E637F777D707A7462110 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
            i start with a cold milk jug that ive put in the freezer beforehand
            May not be necessary once you get the hang of it all. :-/


            Whereabouts in Sydney are you?




            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

              Originally posted by 35392438303A373D3325560 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
              i ended up picking them up brand new for $380 (espresso machine and grinder)
              Hi quickbrownfox,

              Thanks for your post! I am looking to get the exact same machine and grinder. Just wondering where you picked up that deal for $380?? Im also in Sydney.

              Thanks heaps

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                I have an EM0480 grinder and yesterday picked up a EM5900, I sold a EM5600 as I was looking for faster milk processing. Thanks for the post as there is a dirth of information re the EM5900.
                The 5900 is a lot noisier than the 5600 - is that normal?
                I get wet pucks.
                Separated milk.
                Espresso is good though with Coffee Snobs "Gold" beans in use.
                Any ideas about tweaking the steam temperature and wetness - the 5900 has this facility - I was wondering what hotter or dryer steam does to the process of microfoaming - any ideas?

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                  Great thread and good info @quickbrown!

                  I have decided to give this machine/grinder combo a go as im on a limited budget. Does anyone know where to pick one of these up in mebourne for around the $400~ mark?

                  Thanks!
                  ohh and great site too  

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                    Originally posted by 262A372B2329242E2036450 link=1282830060/0#0 date=1282830060
                    what i end up with is beautiful microfoam at the top, with hot/steamed milk on the bottom. the foam layer on the top looks very nice and silky smooth (albeit a bit thick). i can stretch the milk fine although it doesnt expand as quick as when i did it on the la san marco machines at the barista courses. i think the problem im having is folding the milk together with the foam....even though i give it plenty of time in that whirlpool stage. i always end up pouring hot milk into my cup and then end up with thick foam at the end which i pour out. appearance wise it looks good but the milk isnt smooth and uniform throughout.

                    i steamed milked perfectly on the la san marco machines when i did my coffee course and it was uniform and lovely. yet im struggling with this damn sunbeam. any further advice or tips for me?  
                    Hmm, putting in my two cents.. I find that with KKs method, if you get separated milk, then try to move the wand from the outer whirlpool to the epicentre after moving it to 3/4, this evens out the air/foam to the bottom of the jug..

                    otherwise, you could always try what a barista told me once - if you find separated milk/foam after steaming, swirl the jug around by hand before pouring to combine them.. :P
                    I find this method a bit hit and miss tho..

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                      The static in the 0450 is nuts, when I bought mine back when they were new I seriously thought it was faulty in some way, method I used to keep it clear was to like pick it up and lightly bang it on the bench, but if you forget a few times it gets a hell of a stuck build up, be prepared to clean it between bags of fresh coffee.

                      Steaming milk with a thermoblock is hard, epicly hard in my opinion, or at least when you want good texture anyway, trial and error is the key, give it some months and you find something that works, in the end I got good with my Krups, but damed if I could ever do it again since having moved to a boiler.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                        I just purchased this combo from Target ($383 after 20% off). Am mostly happy with it so far.

                        With the included pressurised basket I could only get a 5-8 second pour no matter the grind or tamp. It came out fast and runny looking almost like milk. And a soggy wet puck. This thing is complete junk! Especially if youre going to grind fresh. It tasted mostly okay despite, but I dont need "fake crema" with fresh ground beans.

                        I too had a Bar Italia that had an unpressurised basket that fits perfectly. Got a nice long pour which "hangs", and a dryer puck that comes out in one piece. Only problem is the holes are a tad big and quite a few grounds get through. I might experiment with a coarser grind and tighter tamp. Im trying to find one the Krups one recommended in the thread, hopefully itll have finer holes - that would be perfect I think. Dont know why Sunbeam would hobble their own product with a crappy basket. If its normal to end up with a few grounds in there, I might not bother getting the Krups.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                          Okay, a few things I have concluded. If you end up with a layer of water above the puck (with the pressurised basket), you havent filled the basket enough or packet it tightly enough. The puck once expanded should come in contact with the shower screen to create the necessary pressure. With a finer grind and tighter tamp to within 2mm of the top, its perfect. Even with the pressurised one I got a pretty solid puck (though it still doesnt come out cleanly) and a longer pour (too much white foam though). With the unpressurised basket, it is perfect. The tigther tamp, even though the grind is finer, means there is less grounds getting out the bottom as there just isnt as much give in there for things to move around.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                            Hi Darkfalz, im on my 3rd day with the Breville BES860 and am having some issues with the umpressurised basket. (not the machine, but due to my inexperiance) I think your advice is making a lot of sense and im going to try your sugestions! thanks for posting.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: Sunbeam EM5900 Machine + EM0450 Grinder - Impressions from a newbie

                              I think I can even get $30 cash back for this. So that takes it down to a total cost of $353.

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