Espresso Drinker - No milk or sugar required.

[TRRR]

When you have a small volume boiler, pre heating the brew water via the steam boiler will help stop the brew water from dropping temperature mid shot. With that system you can get away with a small brew boiler for faster heat up times when switched on for the first time in the morning and also have more efficient operation for low volume use in the home setting. I think it is the way to go.

[LFM60]

Hey!
I resemble that remark...

Mal.

Not too far off it myself.

[Dimal]

Annoying old people everywhere!!!!!!!!

Hey!
I resemble that remark...

Mal.

[2muchcoffeeman]

I wouldn't have thought many (any?) double boilers would take brew water through the steam boiler...

Many/most are fed by the pre heated water per favour of a HX in the steam boiler... You learns something every day

[kbilleter]

Espresso drinkers who use multi boiler machines need to be mindful that when the steam boiler is switched off, the trade off in the majority of cases is thermostability as the water entering the brew boiler receives less HX warming in transit through the steam boiler.

I'd suggest at least bringing the steam boiler to pressure initially. If it's insulated, it should provide a warming effect for a while.

I wouldn't have thought many (any?) double boilers would take brew water through the steam boiler...

[2muchcoffeeman]

Espresso drinkers who use multi boiler machines need to be mindful that when the steam boiler is switched off, the trade off in the majority of cases is thermostability as the water entering the brew boiler receives less HX warming in transit through the steam boiler.

I'd suggest at least bringing the steam boiler to pressure initially. If it's insulated, it should provide a warming effect for a while.

[Magic_Matt]

Some DBs allow you to switch off the steam boiler when not needed - worth remembering. A lot of extra $$$ up front though.

[LFM60]

I suppose you could have a tin of International Roast on standby for the mother in law

To use as a missile?


Sorry, just been to the shops and it must be pension day.
Annoying old people everywhere!!!!!!!!

[herzog]

In my opinion, all of the e-61 options are far superior to any of the small single boiler machines- with or without PID.

2mcm

Yeah it's absolutely worth extending yourself to a HX machine. Even if you are primarily a shot drinker, inevitably you'll have guests or relos that want milk based coffees. A HX or DB machine makes it easy, and even fun to use when you need to bang out a few at a party.

I suppose you could have a tin of International Roast on standby for the mother in law

[LeroyC]

Ah, but you see there are no absolutes 2MCM - only what best suits the individual's unique requirements. You'll no doubt pick this up as you participate more and pick up some knowledge from the experienced members of the forum [emoji848] [emoji16] [emoji6] [emoji6] [emoji6]

But seriously, quick warmup, energy use and form factor might be bigger priorities for the OP than the benefits of an E-61. Or not, of course - more questions required probably. Personally, if budget allowed and all other things were equal I'd still lean toward an E-61 HX or DB for resale value and marketability down the track, for guests and in case another member of the household developed a taste for milk-based drinks.

It's really good of you to take the time to help educate a relatively new member Matt. Based on his post above he needs all the help he can get!!!!

[Magic_Matt]

[emoji23][emoji122]

[2muchcoffeeman]

You'll no doubt pick this up as you participate more and pick up some knowledge from the experienced members of the forum.

I'm looking forward to doing that... Perhaps someone here will be able to tell me why my supermarket shots are thin and lack crema? I have a Strada 1 group and 5 different grinders, use VST baskets and weigh to 0.0001g accuracy. I run it on mineral enhanced distilled water. My VST refractometer and Puq Press tamper are really helpful as well. I am not prepared to pay $20/kg for coffee when I can get it for $11 at Aldi. And by the way, what's your best price on a new group seal?

Meanwhile, I'd just buy this: http://coffeesnobs.com.au/coffee-har...colo-melb.html. I know the dude who serviced it and at <50% of retail, it's a good get.

[Magic_Matt]

In my opinion, all of the e-61 options are far superior to any of the small single boiler machines- with or without PID.

2mcm

Ah, but you see there are no absolutes 2MCM - only what best suits the individual's unique requirements. You'll no doubt pick this up as you participate more and pick up some knowledge from the experienced members of the forum [emoji848] [emoji16] [emoji6] [emoji6] [emoji6]

But seriously, quick warmup, energy use and form factor might be bigger priorities for the OP than the benefits of an E-61. Or not, of course - more questions required probably. Personally, if budget allowed and all other things were equal I'd still lean toward an E-61 HX or DB for resale value and marketability down the track, for guests and in case another member of the household developed a taste for milk-based drinks.

[tdunster]

For a pure espresso drinker a SB machine with PID control is a great idea. A PID on an HX machine isn't too useful but on a SB is great.

Of course, most would say that a quality HX machine with an E61 head would be a better choice and I would only agree. However, this would costs significantly more than a SB machine.

You can read about different types of machines here:

www.*****.com.au/buyers-guide

Cheers, Paul

Excellent link. Cheers.

[Yelta]

In my opinion, all of the e-61 options are far superior to any of the small single boiler machines- with or without PID.

2mcm

Amen to that.