Re: Compact vintage crema
Oh, and really loving those Japanese grinders too, and the Pharos (looks bulletproof!); spoilt for choice really. Had considered an older german wooden one - Ill let you know how I go!
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Re: Compact vintage crema
Well it turned up today, which I was half surprised and fully excited about!
Photos wont be far away, but one thing I can say is that it looks even better in the flesh, and its a great specimen. Actually, Im amazed that I got it in such top nick, and very reasonably priced on ebay italy. Not sure what I was worried about, so thanks for the advice.
One thing Ive noticed so far is that there doesnt seem to be much pressure buildup on my dodgy pre-ground test shots. Not sure if this is a seal problem, but have ordered a spare set from orphanespresso just to have handy. Havent got a plug adapter for the italian plug to try out the kettle yet.
My first attempts to make one of those gorgeous youtube shots have so far failed miserably. Seem to mainly get a watery mess.
Obviously theres a few factors that still need to be sorted - grinder, kettle and (my guess) seals, but are there any other things I should be doing?
Just to give a snapshot, Im (unfortunately) using a Lavazza gold pack espresso pre-grind, and cramming my portafilter with the maximum I can fit with a pretty heavy tamper. Pouring boiling water into the kettle, and tried single, double and lungos (praise the google search!) pull styles.
Any ideas?
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Re: Compact vintage crema
Or perhaps look into a Pharos hand grinder, bit more expensive, but top quality bur set, engineered to last a lifetime, and users report excellent grind quality, and much faster than the smaller hand grinders.
Not usr eif it would fit in with the vintage look, but it certainly is unique looking.
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Re: Compact vintage crema
8-) We await the pics. Depending on bench space one of the Japanese ceramic hand grinders will get you going for under $80ish.
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Re: Compact vintage crema
Well, just decided to plunge right in and go for a caravel on ebay italy. Got an early one for a pretty reasonable price, and now its fingers crossed to see if it turns up in one piece.
Now then, a grinder…
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Re: Compact vintage crema
Thanks for your replies so far guys!
I saw a couple of caravels on ebay italy and was pretty tempted, but havent jumped in yet. I spose they will turn up – italian post doesnt have the best of reputations from what Ive read. Anyone had any experience ordering from italy?
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Re: Compact vintage crema
Welcome to the non lurking side
Plenty of vintage offerings available if you have the $$ to spend on securing one. Crema is not the be all and end all of coffee but being able to get a good extraction regardless of method is.
Locally evilbay is one source of levers, tends to be mainly Pavonis but you do ocasionally get 1970s Gaggias (shown below) and some of the other small levers come up. A bigger assortment will come up in evilbay Italy. Check what Sorrentina coffee actually may have in reconditioned machines too several there at present.
Make sure you allow in the budget some money for a decent grinder. It along with stale beans are the largest reasons for poor results with small lever machines.
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Re: Compact vintage crema
oh- I just noticed: it says vintage in your title... There is only one choice: The Caravel. But its not a stovetop. It is the ultimate vintage crema machine.
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Re: Compact vintage crema
hello there and welcome...
if you are after stovetop espresso then you could think about the Baachi. It makes REAL espresso with mountains of Crema and performs as well as the best espresso machines. No milk frothing though. But I really cannot recommend them highly enough- they are not like any other stovetop device. Easy to use and make a very good true espresso. Works well for one big double shot or two standard shots.
The Baby Faemina is a great looking machine but not very practical. The seals are always gone on them- and even if you manage to figure out a replacement- they are tricky to use. The Presso is a much better choice in that type of coffee maker- far more functional- if quite a bit uglier.
as for Atomics: I wouldnt give up on them completely... if you are used to stovetop coffee you should find it a big improvement and you can get crema out of them if you use good beans and a good method. And they do fit your looking good criteria...
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Compact vintage crema
Hi everyone,
This is my first post - Ive been lurking around for ages, and I thought its time to come forward. After all, I could really use some help.
Ive been using a stovetop moka pot for a long time now, and after having an espresso machine introduced into work (some delonghi 15 bar thing), Ive finally decided its time to take the plunge at home.
Im looking for recommendations for something thats small, simple, attractive, and makes a proper espresso with some nice body and crema.
Thing is, Ive had my heart set on an Atomic for about 10 years, but after reading about lack of crema, low pressure etc. have decided I need to move on.
I dont have a lot of space, and Im unsure if there are any compact vintage machines around that can make a really great coffee. I love the baby faema, but looks like its low on crema too. Would a presso/stovetop foamer combo be worth considering? How abouta mini gaggia lever (not that Id ever find one)? Any other machines I should consider?
Look forward to hearing your thoughts!Tags: None
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