Ive had the opportunity to have a good play with the La Sorrentina and thought it might be helpful if there were a thread dedicated to this machine. Though there dont appear to be too many discussions about this particular piece/style of equipment, I know for sure that people buy them...because I and many other Sponsors sell them!
I dont mean to start a review, just some practical tips that might be helpful. So to get things started...
It took me a while to work out how much water to put into the unit, given that I wanted some for the coffee and some for steam I found it awkward to determine. The user guide is somewhat helpful in this regard, but doesnt state the quantity of water to add, but rather, suggests filling to a certain point. Having emailed Jack from Ikon and suggested this would be helpful, I learnt that the units are sand-cast, and vary slightly from one unit to the next, making it impossible to give a certain figure. At some time in the future, we may see an insert along these lines in what is already a good and useful user guide.
In the meantime, Jack has offered the following suggestion:
"After making a brew of coffee- empty the coffee jug. Then pour the water that remains in the LS boiler after brewing into the jug. Make a small mark/scracth on the inside of the jug at the waterline. In future whatever water you put ABOVE that line- when you fill the machine- will be roughly the size of your shot/shots when you make the brew."
Ive also asked if theres a tamper to suit, but alas, not at this point. In the meantime Im getting pretty good at using the back of a teaspoon. ;D
Im still only managing sudsy froth, but on the improve, as is the flavour of the coffee Im making. One definite for me is to use a lighter roasted coffee to compensate for the higher brew temp.
I guess like all sorts of new to hand equipment, these take some getting used to.
So, Id be interested to hear from owners of either the La Sorrentina, or Atomic about your experiences and any tips you may have!
Cheers!



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