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Today I witnessed two glorious pours from my naked PF 8-), seemingly perfect in every way. Started dark then turned into beautiful tiger striping with a nice syrup like consistency. No spritzes to be seen! I used the Weiss method and cut the arse out of a takeaway coffee cup which fit perfectly inside the LM basket. Ground into the PF and gave it bit of a stir with a mini egg beater.
After I removed the cup from the PF and smoothed the grounds with my finger I could instantly feel the different (more uniform?) lighter consistency of the grind. It seemed much softer to the touch and moved much more freely. Definitely no clumping. It also seemed easier to tamp for some reason. I usually need to have a few goes at getting the right amount of coffee in the PF. Usually after tamping the top of the puck is too low so I have to add some more and tamp again. Both times the top of the puck was at the right height first go.
Tasted bloody good too. SO definitely gave me a your a weirdo look as I started yelling with excitement and rubbing my hands as the pour started. I think I would best describe it as a religous experience. Ill try to get a piccy tomorrow.
Originally posted by Boris link=1169901431/0#14 date=1170474394
Top Idea Mal. Its good because the exchange into the plastic cup disrupts the static electricity which causes the clumping and because it frees up your hands, a naked PF wont sit by itself in a Rock doserless.
BOris
Well yes, there are those added benefits too ;D.... So used to doing it this way I forgot about em
Top Idea Mal. Its good because the exchange into the plastic cup disrupts the static electricity which causes the clumping and because it frees up your hands, a naked PF wont sit by itself in a Rock doserless.
BOris
Originally posted by Matt G link=1169901431/0#11 date=1170022561
Ive got the doserless model, but usually give the grinds a bit of a stir with the end of the milk thermometer in the PF before tamping.
Ive got the D/L Rocky too but instead of grinding straight into the PF Basket, I grind into a plastic 1/3 Cup Measuring Cup first (sits under the discharge spout perfectly) and then dose the PF Basket from that. Only takes a couple of seconds longer, if that, and the act of transferring the freshly ground coffee this way breaks up any clumps that may have been there.
You might want to try something somewhat finer than a thermometer. Something that dislodges the clumps without upsetting the distribution of the grinds.
I use the very versatile straightened paper clip, zig-zagging it throughout the basket.
Originally posted by JavaB link=1169901431/0#7 date=1169982209
Matt
Is your Rocky the doser or doserless model?.... The doser on the La Cimbali does a great job of breaking up the clumps and also gives an even distribution.... as long as you dose through the doser - which I do.
The Weiss method, although a bit of a pain, would certainly overcome any clumping issues.
Ive got the doserless model, but usually give the grinds a bit of a stir with the end of the milk thermometer in the PF before tamping. Which is why Im a little surprised with the amount of channeling Im getting.
I have to say, I love my bottomless PF - its frustrating that immediate feedback ... you think you have done a great tamp .... only to find out its all wrong - it amazes me how quick you can tell!
Is your Rocky the doser or doserless model?.... The doser on the La Cimbali does a great job of breaking up the clumps and also gives an even distribution.... as long as you dose through the doser - which I do.
The Weiss method, although a bit of a pain, would certainly overcome any clumping issues.
Well Ive got the right tamper equipment so Ill have to fix my grind and tamping method. I read up on the Weiss distribution method a little while ago so I might start there.
Meanwhile Ill have to duck and weave the little streams of espresso.
Originally posted by Matt G link=1169901431/0#2 date=1169973012
Im wondering if I should check the pressure at the PF in case my Silvia is pumping out at too high a pressure.
Matt,
Even if the pressure was a bit high, that wouldnt be causing the spritzes - as Robusto said above, thats channelling...
So more work on tamping Im afraid
Im sure that many users of sivias, sunbeams and every other machine would get the same shock if they tried a bottomless PF. Most think that because they have lots of crema all is good. But those little spritzes act like crema enhancers- producing more, but "false" crema which is lighter in colour and fades more quickly--- just like that from pressurised baskets.
Ive found when I get the tamp "just right" the crema is darker, richer, sweeter and a bit less in volume (e.g. after switching to a Greg Pullman tamper) for the same extraction volume and time.
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