Confused - just read that an automatic machine doesn't create a true espresso

[askthecoffeeguy]

Full autos do have some programmability and an ability to dial in the grind (on some) but you will never have the same functionality as manual or semi automatic which allows you the opportunity to adjust a lot more of the variables such as dose, tamp, and grind consistency. Some of the bean to cup machines do an ok job, but then you pay for what you get. I traded in my Breville Barista Express because I hated the small and I just couldnt seem to get the shot quality I was after with the machine. Having said that I have a La Rocca Express E61 semi commercial machine, and a BDB as well, both of which give me plenty to play around with, and a lot of variables to be able to adjust as well. Must say I prefer the extra effort that goes into making your own coffee, but I can understand why an auto machine might find its place in a workplace environment, where convenience is king.

[kungfuman]

Hi

I'm new here. I hope I've posted in the right place.

I've been researching coffee machines for the last week and wanted to buy an automatic one. I've narrowed it down to Melitta CI, Melitta cafeo barista, DeLonghi Magnifica S ECAM 22.110.B, Delonghi Fully Compact Automatic, Gaggia anima prestige, and I looked at some Saeco ones last night but haven't found a review online yet for them.

I was leaning toward the Melitta CI and I read this detailed review on this German blog here: https://www.coffeeness.de/en/melitta-caffeo-ci-review/

But on another page on that site he says that you won't get a true espresso from an automatic machine because of the way it makes the espresso. And that the crema is fake crema because the machine puts a bit of air in it to make it look like crema.

So I'm confused. I wanted an automatic one so I wouldn't have to worry about milk wand steam burns or have to grind and tamp and lock the head? portafilter? in place. But I thought an automatic would give me a real espresso.

I currently have a Nespresso pod machine (a basic one) and wanted to upgrade and have freshly roasted beans and make mochas and lattes.

Thanks for reading :-)

automatic machines only do what they are programed to do its impossiable for it to know every variable, and it can't taste coffee. the only way to do it right is with a human that knows how to make one.

[Daffodilgirl]

Two Folk Espresso is at the back of Argyle St Carpark, Nick, if that's what you meant?

[Daffodilgirl]

Where in Hobart daffodilgirl?

there are others on coffeesnobs here in Hobart who can help out in person if you wish, just let us know !

Thanks, NickR :-) I live in the Huon Valley and don't get to go to Hobart much.

I made my friend a cappuccino with the Zimmah beans and she said it was delicious :-) I'm now splitting a double shot and drinking a single from it using 2 cups under the spout. I've ordered a measuring glass, the single wall baskets and a 54mm tamper :-)

BeanBay is on my list of beans to try, Warren, but I'm waiting on the Edelweiss and Big Dog beans from Wolff Coffee Roasters in Qld. There are so many different beans/blends I want to try! :-)

I took the Woolies beans back and got a refund :-) (refund guarantee on them)

[nickR]

Where in Hobart daffodilgirl?

there are others on coffeesnobs here in Hobart who can help out in person if you wish, just let us know !

[Jackster]

Use by date of 8/20... Probably roasted August 18, so maybe 7mth old already.

[Erimus]

Daffodilgirl, I think this is a good thread for a beginner. Instead of buying more beans, just use what you have, you will develop experience in the process. I suggest Bean Bay on this site would be good for your next beans as they only supply fresh roasted beans. If you go into a trendy coffee shop and buy their trendy dear beans they will try to sell you what they have in stock, you may be lucky or unlucky as to age. I think the Woolworths beans are likely to be far too old as a use by date is nothing to do with a roast date. Up to 7 days after roasting is a good guide but only buy a quantity you can use in two weeks.
I think Breville are a bit lousy in not supplying both single and dual wall baskets, the manufacturer's cost for them is minor.
GOOD LUCK

It's obviously less hassle for Breville not to supply single wall baskets. Then they won't have customer service repeatedly telling people to only use fresh coffee. It's quite convenient for Breville to make their product as simple to use as possible and you will get away with inadequate grinding too. Win, win for Breville and a definite step up from Nespresso.

[WarrenK]

Daffodilgirl, I think this is a good thread for a beginner. Instead of buying more beans, just use what you have, you will develop experience in the process. I suggest Bean Bay on this site would be good for your next beans as they only supply fresh roasted beans. If you go into a trendy coffee shop and buy their trendy dear beans they will try to sell you what they have in stock, you may be lucky or unlucky as to age. I think the Woolworths beans are likely to be far too old as a use by date is nothing to do with a roast date. Up to 7 days after roasting is a good guide but only buy a quantity you can use in two weeks.
I think Breville are a bit lousy in not supplying both single and dual wall baskets, the manufacturer's cost for them is minor.
GOOD LUCK

[CafeLotta]

Reasonable explanation of Single and Dual wall Filter baskets which might be helpful - Pressurised vs Non-Pressurised Baskets — Guide 2 Coffee

[Daffodilgirl]

Update after my 4th espresso

I think I've made a good espresso today. I used the double shot basket for the first time as I only wanted to drink single shots. I used Tasmanian Roasters Columbian Gold beans I bought yesterday from Woolies. The Use By date is 08/20. I tried them yesterday on a single shot and wasn't very impressed. I think the grind needed to be coarser.

So I used number 23 on the grinder for a double shot and it seemed to flow out well and had a good crema on it. Then I foamed the milk - still had a bit too much with just under the Min level in the jug - then I poured the milk on top, trying to do it like the baristas do at cafes and it had more flavour than yesterday's attempt.

Then I sprinkled a tiny bit of Ceylon Cinnamon on top and stirred it in with a spoon and drank it while eating a choc hazelnut small donut from Woolies - the latte tasted extra nice after a donut bite :-) but now I think it might have been to strong for me, LOL. I didn't drink it all.

This is the quickest espresso I've made so far - a few minutes. yesterday I spent 80 MINUTES trying to make one because the grind wasn't right and then I accidentally set the milk steamer off without the jug in there and had to go and turn the power off at the meter box because I didn't want to get burnt by the steam!

I've used grind 23 also for the Zimmah beans I tried, so tomorrow might try the Zimmah again in a double basket and see what they taste like in a double instead of a single shot.

P.S. Today was the 4th time I've used the machine because we had to evacuate nearly 2 weeks ago due to the bushfires and it arrived 5 days before we evacuated and I only had time to play with it twice before evacuating. Now I'm home and everything is okay :-)

[Daffodilgirl]

If you still have the bag look for a best before/use by date heat stamped into the top seal of the bag. They have to put it on but they love to hide it.

Thanks Chokkidog!

[chokkidog]

ANOTHER UPDATE:

I've read all the new comments on here, but only today. I bought a 1kg bag of Woolies dark roast beans with no expiry date - the only one on the shelf - last week BUT it has a refund policy! If I'm not 100% happy with them, they'll refund or replace. So I'll ask for a refund if I don't like them.

Nothing's arrived yet :-( sob.

If you still have the bag look for a best before/use by date heat stamped into the top seal of the bag. They have to put it on but they love to hide it.

[Daffodilgirl]

Update. So far I've made 2 coffees. One with Coles organic beans and one with zimmah devil and the deep.

The Coles needed finer grinding I think. I used 12 grind on my smart grind er pro
The milk was slimy in it but I steam ed it in microwave.

The zimmah took.me 3 goes with a grind of 23. The beans were ten days old
Then I foamed milk with the wand, medium for foam and temp. The milk was so good! Better than some of the cafes here. I made a.latte
But the coffee was nice but nothing special. I couldn't taste any notes, etc

Do I need to fill the basket all the way to top? Because after tamping I don't need to use the Razor yo level off. It's a single shot using the one cup basket.

On phone
Sorry for typos.

[Daffodilgirl]

IGOOD LUCK

Thanks, WarrenK :-) Today the grinder and my Zimmah beans arrived, 2 x 200g bags. Still waiting for the Bambino Plus, though.

[WarrenK]

I'll be making single shots. I only have 1 coffee per day usually (at breakfast) and I want to make mochas and pumpkin spice lattes (pumpkin spice from iherb.com - it's delicious in my coffee - I just add a little sprinkle).

I suggest for one a day 250g would work better. I make five a day and 1 kg lasts three weeks. However even though I have got the freshest beans from a local roaster, by the third week they are getting older and I struggle to keep the extraction fine tuned. So, less is better. GOOD LUCK