Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
In my experience, good technique, fresh beans, and a good grinder have more effect on your shots than the machine that pumps the hot water. So to the excellent previous suggestions, Id add that buying a new, high quality grinder could also be a smart next step, especially if you would like to delay a complete upgrade.
And if you eventually decide to upgrade the machine, youll need a new grinder anyway, so this would not be wasted money.
Can the burrs on your built-in grinder be changed? If so, then it couldnt hurt to replace them and see if it helps.
Jim
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Mr Marky,
I third the above comments.
Assuming proper technique/good grinder/fresh beans and an understanding of your machines temperature profile, a higher grade SB machine will not improve your shots, larger boilers only will improve the shot recovery and the steaming power. They wont resolve the channelling
If you aimed higher: to a SB or HX machine [or anything else] with preinfusion, you would find it easier to pull repeatable shots and
there may further gains in consistancy improvements due to better temp stability.
But but realistically there is no reason why the shots should be better.
Are you perhaps using a crappy plastic and or ill fitted tamper, if so updating this will will be the fastest/cheapest way to get improvements.
Otherwise talk to a site sponsor, go and pull a few shots and follow your heart not your head.
More $$$$Bling$$$$ now means less $$$$bling$$$$ later so with inflation factored in you will actually save "real" money by upgrading today.
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Gday Marcus,
Id have to second Gregs statement above.... I owned the non-grinder version of this machine for a few years and found it be an excellent performer when high quality, freshly ground coffee is used. Almost every shot was in the excellent range with the occasional God shot catching me by surprise
now and again.
In all honesty, I would have to say that the cause for your troubles are most likely in the technique(s) you use and maybe it would be more worthwhile to spend some money on a reputable Home Barista Course rather than a new machine plus grinder. Some of our sponsors offer these courses at very reasonable cost giving you access to some of the best professionals in Australia. Definitely worth doing.....
Mal.
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Hi Marcus,
Id be first asking questions about your technique, age of beans, bean storage, machine warm-up time, grind coarsity, tamp etc, as I know from my own experience that these machines are capable of good results if used properly. Of course if youve got the dollars to spare on upgrading then go for it, but bear in mind that if your technique is wrong youre going to have similar problems on any machine.
Greg
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Hi Marcus,
We have a wide variety of machinery which will meet your brief.
Please feel free to call and have a chat regarding pros and cons of those you like the look of.
We would be thrilled to assist in any way we can...
regards
Chris
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Hi Marcus,
It certainly seems to be a fact that there is potential for the taste to be better a more expensive machine; at least I have found that to be the case in my experience.
I upgraded from a Saeco Via Venezia, with a non-pressurised 53mm portafilter, to a new Vibiemme Domobar Levetta, with an E61 group, 700ml boiler (against Silvias 300ml ) and 58mm portafilter. These sell for around $1,299.00 depending on what sort of a deal you can obtain.
The shots I am getting with the new machine are far more consistent and predictable than I previously obtained with the small machine, small boiler, small portafilter.
It seems to me that, being a heavy machine using a lot of brass, and having a large boiler, relatively speaking, the temperature is far more stable than in the more lightly- built domestic machines, which in turn lessens the likelihood of the bitter/sour experience, ie water too hot/too cool. This is just my experience.
I would suggest that you visit a supplier where you can test machines relative to each other, and obtain some good advice based on your requirements. There is a lot of good advice out there and most suppliers are only too anxious to help.
Trevorbeans
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Re: Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Which state are you in Marcus so I can recommend the nearest sponsor to talk to?
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Help me choose a new single boiler machine...
Hi there,
Ive currently got a Napoletana II, and - although Im pretty happy overall - I would like to
upgrade to a single boiler machine that does not suffer from channelling quite as much. Despite
all efforts to play with grind/tamp/overload the double basket, my cremas are just not coming
out all syrupy with the red tiger striping... I know I can do better.
So, what do you all recommend? I generally make 1-3 espressos a day with 2 or 3 cappas over the
weekend, never at the same time. And Im a bit of a purist at heart. A Silvia seems like more of the
same.
What sort of price point will result in a significant improvement in taste? Does the coffee taste
better the more you spend (or does it just seem that way?!!) If youve got some suggestions, Id love to here em...
Cheers,
Marcus.
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