Hi all,
Ive just purchased my 1st espresso machine (Sunbeam EM6910) and am having a great time working out how to make the perfect cup. What Im currently frustrated with is the quality of the pour I am getting from pre-ground beans (I had them ground for me at a specialist store) as I havent purchased a grinder yet. Ive varied the amount of coffee I use, the pressure of the tamp and the length of the pour and Im not very impressed with the amount of crema Im getting with the pour despite changing things up. The instructions mention the pour should have the texture of dripping honey. Well, the pour Im getting is looking like black water with a very thin layer of golden scum on top, I have 3 different blends of bean (which I assume were ground to the same texture) and the results dont differ much regardless of the coffee used or variable changed. So what Id like to know is, am I wasting my time trying to improve my technique when the one variable I have no control over is the grind? Ive seen pictures of the EM6910 and the quality of its pour on this site and know that it can produce a great pour (Rich golden espresso..mmm). I assume this is an important factor. I also have timed the single pour (auto button on the EM6910) and it lasts about 16s. I can pre-program the length of pour with this machine but if I let it run for 25-30s Ill have too much liquid in the cup (watery black liquid). So....should I go shopping today and pony up the $ for a grinder? Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Cheers
Justin
P.S Ive removed the plastic liner from the PF as was recommended in another forum by other 6910/6900 users. Doesnt seem to have made a difference to the pour though. i.e its still looking dodgy
Ive just purchased my 1st espresso machine (Sunbeam EM6910) and am having a great time working out how to make the perfect cup. What Im currently frustrated with is the quality of the pour I am getting from pre-ground beans (I had them ground for me at a specialist store) as I havent purchased a grinder yet. Ive varied the amount of coffee I use, the pressure of the tamp and the length of the pour and Im not very impressed with the amount of crema Im getting with the pour despite changing things up. The instructions mention the pour should have the texture of dripping honey. Well, the pour Im getting is looking like black water with a very thin layer of golden scum on top, I have 3 different blends of bean (which I assume were ground to the same texture) and the results dont differ much regardless of the coffee used or variable changed. So what Id like to know is, am I wasting my time trying to improve my technique when the one variable I have no control over is the grind? Ive seen pictures of the EM6910 and the quality of its pour on this site and know that it can produce a great pour (Rich golden espresso..mmm). I assume this is an important factor. I also have timed the single pour (auto button on the EM6910) and it lasts about 16s. I can pre-program the length of pour with this machine but if I let it run for 25-30s Ill have too much liquid in the cup (watery black liquid). So....should I go shopping today and pony up the $ for a grinder? Any and all suggestions are welcome.
Cheers
Justin
P.S Ive removed the plastic liner from the PF as was recommended in another forum by other 6910/6900 users. Doesnt seem to have made a difference to the pour though. i.e its still looking dodgy

....Oh, get some fresh coffee too- and youll never find that in the sttopidmarket either!
Comment