Using the Gene Cafe

[hazbean]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Yes, cleaning those screens is essential. A subtlety that eluded me at first was
that the screens come apart, and that it is essential to take them apart as
stuff gets trapped between them (as you noted).

Dave and fellow Gene owners at coffeetime have put together some
very useful info about the Gene. Here are two examples:

  http://coffeetime.wikidot.com/gene-cafe-routine-maintenance
  http://coffeetime.wikidot.com/gene-cafe-major-clean

(In the first of these, they suggest removing the metal plate in the
roasting chamber. I think that is too risky and just soak the whole
thing in Cafetto for a few hours then clean as well as I can with
toothbrush etc.)

[JenS]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Hi there

When was the new firmware released - how do I if my machine will have it?

Jen S

[hazbean]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

March 07.

There should be a sticker near the power cord with a
date (ours is 22nd March 07) and "240V 1.2kW ..." on it.

[LindaD]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

My advice - if you arent already doing it, clean the mesh screens out occassionally.  

And if I can give a little advice too. The cleaning of the chaff collector should be done after every roast. I use a blow gun on mine, just gently and this cleans any chaff that maybe stuck way down in the bottom, and this includes the mesh screen.

Beans like Yirg and Yemen make huge amounts of chaff, and clutter up the exhaust end and the chaff collector.

About the smoke part....You will usually find that the is the beginning of SC....even into RSC.


Hazbean- Thanks for that link on the GC maintanance. Very handy [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

-Linda

[hazbean]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Thanks, Linda.

Ive done each of Yirg and Yemen in the last couple of weeks, there
is certainly a lot of chaff.

Just wondering if anyone has thought about getting the large chaff
collector, which has two advantages, one is larger chaff capacity,
and the other is that it can be vented. I always roast outside, so venting
is not important, and also make a point of removing chaff at each
roast, but would be interested to know if anyone has any opinions
on it.

[speleomike]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Hi

Opinions on a large chaff collector ... dont worry about it.
Spend the $ on beans instead.

Even with beans that produce a lot of chaff it wont fill the normal collector.
I can do three runs back-to-back and just empty it afterwards. I make sure the collector is emptied out before each run too. I just tip it out on the lawn or garden.

Mike

[JRCoffee]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Did you buy the unit in Australia? If so, how much did you get it for landed?

[gregpullman]

Re: Using the Gene Cafe

Welcome JRC!

Theyre readily available in Australia through several of our sponsors including Talk Coffee, Go Barista, Pullman Tampers (via thingscoffee.com.au) and The Coffee Barun (and perhaps others). Prices vary but the RRP is $780.

Re the large chaff collector, its an expensive thing but it does have that advantage that you can attach a duct to the outlet and have all the smoke fed outside. Ive not done this but I did have a customer enquiry about getting one for this purpose.

Greg