The S1 Cafe - Helping Your Espresso Dreams Become Reality

richardcoffee

I noticed yesterday when putting my portafilter in that it felt a little different. Then, while pulling a shot, I notice some clear water dripping into the cup. So, I changed out the silicone gasket - and then came here to see that it's been almost 5 years. There was a considerable build up undernea...

richardcoffee

I've had a Mini now for about 5 years I think. All the things that were different disturbed me at first. But now I love the lever for steam. I love the fact that I can turn off the steam boiler. I always dose 14 to 15 grams and I get beautiful shots with plenty of crema. I got into the habit of thin...

richardcoffee

I have a mini. I think I'm going on 6 years with it in January. I used to think maybe I'd like to upgrade to a GS3. More recently I wondered if I would like a new LM Linea mini. I have concluded that no machine would make my life better or better drinks for me. That is based in large part on what I ...

richardcoffee

I prefer 14 to 14.5 grams and a 40 second shot. So, I'm grinding pretty fine. 30# tamp.

richardcoffee

I have had one of these in since June 2014. Since it's the end of the year, I decided I ought to check it. It's still completely pliable. So, that's 18 months. No sign of wear. I have noticed though that my portafilter rotates slightly during a shot. It frightened me at first, but it stops in time a...

richardcoffee

I've had a mini for several years, 4 1/2 I think. I love it. It's relatively simple and I'm a simple guy. I'm not convinced the electronics on the Dream would add anything and would only increase the potential for problems. I don't like problems, just good espresso and easy milk foaming and that's w...

richardcoffee

I use 14 grams in the double basket and that works best for me. I find 16 to be the absolute maximum. Are you using a bottomless portafilter? You must be using a pretty light roast for it not to fill the basket with 16 grams?

richardcoffee

Hi richardcoffee... Those timings seems a little long to me and the dose a little low but if it is working for you then no problems. I'll try your recipe at the weekend. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I know. They pale compared to some of the doses you read about. 18, 19, 22 gram doses. But, so...

richardcoffee

For me, that's 14.5 grams in and 30 grams out in 40 seconds. At some point in my experience with my Mini someone suggested that the Vivaldis can do with a longer shot since the basket is deeper. I think I've been influenced by that idea. In any case, I'm happy with my shots.

richardcoffee

I can't say my opinion is that of an expert. I can only tell you what my experience is. I find that with a proper grind on my Compak K10 PB, a good shot on my mini with preinfusion is around 40 seconds total. Thats with a typical 14.5 gram load in a double basket.

richardcoffee

So, I'm wondering what is the purpose of that alarm. Is it simply to let you know not to rely on the volumetric dosing?

richardcoffee

Usually this kind of problem is the fault of the grinder. What are you using? Have you recently cleaned the grinder? How about new burrs?

richardcoffee

I'm having a hard time imagining how the bottom of one of those could burst. (I guess you are dumbfounded too). I went and looked at mine just to confirm, these things are solid molded heavy plastic. Is that what you are describing as having burst?

richardcoffee

chas wrote: If a silicone gasket will really last for years I wonder if it ought to be part of the regimen to remove them about once a year, clean the groove underneath while also doing a screen/dispersion disk clean and then reinstall?

I just put a reminder in my calendar to do just that next D-Day.

richardcoffee

So, I ordered mine on 5/26, received them today and popped one in. I love it. Nice and clean went on easy. The portafilter goes in kind of soft feeling - stops at 6 o'clock. No leaks. I was kind of skittish about this because when I first bought my machine I got a spare gasket that when I tried to p...

richardcoffee

I'd been installing my rubber gaskets chamfered edge up, but I read that was wrong somewhere recently. So I just replaced the group gasket (with rubber) and did chamfered down. It seems to me that having the chamfered edge down allows the gasket to deform more, and as a result there's more degrees ...

richardcoffee

I ordered mine on 5/26 and have an order number but no shipping confirmation yet.

richardcoffee

Ordering now. My black rubber gaskets sure leave some black residue when I wipe them with a q-tip. Thanks Steve.

richardcoffee

For someone else who might want to know, my outlet is right behind my mini so I have power cord all bunched up back there. It's pretty long though, I'd estimate about 3 feet. And if you use the adapter, it adds another foot I think.

richardcoffee

I had a lot of trouble trying to use the triple basket with the bottomless. Now I use the double basket and less than 15 grams of coffee. Try using 14 grams of coffee in the double and see if you still have the problem. If you have proper grind quality and good distribution, I'll be surprised if you...

richardcoffee

Sorry, I run out of possibilities after the first easy ones. I was thinking you were just overloading the circuit.

richardcoffee

Do you have the internal switch set to 15 amp mode? See the thread below called: Should I switch to 20 amp setting?

richardcoffee

Weighing my dose and occasionally the output has improved my shots amazingly.

richardcoffee

You might be interested in this posting. This ended my experience with a leaking tank. At the beginning, I found a big puddle of water under my sink. I had called a plumber thinking I had a leak under there I couldn't find. Then, something made my set up a chair in the kitchen and I sat there and wa...

richardcoffee

Check out the Pride Page and you'll find quite a few postings and pictures from people who did just what you are looking for.

richardcoffee

that's what I do and it works well for me.

richardcoffee

I operate with the steam boiler off most of the time.

richardcoffee

It is a good idea to get some test strips to check whatever water you are using. I suspect you'll find the pitcher helps some but not enough. I used bottled water until I installed one of Chris' under sink softener and filter systems. I just use it with a tap in the sink that's installed where there...

richardcoffee

after you changed the setting of the timer switch, did you unplug for 5 seconds and then replug? I don't know why but the manual suggests you have to do that for the machine to sense the new setting.

richardcoffee

The fuse is underneath the machine on the back by the power cord.

richardcoffee

A few toys for a 10 year old faithful friend S1V1. As I was making my morning Americanos, I was reflecting on how good this machine is. I'm knocking on wood, but, it's hard for me to imagine a machine that makes a better shot. I do entertain myself from time to time with thoughts of a GS3 or a Lond...

richardcoffee

But, doing it the way your wife did it is probably not what most people do. I expect, the way to do it it program one of the buttons for the amount of volume you want in the finished shot.

richardcoffee

yeah, if you make a change, you have to reprogram. Other than cutting it off manually as you suggest, I don't know of any way around it.

richardcoffee

No tape on the front of my tank - 2 1/2 years old. Are you getting a good connection at the back of the tank? No small water leaks onto your counter top?

richardcoffee

Thanks Peter, I think I'll leave mine alone for now too. Although I do like the idea of making up a couple of those jumpers just in case. I'm interested too in the photos comparing 2 machines on the home page here. Sorry I can't figure out how to link to it, but here's what it says, "The photos...

richardcoffee

Using this pic again http://www.home-barista.com/forums/userpix/919_insides.jpg there are three *things* covered by plastic covers (all white in this case). In my machine the center, squared off plastic cover is white but the two on either side of it are black. I can't see this picture anymore - bu...

richardcoffee

So, the 2 things that made me hesitate on the mini were the 53mm baskets and the lever for steam. Looking back on it, I can only guess that my issues were that these things weren't standard. As it turns out, I love the lever now. I suspect I wouldn't like a knob. In fact, the lever presents no probl...

richardcoffee

Do you think it's worthwhile to do this as a preventative measure in a 3 year old machine?

richardcoffee

Try starting at 93 degrees with 14 grams in a double basket. I seldom go over 15 grams and usually go with 14 to 14.5. But to begin, I recommend 14 grams. Start the machine and let it warm up for an hour and then draw 2 blank shots before drawing your espresso shot. I don't know what you mean by wat...

richardcoffee

Rats! I was hoping for $1000 off the GS3!

richardcoffee

o-ring come apart?

richardcoffee

Is the tip clean - that is, have you unscrewed it and put it in the cleanser you use for back flushing?

richardcoffee

With a year old gasket, mine is at a seven rather than a 6. I don't think you need to have it straight out.

richardcoffee

When I'm not running it, I unplug mine. I thought that's what the manual suggested. Maybe that's why it blinks - to remind us that it's still plugged in.

richardcoffee

Interesting - he's not calling them VST's but "highly polished precision baskets". Could it be that they're Tidaka's from Germany?

richardcoffee

So, I'm also interested in your history with this machine. Have you had it the entire time, ie: since 05/06? Always used softened and filtered water? Do you backflush regularly?

richardcoffee

If you have your boiler set to 94C the front panel display should read 94C regardless of the actual temperature of the water exiting the group. So if you measure that the water at the group head is 95C, then you enter -1C offset. Then the water temp should match the front panel display at 94C. What...

richardcoffee

I freeze mine all the time. As long as you don't take it out, let it thaw and refreeze, it should be good. I like to put my vacuum sealed bags in a freezer baggie just for another measure of freshness. Early on in my coffee hobby, I was confused. People kept saying only buy enough to last you 8 or 1...

richardcoffee

Ah well, apparently parts of Arizona and Hawaii still do not have DST. Maybe La Spaziale couldn't figure out how to accomodate them. Until 2006, Indiana had parts that didn't recognize DST.

richardcoffee

Thanks..

richardcoffee

I took the springs out of my portafilters and with 2 baskets, I can easily prepare 2 doubles - 1 for my wife, 1 for me, set the baskets on the sink while I prepare the milk for lattes, and tap them out and clean them when I'm ready for another round. Baskets go in and out with ease. For steaming, Pe...

richardcoffee

Wow! There's a lot of information here but I have a simple question that I'm not sure is answered here. When I do a double shot, and I have the temperature set at say 94C, I almost never get the lights to stay on for the duration of a 35 second shot. I have an S1VII - bought new in January, 2011. I ...

richardcoffee

I took the springs out recently and it makes my life a whole lot easier. I just pop the basket out after a shot, put it on the sink where it cools off enough to handle before the next shot. I have a couple of double baskets so I can make my wife and I both a latte and then let the baskets rest with ...

richardcoffee

I had a theory that the problem would have been confusion only when running in the 15 amp mode. Apparently that's not the case.

richardcoffee

Does this affect both boilers when operating in the 15 amp mode? Or does it matter?

richardcoffee

How badly did it need cleaning? It seems to me too. I know this doesn't help you, but it seems to me, when folks clean their boilers, it leads to unexpected problems for no apparent reason. Mine is 2 years old now and I'm wondering if I should clean the boilers.

richardcoffee

Yes, I can get an even extraction and a dry puck, but not with more than 14, sometimes 15 grams of coffee. Not always though, I can't tell why, but occasionally I'll get a somewhat wet puck - not real soupy just a little water sitting on top.

richardcoffee

Yeah, 14 grams usually gives me a dry puck. Although darker roasts sometimes leads to a little water left on top. Of course, if I wait a little longer to dump the puck, it helps to get a drier puck.

richardcoffee

I can only get the 53mm i.d. to work on my machine! I ordered all sizes and tried them all. Despite tears, swearing and maximum exertion, I could not get the 52mm to work. Alas! No one felt sorry for me!

richardcoffee

I love the term douche plate. Maybe it's the sophomore American boy in me.

richardcoffee

It seems to me to work pretty well to use this divot technique and then a convex tamper. When I do that I end up staying away from the bolt and getting a good even extraction.

richardcoffee

I'll tell you what would be more useful to me - an alarm that wouldn't let me draw a shot unless there was a receptacle underneath the portafilter. When I'm half awake, I have been inclined to forget that important thing.

richardcoffee

I don't use the volumetric feature of my mini. I just set both buttons for about a minute and then stop the flow when I want to. I guess it doesn't matter but I use the double button for all my shots and the single - a quick pulse - for a quick rinse after each shot. I guess all the fancy aspects of...

richardcoffee

So, I don't notice much difference in the cup. The basket looks nicer - more professional, and, it seems to me I get more crema with this basket. Also, I don't know why, but it tends to leave a wetter puck. Bottom line - I'm glad to have it, but then I'm glad to have a lot of things related to my co...

richardcoffee

I got my new basket from Tidaka today. 10 days from Germany - I think that's pretty good. From Frankfurt am Mein. It looks much more respectable than the originals. I'll give it a try in the morning and report on whether or not I can detect a difference in the shot.

richardcoffee

My experience is you don't turn the Mini steam boiler back on with a quick press of the button. I have to hold it for a few seconds to turn it off or on.

richardcoffee

I'm surprised that a 1/4" supply line is adequate.?

richardcoffee

I get plenty of steam in 5 minutes. It was a pleasant surprise for me too. I don't know that it gets more powerful as time goes by. It is, in effect, up to steam.

richardcoffee

my wife turns on the Mini 1 hour before I get up. Then I turn on the steam boiler 5 minutes before I make our lattes. That's in the morning. In the afternoon when I want a latte, I'll follow the same course. If I need less time for the brew boiler I'd love to know it. Maybe I can spare myself burnin...

richardcoffee

It's interesting. I got the mini because I feared the process of plumbing. Then I tired of the in-tank softener so I put Chris' under sink system in - so, I'm feeling kind of silly. Plumbing wasn't such a big deal. Still, I don't find the process of filling the tank or emptying the drain tray very t...

richardcoffee

That's it. It was 19.21 Euros to the U.S. for me - ala 25.43 USD. I don't know if it'll make a difference in taste. But at least the picture looks nicer than the baskets I have. I do get caught up in the aesthetics.

richardcoffee

a double shot glass works pretty well for me.

richardcoffee

Boom! I ordered one. I'll report back when I get it.

richardcoffee

I got a reply to my e-mail inquiry today. You can't order them on line yet but you can by e-mail. Cost delivered to U.S. for the 15 gram basket is 18.84 Euros - which a conversion calculator tells me is $24.18. That seems competitive with the VST. I think I'll try one.

richardcoffee

As usual, I just didn't go far enough. I see them now. But I can't figure a way to have them shipped to the U.S.

richardcoffee

My German is not that great, but still, I think these are only available in singles, yes? 8 grams. Eine Tasse. One cup.

richardcoffee

my experience is that it sometimes takes more like 35 or even 40 seconds to get a 2 oz. shot on the vivaldi. I think some have suggested that the deeper basket with the 53mm requires longer. Are you saying that even just getting drips out with a tighter grind you're only reading 7 on the pressure gu...

richardcoffee

some times I think we overcomplicate things. One of the beautiful things about these machines, it seems to me, is the ease with which we can change temperatures. I'd suggest you forget about the temp offset and just change the temperature. If you are brewing at 94, go up a degree or 2 and see how th...

richardcoffee

I agree. You've got way too much in the double basket - thus no head room. I never use the single basket so I can't account for the high dose you're using there. Are you sure you're using the single basket? - I use the double basket with the single portafilter and about 14.5 grams.

richardcoffee

I found some citric acid recently in a wal-mart type store. They had it in the canning section along with the jars, lids, pectin, etc.

richardcoffee

I'm in.

richardcoffee

Abraham Lincoln said something like this, "when you make a bad bargain, hug it all the tighter." Just a way of saying don't bother too much with regrets. I certainly had these feeling of foreboding when I bought my mini. I started out on a quest to replace a $100 steam machine and ended up...

richardcoffee

It just doesn't make sense to me. Why should it matter what is in the portafilter restricting the flow - coffee or a rubber disc? The gauge should behave the same shouldn't it?

richardcoffee

Others may know better, but if pressure is holding with the blank, it seems to me it has to be either the coffee, your grinder or both. Starbucks espresso beans are not a good test. Alas! I experienced something similar today with my own roasted decaf beans that I took a little too dark.

richardcoffee

After you cleaned up the screens and installed new gasket, did it still leak around the portafilter? Have you been backflushing with detergent? Is the machine only 8 months old? Have you called Chris' - I've found them very helpful in telling me what to look for. I know this doesn't help directly, j...

richardcoffee

Other people are looking for the cookie instead of a soupy mess. You have found it. Seriously though, banging it out right away does make a difference. I'm guessing the fact that you are using a triple basket just means there's that much more dry ingredient that gets wet and then hard. I've removed ...

richardcoffee

Along these lines, I reckon all the 58mm machines were designed around singles and doubles too. Que No?

richardcoffee

no alarm lights? Try again. Make sure there's water in the tank. Do you get water through the group with no portafilter in?

richardcoffee

Thanks for saving me some money. I'll wait for the German's.

richardcoffee

My experience is one mostly of failure. I haven't tried it for some time. I used a bottomless portafilter and a triple basket. I loaded 21 grams in there and pulled 2 ounces of espresso. The failure part is that I almost always got leakage around the portafilter. The shot was okay but the leakage of...

richardcoffee

I thought I explained it quite well. I felt incomplete.

richardcoffee

Well, today I had a certified electrician install a dedicated 20 amp line in my kitchen for my mini. I know others have said it makes no apparent difference. And, I just made myself a latte and it appears that is the truth. Still, just like everything else about this hobby of mine, once the seed is ...

richardcoffee

I'll be anxious to hear about them.

richardcoffee

When I asked Tim a few weeks ago, he said they'd be available in 8-10 weeks. So, I gather, that's the plan. It's unclear about availability in the U.S. I suspect the same is true of Canada. Those interested might send Tim an e-mail to let him know there's a market on this continent.

richardcoffee

This appears to be the same thing 1st line calls an "osmotic scale reduction pack". We kind of beat this horse in the thread called "Water Treatment" in the section "Mini General - Q & A." You might be interested in the discussion there. In the event, I could never ...

richardcoffee

Are the Plus4You baskets available in the U.S.? I haven't been able to find them.

richardcoffee

I sent an inquiry "auf English" and got this very nice reply, " Hi Richard, thanks for your interest in our products. Actually we are working on optimized baskets for the S1. They will be available in about 8-10 weeks. Selling and shipping to the U.S. is possible. I can give you furth...

richardcoffee

My German's not good enough to know for sure, but it looks like they have a precision basket for up to 17 grams? Boy would I like a precision basket. The baskets I got with my machine are very much imprecisely cut. The holes are off center. Perhaps it makes no difference, but it offends my sensibili...

richardcoffee

I've enjoyed it more by using the double basket in the bottomless and still using about 14 grams of coffee. Using the bigger basket and 20 grams has often caused me more trouble than it's worth.

richardcoffee

I finally lubricated this and I'm glad I did. This beast is so powerful with steaming that the first couple of seconds are crucial. Just the little bit of sticking was causing me to get large bubbles right at the start. Now it's nice and smooth and so much better.

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