Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
It's quite odd. I was doing fine getting good microfoam for a while. In the beginning the latte art was great. I moved and then the kitchen went under reconstruction so I was without it for a few months. I did not love the results I was getting with the no burn arm before the machine was packed away and switched back to the smaller 4 hole burn me arm now.
for the life of me I cannot get good microfoam. I think I need to relearn - I am in a terrible slump!
Any basic re-pointers are welcome - I know its strange but I have clearly forgotten some basics here.
Evan
for the life of me I cannot get good microfoam. I think I need to relearn - I am in a terrible slump!
Any basic re-pointers are welcome - I know its strange but I have clearly forgotten some basics here.
Evan
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
You know, it might not be you. I'm having a devil of a time with the no-burn, longer arm. It just doesn't perform like the short burn arm. I've tried both the 2-hole and smaller 4-hole. The 2-hole makes huge bubbles, but turns the milk over faster. The 4-hole makes smaller bubbles, but doesn't turn the milk over as fast.I did not love the results I was getting with the no burn arm
It's rather frustrating. I've been making drinks for over a week now and just can't seem to get on with the new arm.
I've got guests coming for Thanksgiving and I think I will be changing back to the OEM arm.
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
The S5 arm is really nice.
Long enough for the medium sized pitchers (to reach the bottom) and you can still use the smaller 4-hole tip without shenanigans
I have both of those arms (one on each machine) and I do prefer the S5 arm hands down. The No Burn Arm requires a different style that we're not all accustomed to, especially when you're used to a shorter one with a very different angle.
Long enough for the medium sized pitchers (to reach the bottom) and you can still use the smaller 4-hole tip without shenanigans
I have both of those arms (one on each machine) and I do prefer the S5 arm hands down. The No Burn Arm requires a different style that we're not all accustomed to, especially when you're used to a shorter one with a very different angle.
- chas
- Vivaldi Dreamer
- Posts: 3044
- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:52 pm
- Location: Central Maryland
- Contact:
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
I have all the steam arm variants and the S5 arm is the only one I use!
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
I don't do a lot of steaming but I've settled on the S5 with the 1.2mm nozzle. I'll have to practice a bit before the holiday company shows up demanding lattes.
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Sounds like you guys need to go back to the batting cages to get out of the slump
...I mean "steaming" cages.
Evan,
You'll get your game back. I was in the worse coffee slump about a year ago - it was so frustrating
Sometimes I wish the Vivaldi had two steam arms
...I mean "steaming" cages.
Evan,
You'll get your game back. I was in the worse coffee slump about a year ago - it was so frustrating
Sometimes I wish the Vivaldi had two steam arms
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Niko - my long lost friend - you are right. There is no reason other than being out of shape that I get sea foam. I have pretty much settled on the old burn arm and .9mm tip and will keep trying til the magic happens again. I always steam small quantities in a small pitcher so it's going to be harder to get it back with this beast - but I will
Evan
Evan
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
After you get your game back, please post some latte art pics in the pride section
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
One thing that's always worth trying is changing the milk. For some reason, I occasionally get a bad container of milk (tastes fine, but doesn't foam properly).
Resolves as soon as I get a new container.
Resolves as soon as I get a new container.
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
You're damned right, Ishir!
I thought of this the other day and of course I only remembered after seeing your post
I also get a "bad" milk once in a while, i.e. not enough fat or too much fat and the microfoam is kind of like seafoam.
Blame it on the milk, Evan
I thought of this the other day and of course I only remembered after seeing your post
I also get a "bad" milk once in a while, i.e. not enough fat or too much fat and the microfoam is kind of like seafoam.
Blame it on the milk, Evan
- chas
- Vivaldi Dreamer
- Posts: 3044
- Joined: Wed Jun 02, 2004 11:52 pm
- Location: Central Maryland
- Contact:
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
As someone noted in a thread earlier this year, cows diets change at different times of the year and can make the steaming characteristics of the milk change. I got into a sea foam situation early last summer and had to change suppliers for a couple of months.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Now I remember that too.
H-B also had a thread going on that subject.
...the cows were on some different type of feed? - or something like that.
H-B also had a thread going on that subject.
...the cows were on some different type of feed? - or something like that.
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Hey Niko
I am putting in a request for a video of you steaming some good microfoam. I think it would be a good thing for people to see it in action.
Evan
I am putting in a request for a video of you steaming some good microfoam. I think it would be a good thing for people to see it in action.
Evan
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
I'll see what I can do.
Time to unleash the tripod.
Time to unleash the tripod.
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Or a willing cohabitating biped?
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
I live with 2 tripods and I can't find neither.
...so the "bipod" (wife) will have to do
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Slowly it seems to be coming back. I am starting to at least make thick shapes again.
What seems to be happening is that I am adjusting the time I spend at the top of the milk. It's true trial and error. At first I tested burying the wand from the get go - as some threads suggested that the machine is powerful enough to churn without a stretch stage. I have not found that the case. With no introduction of air, there is no art. On the other hand, it seems like a second too long on the surface and it is too thick for art.
Right now - and this is the path I will continue on - I am trying to habituate a correct timing before sinking the wand, In my particular case I think it is much harder. I only steam small quantities (maybe 4 oz) in a small pitcher which I know makes my life much harder since at that volume there is no room for error when trying to pout art.
Hey Niko - I keep checking for a video There is a plethora of video and info on the the net but little specific talk about the V2 and no really instructive visual help. If I perfect it first I will make one but I doubt that will happen any time soon.
As an aside, I am having a devil of a time with the new black cat. Only after 3 weeks (!) does it appear to hit its sweet spot. I ordered CC Toscana to try. I am done with the BC for a while. Wonder if that matters with latte art. Seems like everything matters with latte art!
Evan
What seems to be happening is that I am adjusting the time I spend at the top of the milk. It's true trial and error. At first I tested burying the wand from the get go - as some threads suggested that the machine is powerful enough to churn without a stretch stage. I have not found that the case. With no introduction of air, there is no art. On the other hand, it seems like a second too long on the surface and it is too thick for art.
Right now - and this is the path I will continue on - I am trying to habituate a correct timing before sinking the wand, In my particular case I think it is much harder. I only steam small quantities (maybe 4 oz) in a small pitcher which I know makes my life much harder since at that volume there is no room for error when trying to pout art.
Hey Niko - I keep checking for a video There is a plethora of video and info on the the net but little specific talk about the V2 and no really instructive visual help. If I perfect it first I will make one but I doubt that will happen any time soon.
As an aside, I am having a devil of a time with the new black cat. Only after 3 weeks (!) does it appear to hit its sweet spot. I ordered CC Toscana to try. I am done with the BC for a while. Wonder if that matters with latte art. Seems like everything matters with latte art!
Evan
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
I posted a new video for you, Evanitalyhound wrote:Hey Niko
I am putting in a request for a video of you steaming some good microfoam. I think it would be a good thing for people to see it in action.
Evan
It's actually a sequence showing the entire process of a Cappuccino with a pretty close shot showing the milk steaming.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ZbhV2lIaRI
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
Niko
Thanks so much for the effort - it was very helpful. I appreciate you using the smaller pitcher.
I saw some interesting things and have follow up questions/observations that maybe you can comment on:
1. I typically steam and stop based on sound. When the pitch precipitously drops to a low roar I stop. It seems you stopped before that time (perhaps by heat sensation on your hand. Am I letting it go too long
2. You poured off the top - I have not done that before. Is that helpful somehow? I saw them do that at Intelligentsia but paid it no mind.
3. You take your time - is that West Coast shot pulling? Here in the east - its bam bam bam!
:)
Thanks again!!!
Evan
Thanks so much for the effort - it was very helpful. I appreciate you using the smaller pitcher.
I saw some interesting things and have follow up questions/observations that maybe you can comment on:
1. I typically steam and stop based on sound. When the pitch precipitously drops to a low roar I stop. It seems you stopped before that time (perhaps by heat sensation on your hand. Am I letting it go too long
2. You poured off the top - I have not done that before. Is that helpful somehow? I saw them do that at Intelligentsia but paid it no mind.
3. You take your time - is that West Coast shot pulling? Here in the east - its bam bam bam!
:)
Thanks again!!!
Evan
Re: Can I go into a slump like a ball player with latte art?
[quote="italyhound"]Niko
3. You take your time - is that West Coast shot pulling? Here in the east - its bam bam bam!
AhAhAhAhAh!!!!! lol
3. You take your time - is that West Coast shot pulling? Here in the east - its bam bam bam!
AhAhAhAhAh!!!!! lol