Just my observations about my new Mini
Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 2:20 pm
Hello,
I've had my Mini for about 1 month and I absolutely love it!
I have followed many of your advice and have gradually improved my results.
Being consistent (about bean type, grind setting, tamping technique, amount of beans, etc) has really helped me understand what or where the problem may be. I also use the weight of espresso in gm, not in oz. I found using oz, I had know idea when or where to stop. I was always overextracting by 1 oz!!! Using the weight in gms helped me better appreciate the changes of flow and color.
The Macap M4 stepless doser has worked great for me. I know when I sweep out the doser, I get very close to the amout I put in.
I bought some more double baskets from espressparts. My original baskets' inner diameter was 53.4 and 53.6. The ridges made it so only the 53 mm tamper would fit. My new ones are both 53.7 mm. I now use my Reg Barber 53.6 mm tamper and it fits great.
I have recently gradually increased my dosing from 14 gm to 18 gm with great results. I have found it easier for me now to use the larger dose. This was quite the opposite when I first started.
Steaming milk continues to remain relatively simple.
I have been using Black Cat exculsively (bought the big bag). Will try something new next. Any other recommendations will be welcomed.
Nana
I've had my Mini for about 1 month and I absolutely love it!
I have followed many of your advice and have gradually improved my results.
Being consistent (about bean type, grind setting, tamping technique, amount of beans, etc) has really helped me understand what or where the problem may be. I also use the weight of espresso in gm, not in oz. I found using oz, I had know idea when or where to stop. I was always overextracting by 1 oz!!! Using the weight in gms helped me better appreciate the changes of flow and color.
The Macap M4 stepless doser has worked great for me. I know when I sweep out the doser, I get very close to the amout I put in.
I bought some more double baskets from espressparts. My original baskets' inner diameter was 53.4 and 53.6. The ridges made it so only the 53 mm tamper would fit. My new ones are both 53.7 mm. I now use my Reg Barber 53.6 mm tamper and it fits great.
I have recently gradually increased my dosing from 14 gm to 18 gm with great results. I have found it easier for me now to use the larger dose. This was quite the opposite when I first started.
Steaming milk continues to remain relatively simple.
I have been using Black Cat exculsively (bought the big bag). Will try something new next. Any other recommendations will be welcomed.
Nana