A brief introduction (well it was brief before I started writing it...) and then a not so brief series of questions...
The now-not-so-brief intro:
I'm Charles; I work at Might Joe's Espresso in Atlanta and have just graduated with my Master's in Computer Science. I treated myself to a nice little graduation present (the S1) which of course brings me here. My first introduction to espresso was a trip to Italy with my high school Latin class. I came back and got a Krups espresso "thing" whose steam power dissapointed me but not so much as the espresso. So I became a flavored coffee as a comfort beverage drinker. Then in my attempt at visiting every coffeehouse (am only in the 40's now) in Atlanta, I ran into a newly opened coffee house and got a job after a nice training session by Intelligentsia's Ellie. I started liking espresso again once I was the one making it. I must say that I love the LM Linea. The steam power and the constant heat was just a dream to work with. But now that I was in love with espresso again, I needed it at home too, but what do do? I've been spoiled, so I didn't want to be dissapointed. I felt the Spaziale wouldn't dissapoint me. It has so far turned out better than expectations and worse than the LM (go figure).
the questions:
1) There has been a lot of talk about this 53 vs 53.5 mm basket size. I only use the double basket. Is it both single and double baskets that have the reduced size or just the single?
2) I finally plumbed the silly machine (which needs to be simplified a wee bit) and started playing with it. I read on home-barista about programming a "free pour" button. I tried to program it by going into the programming mode, pressing the button to start the water flow, then pressing the on/off button to leave the mode. However, this shuts off after about 15 seconds when the water temperature drops. Is the water stopping because it's programmed to stop then or because it automatically cuts off when it loses temperature?
3) When I press the button for hot water, it puts out water in what I'd consider a normal way for about 3 seconds. Then it starts making sounds like it's producing steam (and actually producing a good bit of it too) along with a reduced water flow. I don't think this is normal, how do I fix this?
4) I'm used to filling up the basket until it overflows, distributing, sliding off the excess and tamping from the LM I normally work on. However, this basket seems too tall for that. If I put in grounds to the top, distribute, tamp, it leaves grounds all over the screen. So clearly I have to put in less. Does anyone have some suggestions for doing this? I've read that putting ~17g tends to work. However, I use a Mazzer Mini, so the doser will also throw things off slightly if I weigh the beans before grinding. Does anyone have a trick for "eyeballing" the amount as opposed to just weighing it or just so familiar that you know what just seems to "look right"?
5) The steam boiler pressure is about 1.3 bar which is just barely on the green side. I'm not too terribly worried although I'd like to bring it down to 1-1.25 just to be on the safe side. How do I do this?
6) The machine came with a rubber washer that looks like it'd fit nicely up above the portafilter (it's about 2" in diameter). However, the user manual never mentions it. Where does it go? The revised manual by Chris refers to a "rubber back flush disc" although I'm still not sure how it's supposd to be used.
7) Similarly, how do I backflush...will I need to buy additional parts (e.g. blank basket) or am I missing something?
Thanks for everyone's help!
Charles
A few startup questions
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Barry
I sure others will comment. Here is what I can tell you based on my year of experience with the S1.
1. I have two double baskets, a triple and a single. Both of the doubles are 53.5, the triple from lino is 53, and if I recall from the 1 time I have used it, the single is also 53.5.
2. I am not certain how to get an actual free flow. I have set my second button to pour 8 oz and shut off. I use this to flush grounds out of the group head when I clean the machine and don't feel like backflushing.
3. I am not certain how "reduced" your water flow is, however, this is somewhat normal. The hot water is comming from the steam boiler and is forced out under pressure. I get a good amount of steam with the water that is produced.
4. I use the fill and slide technique and pack to the basket retaining line. I get some grounds on the screen. Anything less and you are likely to get a soggy puck. I prefer to er on the side of more coffee than less.
5. I suspect Chas knows how to do this, if he doesn't, he will probably want to figure it out now that you have mentioned it. If not, call Roger the tech at Chris's and he can probably help.
6. I didn't get the washer with my machine but I suspect it it the backflushing disc. Does it fit well into one of the baskets?
7. I have removed the double spout from my portafilter and purchased a brass cap from homedepot that fits perfectly on the threads. I also purchased a thin piece of rubber, cut a small piece, and placed it inside the cap to get a good seal. I flush with cafiza about twice a year, but have an extensive flushing ritual I go through every morning after making the morning fair for my wife and I. I remove the screens and disc, run about 16 oz of water from the unit until it is clear of grounds or any brown color. Your disc may negate the need to purchase the brass cap. I do find that I either need to fill the portafilter with water before back flushing or put the cap on with a small amount of play or the unit cannot get water into the system because of the air in the portafilter.
Good luck,
Barry
1. I have two double baskets, a triple and a single. Both of the doubles are 53.5, the triple from lino is 53, and if I recall from the 1 time I have used it, the single is also 53.5.
2. I am not certain how to get an actual free flow. I have set my second button to pour 8 oz and shut off. I use this to flush grounds out of the group head when I clean the machine and don't feel like backflushing.
3. I am not certain how "reduced" your water flow is, however, this is somewhat normal. The hot water is comming from the steam boiler and is forced out under pressure. I get a good amount of steam with the water that is produced.
4. I use the fill and slide technique and pack to the basket retaining line. I get some grounds on the screen. Anything less and you are likely to get a soggy puck. I prefer to er on the side of more coffee than less.
5. I suspect Chas knows how to do this, if he doesn't, he will probably want to figure it out now that you have mentioned it. If not, call Roger the tech at Chris's and he can probably help.
6. I didn't get the washer with my machine but I suspect it it the backflushing disc. Does it fit well into one of the baskets?
7. I have removed the double spout from my portafilter and purchased a brass cap from homedepot that fits perfectly on the threads. I also purchased a thin piece of rubber, cut a small piece, and placed it inside the cap to get a good seal. I flush with cafiza about twice a year, but have an extensive flushing ritual I go through every morning after making the morning fair for my wife and I. I remove the screens and disc, run about 16 oz of water from the unit until it is clear of grounds or any brown color. Your disc may negate the need to purchase the brass cap. I do find that I either need to fill the portafilter with water before back flushing or put the cap on with a small amount of play or the unit cannot get water into the system because of the air in the portafilter.
Good luck,
Barry