 |
|
|
|
03-31-2010, 11:37 AM
|
#1 |
|
Adjusting to the Life
|
Re: I want to spend $500 for espresso machine and grinder... suggestio
I am not clear on how calibrating and 5-10 wasted shots are related... can you please explain? i am lost in the land of espresso
__________________
It is better to be hated for who you are, then loved for what you are not 
|
|
|
|
03-31-2010, 12:18 PM
|
#2 | |
|
That's a Corgi
|
Re: I want to spend $500 for espresso machine and grinder... suggestio
Quote:
Pressure and humidity (of the beans) change how the machine works. Each round of espresso making has to be first calibrated by grinding one shot, see if it is ground right or not and adjusting from there. Two things never change when making an espresso; amount of ground coffee and the pressure of the tamp. You adjust the grind from there. The cheaper machines never have constant even pressure. They are decent, but try a Silva vs. $1200+ machine and you'll see the difference. Yes, as you get more experienced making shots, you can cheat a little to save coffee by tamping harder or lighter to save some already ground coffee, but the first shot will be a wash if not correct. When making straight espresso shots, getting them correct is even more important. Basically, it should fill an espresso cup in 23-30 seconds with two angel hair pasta thick streams. If the streams come out like that, no need to count; it one in the same. At 16 gr. per espresso (average for double) shot equals 28 shots per pound. You say you'll make 2-4 a day plus 5 lost a week... No way a pound of coffee will last near a month. More like 10 days at best.
__________________
Port Wine & Claret | British Cars | Welsh Corgi's |
|
|
|
|
|
03-31-2010, 12:51 PM
|
#3 |
|
crazy diamond
|
Re: I want to spend $500 for espresso machine and grinder... suggestio
I started with a Gaggia MDF grinder and refurbed Gaggia Baby and was around 500 bucks into it.
After a lot of trial, I am sad to say, your budget will get you the grinder only if you are wanting to avoid upgraditis within a year, provided you really start liking espressso. Real espresso begins with the grinder, and somebody please show me a grinder less than 400 bucks that is capable of consistent espresso
__________________
"If we weren't all crazy we would go insane" |
|
|
|
|
03-31-2010, 02:59 PM
|
#4 |
|
Adjusting to the Life
|
Re: I want to spend $500 for espresso machine and grinder... suggestio
ha! though i was crazy for a bit, there. i just checked and the bag of coffee i have is actually 2 lb. guess that explains why i thought it lasted more like a month. i keep enough beans for the week in a separate container and the bulk separate. 'espresso' from the krups every morning is in vain.. i know that much. thanks so much for your advice- more than helpful when the majority of machines in my price range are crap. i'm sure i'll be back
__________________
It is better to be hated for who you are, then loved for what you are not
|
|
|
|
Hybrid Mode
