Montrachet
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My Espresso Setup
Hi Jed,
Nice setup.
We ended up with a Gaggia Baby Twin. While it is not a true double boiler, it has a "thermo-block" that keeps the water espresso temperature and then has a smaller aluminum block that is heated to produce steam. About 5 seconds between steam and espresso without having to temperature surf. Relatively inexpensive for the quality and convenience; smallish, nice to look at and super easy to use with programmable push buttons.
The Gaggia has a full size, 58mm coated brass portifilter, a nice grouping, and plenty of pressure so it can make a stellar shot of espresso. If I had a complaint it would be the "consumer-friendly" steam nozzle attachment, but my wife likes it and it was a selling point for her on getting a "fancy" machine at all. That and not having to temperature surf.
We also have a Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Conical Burr Grinder that we have been very happy with.
Living in the northwest we are spoiled for bean choices: Stumptown, Clive, Cafe Mam, Equal Exchange and on and on ... We even have two decent roasters right in town.
Good luck with your coffee journey and Cheers!
Brian
CISdom!
Sancerre recently posted about his quest for great brewed coffee and espresso in the home. Like him, I made a recent purchase of espresso equipment for my home -- an upgrade to my previous grinder and espresso machine. We’re all familiar with the path tow...
Thanks a lot!
Does anybody have some information about the new Miele ? They produce normally first class equipment. A new machine is on my shopping list because I'm not fully satisfied with my current Jura. Best, Kari
Thanks Kari.
I wish I could tell you something about the Miele but I am unfamiliar with it. Perhaps a fellow Purist has experience with it? Best, CaliforniaJed
re: CISdom
Cool vids CaliforniaJed! It's almost 1am but I feel like having some espresso right now! The bacl and white cups look nice too. -MW
Ming, the cups are the Illy Art Collection Cups.
Illy does a new set every year. Some from years past have become quite collectible. These that I have are recent (2009 or 2010 I think) and were designed by Tobias Rehberger. Best, CaliforniaJed
Excellent post
Last couple of months I've been seriously considering (under influence of PuristS or should I say CIS's) purchase of "La Macchina" and your post came in worst time This is the reference for sure to which I'll be returning in future Ok now please hurry wit...
Do it, Damjan!
And if you want to talk about machines, let's. There are many directions you can go. Best, CaliforniaJed
Excellent post. Someday...
I would like one of these single group machines. I'm afraid I don't have the time in the mornings for this sort of setup. I run a super automatic Gaggia Platinum Vision and could not be more satisfied. I bought it a few years ago when it first came out, a...
Michael, time is definitely a factor when choosing a machine.
If a superauto does the trick for you, it's the right choice. Best, CaliforniaJed
Latte Art This Morning
Here is this morning's effort. I generally make two lattes each morning - one for Mrs. CaliforniaJed and one for me. Rarely are both worthy of a picture. This morning was no exception, so you're only getting one! Best, CaliforniaJed...
Very impressive...
I did go and look on You Tube after you suggested it in the other post to see how these are done..!! My local place puts the milk in first then adds the coffee shot so Latte art is never going to happen there...LOL. Keeps the pics coming. Yours, Andy.
What opening times do you have in your kitchen..?
I trust the usual PuristPro discount for a latte, I'll bring my own pastries Great post and truly inspirational for coffee lovers. Yours, Andy.
Wow, talk about being spoiled...
but that would be wasted on me. Before the second coffee of the morning I don't think I would notice anything. I am running a full automatic from Saeco, one of the big Italien white wares manufacturers who supply the "innerds" for almost all of the automa...
Spoiled is when someone else makes it for you, Don!
Sounds like you have some great sources for beans. Maybe, one day, I'll have the pleasure of treating you for a cup in Cafefaro! Best, CaliforniaJed
I am tempted to get rid of my Nepresso machine.
One of these days I am going to get myself one of these set ups. Great informative post for coffee lovers. Best regards, George
George, for me I think grind, tamp and pull is a form of therapy.
For others, it's a time suck. Both are valid positions. If the Nespresso delivers what you like, it may not be right to be rid of it. For me, though, the satisfaction of a great pull is worth the effort. Best, CaliforniaJed
+1 Coffee therapy ...
The morning ritual with the La Pavoni lever certainly woke me up more than the caffeine! It took real focus to get the perfect cup. The semiautomatics remove that control over infusion pressure, but the trade off is greater consistency and I am happy I ha...
I need a cup of therapy avery morning.
All jokes aside, I think that the nespresso was a great invention but sometimes regret the lack of diversity in coffee's. I would like one day to get the perfect coffee machine. Best regards, George
Andrew, I have never had a desire to roast.
And I hope one doesn't develop. (I do, however, want to play with a lever machine.) Best, CaliforniaJed
I have been communing with the coffee gods ...
... in a different way, Jed, as my wife gave me a siphon (vacuum) coffee pot from Japan for Christmas. This little contraption has provide me with the steepest learning curve since the La Pavoni Professional lever machine. When I get it right (which happe...
Andrew, I would really enjoy the chance to share another coffee or two as well.
So long as you bring Tim Tams! ;-) The siphon sounds like a lot of fun. I hope you will share your progress with it. I must admit our drip coffee at the house is barely passable and I have taken to avoiding it. As much as I would love to play with a sipho...
It's a deal ...
Tim Tams have a natural synergy with coffee. Good to hear of the excellent customer support from the AD, err the distributor. And nice to see you doing your own work. I suspect that like car engines and their inherent complexity, gone are the days that es...
Fantastic!
Thanks for sharing, I clearly have a long way to go. I am just sorting out how to make a simple espresso on my basic equipment. You have inspired me! --Sancerre
Thanks this is a very informative post
Hi Jed! Happy New Year. This is a great post, I've really enjoyed reading your quest for a perfect espresso and learned a lot about the process. I don't drink coffee or espresso on a regular basis (it makes my trigger finger twitchy) but now have a better...
I have a dream...
...that one day I would love to stop by and savor a hand made espresso crafted by CaliforniaJed Regards, ED-209
Excellent primer Jed!
I see that you are using a 'naked' portafilter. Here is my own setup. To finding the godshot!...
Have you found it, jporos?
That's a great wrist shot, if not a God shot too! Please tell me more about the machine -- looks to be a spring lever but I cannot tell which one. I have never had the pleasure of pulliing a shot on a spring lever machine but I really want to try! Best, C...
Could it be ...
... the latter version of this little baby? This is the La Pavoni Professional model from about 20 years ago. I have put it aside for my kids when they finally move out of home! But I do miss it on occasions. A...
Andrew has it right.
It is a La Pavoni Europiccola Millenium version. No spring but lots of good old fashioned muscle power makes it work.
Very nice. I have mentioned it many times ...
... in years past that the lever machines are the best way to commune with the coffee gods. The entire process, from grind to tamp to pre-infusion to extraction is in your hands. And when you get it right, it's a magic feeling. My wife would laugh at me w...
Like that equipment CaliforniaJed
I have a lot to learn about the different kinds or beans and equipment, now I know who to ask. JerryW
Jerry, the ultimate would be
... an espresso machine on the boat! Hope all is well. All the best for the new year. Hope to see you soon. Best, CaliforniaJed
I agree
Just wish i was spending more time on the boat. All the best for a great 2012. JerryW
Great article Jed, thanks very much... I had some questions...
... If you don't mind. I am a huge coffee fan, my preferred drink is espresso. Unfortunately I have the same problem as others, in that I love a shot in the morning, but don't have the time in order to make it perfect... Currently I use Nespresso, I have ...
I think you're asking about a "super automatic", Imran.
A superauto will grind, tamp and pull the shot for you. If you've been to Starbucks, that's the kind of machine typically in use. Yes, you can use fresh beans, but you will not have much if any control over the variables of grind, tamp, temperature, press...
Imran...
You should google the Gaggia machines. I would recommend the one I have (Platinum Vision) as it is a great deal now. It used to be the top of the line model but they introduced a newer machine. I feel it produces extremely consistent and great tasting sho...
Jed, MichaelC, thanks very much for your help
I will definitely take a closer look at the machines recommended!
Coffee savant!
I know where to go now for coffee and BBQ! Congratulations Jed on your new machine. May it make your mornings especially perky!
My Espresso Setup
Hi Jed, Nice setup. We ended up with a Gaggia Baby Twin. While it is not a true double boiler, it has a "thermo-block" that keeps the water espresso temperature and then has a smaller aluminum block that is heated to produce steam. About 5 seconds between...
Brian, I'm jealous of your coffee choices!
Glad to know you're getting the most out of the Gaggia, and I have been really impressed with the Baratza grinders, particularly with what they are doing with the new Vario-W. Thanks for sharing your setup! Best, CaliforniaJed
There is a downside to all those choices.
Switching roasters as often as I do, for the sake of variety, sometimes puts a strain on consistency. Really glad we purchased the Baratza for it ability to dial in the grind. I did not notice you mentioning in in your original post. Are you timing your s...
Brian, all of the above.
I'm mainly pulling ristretto shots with a naked triple at present, and dosing and timing (particularly with a 53mm machine) is a bit of a crap shoot. So I look for flow and blonding and adjust grind accordingly. When I pull doubles, I time in order to adj...
CIS, is there really such a thing?
CIS? Is there really such a thing? Well, there is now; thanks to your lexicographer skills.