Selecting a Single Boiler Espresso Machine

[datapappan]

You say the Francis X7 takes grounds, Illy says it's pod only?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@datapappan They have a ton of variations and use the same number for grounds only, pod only and convertible so definitely confirm before you purchase anywhere. This one is convertible. - Kat

[PiercedCub32]

Hey ladies! can you do a video on pulling shots with a pressurized baskets, and go over how to fix the shots if they are sour/bitter etc? And the machine I have has a smaller than 58mm basket, which i assume is less coffee grinds, yet the programmed buttons are 1.5 and 3 oz minimums If I were to use the "manual" button, how long do I let it brew for? Thanks again, love the viedeos~~~

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@PiercedCub32 I'll talk to Gail about this, see if she has any tips on it and if we can put together a video. My only tip right of the bat would be to tweak the grind similarly to how you tweak it with a traditional extraction (go finer if it's sour, go coarser if it's bitter) and also experiment with how different tamp pressures affect the shot -- does it benefit from a tamp at all? 10 lb? 20 lb? etc. Extraction time isn't easy to calibrate for, just pull your ideal volume. - Kat

[Warrenff5]

if I'm not mistaking, I thought the Via Venezia also is self-filling and has a different portafilter than the Aroma?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Warrenff5 Nope, Via Venezia is not auto-fill; the black has a different filter than the Aroma, but the stainless steel model has the Aroma version. - Kat

[Warrenff5]

@SeattleCoffeeGear But on your review of the Venezia, I thought it automatically ran the pump after steaming to fill the boiler?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@Warrenff5 Nope, you have to pull water through/temp surf like the Aroma, Silvia, Dream, etc. - Kat

[HomeDistiller]

whats the difference between pressurized and non pressurized?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@HomeDistiller Pressurized aerates the coffee, giving the illusion of crema. It adds an additional layer to the basket or portafilter (depending on the manufacturer's tech) that slows the brew down, then forces it through a tiny whole -- kind of like putting your thumb on a garden hose. It's made for simple use as you don't need a grinder with it, but it doesn't provide as great of a shot as a traditional/non-pressurized PF. - Kat

[lukewarm711]

Have you guys seen the Lelit Combi or PL041 ? Sometimes it's called the Nemox or Del Opera

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@lukewarm711 Yes, we researched them but elected not to carry for business reasons, I believe, so I haven't played around with them at all. - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

What video # are you on now? At 1,000 you and Gail will BOTH be revealed!

[HomeDistiller]

@joeldamianicigan its at the top of the page :p 329

[veryffff]

I don't see the Crossland as a competitor to the Silvia. I really value the user experience, and the Crossland has an awful interface. The Silvia is so simple and pleasurable to use.

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@veryffff It's definitely a competitor, whether or not it fits your needs is a different story altogether. But specs and price wise, it's in place to offer an alternative in this class. There's a market for every machine -- good and bad about all of them, which I guess is good because explaining that is my job and so it keeps me in Kat food! :D - Kat

[diskusjon]

Great overview of them all. Personally I have the Silvia with a self-installed Auber PID. :D

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@diskusjon Great setup! :D - Kat