I used mine today for the 1st time. It took long after a few coffee came out until it "swoshed". What time is normal after the first few coffee until the "swosh"? And how long do you let it on the heat? I took it away too soon and there was still water below, I saw when I cleaned it. But I was afraid to let it too long.
If you have been using your Brikka for a month, you will realize it is 1/2 art, 1/2 science and 1/2 luck ;-). I turn the heat to almost the highest and let it go for 3-4 minutes. If it doesn't swoosh by itself, I give the pot a little tap on the handle and if it is ready, it will swoosh. If it isn't ready, I haven't disturbed it. I bought a second unit and it never had that issue.
It took more than 2 minutes after the 1st few coffee came out, until the "swosh". I´m always a bit afraid that the unit could explode, so I touched the little thing in the middle with a little spoon after about 2 minutes. But today I waited brave, and it payed: The espresso was perfect, with a little crema and great taste! :-)
Why did you lift the valve? I own the same 4 cups model and somethimes the valve doesn't open, and finally... swoosh! coffee, crema and high steam presure! Crema dissapear and coffee tastes burned... Did you have the same exprerience?
When I first purchased it, this would happen more often and I would pop it by hand. It rarely happens now. However, I find it doesn't always pop at the same time; therefore, I always watch it and will give the pot a little shake if necessary. This causes some inconsistency. Most of the time I get a real good coffee. Sometimes it turns out excellent. And, once in a while it is terrible. Overall, this is still better than 95% of coffee shop espresso. Not bad for $50.
Thanks for your reply! Sorry, but can you tell me what kind of grind use in your Brikka actually, and how much coffee dose in the funnel? I'll show you my last Brikka experience.
The espresso grind seems too fine for this machine. I dial the grinder a bit less and typically use about 2 1/2 heaping spoons of coffee. What about you?
Spoons of coffee? Did you mean teaspoon? I use about 3 tablespoon of coffee. I fill the funnel 5 millimetres below the top with loosy coarse grind, but I can see that fine grind works great! I read that Lavazza Rossa espresso grind is awesome with the Brikka, masive crema!
Yes, it's about 3 tablespoons. I find that it produces pretty good crema from most arabica beans. The Lavazza is nice and smooth (I have a can now, actually). Mmmm... I think my Brikka is calling me!
Did you touch it when it was hot?
I used mine today for the 1st time. It took long after a few coffee came out until it "swoshed". What time is normal after the first few coffee until the "swosh"? And how long do you let it on the heat? I took it away too soon and there was still water below, I saw when I cleaned it. But I was afraid to let it too long.
Hewson60 2 years ago
If you have been using your Brikka for a month, you will realize it is 1/2 art, 1/2 science and 1/2 luck ;-). I turn the heat to almost the highest and let it go for 3-4 minutes. If it doesn't swoosh by itself, I give the pot a little tap on the handle and if it is ready, it will swoosh. If it isn't ready, I haven't disturbed it. I bought a second unit and it never had that issue.
seangame 2 years ago
Hi!
Just today I used it.
It took more than 2 minutes after the 1st few coffee came out, until the "swosh". I´m always a bit afraid that the unit could explode, so I touched the little thing in the middle with a little spoon after about 2 minutes. But today I waited brave, and it payed: The espresso was perfect, with a little crema and great taste! :-)
Hewson60 2 years ago
Awesome! That sounds good! I think I might go get a coffee right now. :-)
seangame 2 years ago
I admire you, but I can´t at the moment. It´s evening here. :-(((
Btw, when I bought the Brikka, I also bought a "normal" one, but I use the Brikka much more often!
Hewson60 2 years ago
Why did you lift the valve? I own the same 4 cups model and somethimes the valve doesn't open, and finally... swoosh! coffee, crema and high steam presure! Crema dissapear and coffee tastes burned... Did you have the same exprerience?
adrito70 3 years ago
When I first purchased it, this would happen more often and I would pop it by hand. It rarely happens now. However, I find it doesn't always pop at the same time; therefore, I always watch it and will give the pot a little shake if necessary. This causes some inconsistency. Most of the time I get a real good coffee. Sometimes it turns out excellent. And, once in a while it is terrible. Overall, this is still better than 95% of coffee shop espresso. Not bad for $50.
seangame 3 years ago
Thanks for your reply! Sorry, but can you tell me what kind of grind use in your Brikka actually, and how much coffee dose in the funnel? I'll show you my last Brikka experience.
About your 95% coffee shop stat... you'r right!
adrito70 3 years ago
The espresso grind seems too fine for this machine. I dial the grinder a bit less and typically use about 2 1/2 heaping spoons of coffee. What about you?
seangame 3 years ago
Spoons of coffee? Did you mean teaspoon? I use about 3 tablespoon of coffee. I fill the funnel 5 millimetres below the top with loosy coarse grind, but I can see that fine grind works great! I read that Lavazza Rossa espresso grind is awesome with the Brikka, masive crema!
adrito70 3 years ago
Yes, it's about 3 tablespoons. I find that it produces pretty good crema from most arabica beans. The Lavazza is nice and smooth (I have a can now, actually). Mmmm... I think my Brikka is calling me!
seangame 3 years ago