Latte on Gaggia Factory lever espresso machine

[dcharvella]

Just a follow-up: What size is your PF? I have a La Pavoni Milenium, and the PF is 51mm. I've been having a lot of success lately grinding a little coarser with about 15-16g depending on the bean. I do a light nutation w/a convex tamper, followed by a relatively firm tamp. Then, actively pre-infuse with about three short strokes, followed by one continuous pull. I've only had my lever for a couple of months now, so I guess I'm still in that "experimental" stage.

Thanks for your input!

[freakeystyley34]

@dcharvella Mine is 51mm too (inside the basket). The only issue I found with higher doses is that it cuts down the shot volume, although that can be increased by doing a few 'fellini' strokes. Do you find when doing the fellini strokes that it pulls some coffee through the shower screen then needs cleaning a lot more frequently? By doing a long preinfuse, one stroke with no fellini I find the shower screen stays pretty clean.

[freakeystyley34]

@dcharvella @dcharvella

(continued from other reply) I use about 13g with a fine grind and a fairly light tamp (10-15lbs?) then attach the portafilter. I lift the lever very slowly then hold it at the top for a 10 second preinfusion and then pull down in one stroke.

My most recent video from that technique and was really nice!

[dcharvella]

@freakeystyley34 Thanks! I did view your other two "takes" ... nice looking shots!! BTW ... don't you hate when the whole machine moves like that. I love my Pavoni, but like your Factory it's light up front, and has a tendency to move if I'm not paying attention ... small price to pay though.

[freakeystyley34]

@dcharvella It doesn't happen that often but when it does move it's a bit of a pain! I've heard that taking some of that anti slip mat for rugs and cutting it to the size of the base can help with this.

[dcharvella]

Nice! I couldn't tell for sure, but it looked like you did a few "fellini" pulls before your final pull, yes?

[freakeystyley34]

@dcharvella

I used to do 4 or 5 small pulls until I felt the pressure build up in the grouphead, as it meant that you get a larger shot volume. I wouldn't call it a fellini as such, as I believe that's one half pull then a full pull rather than several small ones then a full one.

I don't do this any more, as I get the feeling that it makes a bit of a mess in the grouphead, I used to be constantly brushing the grouphead gasket etc.

My technique now is to use less coffee - 13g ish and one pull.

[davidtaylor26]

solid set up!

[freakeystyley34]

@davidtaylor26 Thanks!