Making Latte

[sudda89]

I really like the fancy knock box. That's the best!

[benjorgensen1]

havent got a baratza vario yet, but im totally sold on it. i would never get the rocky.

[Powergridfan]

Interesting stuff, this commentary on your video. I have just purchased an Oscar, so I appreciate learning from your experience.

[videovitae]

thanks.

[arabiccola]

I wondered for the same reason as the other writer when I saw the milk being steamed vigorously, since this is the only thing that keeps me from buying a new Oscar. I think that this is a fabulous machine, very beautiful, and very much worth the money, but the commercial 4-hole tip is an obvious mistake.

[jongend]

I now do, this video is an old one. I filmed it just after I got the Oscar and I was still not skilled enough to do both at once.

And one small correction - the Oscar has only one bolier, but it has a heat-exchanger. The steam is coming directly from the boiler, and the brewing water flow in pipes that are submerged in the boiler.

The result is similar, though.

[jongend]

I responded quickly because YouTube sends an email alert when someone posts a comment on one of one's video, and I happened to be in front of my PC when it did.

I'm afraid I wasn't so scientific and indeed I used toothpicks... It works fabulously, though.

[jongend]

To get good microfoam in a small volume pitcher, I eventually blocked 3 out of the 4 holes of the steam tip. Works great for 250-500cc pitchers, but not for bigger ones. I turn the steam dial all the way - I work with maximum pressure, but "confined" to one hole. I found this is yielding the best microfoam. Oh, and eventually some friends of mine got me a real knock-box as a present, so the charm of the "special" one is now gone...

[bendoc91]

Nice video, if you simply jammed toothpicks into the holes how do you get them out? and doesn't the wood rot with the humidity? (Pardon me if this is a moronic question)

[jongend]

Well, you're basically right.

However, I eventually found a 2-hole tip that I could fit instead of the original 4-hole one, so I just replaced it. Also, a bit later I upgraded my equipment, and now I own a Vibiemme Domobar Super, which originally came with a 2-hole tip (and also a bit more steam power...)

[bendoc91]

I just got the Oscar and I'm having some trouble. Did you have to teflon tape your rocky or anything? I'm at the finest it can go and the shot blonds out really early and I hit the 30ml mark at around the 20 seconds.

Thank you.

[jongend]

I did "teflon" my Rocky, and it improved a lot. Still, the Oscar indeed "likes" fine grinding, which can be an issue. One tip I can give you is to try and get an alternative set of coffee baskets.

I "accidentally" came accross this idea when I got my Vibiemme and still had the Oscar, and tried the Oscar with the Vibiemme basket. The structure is a bot different, and the Vibiemme baskets produce higher flow resistance, which means you can have coarser grind and still get the right flow.

[jongend]

Cont:

It does not necessarily have to be a Vibiemme basket - I've heard of people doing the same with La Marzocco baskets to get the same result.

Still, go a "teflon" your Rocky - besides the ability to grind finer, it also contributes to more even grind, which is a very important factor by itself.

Good luck

[oripessach]

I would have painted the kitchen white, and gone for that stark, Kubrick look.