I got an Estro Machine (Model 410, SIN 007) as a hand me down over a year ago and have been pulling decent shots, improving over time with the more i learn. I just learned that this machine has a pressurized portafilter, kind of embarrassing really. Emailed someone on a espresso parts website and they suggested not tamping at all and the pressurized portafilter was the way to go. Enthusiasts on other sites and email lists suggest the opposite. This morning i tried not tamping and following his suggestions, and the shot was thin with disappointing crema.

Does anyone have any experience switching from pressurized to non pressurized? Specifically with Estro machines? Where'd you get it? I've also struggled with getting the right tamp size, started with a 49mm, now a 52mm, which is still too small. I haven't been able to find an owner's manual online either.

Thanks!

Michael B

I happen to have experience switching from pressurized to non pressurized with my La Pavoni machine (Saeco type). I bought the non pressurized at Espresso Care (http://espressocare.com/index.html). Now I have the 2 portafilters and I use both and still a lever machine (La Pavoni Europiccola).
Contrary to some people's advice I also find the pressurized portafilter benefits from some tamping.