Wow, so much useful information! I feel really bad that I didn't get to make that video last night. I should have time tonight.

I think that I'll definitely take a look at what's under the hood too, especially to at least make sure that the unit's clean.

Thanks!

Brian

Okay, I've got some video of the water jets. Let me know what you think:

Here's some video of the goo:

g.Narly wrote:Here's some video of the goo:

Yup, That 'm the goop! That's why they say to scoop it out with a spoon, It is so sticky that it may damage some of the pressure portafilter innerds to smack it hard enough to clean.
The video for the shot wasn't too much different that mine.
Now you get to practice the 4 M's.
sincerely
richard

g.Narly wrote:Hi all,


I'm having some issues.
.... I ran the espresso without the pf and saw a streaming jet come out of the center holes in the machine (picture included).


The unit was a refurbished item and I'm wondering if it just needs to be cleaned or returned. Or if this is normal. If it is, then I don't know why the goo and why are the shots so short.

Please help.

Thanks,
Brian

Brian - your shower screen screw is too tight. loosen it up until the jet stream stops. it will seem loose, but that's how it's supposed to be. I had the same thing happen to my Saeco after I removed the screen for cleaning. all is well now.

also, the goop is normal for the pressurized portafilter. with a non-pressurized you will not have it (unless you use too fine a grind w/ too light a tamp).

Hi!
I was using Saeco Super Idea De Luxe for year and a half, that's almost the same machine as yours (yet under European name). I was fighting my head against the wall with desperation to
1. achieve consistent results
2. make it brew espresso for more then 15 seconds.
Thanks to this machine I started searching for coffee forums and learning barista techniques and then decided to upgrade.
After I upgraded I found out I still have a few things to learn, , yet I have a ground to measure my skill (and not the machine limits).
However, not to put you completely down:
Here is my original question on CoffeeCrew and a little discussion.
However, (a) you will not get >15s brew time on your machine no matter what you do and (b) I may only admit to be very very stubborn questioning Colin's advice

EDIT: and yes your machine behaviour is normal

Czescz Pawel, I had overlooked that we have a HB member from Lodz.

It is possible to get 30 sec pours with a Saeco if you have a fine enough grind. I started on a Saeco, and after getting a good hand grinder I found it very easy to dial in 30-sec shots. I still use an Estro as a backup, with the non-pressurized PF, and it produces very nice espresso.

PC

I haven't managed to get a non-pressurized portafilter for my Saeco, with the pressurized pf I only got longer brew time if I let it be more then 2oz and quite blond.

CoffeeOwl wrote:I haven't managed to get a non-pressurized portafilter for my Saeco, with the pressurized pf I only got longer brew time if I let it be more then 2oz and quite blond.

That is exactly what you do not want to do. Letting the shot run 28 seconds at the expense of letting it run over 2oz could be bad. I am assuming it is way over 2oz and you are using around 15grams of coffee, letting it go blond is very bad. That leads to over extraction and a bitter cup of coffee. You would be better off cutting the shot when the blonding starts.

cannonfodder wrote:That is exactly what you do not want to do.....

Yes, that's what the results were.