Izzo Alex Duetto Steaming Performance - Page 4

#31: Post by **docjoe** » March 3rd, 2012, 6:10 pm

So I have been able to steam and pour latte art with the stock 2 hole tip and ChrisCoffee 4 hole tip. But I wasn't getting the thick wet paint that persists and feels so good in your mouth. In the search of that goal of the wet paint MF, I got the 10mm tip adaptor and 2 hole Anita tip from ChrisCoffee. I have only had it 1 day but in that time I've foamed the best foam of my life! Plus I used the same stealing routine I did with the other tips. The holes are smaller and so the steam pressure is lower. But it slows down the foaming time, in a good way and the smaller holes seem to incorporate smaller micro bubbles into the foam! Plus, w the other tips, the pressure would drop to about 1 bar (starting at 1.4). This tip retains more pressure to about 1.2 throughout the steaming process. The new tip rocks!

#32: Post by **genovese** » March 3rd, 2012, 10:22 pm

Thanks for the review; sounds like just the ticket for single capps. On the CC site, I see the Anita described as having a "4 Hole .9 mm" tip. I know the site does not show everything they have, but there are two 2-hole tips listed:

"Standard Isomac" #2HSTIP
"New Isomac" #NEW2HSTIP

Is it possible you got one of these (which they may also substitute on the Anita)? Thanks in advance....

#33: Post by **docjoe** » March 4th, 2012, 12:12 am

So sorry. It is the new Isomac 2 hole tip:

http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/hom ... lesteamtip

You do have to get the adapter though.

#34: Post by **TomC** » March 4th, 2012, 12:52 am

I have 4 pitchers, all about the same size, but I wish I could find one like the Motta 500ml but with maybe another 3/4 to 1 inch of height for spinning the microfoam without fear of spilling it over the sides. The important thing would be that it doesn't have a larger bowl to it.

#35: Post by **genovese** » March 4th, 2012, 1:45 am

docjoe wrote:So sorry. It is the new Isomac 2 hole tip:
http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/hom ... lesteamtip
You do have to get the adapter though.

Thanks! Just when I thought I was well inoculated, upgradeitis, however modest, springs eternal.

#36: Post by **docjoe** » March 4th, 2012, 5:40 pm

TomC wrote:I have 4 pitchers, all about the same size, but I wish I could find one like the Motta 500ml but with maybe another 3/4 to 1 inch of height for spinning the microfoam without fear of spilling it over the sides. The important thing would be that it doesn't have a larger bowl to it.

I've been using my 12 oz Motta for most of my single lattes. It's a toss up but it seems to be a little better than my 16oz Motta, but truth be told that it's probably due to the fact I've had more recent practice with the 12oz pitcher.

#37: Post by **specialpants** » March 23rd, 2012, 4:31 pm

The times mentioned the intial posts are way too long!

It takes me under 20 seconds to steam a milk for one latte. I also stick in a thermapen to show what temperature the milk gets up to (65 degrees Celsius). It only takes a few seconds longer if I steam milk for two cups (maybe about 30 seconds?).

Mine use to be set on 1.2~1.25 bars, but I've lowered it down to 1.1. I'm also using the stock two hole tip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjaoPEOJOC8 (approx 18 secs in this one)

#38: Post by **docjoe** » March 23rd, 2012, 6:11 pm

specialpants wrote:The times mentioned the intial posts are way too long!

It takes me under 20 seconds to steam a milk for one latte. I also stick in a thermapen to show what temperature the milk gets up to (65 degrees Celsius). It only takes a few seconds longer if I steam milk for two cups (maybe about 30 seconds?).

Mine use to be set on 1.2~1.25 bars, but I've lowered it down to 1.1. I'm also using the stock two hole tip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjaoPEOJOC8 (approx 18 secs in this one)

I had a good look at your video and I too was getting the types of steaming times that I got with the stock 2 hole tip as well as the 4 hole tip from ChrisCoffee. I could get passable foam which I could do some latte art but it wasn't what I would consider GREAT micro foam. With a longer steaming time with the Isomac 2 hole tips (new one with smaller holes), I am able to consistently get great micro foam suitable for latte art.

#39: Post by **LaDan** » March 23rd, 2012, 9:30 pm

That's really nice Joe.

What espresso bland are you using, and what's the weight of the espresso beverage (yield)? You have a nice dense crema which contributes to the good art.

Bought a 12oz pitcher today. "Update" brand. It's a heavier stainless steel than the one I have, saw it at Blue Bottle Coffee, and for $10 I just got it. I'm not expecting miracles, as the saying goes "The one who doesn't know how to dance, complains that the floor is crooked". LOL. But the shape of it is different and the spout is higher in the pitcher. We'll see.

Interesting note. I watched the barista there steaming and he had the practice of quickly throwing away (pouring) the first oz or so of the top layer of the microfoam. I noticed the same practice weeks ago done by another barista there. They're using the same "Update" pitcher, and a LM FB/80 machine. I started a conversation with him and mentioned that I've noticed that. He says that he does that when he gets too much foam. Strange, they do that constantly there. But I think it might be a good tip for some of us here to try in case we look at our microfoam and know that we produced too much.

#40: Post by **docjoe** » March 23rd, 2012, 10:43 pm

Dan,

That latte was made with a SO Ethiopia Jimma Niguise which I roasted myself to FC+. That's such an awesome bean! Nearly all crema when I pull a shot.