No prob, Utah is a long ways from 514 territory.

It is a long way but a beautiful state...

Cafe Reunion Island seems to have the best prices, what kind exactly do you prefer for straight espresso with low acidity???

They also offer free shipping on orders above 49$

By the way Mario, how do you like your vario??

Simspresso wrote:...Cafe Reunion Island seems to have the best prices, what kind exactly do you prefer for straight espresso with low acidity???

They also offer free shipping on orders above 49$

I like Cannonball a lot but I pulled a lot of nice shots using the Flores Komodo Dragon Single Origin too - also, that tamper is a steal for $25 - i have one and currently I am using the flat bottom - nice to know I can switch out to convex without buying another tamper if the mood hits.

cool!
do you notice any differences between flat vs convex?

hi Simspresso congrats on the Venus, I've had mine for almost 6 years, still going strong. I run a lo-fi routine, having never adjusted the OPV, and a raw temp surf (no thermometer). I am still getting some tasty shots at around 11 bars. Though my shots have improved, I'm always still learning. Macap Mc4 is probably the difference maker, and a great ally to the Venus. I've never owned a comparable machine but sometimes I feel as if I tend to grind finer. I guess the main items specific to the machine are that it does tend to run at higher bar. It performs best with an hour of warm up. If you are steaming milk, the best point is just before the temp light goes out (so you can 'trick' the machine to keep the warming active). My steam wand drips, despite descale. So keep the boiler filled, if leaving the machine on for a long time. Use it frequently, and clean it frequently and it will serve you well for many years. This site is a great resource for Venus owners, cleaning tips, and amazing discussions on technique and coffee from espresso experts. Best wishes and enjoy the machine!

p.s. I use a flat tamper and the suggestions about overhead ring true--really easy to get a puck to stick (so be sure you are using a brush to clean group head and screen frequently.

Hi,

First post here but I read the forum a lot for a couple of months now. I've read probably every thread about the Venus.

I own an Isomac Venus for a couple of weeks now, i pulled like 30 shots.. barely none of them was good. They all came short between 10 to 18sec and are pretty blond. I've manage to get a couple in 23sec but the pressure gauge was at 14bar.

I tried many different grinds and tamper pressure but still am unsuccessful in pulling a decent shot! Even when I get it at a steady 11bars the shot finishes roughly around 17sec. I presume that if I grind finer I will get a better time, but the pressure will get really high also..

Have you been able to get something from her yet ?

Sorry for the doubleposting..

I have just tried the technique mentionned by Tim Eggers of opening the steam wand while pulling the shot and.. I just pulled the best double on my Isomac Venus!


This looks promising for now, I'll try to tweak and perfect that technique as it really made a difference in the taste of the shots! Not sour, and far less bitter!