Uneven shot volume from double portafilter

by **burlsube** on Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:05 pm

I have noticed that my VBM Domobar Jr. (double boiler) has uneven shot volumes. Using a double portafilter, the left shot glass always fills before the right side. The difference is noticeable. I have leveled the machine and practice good tamping.

Also, it doesnt matter the blend, grind, or weight.. the result is still the same

I guess it isnt a big deal, but I am curious to understand why.

by **cafeIKE** on Tue Jul 26, 2011 3:59 pm

Can you detail your prep?

Try rotating the basket 180° in the PF after tamping. If the problem moves to the other spout...

Try pulling shots with the single PF. If the pour doesn't remain dead center in the spout...

by **irrelevancy** on Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:24 am

As CafeIKE suggested - rotate the portafilter AFTER tamping.

I suspect that the tamp may be a bit uneven. Also, have you tried a WDT to make sure that the grinds evenly distributed across the basket?

Cheers
Sing

by **JonR10** on Thu Jul 28, 2011 7:58 am

Does it behave the same using an empty basket (with only water flow)?

In my experience, this issue has either been about prep and uneven extraction flow or it's about uneven resistance to flow through the spouts. The latter can be usually be resolved using an open-style spout

by **r60slash5** on Fri Jul 29, 2011 5:49 pm

I was having the same issue with my machine, until I realized the marks on the graduated shot glasses were not the same. Levelness of of the machine would also effect an even pour.

Ted

by **burlsube** on Sat Jul 30, 2011 12:22 pm

My prep usually goes a little like this -
Grind fresh beans using Vario into portafilter (usually set to 13.4-13.6 seconds)\
Remove portafilter from grinder and gently tap on tamping stand
Level grinds using straight edge
Give a medium tamp
Tap portafilter with tamper
Tamp again
Wipe grinds from portafilter

I'll try rotating the basket and see what happens.

by **Euology101** on Sat Jul 30, 2011 12:31 pm

burlsube wrote:My prep usually goes a little like this -
Grind fresh beans using Vario into portafilter (usually set to 13.4-13.6 seconds)\
Remove portafilter from grinder and gently tap on tamping stand
Level grinds using straight edge
Give a medium tamp
Tap portafilter with tamper
Tamp again
Wipe grinds from portafilter

I'll try rotating the basket and see what happens.

I think the consensus has been not to "tap" after tamping, no matter how little of a tamp it is. Try not to do it (It's hard to break that habit, I know, trust me) Also, if the shots taste good, everything is level, then give this a shot:

This is an adjustable spout, turn the screw and internally it will "tip" to one side or the other. I think this is typically used in commercial settings.

http://www.espressoparts.com/F_1706


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