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FAQs and Favorites

A complete alphabetical listing of the 421 most popular topics in the forum

Contents
Tips & Techniques · Espresso Machines · Espresso Grinders · Lever Espresso Machines · Coffees · Home Roasting · Knockbox · Digest


Tips & Techniques Forum
1 'Flush and go' technique suitable for smaller HX machines?
2 Achieving Optimal Brew/Pump Pressure
3 Advice to Newbies from a Newbie
4 Are all espresso types extracted in 20-30 seconds?
5 Basket Overdosing; time for a serious re-evaluation!
6 Basket Overdosing: Are triple baskets taboo?
7 Best step by step guide to Silvia use?
8 Brew ratio vs brew temperature
9 Brewing ratios for espresso beverages
10 Bricoletta for Dummies
11 Cappuccino vs. Latte
12 Cleaning Note: Front flushing an E61 dispersion screen
13 Controlling shot extraction pattern
14 Cracking into the Extraction: when and where the espresso puck brews.
15 Cubano shots anyone?
16 Dialing in a new espresso machine, a step by step guide
17 Digital E61 thermometer adapter - Why does group temperature nosedive after flush?
18 Do I need an upgrade to make good espresso?
19 Do you adjust grind from double to single espressos?
20 Do you free pour or spoon for espresso-based milk drinks?
21 Do you thwack the doser handle fast or slowly?
22 Does a good center tamp take care of the sides?
23 Easy E61 grouphead gasket removal
24 Empty reservoir nightly??
25 Espresso texture from spouted versus bottomless portafilter
26 Exercises for tuning your barista techniques
27 Experiments with Preground Coffee for Espresso and a Brew Pot
28 Getting to know the Rancilio Silvia
29 Grind setting vs. the effect of tamp pressure
30 Guideline for brewing decaf espresso?
31 Help with Gaggia Espresso perfect crema device and machine
32 Home barista techniques that the pros shun (and vice versa)
33 How can 30 lbs be a universal tamper pressure?
34 How do you explore the extraction space?
35 How does high altitude affect brewing?
36 How important is the tamper, correct pressure, and 'twist'?
37 How long do you allow your espresso to sit before adding milk?
38 How many espresso "sink shots" do you pull?
39 How much time does your morning espresso routine require?
40 How to get better crema with non-pressurized portafilter
41 How to get decent espresso from thermoblock espresso machine?
42 How to get/test the right pressure for espresso
43 How to reduce coffee waste?
44 How to Steam Milk for Cappuccinos and Lattes [video]
45 How to use cheapo thermocouple?
46 HX espresso machines waste water - or do they?
47 I'm overdosing. Who knew!?
48 Is making good espresso really hard?
49 It's the Barista, Stupid
50 Keeping your espresso workarea clean
51 LM Basket Woes
52 Looking for the "rules of thumb" on espresso-making variables
53 Milk Frothing in a McDonald's Hot Cup
54 Most common mistakes a barista makes
55 My attempt - Silvia and Rocky, the video - HELP NEEDED!
56 New perspective on value of the naked portafilter
57 Please describe the Stockfleth's Move
58 Poor espresso has to wait for the milk
59 Problems with my new Rancilio Silvia
60 Professional training for the non-professional
61 Properly Frothing and Pouring Milk
62 Purpose of the Tamp
63 Putting it all together
64 Question on dosing quantity versus grind
65 Seeking low tech way to measure brew temperature
66 Shot volume -- what IS two ounces?
67 Side channeling solved by accident.
68 Significance of using different baskets?
69 Slow extraction and watery puck
70 Solubles Yield as a function of Grind and Dwell Time
71 Sour pour with Silvia/Macap?
72 Spinning for distribution?
73 Steaming & pulling sequencing? Too much crema? and other questions
74 Still can't froth milk properly
75 Stockfleth's move vs. circular finger dosing?
76 Stockfleths Move for Dummies [video]
77 Surprised by my weight!
78 Switching from a double to a single without changing the grind?
79 Tamp and Dose Techniques Digest
80 Tamping Technique - whether to tap? and where?
81 Techniques for making large quantities of quality espresso drinks quickly
82 The $10 Method for Temperature Tuning an HX Machine
83 The Denver effect?
84 The problem is on the handle side of the portafilter
85 The Weiss Distribution Technique is NOT a 'cheat'!
86 Theory behind flushing an E61 HX machine
87 Timing a double shot
88 Timing of extraction starts when?
89 Tips for making a better Americano?
90 Understanding Espresso
91 Unexpected results when forgetting to tamp
92 Updosing Revisited
93 Videos of different techniques of dose-distribute-level-tamp sequence
94 Videos of espresso extractions
95 Ways to a great single espresso with a single basket
96 WDT for single baskets and low headspace machines
97 What about "overdosing" makes channeling more likely?
98 What does your typical espresso rate?
99 What espresso blend to start with?
100 What's the best way to use Eric's E61 thermometer adaptor?
101 What's the key criteria for stopping espresso extraction?
102 When did this espresso extraction go blond? [video quiz]
103 When to start timing shots from naked portafilter?
104 Why don't pros use the WDT? More advanced distribution techniques?

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Espresso Machines Forum
1 Adjusting espresso machine's rotary pump brew pressure?
2 Advantage of E61 lever action semi-auto espresso machines
3 Advice about bringing an espresso machine out of storage?
4 An idea for simple temperature control in E61 machines
5 Astra and the no-tamp espresso
6 Best espresso gear on a student's budget?
7 Best way to recharge the in-tank water softener
8 Brew pressure, boiler insulate, preheat HX coil for Isomac
9 Building a Portafilter Pressure Gauge
10 Buying / upgrading espresso machine or grinder this year?
11 Calibration of a group thermometer
12 Can ANY 110v Heat Exchanger Machine "Pass" the WBC
13 Can anyone explain preinfusion on the E61?
14 Checking an E61 Espresso Machine for Scale
15 Cleaning Stainless Steel
16 Commercial espresso machines in the home
17 Constant dripping from E61 grouphead
18 Converting a pourover espresso machine to direct connect
19 Cutaway of La Marzocco saturated grouphead
20 Degraded espresso machine performance OR "The Scale Monster Attacks!"
21 Dialing in temperature on a commercial HX espresso machine
22 Difference between (super) automatic and manual espresso machines
23 Digital Pressure Adapter
24 Discount replacement water softener and carbon filters
25 Distilled and tap water ratio for optimal taste vs. scale
26 DIY bottomless portafilter block for a level tamp
27 DIY guide for bottomless portafilter?
28 Do most plumb-in machines require external pressure?
29 Do you leave your espresso machine on all the time?
30 Draining an HX boiler for storage and shipping
31 E61 Group Espresso Machine: Detailed Interior Schematics
32 E61 Group Espresso Machine: Is its reputation justified?
33 E61 Thermal Analysis Questions
34 Electricity Usage Monitor
35 Eliminating noise from vibration
36 Errors in temperature and pressure measurements
37 Espresso Machine Cleaning Digest
38 Espresso machine trips GFI outlet
39 Espresso machine voltage conversion from 110V to 240V
40 Espresso Machines 101
41 First "real" espresso machine questions
42 Flojet and rotary pump questions
43 Flow rate of a rotary pump espresso machine
44 Fluke vs. Omega Dataloggers for use with Scace thermofilter
45 Frozen bolts won't budge
46 Getting the most out of Starbucks Barista while saving for upgrade
47 Good all round explanation of PID stuff
48 Grinder vs Espresso Machine: How to split 2K?
49 HB Roadshow - Espresso Tamper Reviews
50 Help choosing a superauto for my parents
51 Homemade Knockbox removable bottom for cleaning
52 How can I adjust the brew pressure of a vibe pump espresso machine?
53 How do I descale my espresso machine?
54 How do I tell the rating of the circuit in my kitchen
55 How do I turn down the steam boiler pressure?
56 How many tampers do you own?
57 How much difference to brew temperature does HX boiler temperature make?
58 How much espresso machine is enough?
59 How to clean an E61 dispersion screen
60 How To Make Your Own Naked Portafilter
61 How to Preinfuse; Extraction Pressure Redux
62 How to remove the dispersion screen and gasket of an E61?
63 How to: La Marzocco OEM Portafilter fit E61 Group (Alternative Modification)
64 If You Were Buying a Second Espresso Machine for a Second Location...
65 Is E61 HX espresso machine a good place to start?
66 Is there a purpose for the E61 middle brew lever position?
67 Is there a temperature vs boiler pressure table?
68 Is this filter design "normal"?
69 Leaking E61 brew lever, is it normal?
70 Leave it on, or turn it off?
71 Looking for a cheap(ish) but decent starter espresso machine
72 Looking for a meter to go with E61 thermocouple adaptor
73 Looking for basic HX espresso machine
74 Looking for cheap espresso machine and grinder
75 Making the case against Super Automatics
76 Making the case for super-automatic espresso machines (again)
77 Minimum equipment to produce good espresso
78 Monitoring Brew Temperature - E61 & Silvia
79 More on boiler insulation
80 Must torque portafilter really hard to stop leaking - normal?
81 One week with the La Marzocco GS3
82 Opinions of buying a new model espresso machine
83 OPV adjustment question - QuickMill Alexia
84 PID on a HX...this is my thinking, is it flawed?
85 Preheating the incoming water on a Gaggia Classic
86 Preinfusion on the E61 - revisited
87 Pressure profiles, preinfusion and the forgiveness factor
88 Rancilio Silvia 4 Hole Stainless Steel Steam Wand Tip
89 Rancilio Silvia Performance with/without PID
90 Rancilio Silvia powered on but no heat
91 Recharging a water softener
92 Recommendations for pressure setting on OPV requested
93 Recommended inexpensive scale for weighing coffee?
94 Repairing a ULKA vibratory pump
95 Rotary pump cup clarity achievable with a mod ?
96 Should I bother with an espresso machine?
97 Silvia steam tip alternatives
98 Simplified HX Descale [PourOver]
99 So, the silvia seems to have fallen out of favor?
100 Super-Automatic vs Automatic vs Semi
101 Synesso (or whatever) basket vs LM basket
102 Tamper bottoms: Flat or convex?
103 Temperature Stability . . . . from a Heat Exchanger
104 Temperature surfing Rancilio Silvia
105 Testing Brew Pressure
106 The E61 Group - Truth and Lies
107 The Impact of Autofill on Shot Temperature and Pressure in an HX Machine
108 The Impact of Frothing on HX Temperature Stability
109 The Impact of Preinfusion on the Taste of Espresso Shots
110 The importance of brew pressure, purpose of adjusting OPV?
111 The risk of using a timer
112 The Worst Thing about HX Machines/Heat Exchangers are evil
113 Time from cold until ready to brew
114 Tips on upgrading from Rancilio Rocky/Silvia combo
115 Very soft water fools boiler fill sensor - better idea than adding a little salt?
116 Water pressure and the effect(s) it may have on rotary pump
117 Water, Scaling and Descaling with HX machines?
118 What are "must have" accessories for new espresso machine
119 What do you look for in a good tamper?
120 What E61 & Grinder would you buy for <$2K?
121 What is the ultimate home machine?
122 What makes it an E61 group?
123 What steaming pitcher shape do you prefer?
124 What was your upgrade path from a Rancilio Silvia class espresso machine?
125 Which basket for a fill, level then tamp 14g dose?
126 Why are HX espresso machines so popular?
127 Why backflushing is important to the health of your espresso machine
128 Yet another way of making your own bottomless portafilter
129 Your favorite tamper, if you could choose only one...

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Espresso Grinders Forum
1 Are Cunill Tranquilo steps sufficiently small? (suggested mods included)
2 Best Inexpensive Grinder?
3 Cleaning a Mazzer Mini
4 Cleaning Cimbali Jr. grinder
5 Cleaning the burrs of a Macap M4 Stepless Grinder
6 Coffee grounds in new Mazzer grinder - normal?
7 Damage espresso grinder burrs by adjusting them too close?
8 Doserless to doser and back again... the debate continues
9 Getting started with MACAP M4 Stepless
10 Good approximate Mazzer grind setting for espresso/French press
11 Grinder burr types explained (flat, conical, DRM)
12 Grinder burrs touching is the "kiss of death"?
13 Hand (grinder) Jive - a photo essay
14 How to know Rocky burrs are worn out?
15 How to make your Mazzer dose like an Anfim
16 How to Tame a Messy Mazzer Doser
17 Inexpensive grinder suggestions
18 Is some French press mud normal even for a Mazzer Mini?
19 La Cimbali Junior Grinder Mod - Hopper Throat Extension
20 Mazzer Kony - removing doser microswitch instructions
21 Mazzer Mini adjustment only while running?
22 Mazzer Mini Component Photos
23 Mazzer Super Jolly (2-liter bottle) doserless modification
24 Mazzer Super Jolly "Home Depot" Hopper
25 My cheap and easy stepless Rocky mod...
26 Need help removing doser from Mazzer Mini
27 Opinions on high-end grinders?
28 Pros and cons of doser vs. doserless grinder?
29 Removing interlock collar from a mazzer kony hopper... without breaking it!
30 Removing Super Jolly lower burr carrier
31 Replacing burrs of Rancilio Rocky grinder
32 Rocky burr wear
33 Rocky Mods - How to turn it into an uber grinder
34 Rocky thread slop and the teflon tape fix
35 Starting espresso setting for Rancilio Rocky
36 Titan Grinder Project provokes upgrade fever - what's the cure?
37 Use preground coffee while saving for an espresso grinder?
38 What is your grinder of choice and why?
39 Which grinder would you choose?
40 Which way to turn Macap stepless to make the grind coarser?
41 Why so widely spaced grind settings for some espresso blends?

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Lever Espresso Machines Forum
1 All-Clad Presso - the minimalist pour over espresso machine
2 An Espresso Travel Kit: Taking charge of your coffee when away.
3 Cannot get good results with the naked portafilter
4 Clevis to Lever - further explorations in Espresso Space
5 Do I need to empty lever machine's boiler each day?
6 Elektra Microcasa a Leva not heating
7 Elektra/Pavoni side by side
8 Fellini does espresso ...
9 Has anyone ever PID'd a lever machine?
10 How do lever machines work? I know, no pump ... but ...
11 How to adjust the LaPavoni / Gaggia pressurestat
12 La Pavoni Pro in the hands of pros
13 Lever espresso machines that do not overheat like La Pavoni
14 Lever multiple pull techniques
15 Levers and SO coffee
16 Olympia Cremina Offical Factory Setup Information
17 Pavoni europiccola newbie confused... and heads up on a decent price
18 Peppina Redux
19 Piston gasket replacement on Elektra Microcasa a Leva (MCaL)
20 Refeathering the Peacock - Pavoni head gasket replacement
21 Restoration of an Olympia Cremina
22 Ristretto in a hand levered machine?
23 The 'Fellini Move' in Pictures
24 The LMWDP guide to lever espresso stands of the world
25 To tamp or not to tamp
26 Using the Olympia Cremina -- The Movie (Video)
27 Warning: Filthy Images! How to Descale a Lever?
28 When filling lever machine cylinder, where does the air go?
29 Why a double basket with single pulls?

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Coffees Forum
1 "Attack" in espresso tasting
2 "Sweet" espresso?
3 An Aficionado's Guide to Espresso Blending
4 Blending for Mouthfeel
5 Cupping 101
6 Cupping technique to minimize suspended grounds
7 Dark roast espresso blends
8 Do you add sugar to your espresso?
9 Do you handicap your single-origin espresso evaluations?
10 Espresso Tasting Notes
11 Favorite/"Best" single origin espresso?
12 Forgiving beginner's coffees?
13 General rule to allowing coffees to rest?
14 Good coffees I've had recently
15 Have you purchased "ultra premium" priced coffees for espresso?
16 How many double espressos do you get per pound of roasted beans?
17 How many pounds of coffee do you consume per year?
18 How often do you change espresso blends?
19 I once had a farm in Nicaragua
20 Iced Coffee, what do you use and how do you make it?
21 Is brew temperature the most difficult part of the equation to figure out?
22 Is it possible to tell why some coffees are more forgiving?
23 Leaving coffee beans in hopper
24 Precise Blend for Verona Espresso From Classico Coffee
25 Proper way to drink espresso?
26 Ratio of Robusta to Arabica in Espresso Blends?
27 Really stupid newbie question...what makes it espresso?
28 Refrigerator or Freezer for Coffee Storage?
29 Single Origin training wheels
30 Smell your espresso
31 Storage of Roasted Coffee Beans to Maximize Flavor
32 The Elusive Clarity in the Cup
33 The Miracle of the Bean
34 Three good beginner espressos please
35 Too much coffee; how to store?
36 What does 'bright' flavour descriptor mean?
37 What is the standard for reporting brew temperatures?
38 What is your favorite decaf espresso blend?
39 What's wrong with Robusta?
40 Who is your favorite online roaster?
41 Why coffee needs to ''rest'' before making espresso
42 Why isn't sweetness a cupping score category?

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Home Roasting Forum
1 (Hopefully) Useful Home Roasting Tips
2 Advanced sorting/culling coffee beans
3 Do pro roasters cup each batch before blending?
4 Does anyone blend different roast levels of an SO?
5 Espresso Blends Inspired by Black Cat
6 Espresso Home Roasting Log
7 Experience great professional coffees before you start home roasting
8 Favorite recipe for espresso blends
9 Green bean age and its effect on espresso
10 Green bean for enhancing espresso blend's body
11 Home roast dictates too fine a grind?
12 Home roasting - what's the big deal?
13 Home roasting, 19th century style
14 How to make a chocolate blend?
15 My First Espresso Blend
16 Roasting 101s: Understanding degree of roast
17 Roasting Profiles for Espresso?
18 Roasting techniques to emphasize the coffee's origin
19 Spot the green coffee defects!
20 The Best Way to Improve your Shot is a Popcorn Popper!
21 The cheapest and simplest way to improve your roasts
22 The Longest Day
23 The Ultimate Home Roaster Project
24 Thermometry for Heat Gun / Dog Bowl Roasting
25 To roast or not to roast
26 What Are Your Most Satisfying, "Best Value," and Most Disappointing Green Coffees?
27 What is the latest on the storage of greens?
28 Why does it seem that pro-roasts last longer than home?

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Knockbox Forum
1 [PSA] The Ultimate Home Espresso Accessory
2 12 Angry Men
3 A Visit to Rome and its Espresso Bars
4 Advancing your enjoyment of espresso
5 Are we straying from the path of righteousness?
6 Bottomless portafilter = more volume
7 Can water go stale?
8 Coffee on the road quandary
9 Designing pressure profile
10 Do ultra precise brew temperatures really matter?
11 E61 active group heat using pump inline w/thermosyphon loop
12 Espresso while on vacation
13 Ever suffered from caffeine withdrawal?
14 Find the man in the coffee beans! (riddle)
15 Hall of Shame: ''What I did when I was a newbie...''
16 Here, water boils @ 195F. Your recommendations for espresso roasts?
17 How do you serve coffee for guests?
18 How much have you spent on espresso equipment?
19 How to make cafe cremas
20 How to prepare Turkish coffee
21 Is your espresso habit unhealthy?
22 Measurement of espresso machine performance
23 Received wisdom about brew pressure
24 Recommended Surge Protectors
25 SCAA Barista Competition - Competitor Debriefing
26 Should I PID my Heat Exchanger?
27 The craziest %#*$ing thing I've seen all day...
28 The Disappearance of the Straight Shot
29 The goal is great TASTING espresso, not great LOOKING espresso
30 The Ideal Palate Refresher
31 The most important lessons I've learned so far
32 The obsession with sweet espresso - a dogma in the making
33 The role of fines and what we really want from a grinder
34 The Secret Life of Ristrettos
35 USBC Barista Competition - Competitor Debriefing
36 WBC standards don't reflect real world usage
37 What is the most important thing to keep in mind while learning?

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