First impressions of the Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 group - Page 2

[peacecup]

When I got my Ponte Vecchio I began by using a ~30 lb tamp. I've gradually lightened up, but to nowhere near just a simple leveling tamp. I still use a firm (10lb?) tamp. The machine works fine with a 30 lb tamp if the grind is coarse enough. Taste is another matter - I've never compared a coarser-ground, harder tamped shot to a finer-ground lesser-tamped shot. Sounds like others prefer the latter.

[prof_stack]

Last two days after work I've made single capps (8.5g) using the smaller basket. With those the tamping needs to be harder, it seems. I would estimate I used about 15-20 #, but I should measure that to be more specific.

Anyway, the crema today was really pronounced on the 5 day old roast. Great taste, too.

At times I think the Export is a better single shot maker. Anyone else want to weigh in, so to speak.

[narc]

Todays finer grind shots with a 4 day old blend were consistently a slight improvement in taste. Crema production has been similar even with the finer grind. Initially about 50% volume and ending up at ~30% of volume in ~20 seconds after pull completed. To add a new variable, the lighter tamp will be interesting. I've been tamping at the ~30# force. This will require some tweaking of the grinder for a lighter tamp. Question regarding puck level after you light tamp the dose. How deep in the basket do you end up? Wondering what most people are finding is their ideal amount of expansion space between the tamped puck & dispersion screen before pulling the shot?

I've developed an impression over the last several years that the textbook #30 tamp as ideal is a bit of a myth. Maybe more of a tradition vs. a necessity. Tamping & tampers, maybe too much emphasis. Like in my previous life as a Nordic Ski racer where people were so hung up on the wax.

[grong]

My single basket requires a finer grind by about a strong half notch on the Macap. The singles are delicious, but the baskets are much more demanding to prepare properly than the doubles, as they must be dosed quite accurately to allow both headroom and to prevent running into the taper while still getting a consistent tampa-- but tasty! By comparison, the tall, cylindrical double baskets are simple and undemanding to prepare, but the shot is definitely a different taste, not just bigger. All pleasant choices.

[Kaffee Bitte]

Damn This Thread! Now I have lever machine envy again! Not only do I want an Elektra, now I want a two group Lusso! Ugh, where will I ever find the money? I got it. I am now accepting donations to my lever machine dream fund.

[mogogear]

Damn This Thread! Now I have lever machine envy again! Not only do I want an Elektra, now I want a two group Lusso! Ugh, where will I ever find the money? I got it. I am now accepting donations to my lever machine dream fund.

Its OK- Montana is a big state and you can theoretically drive as fast as you want- so getting the caffeine out of your system will be entertaining.... Just be careful, Idaho can fly right by ....... if you are too far North

[Kaffee Bitte]

Its OK- Montana is a big state and you can theoretically drive as fast as you want- so getting the caffeine out of your system will be entertaining.... Just be careful, Idaho can fly right by ....... if you are too far North

Even farther south Idaho flies by. Well when compared to Montana. Not many states that take 10 hours to drive across. The problem with this is that eight hours is the half life of caffeine in your system. So those last two hours you are only buzzing at half the level you were before. Unfortunately for those of you thinking that you can come to visit Montana and drive 160 mph with no police chases, you will be in for some flashing lights and grumpy police officers. We have a speed limit again, sadly and it is 75 mph. Then again you might be able to travel the whole length of the state and never see a police officer, so....

[narc]

After reading the posts in this thread & the "Lever Machine Smackdown" I started trying a few changes. Had a new base to start on this morning after yesterdays 6 pull morning. Settled on a grind level set at ~2 full notches (MazzerMini) finer than for the Elektra Micro Casa a Leva (MCaL). The lighter tamp (~#15) works better on the Ponte Vecchio Lusso (PVL). This may be disturbing to some of you, but I fill the basket by flipping the doser lever while the grinder is running and lightly tap the portafilter on the grinder portafilter holder to "distribute" the coffee & to breakup and chunkers. I also overfill. There is a mini volcano/mtn of coffee. Leveling is done with a chopstick sweeping a level surface. Leveling tamp, then the lighter tamp. ~1/2cm of filter basket above the grind. Following Greg's recommendation I tried and like the shorter preinfusion period (2-4sec) letting the boiler pressure infuse the puck. What has worked for me regarding the quality of the espresso that I prefer from this machine has been to release the lever until ~3/4 way to horizontal, then gently pull the lever back down and release. The shots are short in volume. Including crema ~1.5 cm below the rim of an Illy espresso cup. For people that prefer the clarity of a good MCaL pull this may not be your machine. If a heavier thicker crema is your goal the PVL may be the better choice. MCaL for espresso. PVL for cappuccino, a heavier espresso or when the need arises to pull multiple drinks.

A real factor that needs to be considered is initial cost. If you look at the current prices for the PVL single group vs. the MCaL, the PVL is a bargain. The price difference will allow you to consider the purchase of a real nice grinder if needed. I know to compare the two considering looks & build are unfair. But if you need a lever machine or would like to get into levers and have a budget the PVL should be strongly considered.

I insulated most of the boiler with a double layer of ThermoGuard FR. Pstat, heat element side is bare. There is enough clearance except the bottom of the boiler to double layer. Purchased the material from http://www.AutoBarn.com ~$16USD + shipping gets you 8 sq ft. The heating element now cycles on ~6 minutes.

[prof_stack]

But if you need a lever machine or would like to get into levers and have a budget the PVL should be strongly considered.

Agreed, but for a beginning lever the Ponte Vecchio Export might be a better choice.

[Fullsack]

I don't get it, a 2 group pour over machine? It doesn't seem practical.

[HB]

I agree, the two group Lusso is unusual. Since the Lusso requires no flushing and has a small water displacement, you can pull a lot of shots before the boiler needs refilling. The second group would allow you to work continuously without the risk of "portafilter sneeze." It might work out for catering in a small settings, e.g., an executive dining room. A home barista might be interested in a second group for side-by-side blend comparisons. For example, a kitchen-friendly two group would have come in handy during the Titan Grinder Project.

[narc]

3L boiler, tag team use of groups. Enough capacity when needed to pull multiple shots. No real waiting to avoid portafilter sneeze. No temp surfin like on the Elektra Micro Casa a Leva (MCaL) when pulling more than couple shots. One of the reasons for purchased this machine was a replacement for the Isomac Tea. The MCaL is bit slow when you need to pull successive drinks.

The Export at ~2/3 the cost of a MCaL plus its positive reviews would have probably been my 1st choice for the 1st lever machine.

[timo888]

Damn This Thread! Now I have lever machine envy again! Not only do I want an Elektra, now I want a two group Lusso! Ugh, where will I ever find the money? I got it. I am now accepting donations to my lever machine dream fund.

I've just sent you some dream funds.

[peacecup]

I've never considered it much of a bother to turn the machine off, let the pressure bleed for about 1 minute, then refill it. But then again, I use a hand grinder...

Granted this would be a little slow in a commercial setting, but I would certainly hope that my dinner guests value my company enough to spend five minutes chatting while I refill and get the machine up to temp.

PC