jormun wrote:I haven't looked, I was under the impression that a machine is designed to use either pressurized or non, but not both. I'll check into it this evening.
For that matter, if you'll humor a noob, what difference does it make?
Here's something from
http://www.espressomacchina.ca/before/before.htmlWhat they don't tell you: the pressurized portafilter
From the Saeco machines sold at Home Outfitters to the Starbucks' home line, the majority of machines under $450 dollars use what is known as a pressurized portafilter. The pressurized portafilter produces what experts refer to as "frothed coffee." The pressurized portafilter contains a mechanism that won't allow your espresso to be extracted until the pressure inside the portafilter reaches a certain level. When it does reach this level, the espresso goes through two outlets: the mesh of the basket, and a pinhole sized valve underneath that basket. When the espresso goes through that valve, any true crema is destroyed.
Have you wondered how Starbucks justifies selling the Barista home machine? One would think it might be dangerous to their margins: if everyone had a Barista machine, wouldn't their stores be empty? The reality is, they can sell their home machines because without a proper portafilter or grinder and be assured the coffee they make in stores is still better than that produced with their home machines.
Have you read
The Home Barista's Guide to Espresso yet? If not, you should start there.
The problem with the pressurized portafilter is that you want the coffee puck to create your backpressure, not a mechanical device. By getting all the variables right (quality beans, volume of ground coffee, correct grind level, properly distributed and dosed grinds, and tamp), you will create the appropriate backpressure device from the coffee itself to do a proper extraction. It helps if the pump in your machine is also set to something reasonable pressure wise or has an over-pressure valve, but you can do it without the fancy schmancy stuff, it's just a lot harder to do.
Depending on the design of the Delonghi portafilter, you may be able to defeat the pressurized portafilter gizmo, or you may be able to purchase another portafilter that fits. For example, the Starbuck's Barista machine is made by Saeco... a replacement portafilter for other Saeco machine's fit the Starbuck's machine and cost about $20-30. I have no idea what (if anything) will fit your machine. I see Whole Latte Love carries that machine... you might try calling them to see if something else fits it.
Furthermore, this will allow you to buy green beans from all over the world and sample them via said French press.
