Prototype La Marzocco GS3 - A Pro's Perspective - Page 3

[barry]

I'd actually love to just leave it at that because I have to tell you all this measurement crap is really boring.

HAHAHAHAHA!!!

tedious, too.

[malachi]

Tedious is a SERIOUS understatement.

[barry]

Personally, I think you should stop measuring temperatures IMMEDIATELY. As we say in the hedonistic world of espresso, F#ck the Fluke!

seriously.

greg is getting one. let him do the testing.

[malachi]

Seriously?
Greg is getting one?

Coolness!!
If so, I think I'll truncate my testing.

[terryz]

At first I was like

and then I was like

and then a slight moment of

and then a shot of Peru penachi and I was like

And now I'm at home, happy to have had the company of Chris Tacy, Dave White and my new favorite machine the GS3.

It is easy to speculate the unknown, and I suggest that until one has the oportunity to drive the GS3, a fair opinion is not likely.

I have read many things over the last few weeks and what I really do know, is that Bill Crossland of LMI has created a very cool machine that meets the demands of current espresso brewing standards.

One can only surmise that this machine will be the impetus to further gains in quality coffee and to that I say "It's about time!"

[AlMac]

Day 4:
I'm also kind of interested in checking out some "flawed" espressos to see if the clarity issue can, in fact, turn out to be a negative.

I was going to ask about this as I noticed there were no notes on SOs from the GS3 yet. Looking forward to the results.

[torretta]

Wow, awesome review and pictures. I bet most are not surprised with the performance and high technology of this machine. Given what's in the market now I don't feel that the current price is reasonable, even for an espresso hobbyist. However, I'd still buy a Linea 1-group before this machine solely based on aesthetics. I may need to see it in person; however, to me it almost looks alien with the exposed group and highflying steam and water wands. I guess I just like the traditional styling of the Linea and Cimbali M20s-30s and wouldn't expect the improvement from my current set-up to justify the upgrade. I should also mention that I am no longer a stickler for precise temps/tamping etc. I stop trying to achieve a god shot with each time I use my espresso set-up which made it all the more enjoyable...

Personal favorites are as follows. If you want one of these - just ask. Otherwise, more will be forthcoming over time.

[malachi]

Is there word on when the baby will actually be available on the market?

This coming year.
I'm hearing hints that it will be first half of the year, but nothing is written in stone as far as I know.

[cannonfodder]

Personal favorites are as follows. If you want one of these - just ask. Otherwise, more will be forthcoming over time.

Chris, Toaster.net? Strawberry Pop-tart Blowtorches? Interesting page... reminds me of the Twinkies Project page.


Don't suppose you can email me a high resolution copy of CRW_2640.jpg?

[malachi]

High res copy will be on its way this afternoon.

[Abe Carmeli]

And one more thing I forgot. Chris, your frequent complaint about the Linea, and dual boilers in general, was that one must wait a long time for the machine to adjust to a change in dialed brew temperature. How does the GS3 handle it?

[HB]

Split discussion of the merits of metrics to Measurement of espresso machine performance.

[ristrettobrain]

"First impressions - despite the warnings I was still shocked by how small the machine is. It is very hard to believe that this little box contains two boilers, a reservoir, pump and motor, electronics, plumbing."

What are the actual dimensions HxWxD of the machine?

For potential home use the physical dimesions are an extemely important issue and it is great that they invested so much effort into space efficiency.

Mike

[ristrettobrain]

Day 4:

I never thought I'd say this - but I don't care that this thing is automatic. I want it.
Damn.

OK, so how do we arrange for a group buy?

[King Seven]

Chris,

Speaking of the change of texture/body - did you get the ASIC paper I sent over?

[malachi]

And one more thing I forgot. Chris, your frequent complaint about the Linea, and dual boilers in general, was that one must wait a long time for the machine to adjust to a change in dialed brew temperature. How does the GS3 handle it?

One of the benefits of this machine being so small and a benefit of the changes to the boilers as well as the PID control is that temp changes are super fast. I did a +5 change yesterday and it took less time than it took me to swap out the beans in the grinder. A -5 change was equally fast - though I did (of course) flush a whole bunch of water to "help it along".

I'll do some actual measurements of the times required today.

You also need to keep in mind that, with a Linea, changes require removing the drip tray and breaking out the insulated screwdriver and then using a Scace to test (and rinse and repeat).

[malachi]

"First impressions - despite the warnings I was still shocked by how small the machine is. It is very hard to believe that this little box contains two boilers, a reservoir, pump and motor, electronics, plumbing."

What are the actual dimensions HxWxD of the machine?

For potential home use the physical dimesions are an extemely important issue and it is great that they invested so much effort into space efficiency.

Mike

21"w, 16"d, 13.25"h

(of course, these measurements are of this particular prototype and should be seen as purely a general estimate of where the final machine should range. and the height measurement is not useful height, but rather height of the box. you'll need additional room for cups and to access the reservoir fill.)

[malachi]

Chris,

Speaking of the change of texture/body - did you get the ASIC paper I sent over?

I did!
Thanks so much.

It's very cool. I've been thinking a lot about it. It's how I arrived at the idea that the perceived increased body of shots from this machine may have to do with a higher percentage emulsified oils. I'm also wondering about the pump on this machine and if it's possible that I'm seeing higher TDS.

There is, of course, little doubt in my mind that the combination of the nearly all-stainless construction and in particular the stainless group and block, coupled with the naked portafilter, is contributing to both the "amplified" low end and the clarity.

[King Seven]

Oils or solids I guess.

I've probably missed it somewhere but what grinder are you using for the tests?

I've a few other papers (well actually I have about 215 from the 20th ASIC conference but not that many are connected with espresso! That said one interesting round up of Organic growing that would certainly be of interest to a lot of folks here and at coffeed) that I can send along if you like?

[malachi]

Would LOVE to see any and all!

Using a semi-blueprinted Cimbali Junior.