Search found 14 matches

by baristalab
July 25th, 2011, 9:48 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 3
Views: 942

Virtuoso Baratza stops grinding

I believe I just had the same problem as you. Grinding course is good, but it didn't seem to have enough power to grind fine. Ours was a demo unit and was on warranty, so we were able to get a replacement. It could have been the motor going out according to one of the baratza techs. Good Luck
by baristalab
July 12th, 2011, 9:56 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 150
Views: 24863

La Marzocco Espresso-only Shot Brewer

From what I remember they raffled one off. $5/ticket I think
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by baristalab
June 28th, 2011, 12:09 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 8
Views: 3062

Baratza Virtuoso Preciso Impressions?

I've used the Vario and Preciso, and I have to say that I like the Vario a lot more. You'll be able to fine tune for espresso and get a fantastic shot on both grinders. Grind quality aside I like the extra features on the Vario and I believe it doses directly into the portafilter better (more evenly...
by baristalab
May 17th, 2011, 3:54 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 8
Views: 1771

Duetto knocking as steam boiler heats up

How long have you had the machine for before it started making the noise?
by baristalab
May 9th, 2011, 9:32 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 3
Views: 1962

Setup suggestions for La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II

Great. Have fun with the new machine. Set up wise for aesthetics... I really like the back of the Vivaldis. I think they look beautiful and there is actually something to see back there unlike other espresso machines, so I would personally like to do a set up either on an island counter/bar where th...
by baristalab
May 9th, 2011, 8:59 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 35
Views: 1946

Finally made a decision and now out of stock! Grrrr

The paradox of choice seems to be a massive problem for espresso machine shoppers. A cool video about the problem if you guys haven't seen it already: {video}
by baristalab
May 5th, 2011, 10:23 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 18
Views: 1590

Is there a holy grail to perfect temperature stability?

Great Post. I'd like to just briefly mention that I've pretty much stopped trying to replicate others results because of pretty much everything you just said. It has freed me from a lot of frustration. And I do not believe there will be any Holy Grail. There comes a point where the amount of energy ...
by baristalab
April 21st, 2011, 6:56 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 20
Views: 1540

Barista etiquette about asking for brew advice

I must look pretty crazy when it's my turn to order. If I'm in a new shop, I'm asking everything under the sun.. the machine, brewing parameters etc etc. Mostly get stares from the people around me, but the baristas are friendly enough. I've heard a barista say that the judges in competition "are th...
by baristalab
April 12th, 2011, 5:07 pm
Forum: Coffee Brewing
Replies: 2
Views: 3860

Baratza Preciso Settings for Aeropress

Your post reminded me of this blog post from James Hoffmann: {link} Although the brew methods are different, I think you can apply the same tests messing with grind and time to the aeropress to get a great extraction
by baristalab
April 10th, 2011, 1:38 am
Forum: Water
Replies: 26
Views: 1967

Conditioning water (softening and pressure) for plumbing in?

Sorry Ken. My bad, you're right. I'm still working on the issue. I have a wild guess though: Putting the soft water through the cation softener makes the water too soft for espresso (maybe I'm seeing something like Jim was seeing with his RO water in insanely long water FAQ). The water tastes a bit ...