Search found 9 matches

by beaner
February 19th, 2007, 11:11 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 17
Views: 1285

First espresso machine just arrived!

Forget about upgrading the Espresso. No need to do so. Just get yourself a 12oz pitcher and remove the plastic frothing aid. You'll get better coffee than 90% of the cafes around. Once I got used to using it, I can confidently say that the Espresso is a fantastic entry level machine
by beaner
January 17th, 2007, 11:24 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 2
Views: 364

Cleaning advice for gaggia espresso?

I usually brush my grouphead after every pull to get rid of loose grinds that may have been left behind. You need to be sure that the descaler you choose to use is safe for an aluminum boiler ( I believe DezCal is ok for Gaggias). You can also take your dispersion screen off with a screwdriver and
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by beaner
January 17th, 2007, 11:13 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 4
Views: 3888

Getting there after 3 years with Gaggia Classic...

You should always keep the portafilter in the machine when warming up. Also, you may want to pull a blank shot with your portafilter in and you espresso demitasse catching the hot water (in turn, warming the cup). That usually speeds up the warming process for all your internals
by beaner
January 11th, 2007, 10:24 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 9
Views: 659

Silvia wand on gaggia espresso?

You can still get decent microfoam if you use the plastic frother that comes with the machine without the outer sleeve. It slides right off the nozzle component, which reveals a small pin-head sized hole. The key is to use a 12 oz pitcher. The only thing is getting enough steam from the machine to f...
by beaner
January 9th, 2007, 3:13 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 15
Views: 1573

Cleaning out flavored coffee used in my Nuova MCF grinder

I soaked the hopper in a baking soda solution for two consecutive nights and it seems to have done the trick. Only a faint smell is left, which I can live with. Now just waiting for my tamper and things to get to me so I can pull my first shot. Thanks for your suggestions
by beaner
January 7th, 2007, 10:37 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 15
Views: 1573

Cleaning out flavored coffee used in my Nuova MCF grinder

Baking Soda is a great idea. I have my hopper soaking in a baking soda bath right now. Will report tomorrow. I'm not too concerned with the smell coming from the actual machine. I'm fairly sure that the smell will be gone within time
by beaner
January 7th, 2007, 10:34 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 20
Views: 1749

Narrowing down list of budget pump machines

You may be better off with the Solis if you are looking for better steaming qualities
by beaner
January 7th, 2007, 10:49 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 15
Views: 1573

Cleaning out flavored coffee used in my Nuova MCF grinder

Thanks for all your replies. I ran some older beans that I had through the grinder and some of the smell dissipated. I ended up taking the burr assembly apart and brushed a lot of the residuals out. I also put some Grindz on order, so hopefully that takes care of the rest. After
by beaner
January 6th, 2007, 3:04 pm
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 15
Views: 1573

Cleaning out flavored coffee used in my Nuova MCF grinder

Hello HBers I just picked up a used Nuova Simonelli MCF grinder for an espresso machine I got for Christmas. The grinder is in good working condition, however the previous owner of the machine used flavored coffee ( I believe Hazelnut). My question is how do I get rid of the remaining smell from the...