Search found 69 matches

by Randii
January 11th, 2008, 7:43 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 35
Views: 4936

Higher end HX espresso machines vs. lower end double boilers

Sure! I'll post the results as soon as I have them. BTW, I suggest that the only water that you could consider "not stale" according to this silly definition, is rain water, which has never been held in any vessel (unless you consider clouds to be a container.) At any rate, I agree
by Randii
January 11th, 2008, 12:07 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 35
Views: 4936

Higher end HX espresso machines vs. lower end double boilers

I'm sorry, but it is threads like this that have made me realize why Brewtus and other double boiler owners have simply declined to comment on these issues in droves. Here we have a group of HX owners commenting on machines that they have never used and don't own, and passing the dis-information alo...
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by Randii
January 5th, 2008, 10:58 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 14
Views: 30115

Are Barista Training Classes Worth the Money?

I took Heather's one day Home Barista class. In my case it was one on one. It was a full day of training on my own machine at Coffee Klatch Roasting. We compared the differences between the professional equipment and the home equipment. Everything I was taught was tailored to work on my own home mac...
by Randii
January 1st, 2008, 8:52 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 31
Views: 9247

Espresso 101 with Heather Perry

As a matter of fact, she offered to come to my house to train me. That may only extend to students in the Los Angeles area, but you can always ask her. I thought it was better to do the training at the roaster, because we could compare the pro equipment to the home equipment. Sorry guys, she's
by Randii
January 1st, 2008, 2:15 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 31
Views: 9247

Espresso 101 with Heather Perry

Heather told me that the dose really depends on the coffee. If it doesn't taste right updosed, you would down dose it. The Coffee Klatch blends work well at around 22g, and tend to like higher temperatures than a coffee like "Black Cat." You just experiment and do what is best for the coffee. BTW, the
by Randii
January 1st, 2008, 2:00 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 31
Views: 9247

Espresso 101 with Heather Perry

Heather taught me to froth milk by just piercing the top of the milk, and letting the milk roll. She didn't have me angle the pitcher, I keep it straight and the wand is held at the side of the pitcher wall. Lower the pitcher as the milk increases in volume and stop adding air when the temp
by Randii
December 31st, 2007, 11:52 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 31
Views: 9247

Espresso 101 with Heather Perry

Oh No! There's my 15 minutes of fame! As much as I tried to stay out of the way of the camera, I forgot that they got a close-up shot of the espresso when I was holding the glass! Oh well! At least my fingernails were filed! So Marshall's jacket
by Randii
December 30th, 2007, 11:46 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 78
Views: 4864

Middle Aged Men in Their Pajamas

I was taught home barista techniques, on my own equipment. The training I received was not geared towards cafe work. The professionals who are training me know that the cafe techniques don't always transfer to the home. I will say that knowing the difference between cafe and home techniques simply e...
by Randii
December 30th, 2007, 10:48 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 78
Views: 4864

Middle Aged Men in Their Pajamas

I honestly have no idea what Ken thinks, but I have had the privilege of being taken under the wing of many very kind and gracious pro baristas, and even a family of coffee growers and roasters - which taught me all about coffee cupping. I consider myself very fortunate, as most of the newbies on th...
by Randii
December 29th, 2007, 11:21 am
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 78
Views: 4864

Middle Aged Men in Their Pajamas

Hi Ken, I really appreciate that you have said this. I am an espresso newbie, and have only been reading the forums for less than a year. I have finally begun to notice the difference between statements that are opinion, statements that are fact, and statements that are just posters blowing hot air ...