Search found 45 matches

by drminpa
November 19th, 2008, 8:15 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 24
Views: 4553

E61 Thermometer Adapter Techniques for Dummies

I went through the same struggle a year ago when I got my Vetrano and installed the thermometer adapter - now I don't give it second thought. Some points I've found to be key from the above posts: Its all about having a routine - I use exactly the same method but without the second flush. Exactly!!
by drminpa
September 30th, 2008, 9:20 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 2
Views: 421

I Think I'm Spoiled

I wrote that comment a year ago just before getting a "real" espresso machine and grinder. In the past year I spent a lot of time on this forum learning how and why. I've experimented with settings, grinds, and coffees and learned how to consistently hit a temperature and extraction time and to make...
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by drminpa
April 17th, 2008, 8:18 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 29
Views: 10404

Do you use the Weiss Distribution Technique (WDT)?

I used to use the WDT when I first started - it helped a great deal. After I got used to dosing evenly and tamping level I started using the Stockfleth move. Been doing it that way ever since. Much faster
by drminpa
March 24th, 2008, 6:04 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 14
Views: 925

Best Conditions for Kid'O from Intelligentsia?

That seems to be my results as well. Either the sweet spot is very small or its just not that sweet. I tried using it in Americanos, cappas and regular drip coffee. I suppose it's possible the bag I got was not roasted to Intelligentsia's normal standards, but if it is representative of the blend
by drminpa
March 7th, 2008, 4:40 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 8
Views: 846

Help newbie steam with Anita no-burn 2-hole tip...

I learned to steam milk with a 12 oz pitcher. I agree with you on the video - it didn't do anthing for me either, but don't despair - with practice you will get it. Its true that the smaller pitcher heats up very fast and small diameter makes the surface very turbulent. You can over come
by drminpa
March 6th, 2008, 5:51 pm
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 16
Views: 1022

Help me get coffee from grinder to filter faster! Pls.

I find it easier to remove the basket from the pf (remove the spring clip) and hold the basket under the doser while filling it. This way, I can leave the pf in the grouphead to keep it hot while grinding and filling the basket. It also allows me to rotate the basket 360 degrees while filling to
by drminpa
March 3rd, 2008, 7:44 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 14
Views: 925

Best Conditions for Kid'O from Intelligentsia?

Several more shots and still tastes like sucking on a cedar plank more than fruits or nuts. I do believe the lower temperatures are the right direction - perhaps removing the early part of the pull, as CoffeeBuzz did would help. I think my palate has maxed out for tonight so I'll try again tomorrow
by drminpa
March 3rd, 2008, 1:29 pm
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 14
Views: 925

Best Conditions for Kid'O from Intelligentsia?

CoffeeBuz, did you get any of the nutty or fruity notes that are supposed to be characteristic of Kid O's? I tried several different conditions over the weekend with coffee about the same age. The highest temperature was the same as your post (93C/199F). Dosed at 18 grams. I also played with grind a...
by drminpa
March 3rd, 2008, 1:13 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 40
Views: 5069

Quickmill Anita vs. Andreja

I also have a Vetrano and found the stock tip to be easy to steam milk with. Just make sure you use whole milk - the lower the fat content, the harder it will be to get good microfoam. I think all Quickmill machines have the same boiler/heater so I can't see where the Anita or Andreja would
by drminpa
February 28th, 2008, 5:28 pm
Forum: Water
Replies: 3
Views: 1671

Confused about scale, water softeners, and water hardness tests

Chris's Coffee recommends <3 grains as being sufficiently low to not have to descale your boiler. 200 mg/l is about 11.5 grains of hardness - fairly hard water going into your softener. 25 mg/l is about 1.5 grains. Very soft water coming out. Your water softener is removing almost all of the calcium...