Search found 17 matches

by sgstarks
June 26th, 2020, 1:20 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 437
Views: 43299

The Londinium R24

Same here. Waiting very sweetly and anxiously. But I would stop short of saying "patiently."
by sgstarks
April 14th, 2020, 2:34 am
Forum: Coffees
Replies: 81
Views: 8891

Support your local roasters- Discount Shipping Codes

A friend of mine has started a new, small roaster in the Austin, TX area. "Empyrean Roasters" has quality single origin offerings (both the Burundi and Yirgacheffe are personal favorites) and a couple of really nice blends also. Right now, SOs are 25% off (discount code SO25OFF), and blends are "Buy...
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by sgstarks
August 15th, 2011, 7:00 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 2
Views: 880

Dripping Gaggia Deluxe

Jon, I don't believe the model that you've referenced has a 3-way solenoid to relieve pressure after the shot. The Gaggia Classic does, and if you take a look at the picture of that machine ({link}), you will notice a thin, vertical tube at the back of the drip tray on the left-hand side. This is the
by sgstarks
July 21st, 2011, 1:06 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 31
Views: 3229

Budget of $1000 - what espresso machine should I get?

I had a Rocky for a few years, and I have been using a Vario since shortly after they came out. The Vario is worth the price difference unless you find a steal on a used Rocky. And maybe even if you do. My Rocky performed solidly, but it is simply not precise enough for consistent espresso pulls. Wh...
by sgstarks
May 8th, 2011, 10:56 pm
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 10
Views: 1412

Isomac not heating up after initial warm up.

Outstanding thread! I picked up a used Isomac Tea a month or so back, and it needed some work (gaskets and valves, etc.) for which I found great advice in other places on the site. But then a couple weeks back, it started exhibiting the problem described here. I worked my way through this thread and...
by sgstarks
April 23rd, 2011, 12:38 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 40
Views: 3337

Lever espresso machine for practical daily use?

Agreed 100%. Until very recently, my Pavoni was the only machine I used. My typical usage was 1-3 shots per day, but normally spaced several hours apart (morning, afternoon, evening). Learning curve was not bad (fun, actually), and consistency was (IMO) not a problem. The challenge for these machine...
by sgstarks
December 22nd, 2009, 4:47 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 20
Views: 14943

Gaggia Classic vs. Rancilio Silvia and grinder to match

Let me second what Dan has said: grinder first (resist the temptation to skimp), and machine second. I have a Gaggia Coffee DeLuxe (similar to the Classic but without the 3-way solenoid), and used a Rancilio Rocky for several years. I also have a good friend with a Classic and a Gaggia MDF. Everythi...
by sgstarks
November 15th, 2009, 6:20 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 11
Views: 1383

What have you used for an improvised knock box?

I agree: I don't think it would be much of a theft target. I'm generally more concerned that it will raise questions from hotel management ("What is this strange equipment in your room?"). But I guess even those, if the equipment is only a reasonable current draw, shouldn't be hard to answer
by sgstarks
November 14th, 2009, 10:55 pm
Forum: Knockbox
Replies: 11
Views: 1383

What have you used for an improvised knock box?

I agree with Dan and Richard: no real dedicated knockbox required. If the plastic trash can is available, it usually works well (especially if lined with a trash bag). If not, saving the basket until it cools works well. It can be emptied into anything; even into one of those paper cups they typical...
by sgstarks
September 4th, 2009, 12:46 am
Forum: Repairs, Restorations & Mods
Replies: 17
Views: 5062

Pavoni Professional leaks from bottom

Thanks, guys. The sandpaper and glass is a good idea. This particular Pro is so old (I presume) that it has a simple Philips head screw attaching it to the base (I guess it was from before liability was such an issue)