Search found 24 matches

by Mole
October 21st, 2008, 9:36 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 14
Views: 5245

Dedicated Steamer?

Sorry, da gino, I deleted my original post as I thought I had gone off topic a little . Next time I will just edit it! I agree that cost is non-trivial and important. Endo: Why I posted originally was to mention that heatup time should not be used as a benefit for single boiler espresso
by Mole
October 11th, 2008, 9:57 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 22
Views: 1541

Narrowing down semi-automatic espresso machine choices

For $50 more than the Anita (prices from Chris Coffee) you could get an Izzo Alex: also an HX machine, but with rotary pump, slightly bigger boiler and ability to run from reservoir or plumbed-in as standard. It is about 3.5 inches wider (if space is an issue) and you would want to insulate the boil...
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by Mole
October 6th, 2008, 8:28 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

Oh dear, good luck with that! How long before you'll be able to sup a nice relaxing espresso?
by Mole
October 6th, 2008, 4:29 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

Of course I don't think a $10 investment is unreasonable. Nor do I think that people wanting coffee immediately in the morning won't need a timer. My point was only that you seem to be highlighting the warmup time of this particular machine more than I recall you doing for any other machine. I apolo...
by Mole
October 6th, 2008, 2:51 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 15
Views: 774

Is a double boiler the next upgrade?

Without wanting to go too far off topic, I don't understand why you say this, nor do I agree with it. Each type of machine you list has its drawbacks and advantages, but temp stability of the E61 is certainly not a problem in a dual boiler machine. Of course, this is JMHO. I agree with the
by Mole
October 6th, 2008, 2:22 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

I think that is a bit harsh: the same could be said of (almost) all E61 machines, certainly single and dual boiler ones. cafeIKE has already pointed out that 52 minutes is normal for a Vibiemme E61, so they are no different. Do you now offer the same advice to all E61 purchasers? To me, it is vastly
by Mole
September 29th, 2008, 7:31 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

Three reasons really. Firstly, I am going on the routine used to test the Alexia with PID here on HB, that is: * Warmed machine with portafilter and Scace thermofilter installed for 60 minutes minimum, * Portafilter removed and pulled a warming flush of ~3 ounces, * 2 minute recovery and then pulled...
by Mole
September 29th, 2008, 6:59 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

I also lack any decent measuring equipment, which is why I'm trying to jump on the chance to ask someone who has! (As you say, a Scace and Fluke are just too much to calibrate a single machine, then put in the cupboard for only very rare use.) I agree that first shot stability would be paramount for
by Mole
September 28th, 2008, 10:15 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 31
Views: 4661

New Izzo Alex Duetto?

Glad to hear you are happy with your Duetto. Are you playing much with temperature? As for milk steaming, the Duetto is a pretty fast steamer. Practise is unfortunately the only way. Having said that, there is no shame at all in trying a different steam tip. The single-hole Expobar tip or two-hole A...
by Mole
September 28th, 2008, 10:00 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 40
Views: 15208

Temperature study of Alex Duetto

Thanks Jim! This information is fascinating! Actually, without wanting to push it, I'd be interested in two or three additional things as well... 1. Do a similar test to the HB review of the Alexia with PID, that is, 2 minutes recovery between shots, rather than 2 minutes from start of shot to start...