Search found 38 matches

by Woofy
January 24th, 2006, 3:27 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 26
Views: 16433

Cleaning Stainless Steel

Soap and water to remove built-up gunk, followed by Wenol metal polish works wonders on chrome and stainless. Wenol is available at Williams Sonoma, online. It's used for cleaning stainless cookware, is gentle on fine metal finishes and is very effective. For daily cleaning, put 80-100 proof vodka i...
by Woofy
January 8th, 2006, 7:33 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 1
Views: 797

Astoria or Rio Junior: Opinions Anyone?

I have a good friend that makes sublime espresso with her Rio Junior. I'm told that it's virtually the twin of the Astoria Junior. Does anyone here have any experience with either machine? Its build quality is waaay over-the-top, like a tank, with a massive 5 liter boiler and fully submerged HX brew...
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by Woofy
January 8th, 2006, 7:16 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 51
Views: 12174

Expobar Brewtus II vs. La Spaziale S1

The 58mm has absolutely zero advantage over a 53mm portafilter. The functional difference is that the 53mm double basket is about the same depth as a 58mm triple basket. The additional depth of the coffee in the insert basket is what makes for far better resistance to channeling. With a 58mm triple ...
by Woofy
December 29th, 2005, 7:24 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 34
Views: 5750

Is the new La Marzocco GS3 out of production?

It all boils down to the old, "If it sounds too good to be true, it generally is" adage. LM's track record indicates that they have a tough enough time selling a grinder for under $4500 much less a machine as apparently advanced as the GS3. Shouldn't THAT have been enough of a clue for us to raise a...
by Woofy
December 28th, 2005, 3:18 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 34
Views: 5750

Is the new La Marzocco GS3 out of production?

Maybe it's just my cynical predisposition toward marketing types, but I wasn't all that shocked at the "sudden" reconsideration of the GS3's price. After all, the only competitive equivalent to the GS3 in the marketplace is the $6400 Synesso Cyncra and, now that others have mentioned it, it sure doe...
by Woofy
December 27th, 2005, 3:15 am
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 34
Views: 5750

Is the new La Marzocco GS3 out of production?

Last week the official word from ESI (LM's American Importer) was that the GS3 will not be readily available for the masses until the last half of 2006. Also, final pricing has become somewhat nebulous, hinting that final pricing is likely to be much greater than the $4500 initial estimate, slightly...
by Woofy
December 27th, 2005, 3:04 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 2
Views: 1631

Mazzer Mini catch tray

It appears that Chris' Coffee sells the SJ grounds tray as well for considerably less, at $35. It may just be a black plastic version, but the description lists it as a factory part. It can be found under Mazzer parts section on the website
by Woofy
December 18th, 2005, 7:18 am
Forum: News and Suggestion Box
Replies: 16
Views: 5107

Suggested espresso equipment reviews

Yet another suggestion for machines to review: Rio/Astoria Junior. ESI, the importers of LaMarzocco import the Rio via CMA. The Astoria Junior is sold through EPNW, one of your site's loyal sponsors, and is a CMA product as well. I got a chance to see one naked and I've not seen a machine built so c...
by Woofy
December 15th, 2005, 11:45 pm
Forum: Espresso Machines
Replies: 23
Views: 4199

Building a Home Espresso Bar

I'll take that as the highest of compliments...Thanks! I'd love to hear how things work out with your new baby. Unfortunately my hero status may be short lived. Got any ideas on how to sneak a shiny, new Synesso Cyncra 1-group, 220v (including the $7060 receipt) past an observant significant other??...
by Woofy
December 15th, 2005, 11:24 pm
Forum: Blog
Replies: 100
Views: 77513

Synesso Cyncra Single Group - A Home Barista's Perspective

This is great news! I'll be very interested as well. Victrola is just a few blocks from home and it's shots from THAT evil device that convinced me that moo-free espresso was indeed capable of astounding sublimity and worth pursuit. Thanks in advance for all your hard work and sacrifice. Poor Guy!