Search found 1517 matches

by michaelbenis
February 6th, 2017, 1:00 pm
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 9
Views: 1326

The Ponte Vecchio Export: 11 years on

Glad to hear you're still in love Mike
by michaelbenis
February 6th, 2017, 12:56 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 9
Views: 731

On the fence with titan grinders

Don't forget the Elektra Nino. Apart from anything else it has very little grind retention. I've had two since they first came out and both have operated faultlessly. I have no intention of changing them for anything else
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by michaelbenis
April 6th, 2016, 10:28 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 12
Views: 1260

Elektra Microcasa a Leva temperature experiment

FWIW I prefer to run the MCAL with a lower pressurestat setting, cycling between 0.8 and 1. I can leave it at that all day. I hardly ever use robusta blends, however
by michaelbenis
March 18th, 2016, 3:28 pm
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 3
Views: 346

Olympia Cremina Portafilter Options

I've been using MCAL baskets in a Cremina portafilter without any problems for years
by michaelbenis
April 19th, 2015, 9:15 am
Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
Replies: 4
Views: 435

Installing Elektra Microcasa shower screen

As rpavlis has posted, the screen is just retained by the o-ring, which is normally enough to hold it in place when the portafilter is removed. If the screen often pops out when you remove the portafilter, the likelihood is that the screen needs cleaning. If a large amount of fatty residues have bui...
by michaelbenis
February 26th, 2015, 9:50 am
Forum: Grinders
Replies: 36
Views: 2388

Elektra Nino? I think I bit off more than I could chew

I don't have that hole on my Ninos.... I continue to be very pleased with them and that's for over 5 years now. The earlier of the two was one of the first out of Italy. No problems and a very consistent grind and profile, with minimal need for adjustment. Use it as intended and you'll be very happy
by michaelbenis
February 7th, 2014, 5:06 am
Forum: Tips and Techniques
Replies: 11
Views: 4753

How long after roasting can I freeze coffee beans?

Just to answer your remaining questions, with a +1 on what Jim posted: As others have replied it slows but doesn't stop. It will continue after thawing. Because it slows but doesn't stop, freeze as soon as you can. Tape the valve up before freezing or put the bag in an airtight container before free...
by michaelbenis
February 6th, 2014, 3:19 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 31
Views: 2782

Olympia Cremina user looking to "upgrade"

I'd also say save your money. You have a very good machine with a small footprint that will require minimal time and money to keep in top condition. The Cremina always surprises because you can learn to get pretty good results quite quickly. It's only after a few years that you realise the learning ...
by michaelbenis
February 6th, 2014, 3:08 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 94
Views: 12494

Bezzera Strega or Londinium?

Reiss is rock solid. I've been buying beans, machines and so on from him since almost the beginning of Londinium. He speaks his mind but he isn't a primadonna and his support is prompt, unwavering and always BS-free. I'm sure you'll be delighted with your choice. Happy brews! Mike
by michaelbenis
October 15th, 2013, 4:43 am
Forum: Buying Advice
Replies: 9
Views: 7444

Olympia Cremina or Londinium I?

What sort of beans do you prefer? If you like the new-wave light roasts of certain dry process beans, for example, a layered shot will be as important mouthfeel. In terms of flavour separation, the machines rank Londinumium (most), Cremina then Caravel (least). The Caravel can produce amazing ristre...