Whatever works. Tampers are traditional. Different bases work for me for different tamps. Different handles feel better for me in my hand. Using a double basket I like flat base tampers. For a single 9g Bezzera basket a 58mm European curve convex works best with a 48mm (don't have a 41mm, yet) to ta...

Adjusting the grinder while it is running avoids going too far compressing grinds still sticking to the burrs and stalling the motor. Your grinder dial may not be calibrated to a burr chirping zero point. With clean, running burrs you should be able to readjust your dial to zero at the chirp

Double baskets were recommended on forums like this one from the time I started with espresso as easier to extract with. I accepted that recommendation and with a naked portafilter learned to extract doubles. It wasn't easy at first partly, I think, because of a steep learning curve with an unforgiv...

A poetically polarizing op-ed. Had to reflect on my reaction. Taste as the final goal I support. The implication that the pursuit of high extraction quality is an expression of coffee culture elitism rather than a rewardable and viable venture is a bit provoking. To each his own, I guess. I'd consid...

I used a Macap M4 as a single doser for many years before upgrading. I used a Ceado E37J as a single doser for a while. The grind was an improvement. The adjustment was really stiff and I still had to do a lot of brushing to keep the retention down. I got a Ceado E37SD

There's 7g single baskets and 18g double baskets. Single basket extractions are tricky. Double basket extractions tend to be easier. Double shots can be split into singles. A split single double can extract different than a dedicated single and taste different. AFAIK singles are standard in Italy. P...

+1 on a good hand grinder. They're now quite a few that are espresso worthy. I have an OE Lido ET. Got it used for about $120 USD. Grind is different but as consistent for good extraction as the older commercial grinder I've got. You would very likely find a big improvement in extraction quality

Could be the solid state relay. I think they're sensitive to over voltage damage. A power outage surge could do that

Unscrewing the lever is a selling point for limited vertical clearance. Not cross threading it in the morning would be a wake me up. I'd still do it if that's what it took to get a lever. AFAIK, non spring levers rest down. The springs rest up. I also believe the groups fill with a

Lots of discussion on moka pots. It's a different extraction, in my experience. I have a Bialetti. Could never get a brew with it that tasted like an espresso extraction. It tastes good but flat in comparison. I'm on my third upgrade set up and probably have the right one for me. Really like the