Something goes wrong with extraction - please help! - Page 2

[kahvedelisi]

Tried WDT (at least I think it's WDT ), stirring coffee in a basket with a toothpick, and I still have channeling. Do you guys have any video with WDT, just to make sure I do it right?

Sometimes I see pro-barista on TV - I couldn't notice any tricks or any special efforts for distribution - and it works for them every time... WTH?

Dmitry,

As other members advised above --> CHANGE the beans you're using. Otherwise whatever you try WDT, DDT, HDT even HB won't work. None of these suggestions do wonders unless you use quality fresh beans. I did a little search in coffeegeek.com (since the site owner is canadian I thought I could find some info about montreal coffee scene, but what I learnt from 15 minutes reading... ahem close to zero.. okay 0.15 maybe all I found was this --> http://www.caffeartjava.com/ )

Posting from Turkiye, I'm probably the last person here to advice you places for quality coffee over there, even so, I remember reading many good recommendations about roasters from Canada (not in montreal though) whatever, you can always order online. Just ask people to advice quality fresh coffee or roasters from Canada.

Illy, lavazza, Arcaffe, Segafredo or similar store bought pre-packed coffee won't give you the results you expect, even if you're using the best machines and all tricks known in the coffee book.

Seriously...

EDIT: maybe this one will help --> http://www.49thparallelroasters.com/wheretobuy.aspx

[325xi]

As other members advised above --> CHANGE the beans you're using.

Thanks
As I mentioned in the first post, I tried about 7 kinds of coffee, including one roasted a day before, two others shipped from Toronto about a week old, and many kinds of packed beans. I also recall more then a decent espresso made for me from Illy beans (those huge cans you find in some cafes).

So while I certainly agree that I'm better to have freshly roasted beans (and I do when possible), the problem is most likely with distribution and then with grind. And considering the fact that I often see channeling, I probably need some ideas on how to deal with Mazzer Mini Electronic distribution issues first.

[kahvedelisi]

So while I certainly agree that I'm better to have freshly roasted beans (and I do when possible), the problem is most likely with distribution and then with grind. And considering the fact that I often see channeling, I probably need some ideas on how to deal with Mazzer Mini Electronic distribution issues first.

then lets do a test.. read this and do at least once what I did exactly there (I mean skip first part and check out pictures where you sift coffee into your portafilter directly with a sifter, you can use a bottomless yoghurt cup or a paper folded as cone to prevent grinds from spilling around) -->

2-50-solution-for-mazzer-mini-conversion-to-doserless-t6712.html#p79736

and

2-50-solution-for-mazzer-mini-conversion-to-doserless-t6712.html#p79739

That way your coffee will be distributed evenly and without any clumps, after that If you're still having channeling problems then we'll for sure know it's not related to your grinder

PS1. Of course I advice doing this is just for once or twice (or a third time to be sure) to detect if your problem indeed related to your grinder, dosing and distributing like that everytime you get a shot, will be pain in the a**

PS2. while sifting --> I didn't shake the sifter vigorously, just hold it in place (over your portafilter) and slightly tap with your fingers from sides, you don't need too fine sifter, a coarse one will also work

[325xi]

This is one seriously cool idea, I'm going to try it ASAP.

If it works I'll have to find a way to install a sifter in Mini Electronic funnel...

[HB]

If you're convinced distribution is at fault, try the combination Weiss Distribution Technique and Stockfleth's Move for Dummies. They're over the top as preparation goes, but they are truly foolproof. You may also want to standardize on one reliable coffee for awhile. From reading your reports, I think you are "chasing your tail" with too many variables (something I know a little about from personal experience).

[kahvedelisi]

If it works I'll have to find a way to install a sifter in Mini Electronic funnel...

"BUT" If it doesn't work then you'll have to turn your eyes either to your beans or to your silvia.. so lets HOPE it works and your problem is indeed related to distribution and clumping, it's easier to solve you don't need a sifter all the time

PS. If it doesn't work and if you're still having channeling problems, go to finest setting your grinder lets you to, from there step by step move to coarser, you'll eventually find the sweet spot. Still not working?? Then it's time to question your technique.. For rancilio silvia check out this video -->

[HB]

Re-reading this thread, I am struggling to follow its twists and turns. Below I have revisited the original post to help me regain my bearings. Apologies in advance if I repeat earlier posts...

I have my Silvia and Mazzer Mini Electronic for a while, but I can't get satisfying results. I tried different kinds of beans: freshly roasted, and packed of various grades, and I'm still having the same problem - something I'm doing is seriously wrong.

To help online enthusiasts help you, I recommend going with one well-known coffee from a reputable online roaster during the diagnosis phase (e.g., one of the HB sponsors from the site's Resources page).

To clarify my preference - I'm trying to make lighter roast espresso.

That's cool, I find it easier to dial in lighter roast espresso than darker.

If I set grinder to finer setting, the liquid comes very slowly, and it's thin and bitter, with no crema at all.

Classic description of stale coffee.

If I set it some coarser, but apply much more pressure then Espro suggests (otherwise it goes too fast), I get somewhat more substance in the extracted liquid, some crema (not a lot), and it's very acidic.

I don't recommend varying tamp pressure. If the problem lies in poor coffee preinfusion prior to full pressurization, consider a triple basket and moderate dose to increase the dwell time/headspace (e.g., a triple basket with 18 grams versus 18 grams in a double basket)

What am I doing wrong?

The FAQs and Favorites Digest has a section dedicated to the Rancilio Silvia. Among these links you will find several threads similar to this one. Silvia has a well-deserved reputation for punishing any flaws in barista technique; regrettably part of your troubles may be the "hazing" that has befallen many new Silvia owners.

[RapidCoffee]

Tried WDT (at least I think it's WDT ), stirring coffee in a basket with a toothpick, and I still have channeling. Do you guys have any video with WDT, just to make sure I do it right?

Here's a WDT video. Not great quality, but it shows how little fuss is involved. BTW, I do not recommend a toothpick. A dissecting needle is still my favorite WDT tool.

Sometimes I see pro-barista on TV - I couldn't notice any tricks or any special efforts for distribution - and it works for them every time... WTH?

1) Stop being so hard on yourself. 2) Start giving the pro baristas more credit.

Do you wonder why pro athletes are so consistently good? Talent and experience, baybee, talent and experience. The pro baristas you see are using far more expensive equipment, and more importantly, they are some of the best espresso meisters on the planet. They probably pull more shots in a day than you do in a month.

Get some good beans and a naked portafilter, and keep practicing - you'll get the hang of it! Good luck.

[325xi]

Didn't really have a chance to practice today, but one shot I did (with no tricks) was somewhat better then my average, I guess it's a result of simply paying more attention on distribution and temperature control.

Get some good beans and a naked portafilter, and keep practicing - you'll get the hang of it! Good luck.

Trying to follow you advice I'm currently in quest for a good bottomless portafilter for Silvia - I posted in the other forum here on it. The problem is that many complain on leaking and attaching problems with one portafilter sold in different places under different names but looking surprisingly similar. There are very few places that offer their own version, or the original one with cut bottom - and they either don't ship to Canada, or ship for 100% of portafilter's price. I'm just puzzled how can I get a good one here...