So, Synesso came out with a new multi-group line called the Hydra which has a pump-per-group configuration. This allows the barista to do infusion on one group whilst brewing on another, along with pressure profiling and the such. Anyone know of any additional information about what they're doing? Sounds similar to what Slayer is doing, but as Slayer hasn't released specifics yet, I am just speculating.

No details so far, just had the chance to read their flyer. What would you expect in terms of pressure profiling? Just influencing the pre-infusion phase and the subsequent ramp-up to 9.x bar? Oh, I'm sorry you are calculating in psi - right? 9.x bar = 130.0 psi?

We currently have a discussion within the German coffee board about pressure profiling. While it make sense to influence the pre-infuse phase (duration and pressure) and the subsequent period until brew pressure is reached, we are not sure about "real" profiling incl. slow ramp-up to brew pressure etc. Some folks are very confident, that after the infusion time, the ramp-up to brew pressure should be as fast a possible.

Best,
- Malte

I would expect the machine to allow for pressure profiling in an "auto" mode with some sort of programmable display, as well as a "barista" mode that allows for manual intervention of the shot process. Just profiling the pre-infusing via line pressure like the GS/3 paddle prototype does doesn't seem to be too compelling.

Just for clarification and my better understanding: the GS3 paddle won't allow you to influence the pressure ramp-up until brew pressure is reached, right? You can control from zero flow-rate through the (pre-) infusion process, while influencing the flow-rate of the direct-water and end up with the pump pressure? Understand... but that doesn't make the GS3 paddle interesting to my eyes. It's just an alternative control through the paddle lever.

My understanding is the paddle will allow for control over infusion prior to the pump activating via line-pressure from mains.

I believe a Linea is in existence that allows for pressure control through the entire brewing process.

I installed a Hydra, and have a little time using one. It pretty much works just like a one group Cyncra, just the other groups are not affected by each other. Pressure profiling is not available except what you do with the group lever switch.

Awesome! Is the profiling done via line pressure as in the Cyncra?

As I understand it its just like the Cyncra, but with individual pumps for each group. You could use pumps & controllers to accomplish profiling (piston or rotary, whatever) but this machine has the normal rotary pumps provided.

So from what I read here, and on Synesso's site, it appears that while you can pre-infuse while running shots on one of the other groups, it is not able/recommended to pull shots simultaneously - is this correct?
Being able to brew on more than one group without affecting overall brew pressure would be a big advantage IMO. To me it sounds as if Synesso is saying that you could pressure profile on one group, yet still have one or two 'normal groups' as your standard flat profile.

ebsteve wrote:So from what I read here, and on Synesso's site, it appears that while you can pre-infuse while running shots on one of the other groups, it is not able/recommended to pull shots simultaneously - is this correct?

On any Synesso you can pull shots simultaneously on multiple groups at once. The multiple pumps allows you to use the line pressure preinfusion setting while pulling shots on other groups. This may be an issue for some shops, but most people with Synessos I know don't end up using the preinfusion much anyway.

Of course, with multiple pumps you can set different groups to different pressures if you like as well.