I did the unthinkable...I bought pre-ground.

I liken pulling a descent shot of espresso to golf...you have your good days and bad days. Eventually though, you just toss your putter or wood and give up.

Ten years ago, I bought my first NS Mac and grinder, the old version of the NS mdx, and was up and running. I was given the usual, single and double portafilters, and blind. I had no idea what the pore-less gizmo was, i.e. blind filter, hence tossing it away. The grinder was set for me, I was given step by step instruction on dosing and tamping, and was left on my own. What fun! I fiddled with it, got what I thought were espresso shots...ugh!, and very wet and massive-bubbled milk...hey, but it was hot! Good. Anyways, after using the machine for years and drinking very abysmal coffee (notice I didn't say espresso), never back-flushing once, it came to a slow and painful death. Well, no big deal, I'll just get another machine. So, moved on to a newer and shinier NS model, and again never told what the solid insert was for - no I did not shop around, I did not compare, I did not look on-line, after all, a machine is a machine, right? Within a month, we moved and since the machine was a plumbed model and not wishing to drill into my new granite top (actually, husband wouldn't justify it), my month old machine went into hiding.

I went back to my local coffee house (thankfully) and found another hobby, then bought a superautomatic to feed my addiction, until one day, low and behold, I discovered I could use my machine without having to plumb it in...a pump! So, I called my good man back and had him install a pump (and he suggested a descale..what in heavens name was that) and since I was in a good mood, why not get a new grinder. My second NS grinder, Grinta. I'm sure by now you've figured out the common denominator of my angst!

Before using my still new machine, I went on-line, (namely Home-Barista dot com) learnt what I can and Holy Cow, that blind thing actually served a purpose...who knew. There were brushes to use for the group head, back-flushing detergents, and tampers that were not made of plastic? There were methods for producing microfoam- purge first - and, apparently, plunging the steam wand over and again was not correct. You need to time the shots, flush before pulling...etc. Huh.

Now armed with all this knowledge, I ordered a new ss tamper, grouphead brush, grinder brush, timer, shot glasses and my new favourite, bottomless filter. Great news...I was getting great LOOKING shots, but sour and bitter, milk still bubbly. Try and try, but to no avail. I tossed my putter and went back to my coffeehouse. Then, I came back...I plugged two of the four holes with toothpicks, went out and bought pre-ground Illy espresso, and I was finally getting the best tasting espresso and the smoothest microfoam known... to me anyway.

So, bottom line, what I've read on here is gospel...your grinder is the most important tool for good espresso.

A very entertaining read, thank you

I'm confused though, why did you buy preground? The Grinta isn't a great grinder (I owned one) but it will give you grind worlds beyond anything preground. I suspect your problem with grinding your own beans is bean freshness. You must ALWAYS buy fresh beans. Beans worthy of use will always have the roast date printed on the bag. As a general rule you want to aim to use the beans between 4-8 days after roasting. Grocery store beans, no matter how fancy the package, no matter how organic-y the grower, no matter how fair trade-y the producer, are generally not fresh. Find a good local roaster or order some beans online.

Dan, you are of course correct but I fear your words could be interpreted as, "forget about about good espresso until you get fresh beans AND a better grinder." The Grinta is not the best but it will get her in the ball park. Mine made large boulders on occasion and seemed inconsistent but good results were possible.

sosusume wrote: bought my first NS Mac and grinder, the old version of the NS mdx

Does this grinder still survive somewhere in the basement? You can give it a deep clean, replace burrs and try against NS Grinta.

When I started my interest in coffee i made a mistake too, I bought a Saeco superauto

Pierluigi

I'm pretty ashamed, but desperate means call for desperate measures. I tried fine-tuning the grind, but couldn't find that sweet spot; the pre-ground was just the right consistency. I'm certain you're right, the freshness of the beans is probably the ultimate culprit and not so much the grinder. I'll visit my local roasters and give it another go. But I have to add, the water temp on this monster is extremely high and although I do flush, I find it fluctuates rather quickly. Well, that's for a different forum.

Plamberti...yes, this relic is still around. I'm going to fish it out and do as you suggested. BTW, I neglected it just as I did my first espresso machine and am scared to see what's lurking inside.

I'm sure the pressure stat (temp) on your machine is adjustable. And yes, your old MDX is a much better grinder than the Grinta assuming it's in good working condition.

Also, I'm sorry about your hockey team.

Nixter...your sincerity is noted. Yes, our hockey team leaves much to be desired, but I rather like the Canucks.

Re: temp adjustment, is that something I can tackle myself or better left to the NS man?

I don't know your machine well but in most cases it's fairly simple. Pop off the top cover and adjust the pressure stat with a small screwdriver. Perhaps someone with better knowledge of your machine will chime in.

Sorry, most of my friends are from e-town so of course I have to give them a hard time.

Nice post, fun read. Not to worry, even James Bond had no idea what to do with his Gaggia Sirio and Pavoni: