I just pulled a ~12g finely ground shot on the Caravel... it took ages to pull and the crema was very thick and dark... as soon as I smelled it I started wishing I had pulled it into a cappuccino cup 'cause it would be perfect in milk... so I quickly foamed up some milk on my Zerowatt and made a macchiato instead... hey hey!


It wasn't quite as pretty by the time I had found the camera and changed the batteries but boy did it taste good! I often feel the Caravel shots get lost in even a little 5 oz cappuccino, so maybe the littlest milk drink is the way to go for the littlest lever...

Henry

Henry...When is the next flight to China!!!! WOW.
richard / espressme.

Well, I cheated - that macchiato was brewed on the Ponte Vecchio.

Very nice Henry, I've been getting some good shots lately too, and looking forward to finding a 220V outlet to keep my Caravel plugged into. The thermostat on my Caravel works well, so I can keep it warm and ready until its time to brew.

PC

Nice shot PC! I was never really into macchiat(i) before, but they are pretty darn good!

Richard, I made another one and stuck in in a little box addressed to Menomonie.. let's see how it looks when it arrives...

Henry

peacecup wrote:<image>

Well, I cheated - that macchiato was brewed on the Ponte Vecchio.

Very nice Henry, I've been getting some good shots lately too, and looking forward to finding a 220V outlet to keep my Caravel plugged into. The thermostat on my Caravel works well, so I can keep it warm and ready until its time to brew.

PC

Sweden Soon?? Looks like you have a nice huge lake nearby!!

15 Days and counting! Barely time for making coffee, no less writing about it, plus we've been fighting colds and flus the past month or so now. Hopefully we're all on the mend.

We are on the largest lake in Sweden - we're looking forward to some fishing and swimming this summer. Of course, here in Juneau we're close to lakes and the ocean, but its often too cold and wet for outdoor fun.

PC

peacecup

May you and your family have a safe trip, and I look forward to hearing of your coffee exploits in Sweden

Geoffrey

Hello all,

more fun with the Caravel and getting the hang of it. Shots are starting to taste very smooth- yet syrupy- true espresso essence- but still a little light on the Crema- I am jealous of some of the shots posted here... Took out the main group head seal (hard to get out!). The seal actually seemed in good condition. I made a small 'spacer' or 'washer' out of thin plastic and placed this under the seal to give a bit more width to the seal. This worked a treat and my leaks are almost gone.... almost. Now I want to try this Dowell 111? I am in Australia and have never heard of it before- anyone know what it actually is or an alternate product? Is it food grade?

Also I read here in one of the forums that someone was making or sourcing new seals for the Caravel Pistons. I know there are sever different piston designs. My seals are OK but I imagine a fresh set could bump up the possible bar a touch or two? Any one here replaced there piston seals? I can post pictures of the piston I have.

http://www.sorrentinacoffee.com

This is what Dow has to say about the 111:

MIDLAND, Mich. - April 19, 2005 - Dow Corning® 111 Valve Lubricant and Sealant is a heavy-consistency dimethyl silicone compound that resists a variety of organic and inorganic chemicals.

Dow Corning 111 Valve Lubricant and Sealant can be used as a lubricant for rubber and plastic O-rings, water softener and faucet valves, valve stems for potable water, aircraft vacuum systems, electronic and ignition systems, among others. It can be used as a sealant in applications such as vacuum and pressure systems, equipment subject to washing and harsh environments, electrical service entrances and underground connections, and transformer gaskets and equipment enclosures.

Dow Corning 111 Valve Lubricant and Sealant maintains a serviceable consistency from approximately -70° to 400°F (-57° to 204°C) and has NSF 51, NSF 61 approval and is acceptable as a release agent under FDA 21 CFR 175.300, when used in accordance with that regulation.

Dow11 is known under another name in the UK and Europe- this might be true for OZZ as well... I just don't remember said name, although I think "111" is part of it... maybe- Clear as Mudd- ? sorry