I agree the color is very Italian.....I love it..even though I think it might look better in the Brady Bunch Kitchen....remember that reddish-orange formica.....some people are saying that those colors are coming back ........

Looks great....goes with your other high end appliances. Wife is redoing the kichen....so new appliances cohabitating with the Oly was key.

The Oly is very comfortable in our kitchen. It is surprisingly compact, does not really occupy more of the counter-top real estate then the Europiccola did. The problem is that now my appetite is whetted and I have been staring at a mini Mazzer (I am using a Gaggia MDF). I have been using Espresso Authentico with the Oly, trying to find the right combination of tamp, grind and pull. My shots are not ready for public view, although the Oly produced better results for me right from the start, I think the temperature is more stable and it is somewhat easier the apply steady pressure on the lever. In fairness to the Pavoni, I was really not aware of all that I have learned since finding the HB site, so maybe when I finish restoring the Pavoni I can do some honest side by side comparisons, and let people know what an amateur lever puller (I don't want to dignify my self with the word Barista) can expect out of these machines.......
A question: is there a consensus regarding what tamper works best with Oly? (flat or convex?)

Avi Fischer wrote:A question: is there a consensus regarding what tamper works best with Oly? (flat or convex?)

I like a flat. I have both a 48 Reg and a custom made thor that both do the trick will a bit different technique on the smaller size.

I just received and started to use the flat RB tamper. This is real help.....the weight and fit really helps me get a more even tamp and as a result my shots are much improved........I'm ALMOST ready to go public with my shots.. ..Thanks for all your help....next will be a question of whether to upgrade the Gaggia MDF.....I noticed that you use the Rancilio....if its good enough for you.....it is significantly cheaper than the Mazzer or even the Macap...

Dan keeps cracking on my grinder, but it does a great job for me. Also being on the HB team I get to test out alot of grinders which helps calm my upgrade fever down. What I really like about the Rocky is the compact size. And that Versalab.....

Congratulations!! Lovely!
Cheers
rp / espressme

srobinson wrote:Dan keeps cracking on my grinder, but it does a great job for me. Also being on the HB team I get to test out alot of grinders which helps calm my upgrade fever down. What I really like about the Rocky is the compact size. And that Versalab.....

Slight OT...apologies to Avi...Steve, the Rocky DL is a terrific grinder...too bad with that little basket you can't do the WDT...or can you...do they make yogurt cups THAT small?
Avi...your machine is beautiful. Enjoy it in good health!

Hi,
I found that the plastic condiment cups from fast food Taco joints work quite well. Just cut the bottom out of the two ounce plastic cup and Voila!
Cheers
Richard / espressme

Avi Fischer wrote:I just received and started to use the flat RB tamper.

Hi...I just got a picture from Reg of my soon to arrive 51mm...I decided to try his newest piston...a hybrid they call "C Flat'...as a music guy, that struck a note...(sorry)
It's a combination for flat and concave surface!