Thanks Mitch!

Also thanks Martin!

Martin,

If I am remembering correctly, you have had some impressive machines in the past (including an L1)....are you able to produce better tasting espresso with the CT1, or are they all very similar and you prefer the simplicity of the CT1?

CwD wrote:I've actually talked to Wouter about the potential for 58mm, since that was one of my hangups originally. From what he's said, a standard 58mm basket would need a very large amount more force to reach 9bar than a 49mm basket.

The way some machines (spring ones other than the EspressoForge I think) try to get around that is to have a much smaller piston and chamber, with the 58mm basket space being in the group only... this might not be a perfect compromise but might help the situation?

It'll be interesting to see how Paul Pratt's machine circumvents this particular issue.

aecletec wrote:The way some machines (spring ones other than the EspressoForge I think) try to get around that is to have a much smaller piston and chamber, with the 58mm basket space being in the group only... this might not be a perfect compromise but might help the situation?

Well, respectfully, my friend, having had 51mm machine (La Pav Millennium) 49mm (Olympia Cremina) and 58mm...Bezzera Strega, (and presently just a Caravel pipsqueek) I'm wondering what is the big issue with a nice 49mm group that puts out 32-36 ml shots? If you want more, the CT1 can probably make another shot in 45 seconds, if you've already prepped another basket.

Trust me, I limited my Strega shots to under 40ml nearly all the time when I wanted a more lever-like shot. Otherwise, I went the whole 9 bar, moderate flow, 50 ml shots, but for me, not nearly as interesting a cup. YMMV

The CT1 can produce 40gr shots which is more than enough for the 15-16gr that fits in the filterbasket. Even when using a bigger filterbasket for 18gr you can reach a 50% brew ratio. With another one prepped and ready to go you can pull two espresso within 20s of each other. The 49mm group just looks fine and works perfect. I still get a smile every day making espresso's with the CT1, it's just that good and tastewise superb.

IMAWriter wrote:If you want more

That's the big question, isn't it!
I can get as much volume as I like with the Caravel and multiple pumps and am quite happy with it, but some feel that extractions from the 58mm basket differ favourably.
I wouldn't mind the opportunity to compare if there was an affordable small profile 58mm available (especially with all the different baskets etc available).

I'll have to check next time but I want to say that the CT1 can pull around a 45 ml shot. I know there's an argument for better clarity in espresso coming from a 58 mm group lever, but aside from the occasional shot I haven't had enough personal experience with commercial lever groups to make a comparison to the Strietman. Otherwise, it's hard for me to imagine why I'd want or need the larger group unless just to be able to purchase a wider variety of accessories. Quality in regards to shot volume, crema, clarity, body and mouthfeel, and ease of use and maintenance are all checked boxes for me. To echo Erik, I'm extremely satisified after about 6 months of ownership. If I can make any one change it will be to one day be able to replace the CT1 with an ES3, as I really dig the wall mounted style.

With all that said, I'm still looking forward to seeing what Paul Pratt has in store for us!

In case this is useful info to anybody, I used some old beans to pull a max volume shot this morning. With a single lever stroke taking about 8 seconds to raise and in total 25 sec preinfusion you're looking at a max weight of somewhere in the 40-43 g range and around 44 ml in the cup.

RyanP wrote: If I can make any one change it will be to one day be able to replace the CT1 with an ES3, as I really dig the wall mounted style.

W

I'm sure SOMEONE around here would most happy to make room for your CT1 should you make the switch to an ES3.

mfortin wrote:Any update on your new tamper?

I really like it. The 5 mm thick base is the right way to go if you're using the stock CT1 basket. What I would do differently is to get a 49.5 mm base, instead of 49 mm. I might still bite the bullet and purchase a new base anyway. I didn't realize this was an option when I first purchased because they don't list it on the site. There is just a bit of play there with the 49mm that means some missed grinds and prevents it from being a "perfect" tamp. In regards to the leveling function it works as advertised and makes tamping a very carefree experience. Overall, it's a very functional tamper and the wood handle is a nice touch.

I also wonder about Wouter's decision to use that interesting convex shape base on the stock tamper. I've grown kind of fond of it and for some reason feel like it has a positive impact on extraction with the CT1. I'll have to do some comparision shots.

With that said, I had the opportunity to try the Kafatek LevTamp with a 49mm base. The good news is it's a great tamper. The wood work is beautiful and It's quieter than my eazytamp... it doesn't have that slight rub from the spring that you hear/feel. This is an aspect of the Eazytamp that I was not even really aware of until I tried using the LevTamp and feeling how quiet and smooth the motion is. The bad news. It doesn't work with the shallow CT1 basket. The base is too thick and you won't actually be able to tamp deep enough to even use the leveling aspect of the tamper. I asked Denis about this and unfortunately it doesn't look like there will be an option coming out for these shallower baskets any time in the near future. I'm not sure on the number, but there would need to be enough demand to bring down the cost of machining new parts. I'm guessing that the LevTamp must work with the MCAL double basket, however, so that may be an option if you want to switch to using that basket. I prefer the quality of the stock IMS baskets, though.