IUespresso wrote:Order has been placed!

Quick question for those who have used a clip on thermometer...have you noticed any scratches on the copper finish?

-Michael

I tend to just drop mine in, letting the clip rest against the outside as opposed to actually clipping it on. But, I don't leave it in full time, just check it every couple of days. I'm finding it to be quite consistent with the lid on, once you get the temp where you want it. I would think it would scratch the copper if clipped on and moved around all the time.

With ALL due respect...and I mean that sincerely, as Gabor has helped many, this thread has gotten a wee bit off topic as regards the actual "Owner Experience."
Just wondering if there could be a spinoff thread regarding this new piston clone and implementation?

IUespresso wrote:Thanks everyone....like the ease of dropping it in the boiler, but wanted to double check!

-Michael

On my CT1, I insert a digital thermometer with about a five inch stem through the slots in the lever arm and cover. The head rests on top of the arm, and the probe angles down to the center of the boiler. I usually take it out when I pull a shot, but I can leave it in place and it just makes the cover rise up a bit at the top of the stroke.

Rocky

These 2 oz. double walled shot glasses are just 2.5" tall and work quite well with the CT1.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CR3AVEW

Rocky

IMAWriter wrote:Just wondering if there could be a spinoff thread regarding this new piston clone and implementation?

I've split off to Piston pressure gauge for Strietman CT1. That said, I encourage other members to start new threads if their subject is worth separate discussion. This is consistent with the site's Guidelines on mega threads as it encourages more in-depth discussions. Megathreads, in my experience, are difficult to join without reading dozens of pages of backstory and nearly impossible to search. Thanks for your consideration.

Thanks much, Dan!

RyanP wrote:Awesome. In regards to shot volume, I usually just do a full lever raise and pull the cup when I hit the weight I want and then pull the remainder of the espresso into the drip tray. I do often find the higher ratio shots beneficial for the lighter roasts. Not always the case, but I find with the 40g shots the sacrifice in body and mouthfeel is made up for by softer acidity and better clarity and integration of flavors.

I raise the lever all the way, pull the shot until I have the desired amount, remove the portafilter, and then pull the lever the rest of the way down to flush the shower screen with clean water.

Rocky

But then you need to raise the lever again to bleed pressure before taking the portafilter out? This will open the valve in the middle and greatly raises the chance of coffee getting above the piston and into the upper part of the machine. That isn't the best way to treat a brass object and can cause problems with the brass and copper because it doesn't have a coating.

I just pull the remaining 5-10gr in the driptray and remove the portafilter after around 20 seocnds. Or I just don't pull the lever up all the way which can be done with enough use/experience with the CT1. This driptray with flushing and pouring the remaining 5gr of coffee in will not overflow until 6-7 espressos which is more than enough for me.

Read his post again. I think you missed the fact that he pulls the portafilter BEFORE he flushes.

Isn't Erik's point that he wouldn't be able to remove the portafilter mid-pull without getting a sneeze, hence needing to raise the lever a bit first to remove the pressure? I haven't tried doing that for the same reason. Rocky, are you saying you don't get any kind of sneeze using your method?