Hmmm. If it is a thermostat, it would have to have some way to adjust it. All earlier models have a knob that moves the on/off switch closer or farther from the metal strip on the boiler. Once the boiler heats up and expands, it pushes the metal strip and shuts off the element and the light on the front of the machine. When it cools just a bit, the process is reversed.

Anyone else know if the late model Caravels have a thermostat or not? If so, how does it work?

Pete

nope- it is a thermostat of sorts- it is a simple switch activated (I think) by the expansion of the boiler. But there is no possible adjustment. The later Zerowatt machines had the same thing. Not very good- certainly a downgrade- on the Zerowatt I had it didn't seem to work at all. The original 'see saw' thermostat system was much more complex and well thought out. Luckily as long as you can boil water in your Caravel you are all set (even if not you can use them with boiling water from a kettle in a pinch). I would never leave mine on for extended periods anyway...

concerning the OP's issue- I will post some images of how the kettle attaches as soon as I get a minute- damn xmas rush- a blessing and a curse...

Pete, way to stick with it.
Apologize in advance for this OT...
Did you really pack 17 grams into that wee little basket?
In my Cremina I pack 15.8 in my Cremina double, and 16.6 (on average) in my Elektra double...both 49mm of course.
The Caravel OE "loaned" me years ago seemed to to give me what I wanted with about 14 grams, if memory serves.
Your shots must really be honey pours!

Hi Rob,

Yes - 17 grams! I have the rare 'true double' basket. You may remember this conversation with Jack (Sorrentina Coffee) and the pictures he posted a few years ago- The Arrarex Caravel. I have the single basket and the big one, referred to as the straight-walled double, the Caravel triple, and the true double.

It would be interesting to know when this one was part of the stock kit. Doesn't seem like for too long, because there aren't many around.

And regarding honey pours - I am trying! And I love that term. Am going to start using it immediately. I have a 1 lb. bag of Redbird Espresso coming. I am hoping it is more forgiving than the SO espresso I have been struggling with.

Pete

One of the fallacies of the "weighing dose" philosophy is that all coffees have different weight:volume ratio. Because the size of any given basket is a FIXED volume, the weight of a dose any given coffee may differ from others.

I always dosed 16g in the "normal" (not straight-walled) Caravel double basket. But those were Italian espresso blends, which I suppose are on the denser side, being lightly roasted. A some point I even did a puck-drying experiment to assess the total solids extractions of a 16g Caravel ristretto. I think the nearly always extracted 3g solids - about 20%.

PC

peacecup wrote:One of the fallacies of the "weighing dose" philosophy is that all coffees have different weight:volume ratio. Because the size of any given basket is a FIXED volume, the weight of a dose any given coffee may differ from others.
PC

Jack makes a good point. We aren't talking apples to apples unless it is the same coffee. But ballparks are good, too, sometimes.

I will report weight of Redbird in the big basket when I get it, since many have tried that one.

Funny thing is, I don't have the common double basket that is widely used. Gotta get one!

Hi!
I have all three baskets too, I posted the photo of them side by side in the Caravel thread.
From my experience the classic basket that arrives with most machines is in real a medium basket and it works best with around 13 grams. But on the other hand, different folks have different experiences with what suits them most with the machine. Taste-wise though, my observation stands... the shots between Caravel, La Peppina and Vivaldi have comparable amp and tone if the doses with regard to Caravel's three baskets are observed as I said.

p.s.
for your convenience - the post with my Caravel baskets