Hi,

First, I will start will an apology as I have posted this on another forum but did not receive a response. Perhaps this isn't worded clearly :< ? I am a bit disappointed in my learning curve....seems like I am going backwards

I purchased our new machine about 7 mos ago and I find I am doing something wrong, most likely (guessing) with maintaining the proper temperature?

Info:
Coffee = Redbird

Grinder = Super Jolly - Used but with New Burrs

Machine = Andreja Premium

Size = Doubles


The first shot I pull is "always" good .........well both my wife and I like it alot. Seems to pour dark brown for ~20-22 seconds and then begins to blonde and I usually stop at 25 seconds with about 1.5 oz. This is all after an initial 6 oz flush of water from the HX Andreja.

I am normally ready for my shot (2nd after my wife's) after about 45 seconds. I re-flush till I hear the "sputtering" stop.....usually 5-6 seconds. This shot normally comes out blonde nearly from the start so I am thinking where the first was good, I must have a temp issue and not understanding how to flush correctly.

I am 1-step away from getting Eric's Taylor Temp Device thinking I would always be consistent with regards to temperature at time of pull but wanted to ask you "what in the heck am I messing up" prior to doing so?

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,
Bob

I don't have direct experience with the Andreja, but have had experience with other e61 HX machines. Your equipment would seem to be quite capable, but I don't see any information regarding your grind/dose preparation. Seeing flash boiling 45 seconds after the shot is indicative of the HX circuit rebounding sufficiently to warrant another flush. Your ability to make the first shot taste good speaks to your understanding of the flush principle, so that's not an immediate concern.

Let's start with your grind/dose preparation.

Are you grinding 2 shots' worth of coffee into a doser at a time, then dosing out each shot? Are you using multiple baskets? Same/different baskets? Are you grinding one dose at a time? Using a hopper or single dosing? Ideally, you want to have a consistent, easily repeatable methodology. The SJ is a well-regarded grinder (I modded mine to doserless for single dosing) but without more detail, the diagnosis is muddy.

Bob, take that step and get the group head thermometer. It is well worth the cost.

Are you doing a flush & go ?

That is, do you prepare the shot, flush the group head, and as soon as the flush is done to your satisfaction, lock the portafilter and pull the shot, or do you flush and wait some amount of time before pulling the shot?

Have you tried waiting several minutes before flushing and pulling the second shot?

Thank you so much for your responses..........hopefully this will assist:

I grind 2, doubles worth of coffee beans.
As they are grinding I flush with the portafilter approx 6 oz of water
Quickly dry the portafilter, fill, tamp and pull shot. About 20 seconds have elapsed.
Pull Shot.
Steam Milk for wife.
This shot is good tasting and looks and times correctly based on all my reading.

When done I dump the grinds and refill the same portafilter.
I reflush into the catch tray rather than cup and flush till I hear the gurgling sound stop. About 5-6 seconds.
Then I snap in the portafilter and pull.

Takes the same amount of time before I see the espresso start to pour (7 seconds) but this time it turns blonde shortly after that.

Again, where the first shot is good (better than I get out but am sure far from perfect) I am guessing I am not flushing enough or too much.

The thermo in the grouphead would at least tell me if I am at a consistent temp for each shot and why I was heading that way.

I just did today's coffee to confirm the above steps. Again, first was "perfect" and the 2nd one not so much.


Finally, if I leave for an hour lets say and then pull another shot I start from the beginning by flushing another 6 oz and the shot is always good like the 1st one of the day.

Thx again,
Bob

Hi Eric,

So your thinking is I am actually too cool for my second shot.

Ok, I am embarassed for my ignorance...........

No scale..........just never bought and first shots been good....just fill to top of basket.....do the WDT with a toothpick and tamp.

Also, do not look at the gauges in between.....10 and 1.5 when I start the first.

Bob

With it just sitting there after the machine has warmed up and before my first shot the reading is 1.5. I am not sure what it is doing when the shot is pulled....I will watch and take note. Also, these readings are without a portafilter locked in. So if I understand you, this might be slightly high with it sitting idle?

Thx again,
Bob