Mateo

I am also a new anita owner, little over a week now.

Like yours my Brew pressure was set at about 10.1 bar and JUST on Wednesday I dropped it to about 9.3 bar. The shot timing seemed about the same to me, but the flavor was better, as well as the consistency of the espresso (Good mouth feel). I think the blonding is happening later now, but I am still having blonding issues, but pulling OK shots.

Now it seems I am having all kinds of channeling issues though?? Also when I pull the PF, the top of the puck doesn't look intact, as in it was disturbed and muddy in spots?

What is the best way to get some feed back, should I video (Only have a crappy point and shoot digital for video) with bottomless PF? or Reg PF? or just maybe pics?

What would really like is someone in my area to taste it, to see if I am close/getting there?

-Craig

Craig-

Crappy point and shoot digi = good for video on HB! I think the trick is getting it lit well enough.

Channeling is MOST likely from inconsistency (not the grinder, not brew pressure).... Work work work. Time time time. You get the idea.

Tamp and Dose digest is your friend in the above. Although I think it needs a bit more in the way of contributors (hint to you veterans out there ). I'd like to see some other videos shot to show other techniques. Also, watch the "Art of the Bean" video (in Barista Tips forum), there is a little gem in that video where the guy does a modified Stockfleths, it's slick, fast and seems to help prevent too much updosing (for me at least).

Consider updating your profile to include your nearest metropolis... I hope you can find someone nearby, it will help.

CyclingCraig wrote:Now it seems I am having all kinds of channeling issues though?? Also when I pull the PF, the top of the puck doesn't look intact, as in it was disturbed and muddy in spots?

That is interesting. I find that a high brew pressure tends to produce more channeling than a lower pressure. You may want to revisit your dosing and tamp technique, that is most likely the culprit.

You could try up dosing a gram or two to see what happens as well. Too much, or too little headspace can cause premature blonding and channeling as well. My machines work best when the puck has a slight imprint of the shower screen on its surface after the shot has finished. If you have no imprint, try up dosing a hair, if you have a heavy imprint and the puck surface is scraped from excessive pressure, then down dose a little. A wet puck is usually too fine a grind or to low a dose, but not necessarily a problem. As long as it tastes good, it is ok.

As to the OPV setting. When I set my vibe pump machine, I go half a bar higher with the blank basket than what I want in the cup. So at 9 bar with a blank, I get around 8.5 bar during the shot. That is a very general guide, different machines have different plumbing and pumps so it will vary, but that is usually very close.

Videos are always a good diagnostic tool. Seeing is much easier than describing.

OK!! I think I was TOTALLY Over dosing!!

I was probably like 17.5 or 18.5 grams.. I dropped my dosing and things got MUCH better this morning.

Timing was better, as was color and time to blonding.

I am trying to only change one thing at a time, but I think now that I am lowering the dose size I am much better off. Now I can work on my distribution and tamping.

This morning there was NO BITTER or harshness.. Just coffee flavor, but the flavor was a little on the light side. I will continue to work on it.

I am going to try to post a video later with a bottomless PF and maybe you guys could give me some more critiques.

Thanks
-Craig