erics wrote:Then, use the double basket in the single spout portafilter and observe the flow. As soon as it goes "squiggly", all is DONE. 14g is much too low . . . I would go for 17g in the stock basket (top of my head). I would also say about 2 minutes between shots.

The PID really makes the Alexia shine but you need to be pretty handy to install same and even then, I am not so sure it is still available as a kit.

Of course, I sorta like the thermometer and you can contact me directly via the address below my sig.

Hi Eric, what do you base 17g on being the right dose? I've always wondered why some people say you can go "too low" and some advocate for standard doses of approx. 14g or so. I.e... Basket Overdosing; time for a serious re-evaluation!

I will say, regarding ability to achieve a consistent extraction, 14g has been significantly easier on this machine with this basket than 17g... When I personally use closer to 17 I experience more frequent channeling, and spritzes...

However! None of this speaks to taste differences.

From the original QM Alexia detailed review - /quickmill- ... mance.html

Pulling Shots by the Numbers: If you're just getting started, I recommend starting out using a double basket and the single spout portafilter. A good starting dose is around 16 grams of ground coffee. Depending on your coffee and preferences, 14-18 grams should be no problem.

But I based my 17g as a "top of my head" guess and NOT on the review. However, as it turns out, the numbers were pretty consistent. One other point worth mentioning is that most manufacturers NOW seem to be shipping their products with baskets similar in construction features as the VST, Espresso Parts HQ line, etc., etc.

The original and current QM Alexia with PID control is one of the highest values on the market as regards an espresso brewer.

I'd say the new burrs are part of the problem. Mine was inconsistent until about 10 lbs of coffee

I'm trying everything. New burrs may be part of the problem. I'd say i'm approaching 10 lbs of coffee now through the K3 grinder.

No matter what I do, grind into a vessel and shake, grind into the portafilter directly, WDT (and I'm very careful about distribution), weighing to within 0.2 of a gram, water temp at grouphead thermometer 205ish, pressure 9 bar on gauge, trying very light tamping, tried heavy tamping, checked headroom with nickel/dime, updosed to 16g and down to 14g on the 15g VST basket, precision fit tamper etc etc etc.

I still have deadspots and channeling of varying amounts. Sometimes it's terrible, and other times on same grind setting I have very nice extraction.

Don't understand what I'm doing wrong anymore. So frustrated.

have you tried a triple basket?

I have the V2B EVO, had similar problems to what you describe. Ran across this website, lots of good info here.
Picked up a 1 cup flour sifter like in the video and installed a .5MM jet in the E61 group head. Also using Aero Press filters on both sides of the puck.
My shots light up the bottom of the basket from the middle out and there are no voids in the flow.

http://grindscience.com/2016/03/ek43-sh ... arch-2016/

Thanks for the website Bill, I just ordered a mini flour sifter to give that a try. Never heard of the technique wetting beans before grinding, or the Aeropress filters...

How might a triple basket make things easier ? I thought grinding finer with the 15g would have had more chance in avoiding channeling. (I do have a large Rancilio triple that came with my bottomless pf)

Thanks again

Wetting the beans is called RDT: Ross Droplet Technique-Eliminating Grinder Static

I use a 20 gram VST basket loaded with 20 grams of grinds. Like milk drinks so prefer more coffee to make a bigger drink. Not sure that the size of the basket has anything to do with spritzers etc. May want to investigate the .5 MM group jet modification available from Espresso Parts for $1.15! This will slow the initial filling of the head space effectively giving a more gentle preinfusion. Have found the water debt [delivery rate] to be satisfactory with the .5 MM jet.

I have no idea why, but the last few days I started using the Rancilio triple basket with 22g's and the pours have been night and day.

Problem with the VST (other than obvious channeling), was that the pour would start nicely and then just get so fast and blonde too early. Everything was thin and sourish no matter what I tried. Would also get dead spots no matter what I tried including experimenting headroom up and down.

With the triple basket and a coarser grind setting, the extractions are very uniform, no dead spots or spritzers and much more tiger striping and syrupy mouthfeel. Still using WDT. All in all it's a night and day difference.

Any ideas why this is happening? I know it's not just dose, but more dependent on basket I imagine? Could it be that my K3 grinder works better at a coarser setting? Or do VST baskets just not agree with my ability?

VST are finicky yes, but you should still be able to use them with decent results. They might never look as nice as other more forgiving baskets, but they can offer different tastes.

You have to grind very fine with VST. Not sure this was mentioned, but how long does it take for the actual pour to start. Should be about 8-10 seconds.