Hi - I am relatively new to doing my own home espresso. I'm here because I'm hoping that one or more than one might be able to help me with my brewing.

I now have a Saeco Aroma (AKA "Classico") espresso machine. I've been doing daily brewing now for the last two months. I am not an expert so I don't really feel I have the reference point to say that I produce "o.k." or even "good" espresso (or crema for that matter).

First of all, I have read numerous accounts that it's more than worthwhile to get the non pressurized portafilter. I have been using the pressurized that came with the unit. The biggest problem I have been having with my machine is basically getting a big splash of white foam towards the end of the brewing time (I have kept it around the recommended 25 second point). Question is: Am I not grinding enough coffee? Is this something to do with the pressurized portafilter or my tamp? If anyone can help that would be great. Thanks.

bogrod wrote:The biggest problem I have been having with my machine is basically getting a big splash of white foam towards the end of the brewing time (I have kept it around the recommended 25 second point).

Apart from the disturbing white splotch, how's the espresso taste? The easiest solution would be to move the cup from under the spouts before turning off the pump.

I've seen a "burp" when the grouphead solenoid closes on some espresso machines. I'm not familiar with your model and I don't have a lot of experience with pressurized portafilters, so I can't point to that as the cause. Can you post a video?

It tastes fine. I have since read that there's a "blonding" point towards the end of extraction. I don't know if I am just flat out pumping for too long. I don't have any equipment to really give a video, sorry.

In addition to watching for blonding, I recommend you try the rule of thirds to better discern the best stopping point. Returning to your original point...

bogrod wrote:I am not an expert so I don't really feel I have the reference point to say that I produce "o.k." or even "good" espresso (or crema for that matter).

You're working at a disadvantage with a pressurized portafilter (more background info under What is a pressurized portafilter?). Your original post didn't mention the grinder, but it's a critical part of the equation. Are there any good cafes nearby? If so, that should be your first stop with the goal of learning more about good espresso. As you can read in Hall of Shame, for years I drank what today I would consider utter swill. It pays to know the difference, though be warned that you'll be forever disappointed by more of your cafe experiences.

Hi Dan

First of all, thanks for the links! They are providing me with a wealth of information. My grinder is the Solis Scala. There are a number of coffeeshops around the corner (Caribou, *$, so forth) that I could visit.

bogrod wrote: First of all, thanks for the links! They are providing me with a wealth of information. My grinder is the Solis Scala. There are a number of coffeeshops around the corner (Caribou, *$, so forth) that I could visit.

How fresh are your beans? (roast date, not when you bought them)


You aren't going to get good espresso at any of those shops. Maybe try a local shop (although they are a crap shoot as well)

bogrod wrote:My grinder is the Solis Scala.

A quick google found Solis 166 (Scala) usable at all for espresso? and the reports don't bode well for your grinder. Although it's not the same grinder, I briefly had a Solis Maestro and upgraded to a Rocky to eliminate grind inconsistencies. I've since upgraded to the Mazzer Mini and am still thinking of my next grinder. It's really that important. There are good value-priced grinders (examples), if you decide to switch to a non-pressurized portafilter.

mattwells wrote:How fresh are your beans? (roast date, not when you bought them)


You aren't going to get good espresso at any of those shops. Maybe try a local shop (although they are a crap shoot as well)

Just bought a new bag of fresh beans 3 days ago.

HB wrote:A quick google found Solis 166 (Scala) usable at all for espresso? and the reports don't bode well for your grinder. Although it's not the same grinder, I briefly had a Solis Maestro and upgraded to a Rocky to eliminate grind inconsistencies. I've since upgraded to the Mazzer Mini and am still thinking of my next grinder. It's really that important. There are good value-priced grinders (examples), if you decide to switch to a non-pressurized portafilter.

Thanks Dan.

Luckily enough, all of my purchases were made at Costco, so I will have no problems returning the Scala I think I will end up going with the MDF. I just got my non-pressurized portafilter, and even at the finest setting, the espresso just poured out of the machine as quick as can be (around 8-10 seconds).

Hi - After finding some time this week I have begun to do some shopping for the Gaggia MDF grinder.

I was curious if anyone here has had any experience with http://www.gaggiashop.com ? The price that they are offering is rather attractive, but there's a part of me that thinks the price is too good ($129 versus Amazon's $199).