I think I have around $350-400 in my espresso bar. I got the cabinets discounted and installed a permanent solution. If you have the room, it works out nice. Nothing to roll around and it will take more weight than I could put on top of it.

Yeah, I saw the thread. Nice setup. I think I'll go with the cheaper rolling solution at this time. It's a better fit for the house that I'm in and we'll probably be moving before long anyway.

brad

DigMe wrote:Yeah, I saw the thread. Nice setup. I think I'll go with the cheaper rolling solution at this time. It's a better fit for the house that I'm in and we'll probably be moving before long anyway.

You can set it up without the wheels. If will have a lot of weight on or in it, that is probably the better idea. if you do intend to move it, it would be best to cut a sheet of plywood to reinforce the bottom before installing the wheels. This would raise it up a bit.

I intend to eventually remove the wheels and place the cart on a section of hardwood flooring..
keyword: eventually.

Nice setup lud

I can see you got the new cup holder grill (which I think is better styled), what is the first two digits in the serial number (eg. 14x)?

I had my unit delivered last April (2007) and the serial number is in the 30's (ie. 03X).

Thanks

- I'll give up tracking down the different updates

Hello to everyone here!

I'm a brand newbie here, I have been reading and learning a ton from all of you, so many interesting reviews, comments, opinions and very welcomed advice. I'm a mechanical engineer, so I really appreciate all of the in depth and detailed information.

I'm in the process of getting the $$$ together to purchase a high quality.. and very temp stable espresso machine, my eye is on either the Elektra A3, or the new VBM double boiler. I also have some kitchen counter mods and re-arranging before I purchase the machine. Just picked up a used Mazzer grinder, now sitting proudly on the counter, my wife is already giving me the .... Oh well?

Until I get the new machine, I will have to stick with my trusty old Brikka stove top spresso and Boden press. I recently picked up the Mazzer SJ off of Craigslist, it's an older Rio version, but it's in great shape. The original tall hopper was crushed in transit, so I just ordered a short mini hopper for it. Man, what a huge difference from my prior "little cheap grinder", even using the SJ with my Brikka stove top.. I can tell a huge difference in the consistency of grind and taste! I will most likely modify it to a 'doserless' real soon... I've got some good ideas for the mod!

Ok, so my question for "lud" is... where did you get the cool looking lid for the doser on your Kony? It really sets it off and gives it a nice look!

Again, many thanks to all of you, who put so much time and effort into teaching us (me) amateurs... how to pull the better shot!

All the best,

T2

Lud,

Very nice setup. What do you think about those steaming pitchers as far as steaming and latte art go?

brad

T2ellis wrote:... where did you get the cool looking lid for the doser on your Kony? It really sets it off and gives it a nice look! T2

Welcome aboard T2ellis.
I was searching around the house for something that would fit and look good. My wife had purchased the Bodum Press Eileen 12 cup (1.5L or 50.7oz) but I was hardly using it since I mostly serve espresso/espresso based drinks when I have guests over. I noticed that the chrome lid was nearly a perfect fit for the doser. The chrome lid is only a cover for the plastic top of the Bodum so it still functions perfectly once you carefully remove it. Once I had chrome lid removed, I found that the knobs on my kitchen cabinetry was a nice complement. Luckily, I had an extra one so I used that one, cut the fastener (screw) a bit shorter, added a washer and fixed it to the lid. When I compare it to the stock lid, I have to agree that it makes it a LOT nicer. I noticed the 1.5L Eileen is not listed on the bodumusa.com site, and is listed, but currently unavailable on amazon.com. However, it is available here: http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/catalog ... 41b400100b.

It's not an inexpensive item so I wouldn't recommend buying one for the sole purpose of using the chrome lid as a doser mod, although knowing my wife, I bet she paid less than $40 for it using discounts, coupons.

Obviously, I can't use my hopper with where I have my grinder currently placed, but I noticed that one of my pot lids will make a perfect fit if I ever get around to building my espresso station in the kitchen that will accommodate the hopper. The rule of thumb I use is to first look for something around the house that I can reuse. It may not come to you right away, but if you are persistent, you may find a gem in the rough, so to speak.

DigMe wrote:... Very nice setup. What do you think about those steaming pitchers as far as steaming and latte art go?

Thanks, Brad.
I am by no means an expert at steaming, but I did manage to get one to work this morning. As compared to my traditional steaming pitcher, I find that I have to switch over from surf to stretch a bit earlier. With my old one, I would surf the steam tip until my thermometer (yes, I still need the assistance of a thermometer) read 80F before plunging the wand. With the Toroid, I stop surfing when the temperature reads 60-65F (I use "read" because the actual temperature will vary depending on the type of thermometer you are using, and the power of your steam wand due to lag). When I stretch, I don't plunge as deeply as I would with my old pitcher since there is a dimple at the bottom of the new pitcher to create the toroid effect.
Again, I am still trying to get comfortable with this pitcher so take my experience with a big grain of salt. I have searched for tips on how others are finding this pitcher myself since I "miss" way more often than I "hit" when using the Toroid.