Wow, sounds very tasty! Glad you're getting great results. I looked long and hard at the MCAl before I got the Strietman. Some day, I still may consider one for the office. Anyway, I too, have had good results with a similar blend. Slightly to the dark side of medium, no oils. I don't love this coff...

I tend to just drop mine in, letting the clip rest against the outside as opposed to actually clipping it on. But, I don't leave it in full time, just check it every couple of days. I'm finding it to be quite consistent with the lid on, once you get the temp where you want it. I would think it

This I'm not really convinced of. A lot of the over-zealous reports came out shortly after the Vario was released. Whenever I've read of someone moving from the Vario to the Quamar, for instance, it seems they always end up feeling it's an upgrade. And I would think the Ceado could be a slight step ...

I'm seeing that Mahlgut has finally updated the 1s page. Looks promising and I'm quite curious. While I'll admit I'm pretty happy with my Ceado, very curious to try a large conical and I like what I'm seeing. Sent an email to ask if there would be any issue with the smaller basket size on the Striet...

Both videos look great! I raced cross for a lot of years, help put on some races, etc. Just love it, great to see real espresso at an event like this! Well done. Not in the market for a new machine, but find the Pro 800 very intriguing

If it helps anyone, I was looking for the same and found one on Amazon. Made it Italy, but wasn't sure of the quality. Seems to be well made, very solid, great fit in the VST baskets. Handle is on the larger side: {link}

I had an email exchange with Wouter and just received this as part of my email from him today, may be helpful: "You can have a look if the center valve opens directly when you start raising the lever.. Check by removing the filter holder, now very gently lift the lever just a bit, the center valve s...

Thank you Swazi, appreciate it. Will try slowing the raise of the lever to see if that helps. Cheers

Rob, thanks again for the great info. I'll check into the thermometer. I did tweak the temp this morning, was much closer to 200 degrees. Also adjusted the grind a touch and the shots were better as a result of both. As for filling the basket, I do it with a funnel, leaving the portafilter warming o...

Thank you again for your reply. I have been checking the water temp with the thermometer used for steaming milk. I just move the lid slightly and drop in the thermometer. Temp was initially very consistent, but now I'm seeing some variance. Need to keep a close eye on it to see how it varies. I have...