Bezzera Unica and Baratza Sette 30 - cannot dial in a good shot
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- Posts: 25
- Joined: 3 years ago
I have a pretty decent machine and grinder, but I cannot for the life of me dial in a good shot.
I have tried so many different types of beans and I just cannot seem to get it right.
I usually aim for 18g in and around 36-40g out (in 25-30 seconds).
Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
I have tried so many different types of beans and I just cannot seem to get it right.
I usually aim for 18g in and around 36-40g out (in 25-30 seconds).
Any suggestions or recommendations are welcome.
- Jeff
- Team HB
- Posts: 6899
- Joined: 19 years ago
While I can guess as to problems you're having, something more specific would be helpful.
Without more, Espresso 101: How to Adjust Dose and Grind Setting by Taste is good, general advice.
Without more, Espresso 101: How to Adjust Dose and Grind Setting by Taste is good, general advice.
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- Posts: 25
- Joined: 3 years ago
Thank you for the link.
Part of my issue is that I try new beans quite frequently which means I have to go through the dialing in process frequently. I guess I should pick a bean and stick with it for awhile.
Normally I can get the in/out ratio decent within 25 or so seconds...nice crema...but taste is not there.
Usually too sour which means I need to go finer grind...but when I do so, I end up choking the machine (so that is too tight).
I have my PID set at 94C.
Part of my issue is that I try new beans quite frequently which means I have to go through the dialing in process frequently. I guess I should pick a bean and stick with it for awhile.
Normally I can get the in/out ratio decent within 25 or so seconds...nice crema...but taste is not there.
Usually too sour which means I need to go finer grind...but when I do so, I end up choking the machine (so that is too tight).
I have my PID set at 94C.
- Jeff
- Team HB
- Posts: 6899
- Joined: 19 years ago
One challenge may be the step size with the Sette 30. You may need to be in between steps with that coffee and dose.
Before getting into that, what kinds of coffee are you using? How soon after roast, or is it a "best by" date on the bag? Is it dark and shiny, light like drip, or somewhere in between?
What ratio are you shooting for, such as 18 g in and 36 g out in the cup?
Before getting into that, what kinds of coffee are you using? How soon after roast, or is it a "best by" date on the bag? Is it dark and shiny, light like drip, or somewhere in between?
What ratio are you shooting for, such as 18 g in and 36 g out in the cup?
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- Posts: 1385
- Joined: 12 years ago
I bought a Sette 270 years ago, I did not like it (or the 4 replacements as they kept dying or breaking parts left and right lol), but using the 30 is like using the 270 without touching micro adjustment. Basically useless. You can add the micro collar to the 30, I would just pay and do that otherwise trying to dial the 30 for espresso is like driving around in a car with flat tires, you can but....
Vario is a far better grinder, something to keep in mind
Vario is a far better grinder, something to keep in mind
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- Posts: 25
- Joined: 3 years ago
I get my beans from local roasters...i usually wait a week to grind though.
I usually go for 18g in and 36-40g out.
I usually go for 18g in and 36-40g out.
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- Posts: 25
- Joined: 3 years ago
I will try the 270 upgrade and see if the finer steps help.
- Jeff
- Team HB
- Posts: 6899
- Joined: 19 years ago
It sounds like you're working with relatively fresh beans, probably of good quality green and roast. Unfortunately, cmin probably isn't far off on his assessment.
Short of getting the adjustment upgrade (or another grinder), one thing that you could try is changing the dose slightly to try to get to a reasonable balance, as you can't adjust the grind finely enough. I don't know how much "a little" is when it comes to making "a little change". I'd guess it's more than 0.1 g and less than 1 g somewhere. At 18 g, your basket it probably reasonably full, so adding from there may not be the best plan. You might try, as a guess, the finer of the two where it just choked your machine and try, for example 17 g and see what happens.
Short of getting the adjustment upgrade (or another grinder), one thing that you could try is changing the dose slightly to try to get to a reasonable balance, as you can't adjust the grind finely enough. I don't know how much "a little" is when it comes to making "a little change". I'd guess it's more than 0.1 g and less than 1 g somewhere. At 18 g, your basket it probably reasonably full, so adding from there may not be the best plan. You might try, as a guess, the finer of the two where it just choked your machine and try, for example 17 g and see what happens.
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- Posts: 19
- Joined: 3 years ago
I'll echo the comment about the Sette 30 steps being too granular. I used a Sette 30 with a Bezzera BZ07 for a few months before upgrading with the 270 adjustment ring and made do with adjusting the does by +/- 0.5g to hit reasonable extraction times, but it was much better with the 270 adjustments.kpucci wrote:I will try the 270 upgrade and see if the finer steps help.
If you haven't already ordered one, I still have my old 270 adjustment assembly that I've been meaning to throw on the buy/sell here (I upgraded to a Niche). PM me and we can work something out.
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- Posts: 25
- Joined: 3 years ago
Thank you for the offer, but I already ordered one.
I am hoping that this will help me further dial-in.
I am hoping that this will help me further dial-in.