I was just doing some work on a new-to-me machine and was reminded how much soft jaws that actually grip but don't scratch chrome or distort bolt threads just make things easier.

These are a Knipex 10 pliers wrench with added semi-hard plastic jaw protectors. The wrench...

I just purchased a LM GS3 MP direct from La Marzocco. Ordered in January and it arrived last week. The Shock Watch that they put on the palletized box was red meaning that the machine had been dropped and/or impacted. LM is trying to convince me to open the box, set it up and...

So I managed to pick up an SCL for a great price today. It's my first lever, and I'm excited.

Have a couple of questions though that I couldn't find answers too:

1. What's the red light signify?

2. What should the pressure gauge say at idle? I've read that thermosyphon...

Hi All,
Question :
Does a bigger burr size compared to smaller one with the same geometry improve the quality in cup? Considering maybe both are the same type of grinder, very similar burr geometry and both aligned properly (ie. Eureka 55mm specialita - 65mm XL/Zenith - 75mm...

I am interested in trying out some flow and pressure profiling AND As I have owned for many years a double boiler e61 machine with a PID, I was thinking if buying an after market e61 flow control device to have my machine installed with it.

On the other hand there have been...

I got a Kenyan coffee from it through Fellow Drops. It is flat and harsh, not bright. Does not seem like a Kenyan coffee.

I'm getting closer to finding my recipe , but there are so many possible variables that it's hard to now which one to adjust I think I'm pretty close with my dose, grind level and base temperarture. I have a Gaggia Classic with PID and changed all the other changeable parts and...

I have an Acaia Lunar and a Brewista, but I would like a cheap extra scale that can get knocked around. Has anyone tried the cheap Acaia copies on AliExpress, like this one

Are there any ones to steer clear of?

I understand that an HX machine has a single boiler, usually on the steam side (I think) and somehow the heat gets to the other side to brew espresso. The boiler is pretty self explanatory. I called one of the retailers to discuss selection of a new espresso machine but they...

Dear all,

I spent quite some time with google and within this forum but still feel a bit lost so I hope you can help me with my query. While I do know how to run barista machines, I am far from being a pro, so apologies if any of the below statements do not make any sense.

I...

Hey everyone,

I have always wondered about the differences between the MonCon grinders and would love to compare the MC3 to MC4 or even earlier generation if you have them. Has that been done already? Would anyone be interested in having a get together to compare the different...

Hi,

I brought back 29 bags of beans from roasters in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, and want to freeze the beans after vacuum packing them. Is there a reason to open the bags (besides wanting to weigh doses or whatever), or can I just vacuum pack the whole bags? I am thinking...

Hello!
Filip here, I'm new here, and new in espresso. Also sorry for bad english, hope you will understand me.

Please help me solve my problem, every espresso shot I pull tastes sour. Not fruity sour, but so sour it hurts when I try to drink it.

I use Gaggia Carezza Deluxe...

As an old auto racer, I'm well schooled in proper monitoring, maintenance and renewal of vital organs in mechanical devices. So when I bought my Technika Profi IV in January 2017, I vowed to disassemble the group every year for inspection, cleaning, and light lube. And I...

I'm looking to move up in grinders. Presently I have a Baratza Sette 270wI which I find OK. I've always had a desire to try to trade up the Sette to avoid the inevitable demise of the Sette's plastic gears. So I now have a line on a used Mahlkönig K30. I've also been eyeing the...

I bought a Synchronika, and I'm looking to set up a coffee station now. I need a cabinet (that the wife will like) that's between 30-40 inches in length, and 20-22 inches in depth, I would also like it to have a drawer. Can you show me what you have, where you got it, and maybe...

Thomas added some major new details about the second edition in his blog today. We're starting to see what the price increase from the first edition can bring, e.g., 316 stainless steel instead of 304.

ETA: Other changes and the build process are on IG at: Some of the other...

Is the TWW Espresso profile fine for stainless steel boilers?

I am not asking about the Classic Profile ... only the espresso profile. The espresso profile does not state that it includes chlorine. Ingredients are as follows: Magnesium Sulfate, Calcium Citrate, Potassium...

I have a Weber EG-1 and I have been using the Core burrs for straight espresso (light medium and dark) for 12 months now with great results. I have a set of the Ultra burrs and would love to hear from anyone who has used them for espresso. Very interested in your experiences,...

I'm looking into buying a new espresso machine.

Since I only drink milk based beverages such as Cappuccinos or Flat Whites, except for maybe occasionally Americanos - but never Espressos - one question is whether to spend extra money for PID. Note that I almost never make more...