Posted Sun Dec 7, 2003, 2:33am Subject: La Pavoni Pro - pressure/temp probs
Hi there, I have recently bought a Pavoni Pro, and am just in the first week of sorting out exactly how to get a good espresso from it.
My problem is this... my pressure gauge doesnt seem to be reading correctly... has anyone else come across this. When I received the machine, the gauge would sit on .2 bar when off.... and when fully heated (and with some steam run through the wand) peaks out at 1.3 bar. Now I know this is too hot and my shots tasted acidic, so being all into fiddling, I adjusted the pressure stat down to just under 1 bar. Now I have a couple of problems, I think the gauge must be wrong because I get a lot of pressure fluctuation at this setting (it seems to cool down to about .7 and heats up to 1 bar on a very quick cycle) and the shots that I pull seem to be luke warm when they come out. So, I figure that the gauge is just reading wrong and have adjusted it back up to around 1.2 bar (assuming that its .2 bar out). I still am not getting good espresso tho, it seems very acidic when it comes out, and scarily, the shot doesnt feel that hot in the cup. I have done quite a bit of reading up on how to pull a shot and am not new to making espresso (previously had a La Cimbali Domus for about 4 years which saw fairly hefty use)... so I dont quite know what is wrong... Any ideas..?
Does anyone know how to adjust the gauge..? And what is the process for actually measuring the temperature without the gauge so that I can get this right..?
Papalatte Senior Member Joined: 20 Aug 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Palmdale Calif. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Brewtus (original) Grinder: Mazzer Minis Roaster: Primo 12# PRI
Posted Sun Dec 7, 2003, 10:17pm Subject: Re: La Pavoni Pro - pressure/temp probs
Yo! First stop worrying and enjoy....... next take off the cover of the pressure gage (it pulls off try twisting it or some thing) then slip off the needle when the machine is cold carefully set at the stop( at zero)... I love this machine!!!! Then clean the cover and replace. that's what they told me at EU Gift. I grind very fine just over turkish. watch the flow. the pull will feel right when it is....I also fill the basket as full as I can confortable still get the PFon. If no coffee preinfuses I help it to cover the bottom of the cup and don't worry be happy. enjoy I'm looking forward to your responce!!!
Posted Mon Dec 8, 2003, 12:43pm Subject: Re: La Pavoni Pro - pressure/temp probs
Thanks for advice Papa. Im not too fussed, its just that I have moved countries and left my beloved Cimbali behind, now, 6 months later, I am still hanging out for my first decent coffee. Oh the craving....
I will give the gauge setting a whirl (I heard that you can adjust a couple of screws inside the assembly once you take the covers off). I have a Rocky which I use to grind quite fine indeed, and find that I am getting very potent coffee (even with the pull and a half method). I dont seem to get any flow coming out before I pull, even if I leave it pre-infusing for 10 seconds, so I just go for it and the pull down doesnt feel too difficult that I should be concerned.
Let me ask you something, what length of time is there on your machine between the boiler switching off and then coming back on to heat up again and what pressure difference is there between these two points..?
Papalatte Senior Member Joined: 20 Aug 2003 Posts: 52 Location: Palmdale Calif. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Brewtus (original) Grinder: Mazzer Minis Roaster: Primo 12# PRI
Posted Mon Dec 8, 2003, 9:52pm Subject: Re: La Pavoni Pro - pressure/temp probs
I haven't timed it but like I said .... don't worry be happy!!!! I think that thre just too many variables !!! there is no GOD SHOT Just appreciate the good ones!!! Each bean is unique and it had to pass thru many hands and prosesses to get to us!! The pressurestat is the one thing I know nothing about. I would like to upgrade it to a pro one when and if I ever need to , but I'll deal with that when it happens. I was told I couldn't adjust so I haven't!!! I would like to help you with any other issues so you can enjoy your La Pavoni as much as I. Looking forward to your post!!!
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