Posted Wed Sep 26, 2007, 5:29pm Subject: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
I'm trying to determine the proper flushing/recovering time to hit targeted brew temps. So, i decided to get one of those digital thermometers with a K-type TC. I've also bought a spare double basket and drilled a tiny hole (just big enough to stick in the probe)
I've read some posts that really helped in understanding the concept of simulating a real shot and measuring the actual brew temp. The problem is they never explain how to pack coffee and place the probe just below the shower screen. (dave schomer's style)
Do i have to dose/tamp the coffee first and then insert the probe through the drilled basket (shot will suffer channeling)? or just pack the coffee and sneak in the probe without tamping (shot will be faster)? how do you guys do it?
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 547 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Wed Sep 26, 2007, 6:27pm Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
A fine wire t/c over the lip of the basket worked better for me. Channeling around the wire (with the t/c through the drilled basket) was a problem I was not smart enough to solve.
Tex Senior Member Joined: 27 Apr 2006 Posts: 840 Location: Texas - That's God's country to everyone else! Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Bunn ES-1A (PID'd), Gaggia... Grinder: Rancilio MD50 Vac Pot: Way too many vintage Silex... Drip: Melitta Clarity Roaster: TurboCrazy &...
Posted Wed Sep 26, 2007, 6:58pm Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
I've always checked the temp without coffee in the filter - figuring the varying temps of the ground coffee will cause the brew temp to fluctuate, distorting the results of the test. Now I'm wondering, should I be aiming for a water temp or a brewing temp? Dammit, every time I think (remains to be proven) I've got a handle on this someone throws me a curve. And if it's brewing temps does one measure at the start of the pull or the end?
Actually, I have one Gaggia machine that I've drilled & tapped a hole into the brass boiler half so I can insert a probe directly into the boiler. I haven't had a chance to play around with it very much, but it looks promising.
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2007, 6:28am Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
I've just tried the "over-the-lip" method with coffee and noticed that my brew temp after a 2oz flush is ranging between 204-203. Which means that i have to increase the flush amount to 3 or 4 oz. to get around 201.
But anyway i'm glad that you guys helped i was so worried i wouldn't be able to create the exact resistance on the puck.
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2007, 7:36am Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
RajMeister Said:
I've just tried the "over-the-lip" method with coffee and noticed that my brew temp after a 2oz flush is ranging between 204-203. Which means that i have to increase the flush amount to 3 or 4 oz. to get around 201.
But anyway i'm glad that you guys helped i was so worried i wouldn't be able to create the exact resistance on the puck.
JGG Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 547 Location: Kentucky, US Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: PID Silvia; PID Alexia Grinder: Mazzer Mini E (A), SJ; Rocky... Roaster: Hottop D w/PID; Thermometric...
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2007, 7:38am Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
Raj -
You didn't mention what kind of digital thermometer you are using. If it is one of the generic inexpensive (<$50) models available from a number of internet sources, then be aware that it might be reading 2F high or low. In my experience, even though there may be some error in the readings, it will probably give you consistent readings in similar conditions. So it can still be very useful.
Calibrating in boiling water is not a complete solution to this problem because the readout error varies with the sensor temperature.
So I guess my message is that the best way to use your setup might be to experiment with temperature until you get what tastes right to you. Don't get too hung up on hitting 201F on your thermometer, though, unless you have some means of calibrating it at that temperature.
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2007, 7:46am Subject: Re: Need Help Measuring Brew Temp. -> Digital Tmeter
JGG Said:
Raj -
You didn't mention what kind of digital thermometer you are using. If it is one of the generic inexpensive (<$50) models available from a number of internet sources, then be aware that it might be reading 2F high or low. In my experience, even though there may be some error in the readings, it will probably give you consistent readings in similar conditions. So it can still be very useful.
Agreed - when I first started that approach I was using $10 ebay meters - they were within 2 degrees (as calibrated to boiling and freezing), and slow on the readout, but served the purpose.I only have an Omega because I found one on ebay for $30.
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