Posted Mon Jan 6, 2003, 7:38pm Subject: got my barista...not sure about a few things.
so i got my barista, and the matching barista grinder, and i have a few questions.
what should i have the grinder set on? the very finest, second, third.....
how full should i be filling the pressurized portafilter. how about when i get the non-pressurized
how hard should i be tamping it?
how many oz can i pull out of it with each pull?
sorry about all the questions. i dont have anywhere else to turn, as anyone i know who drinks espresso/espresso drinks just goes and buys them. any other pointers that you can give me would be great. and, is there anywhere online i can buy a non-pressurized portafilter? thanks again.
Posted Mon Jan 6, 2003, 11:38pm Subject: Re: got my barista...not sure about a few things.
joey Said:
so i got my barista, and the matching barista grinder, and i have a few questions. what should i have the grinder set on? the very finest, second, third.....
The Barista grinder should be set to where 14 grams of ground coffee will extract 2 ounces in 25 seconds for a double shot. This is probably a few clicks up from the finest grind. Do a few test shots to find your best setting. If you use the grinder for vac/drip or other grinds, coming back to the same setting might not happen due to the "floating" top burr. If possible leave in pretty much the same setting. You will get used to it. Using espresso that is fresh roasted (allowed to sit 24 hours after roasting) will deliver the absolute best chance at good shots.
how full should i be filling the pressurized portafilter.
For a double shot the Barista double shot basket holds 14 grams.
how about when i get the non-pressurized
Same. You can try to up the grams to 15 or 16 if you choose but probably 14 grams is what you will get away with on this particular machine. YMMV
how hard should i be tamping it?
Due to the nature of the pressureized portafilter, a light tamp just to flatten the grounds in the portafilter is all that is necessary. Watch the video that came with the Barista. With the non-pressurized portafilter, 30 pounds should be a starting guideline. Because the grinder cannot be as minutely adjusted so as to get a 2 oz shot from 14 grams at 30 pounds tamp in 25 seconds, the tamp becomes a variable you will use to adjust to get the desired shot results.
how many oz can i pull out of it with each pull?
This varies some and you will get various answers from 1 - 1.5 oz for a single shot to 2 -3 oz for a double. If going for a ristretto (a restricted shot) single, .5 - .75 oz and double, 1.0 - 1.25 oz. My preference is a double shot at 2 ounces.
sorry about all the questions. i dont have anywhere else to turn, as anyone i know who drinks espresso/espresso drinks just goes and buys them.
Hey, we all had to start somewhere. This is a great place to come and learn.
any other pointers that you can give me would be great.
Keep asking your questions. Practice. Don't bang out the used grounds out of the pressurized portafilter - just rinse it out. When ready, get into home roasting if you aren't already. It's low cost and one of the biggest improvements you can make on your quest for good espresso. Down the road, consider getting a continuously adjustable grinder like the Innova or better.
and, is there anywhere online i can buy a non-pressurized portafilter? thanks again.
Start with Starbuck's customer service which is great. They may or may not have one. If not, they will steer you to Saeco's customer service: Saeco USA Inc. 451-A1 Defense Highway Annapolis MD 21401 Tel: 800-933-7876 Fax: 410-573-0657 e-mail: info@saeco-usa.com
People report the best luck with Saeco when using the 800 customer service number ranther than e-mail.
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