Just got my BDB finally. The first shot, without calibrating anything, was better than anything I've ever managed on my Starbucks Barista, and tasted similar to the espresso in the cafe that roasts the beans I use!! I was ecstatic.
They should have done a better job with the rubber feet on the bottom of the unit because the unit moves when you try to lock the PF in (pet peeve). I may try to retrofit some stickier rubber feet.
Also, it now seems my OPV is adjusted too low!! I had a suspicion so I ground very fine with the Virtuoso and tamped using a metric ton of force, and it only goes to about 7. Should I be sending it in or adjusting? Do you think this affects taste? I'm half considering just leaving it. Someone please let me know.
For any Canadians wanting a cheaper/quicker/easier alternative to the VST baskets is www.elysiancoffee.com . They have double and triple synesso baskets for $10 and ship fast.
Re machine moving--This is a feature, not a flaw :>)!
Check to make sure the front foot is not raised into the rolling position.
(There's an adjustment knob that's exposed when you remove the drip tray. When it's rotated so that it's pointing at you--6 o'clock--the front of the machine is raised slightly and the whole thing rolls freely. Rotated back to 12 o'clock, the front drops slightly and the front wheel is locked).
Also, it now seems my OPV is adjusted too low!! I had a suspicion so I ground very fine with the Virtuoso and tamped using a metric ton of force, and it only goes to about 7. Should I be sending it in or adjusting? Do you think this affects taste? I'm half considering just leaving it. Someone please let me know.
When mine is OPV-limited, the needle on the gauge bounces around during the pull, but when the pressure is grind-limited, it's more steady. So if your gauge is bouncing around at 7, it's probably the OPV setting. I like to tinker, so I adjusted my too-high OPV myself, but it's a matter of your comfort level. I wouldn't leave it at 7, your shots will probably be a little sour.
As far as the feet go, they become stickier all by themselves so you don't need to do anything about that but wait.
Welcome to the club!
"I've Scaced many HX/E61 machines, seeing shot variances of up to 8-10F or more. [The BDB] stays within 1F." - Mark Prince
They're releasing them at the end of March for us Canucks. I've still yet to hear if it will be a direct order, or if you will be able to get it from a vendor.
BubbaDude Said:
When mine is OPV-limited, the needle on the gauge bounces around during the pull, but when the pressure is grind-limited, it's more steady. So if your gauge is bouncing around at 7, it's probably the OPV setting. I like to tinker, so I adjusted my too-high OPV myself, but it's a matter of your comfort level. I wouldn't leave it at 7, your shots will probably be a little sour.
As far as the feet go, they become stickier all by themselves so you don't need to do anything about that but wait.
It's definately bouncing. My guess is you want it grind limited. Grrrr. So what they went from having it too high to too low o_O? Yes I'm a tinkerer too, so I will just do it then.
EDIT: Easy peezy lemon squeezy. I adjusted it to ~10. We'll see if she holds. Thanks again to Nics guide.
They're releasing them at the end of March for us Canucks. I've still yet to hear if it will be a direct order, or if you will be able to get it from a vendor.
It will be a direct order from Breville Canada or Breville USA depending on your location. I'll post here & as a separate thread when they are in stock to order.
Breville USA handled the incorrect OPV problem very well, but still, those of us who had to exchange machines had a bit of unexpected hassle added to our lives--unboxing, reboxing, driving to FedEx, etc. I wonder if it wouldn't be a appropriate gesture for Breville USA to extend some kind of discount to us when the naked portafilter does become available. Apparently in Australia is right around $100 Au.
Please note, the finish on the actual product is far superior to the product in the pics as this was a prototype & shot in my kitchen........better images to follow, but I figured geeks on this thread want the PF first, pretty pics later ;-))
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