Thanks. I live in the cultural vacuum known as South Florida, so I have a hard time finding local roasters that would make it possible for me to get good coffee that I could consume within 5-10 days. It would be too expensive to pay shipping each time I order on that interval from the better roasters that ship. Any suggestions as to how I can preserve freshness? I've read a lot about freezing on this forum, I assume that's a good option?
You will get many different opinions on freezing coffee. Bottom line is it is you probably lose a bit of quality, but not much. Here is a thread from HB on the subject. I believe there are also discussions here on CG about the subject also.
I purchased the Behmor months back and will never go back! It's fun and so easy to buy a good 10lbs of green at a time and be good for months on super fresh coffee supply plus the satisfaction that you make it yourself.
It would be too expensive to pay shipping each time I order on that interval from the better roasters that ship. Any suggestions as to how I can preserve freshness?
It's been three months and about 300 shots on my BDB. I have started to read threads on other machines, and I have to say how happy I am *that the reservoir has a quick-disconnect valve, not {perfectly usable but clumsy} hoses *for a 58mm portafilter. I don't know the subtleties of PF design, but a wide flat puck makes more sense than a "square" one *for rapid warmup *for PID control *for a second boiler *for an adjustable OPV, even if it's not documented as such *for consistency: I can vary grind and extraction time with confidence that the temperature isn't affecting the flavor of my shot
I know we spent more money on these things than people spend on good SBDU machines, or machines that have thermoblock steam. But I'm thinking it was money well spent.
OK, enough self-congratulation. A possibly controversial opinion follows:
I spent two of those three months pulling ~55-ml shots that were a total of 28-30 seconds. I often thought the shots were a bit bright, a bit thin. I have, for the last month, been pulling shots that are 25-32 seconds afterthe first drip appears, at about 11-12 seconds. So; 36-42 seconds total. With Cuvee Cofffee's Spicewood 71 blend; with Brown Coffee Co's Espresso One: Cottonwood blend; I find this extraction time gives better balance, body, and smoothness to the shots.
If you haven't experimented with shots that run this long, I encourage it. Users of machines with passive pre-infusion often start timing their shots from the point at which the pump is turned on. Those with bottomless portafilters sometimes time from when the first drop appears.
If you haven't experimented with shots that run this long, I encourage it. Users of machines with passive pre-infusion often start timing their shots from the point at which the pump is turned on. Those with bottomless portafilters sometimes time from when the first drop appears.
I prioritize weight, too. In a world full of interdependent variables, with even a cheap scale, mass is one you have the most control over. Even required grind settings, like the sands of time, are always moving ahead, even if only slowly.
It's an ironic shame that newbies, with nowhere else to turn (at first), are driven to imitate the baristas they see at their favorite shop--because with very few exceptions, they are setting a bad example to learn from, in the name of expeditious handling.
Posted Sun Jun 10, 2012, 5:40am Subject: Re: Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL Owners Thread
I am two days in with my BDB. Quick question: a lot of the early posts in this thread talk about calibration of the machine. Is that still a problem with new machines? How do I tell what my machine is calibrated to? What do I want it calibrated to?
Is there a section of CoffeeGeek with a glossary of terms?
Still experimenting to get my shots right. My new preciso grinder isn't going fine enough (I did the calibration) - so I need to call Baratza this week and see if they can help. Overally, enjoying the machine a lot. Only problem is it would be best next to my sink (not across the kitchen) - but I don't think I am getting that real estate from my wife :)
People on this board have been awesome... thanks!
Ben
p.s. if this is a double post, I apologize. I tried to post from my iPad and I think it didn't go through.
Posted Sun Jun 10, 2012, 7:23am Subject: Re: Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL Owners Thread
nebber Said:
I am two days in with my BDB. Quick question: a lot of the early posts in this thread talk about calibration of the machine. Is that still a problem with new machines? How do I tell what my machine is calibrated to? What do I want it calibrated to?
The OPV was the part that had the calibration issue, but it's easy to diagnose. Watch the pressure gauge right in the middle of the machine when you pull a shot. If it's pulling in the 9 BAR range, then you're good; if it's in the 11+ BAR range, you probably have the issue (Or you're choking the machine). But if you bought a new machine, then there shouldn't be any issues with it.
JohnLyn Senior Member Joined: 15 Aug 2011 Posts: 234 Location: Golden, BC, Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldy Grinder: Vario Drip: Bonavita Roaster: Toastess popper
Posted Sun Jun 10, 2012, 8:02am Subject: Re: Breville Dual Boiler BES900XL Owners Thread
nebber Said:
I am two days in with my BDB. Quick question: a lot of the early posts in this thread talk about calibration of the machine. Is that still a problem with new machines? How do I tell what my machine is calibrated to? What do I want it calibrated to?
you are looking for an OPV calibration of around 9 bars (during a properly prepared shot or with a blind filter). Because of a different problem, the Err1 message, Breville has been great about swapping out my machine. I have now had three machines in a row that have arrive perfectly calibrated. I also have not seen that issue be posted on the forum recently so I am assuming that this has been solved on the new machines and that the old ones have either been adjusted or exchanged.
+ 1 as well on longer shot times. I have seen some benifits to taste. I have found this guide helpful for adjusting to taste: Click Here (www.home-barista.com) . therfore I do play around with Dose (weight), and grind to get the desired effect.
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