Ideally, any water you run through your machine should be drinkable, otherwise it can contaminate the boilers.
That's kind of like saying, "I used water from the toilet and now my coffee tastes like poo."
Realistically, what you want to use is ordinary tap water, but filtering it won't hurt as long as you change the filter regularly. If you don't ever change the filter, the water will just taste worse and worse until it starts becoming downright unhealthy.
If your water is hard (ie. high mineral content) you want to consider using softened water, otherwise this can potentially shorten the lifespan of the machine by causing scale buildup on the inside of the boiler and components. Usually, it's recommended the descale the machine about once every 6-12 months, depending on water hardness. If you are using an inline water softener, I believe it isn't necessary... but you do need to recharge your water softener periodically. (Depends on the manufacturer.)
Like anything, coffee is a beverage with a recipe. If you have horrible tasting water, you'll get horrible tasting coffee, no matter what you do. I would recommend that not only should you get your squealing machine serviced, but you should also flush the ever living heck out of it with water and lemon salt (ie. Citric Acid) to kill off anything which went through the machine.
Actually, I'm surprised I missed that.. Must have been tired.
naso Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2012 Posts: 5 Location: CA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2012, 12:29am Subject: Re: Bitter taste and "flow" of espresso shot
qualin, thank you for taking the time to write your previous reply, was very helpful!
I was using tap water (which personally I wouldn't drink unfiltered that's why I said "bad") to test the machine. I just didn't think it would make such a big difference in the taste. I now have good water, tamp a little harder and use fresher beans (same beans from cash&carry and threw away the old ones) and saw a big difference. I'm not sure which of the 3 made the difference but probably a combination of all. The machine still makes that noise, but not as loud (unless i went deaf), and the espresso pours slower and tastes good or at least better. I could not figure out how to change the grind settings, the dial just won't move! I'm sure once I get freshly roasted beans like you guys suggested I will have even better shots.
zedex Senior Member Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 126 Location: B.C Canada Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Spaz v2 Grinder: vario
Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012, 11:13am Subject: Re: Bitter taste and "flow" of espresso shot
Sounds like your rotary pump bearing is very dry and on its way out. That pump wont last long, and my ears are bleeding from your video. :) The pump should be looked at yesterday.
naso Senior Member Joined: 16 Sep 2012 Posts: 5 Location: CA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Fri Sep 28, 2012, 11:46pm Subject: Re: Bitter taste and "flow" of espresso shot
oh no..and what's the cost to repair it if it's even worth it? I haven't had a mechanic check it yet, but then again I thought I'd just keep it for a month or so until I can afford a newer one
I have an offtopic question: Other than iced and hot drinks I want to learn how to make blended drinks. Are there any good recipes online (i found a few but vary, not sure which is the right way), and I also tried youtube but it's mostly how to make them at home. I have enrolled in barista training but it's not until end of October and i'm not even sure if they will teach me making blended drinks
Dooglas Senior Member Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 685 Location: Portland, OR Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar HX, La Pavoni lever Grinder: Ascaso, Baratza Drip: Bonavita, Bodum press Roaster: GeneCafe, Behmor
Posted Sat Sep 29, 2012, 11:03am Subject: Re: Bitter taste and "flow" of espresso shot
Also sounds like your grinder has not been cleaned in some time and the adjustment for the burrs is jammed in place. Time for a major disassemby and cleaning of the grinder. You really have to be able to adjust the grind to correctly time your shot (i.e. too fast, go a bit finer). And about the water being "very hot". At the risk of being a smart ass, that is really not a technical term. Any water coming out of (almost) any coffee brewing device will burn you. The question would be the actual temperature. Dispense some water into a foam cup and measure the temperature with a cooking thermometer. That will give you some idea whether temperature needs to be adjusted.
Posted Sat Sep 29, 2012, 6:40pm Subject: Re: Bitter taste and "flow" of espresso shot
Like Dooglas said about taking apart your grinder. It's actually fairly easy if you take your time. If it is something new I am taking apart and get a bit nervous I simply draw out what I am taking off or out. They are all like the snap together models we all had as kids.
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