Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 5:27pm Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
I agree that the action on S1cafe site is very inactive but if you ask someone a question over there they all bend over backwards to help you. From SLO to Oton to Endo they are all wonderful. Just flip over there and spend a few minutes on "Pursuit of the God Shot" or other topics. Lots of tricks and tips. Check out any of similar shot quality postings. This info is timeless and pertains specifically to the Vivaldi.
Sylvain really helped me when he said design of the S1 broke down to weighing and grinding, tamp around 15#, very light, and arrive at 1.5 oz in 35 seconds. It was a novel idea for me to use the grinder to dictate the shot quantity, to dial it in, ergo quality. I had been reading propaganda from the 70's, 80's, 90's about trying for 25 seconds, etc.
With the Sweet Maria blend #25 Aleco and # 24 El Competitor both were roasted to edge of Vienna, actually FC+. They like it hot. 199 degrees with 16.4g dose and mmmmmmm!
Turns out most of my god shot candidates happened last two years using those basic parameters.
RichardCoffee Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2010 Posts: 97 Location: Long Beach Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: gaggia baby twin, mini... Grinder: fiorenzato pietro 63mm,... Roaster: weber grill with rk drum
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 5:58pm Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
I find the S1 site very helpful. There's not a lot of just conversation. But, there are very specific problem solving discussions every day. I really encourage you to join. Others will benefit from your experience. I don't use the volumetric dosing. I just set them high and shut off the shot when I want, usually 2 ounces after 30 seconds. Also, I have found 14 grams to give me the results I like best.
EvanOz85 Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2011 Posts: 258 Location: Lafayette, LA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Preciso, Hario... Vac Pot: Bodum Santos, Yama 5-cup Drip: Chemex, Kone 3, Kalita Wave,... Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 6:22pm Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
I'm sure I will register and start posting at S1cafe once the machine comes in and I have a plethora of specific questions.
I have one more newbie question for here though. Do you include the portafilter in the warming flush? I've read that the portafilter should be dry before adding the coffee...so I'm assuming that you either don't include it in the flush or that you need to dry it after.
RichardCoffee Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2010 Posts: 97 Location: Long Beach Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: gaggia baby twin, mini... Grinder: fiorenzato pietro 63mm,... Roaster: weber grill with rk drum
Posted Tue Dec 11, 2012, 8:35pm Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
I have removed the spring from my portafilters and thus take out the baskets but leave the portafilter in the group all the time. It's made my life way easier to dose the baskets out of the pf and just drop them in when I'm ready to pull the shot.
Speaking as someone who is new to the mini.... totally worth it!! Great espresso community there for sure...
EvanOz85 Said:
I have one more newbie question for here though. Do you include the portafilter in the warming flush? I've read that the portafilter should be dry before adding the coffee...so I'm assuming that you either don't include it in the flush or that you need to dry it after.
Firstly, IMHO, keep the portafilter in the machine at all times so that it stays warm if you keep the machine on at all times, or warms up when the machine turns on in the morning. it is part of the warm up for sure. after that I have followed the advice to pull a couple of water shots through the portafilter. that way the whole pathway is up to temp. before a shot I take the portafilter out and dry it, dose it, distribute it, tamp it, load it and pull it.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,317 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Thu Dec 13, 2012, 10:22am Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
EvanOz85 Said:
I have been switching back and forth on which one to buy for a long time now. In the end, I decided that a commercial Trifecta in my kitchen may hinder my chances of getting married.
Don't you want the woman that wants to marry you because of your espresso machines or at least in spite of them?? I wish I could train my husband to make them for me.... he would rather me make them for him...
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
EvanOz85 Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2011 Posts: 258 Location: Lafayette, LA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Preciso, Hario... Vac Pot: Bodum Santos, Yama 5-cup Drip: Chemex, Kone 3, Kalita Wave,... Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Thu Dec 13, 2012, 5:53pm Subject: Re: Finally taking the espresso plunge - Mini Vivaldi
Just got the machine. The steam lever is totally messed up. Sits in the middle position..won't go all the way down. When lifted up to make steam, it just falls right back down to where it was. Tried loosening and tightening the plastic handle on it to no avail. Gonna call Chris' Coffee in the morning. Hopefully this isn't something it has to be sent back for.
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