Greetings all, I’ve been trolling this and other forums for weeks now and have committed to getting a Alex Duetto II as soon as Chris’ Coffee get their next shipment in.
Now I’m simply asking/looking for a recommended list of items that will tell me what is a “Nice to have item” and/or what are “Must have items” to purchase along with the Alex. Such as; bottomless portafilter, preferred cleaning kits/chemicals, back flush baskets, tamp, knock box…you get the idea.
I realize there will likely be as many opinions as there are people on this forum, nonetheless, if you have a recommendation or something to add then I’m certainly listening. Bottom line: I live in Korea and it takes longer to get things mailed to me, not to mention I’m very impatient :) But mostly I do not want to have one of those moments after I've received everything I say, “Oh Crap, I forgot to buy a thingamajig” and have to wait again. Just the initial purchase, as I realize there will be more stuff to get or upgrade to.
So I’m looking for some guidance from the forum on Espresso Paraphernalia.
When I got a new machine, I got a knockbox to go with it. I thought of this as an indulgence, but it's really quite a bit more convenient than other options. You don't need one, but I'd find it annoying to go back to not having one.
Definitely will want a blind basket, and the detergent of your choice (I went with Cafiza, but there are many other options). And a good tamper, if that's not already included in the Chris' Coffee package.
-58 mm tamper -knockbox -stopwatch -scale accurate to 0.1 grams -backflush detergent -descaler or citric acid -blind basket -bar towel (preferably a dark color) -separate bar towel to wipe milk off of steam arm -grouphead brushes (you can improvise like I do, but they seem nice to have) -bottomless PF (more as a learning aid when you're starting out than anything. It's not really necessary, but it's very helpful.) -steaming pitcher (if you make milk drinks)
That's all I can think of right now. By the way, what grinder are you buying?
yes, first the grinder, A GRINDER THAT IS ABLE TO GRIND FOR ESPRESSO, THEY ALL CAN NOT DO THIS , you simply can NOT make espresso without a grinder and with the grinder is fresh coffee, less than 2 weeks FROM THE DAY IT WAS ROASTED, not a best by date.
In reference to the great list that Kenny posted, I will only say,
a stop watch is optional if you have any time piece with a second hand, be it a wrist watch, wall clock etc. Simply note the second you start the pull on (on a number is easiest such as 12 or 2, try not to be between whole number marks) split second timing is not needed.
I use paper towels in place of bar towels, they are easier for me, use and toss. YMMV.
I use my bottomless all the time though I have at least 6 other PFs that will fit this machine. YMMV
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
I use paper towels for cleaning out my PF and just wiping excess grounds off of my table, but my steam wand never gets as clean when I use them instead of a towel. Either way, just make sure you have something next to your machine to clean with. It's almost necessary that you have a towel nearby for the steam wand, and it's just helpful to have something disposable to clean up messes with.
Anyway, none of this is going to be relevant if you don't have a capable grinder. That>all of my suggestions. The machine you're getting is a high end prosumer one, so I'd just at the very least get a Vario or Super Jolly. The choice between those will depend on your personal priorities in a grinder, but they give roughly equal grind quality.
I like having a second timer on the machine set to 27 seconds though I now mostly use that for guidance instead of gospel. In the mornings I don't always have my watch on or my glasses to see the second hand.
I also like having Vario over the grinder you have.
Cups - I found that most of my mugs were too huge for italian style capps and lattes.
And I wish I had a espro pitcher, my steam power is nuts.
Yogurt cups to weigh stuff, make a funnel. You could use stainless steel ones that cooks use to hold sauces.
WDT stirrer I use stainless steel poultry lacers cause that is what I could find.
I bought a 18 count pack of white really rough wash cloths from walmart that I use for clean up. They look and feel different from the ones I use in the bath so it is not an issue. (and I can bleach them if the coffee stains them) I found hand towels were too large and the washcloths last one day and that is perfect for me. ymmv.
VST baskets. I got the 18 one and now I want the one up and one down from my 18. The NS ridged baskets sucked. I am gonna convert the single to a group head pressure gauge.
I cut one of my PF for naked. I use it only for espresso. The whole one holds my back flush disk.
Tamp mat.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
Thanks for all the input. Kenny great list…most (not all) of the items mentioned I had planned on purchasing…so I guess all the reading I’m doing on the forums has paid off a little.
As far as my grinder…I have the virtuoso that I use to grind my home roasts for various coffee brewing methods, mostly the press pot. But I guess the virtuoso is on the bottom rungs of being an espresso grinder. I have decided to give it a try for a few weeks to see if I’m happy with it. However, I’ve spent quite a bit of time looking at grinders also. My house (in the states) only has a 17” clearance for a grinder, so SIZE is one of the driving factors for me. However I have an option (not desirable) to locate the grinder a little further away where clearance is not an issue. I’ve considered both the Mazzer super jolly and mini, the Pro M Allround Grinder, compact K3, and several other that I don’t even remember now. I was hoping NOT to have to spend another $1500+ for a grinder. What is a cheaper option for a grinder in your opinion?
Water quality…I read Jim Schulmans Insanely long water FAQ a couple weeks ago. WOW-the name is spot on ! I don’t remember all the details (that would cause I mind melt) but is water quality really that huge an issue? Should I test the water to confirm? He gives recommendations for doing home tests. The water here in Korea is not hard like many places I’ve lived in the States like Vegas and Albuquerque. Should I be considering a filtration system, which I will need when I return to Alb, NM. When I move back to NM I plan to plumb it in and not use the reservoir, but I will need some sort of filter there I believe.
Cleaning…I like the idea of using a food grade citric acid vice a chemical…not because I’m trying to be green or anything, but just because it seems safer. Any further input on cleaning?
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VST Precision Filter Baskets™ VST VST Precision Filter Baskets Chosen by the world's top roasters, cafés and world barista champions Now Available in Standard & Ridge-Less Versions New 20-gr models – available NOW FREE VST Precision Filter with recommended Barista Tamper VST Precision Filter Basket™...'
The ones that came with my machine were terrible and my tamper could not go passed the ridges, so for me yes. He is overseas so he has a long lead time if he doesn't like the ones his machine comes with or he wants different sizes.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
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