Company Info 1st Line Equipment, LLC www.1st-line.com sales@1st-line.com

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The most discriminating espresso enthusiasts monitor every element of their extraction process to ultimately attain the "god-shot” on their traditional 'electric-pump' machines. One of those critical elements is the timing of the espresso extraction, and can range from 18 to 30 seconds, depending upon whom you ask!

Extraction time is considered a very critical element because it will indicate any flaws in:

1. the grind fineness of the coffee,
   
2. the amount of coffee in the filter basket, and (3) the tamping pressure (compacting of the coffee in the basket).
   
   

Such flaws can result in espresso extractions that are less than 18 seconds or beyond the important 30-second cut-off point. (Note that the timing cycle begins at the exact moment when the coffee brew switch on the espresso machine is engaged.)

For those that are new to extracting espresso, two of the most frequent errors made during the espresso extraction are:

1. Allowing the extraction to continue beyond 30 seconds, or…
   
2. Permitting too much water to pass through the espressso grinds in less than 18 seconds.
   
   

When this occurs, getting that quintessential espresso shot never has a chance! Using timing techniques to ensure that proper extraction is reached within the right time-limits will enable the new espresso machine owner to more easily adopt the necessary changes to produce that ultimate "god-shot!”

After much research, 1st-line Equipment, LLC has found the TM14-S digital timer to be the most versatile for timing an espresso shot on your traditional espresso machine. In fact, the TM14-S sports a small, compact size that allows for a maximized viewable display area for (not too big and not too small). The 3 button panel also makes it very simple to use.

One nifty feature is the ability to count up or down in one-second increments. Just the way you like it! The TM14-S digital timer also features a total timing capability of about 100 minutes - making it very versatile for not only monitoring your espresso extractions, but also for other coffee-brewing methods, as well as coffee roasting.

The backing of the timer houses a replaceable battery (1.5v LR44) as well as an integral magnet to enable placement on some espresso machines (that have a thick-enough metal exterior) or most refrigerators. At an affordable $9.99 (plus shipping), the timer even has a 5-year limited warranty. To find out more, visit 1st-line today.