CHASEMONSTER
Chicago, Illinois
About me:
My Equipment:
Espresso machine & grinder
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IMITATION IS THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY
chasemonster | Tue, 06/28/2011 - 11:10And espresso companies have been trying to imitate the Rancilio Silvia for years. That's because the Rancilio Silvia is the star pupil in its class. Do a search on youtube for the Rancilio Silvia and there are hundreds of people wanting to show you how they pull a shot on their machine. Plus, many demonstrations on youtube showing how to get the best results from the Rancilio Silvia. There's just a wealth of information on the internet concerning the Rancilio Silvia to help you along. That's because this is not a machine for the amateur. This is a next step up (and for many, the last step) from all of those $50 to $300-$400 pump-espresso machines on the market. Most of those machines have quality build issues, so just when you are starting to fall in love with it, it breaks down. So, you buy another, and it breaks down, etc. Finally, you decide that you don't want to give up your home espresso drinks, but you do want a machine that doesn't break down. A machine that will last for 10 years or more. That is the Rancilio Silvia. In fact, every single part on the Rancilio Silvia is available for sale. Once you buy this machine, realistically you would never need to buy another one. If a part wears out over the years, you simply order it and replace it. Every possible problem that has ever come up with the Rancilio Silvia has already been documented on the internet and explained and resolved. Just google what the issue is that you are experiencing, and several of the coffee discussion sites will have the answer. Or, you can sign on to one of the coffee discussion sites (like http://coffeegeek.com/ ) and ask the other members and they will help you. There is no charge for this help. It is a community of fellow coffee and espresso drinkers all working together to improve the experience for everybody. This is a heavy machine. It has a stainless steel case, and many of the parts are marine brass, due to their superior heat retention and durability. Save the boxes that the machine ships in, and in the coming years, if you ever decide that you want to upgrade even higher to a $2000 to $3000 machine, you will have the boxes to use if you decide to sell your Rancilio. The Rancilio Silvias bring a high price on the resale market. Search on eBay and you will see that used Silvias from 10 years ago are still selling for $300 to $400 today -which is almost what they went for back then! The prices for the newer ones have gone up, as well. One last important detail concerning the Rancilio Silvia. This machine is going to need a quality burr grinder. You will have to learn how to adjust the grind settings because each different batch of coffee beans may require their own different fine setting. (also, your coffee beans should not have been roasted more than 2 to 3 weeks ago) Your best bet for a quality burr grinder right now would probably be a Baratza Preciso (around $300) because this grinder will be capable of all the different fine quality grind settings for espresso, as well as being able to grind at coarser settings for the other coffee drinks like pour over and auto-drip. Here is an excellent review of the Baratza Preciso: http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/quickshot/baratzavirtuosopreciso Also, you can go to the Baratza web site and click on "Refurbished Grinders" and sometimes they will have a Baratza Preciso 'refurb' for sale at $225. Good luck!
I LOVE ME SOME MYPRESSI TWIST!
chasemonster | Fri, 04/29/2011 - 09:26(NOTE: With the mypressi device, it helps to already be familiar with making espresso.) Here is what you will need in addition to the Mypressi Twist: First, you must have a burr grinder that grinds for espresso. Second, you will need a source for boiling water. Third, some coffee beans no older than 2 weeks from date of roast. Fourth, a 53mm tamper. Fifth, you will need N2O gas cartridges. (The mypressi does come with 4 cartridges, by the way) NOTE: The N2O cartridge fits in the opposite end of the handle per the instructions. Now, the key to success, is warming up the water bowl. (nothing else needs to be pre-heated -except for your espresso cup) I empty the water bowl and pour boiling water back into it, and put the cap on loosely, Three...Separate...Times. While the water bowl is warming up, I am preparing the coffee basket. After the third time of pouring boiling water into the water bowl, I get ready to prepare for my shot. First, I place the filter basket, filled with the tamped coffee, into the round opening at the end of the handle. Second, I dump the water out of the water bowl and screw the water bowl onto the handle on top of where the the filter basket sits. Third, I pour a couple of ounces of new boiling water back into the bowl and this time screw the cap on tight. Then, I get set to pull the trigger for my shot. If the espresso comes out right away fast and weak and diluted, then either your grind is not fine enough, or, you did not tamp it hard enough, or possibly both. If the espresso doesn't come out at all, even after 8 to 10 seconds, then either your grind is too fine, or, perhaps you tamped it too hard. You have to experiment at the beginning. The best is when the espresso starts to come out around 8 seconds after you pull the trigger, and then becomes a very thin steady pour. When to let go of the trigger and stop the shot is a matter of opinion and taste. Probably no longer than 40 seconds after first pulling the trigger is a good starting point, and then work backwards from there. i.e. 40 seconds, then 35 seconds, then try 30 seconds. NOTE: I do not recommend using the bottom half with the 2 spouts. Just leave this alone for the time being and practice without it. This is the same as using a bottomless portafilter, and this way you will be able to observe any abnormalities in the pour. Here is a video I made using the Mypressi Twist without the bottom half: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zA7LLOX7gE so you'll know what I mean. NOTE: My review rating is 5 Stars for the quality of espresso this device can produce. HOWEVER: My review rating for durability of the device and quality of build is yet to be determined as I have only been using it off and on for 3 months.
LOVE THESE DARK BEAUTIFUL SHINY BEANS
chasemonster | Sun, 06/20/2010 - 18:33Very strong espresso shots and rich cappuccinos and lattes.
MAKES A SWEET TASTING LATTE
chasemonster | Sun, 06/20/2010 - 18:30I ground them up and made shots of espresso with these beans and they blend very well with steamed milk.