Any advice on the best setting for a typical espresso? Is it the finest scale?
10941
I don't set it on the finest setting but pretty close to that. For espresso, you want the grind to be fine enough that as the water goes through it extracts the most flavor but not so fine that it becomes mud and the water doesn't go through well. If you have an espresso machine at home, you will want to play with the grind a little. The grounds should be well packed and not have excess moisture in them when the extraction is complete. If there is moisture left in the grounds, you will need to adjust.
10942
Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of espresso, though, go for it. Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of... » Read More Absolutely. Go for as fine a ground as you can get without coffee dust flying out of the machine. A very fine setting and dark-roast beans will get you the strongest flavor -- because the more surface area that touches the water, the stronger the brew. I also use more coffee per cup than most instructions suggest: 1/4 cup of grounds per 8-oz mug of coffee. I prefer medium dark beans and less than espresso strength. You get more coffee flavor from beans that aren't dark roasted, in my opinion and that of many coffee roasters, baristas, buyers and growers. If you like the burnt bitterness of espresso, though, go for it. « Show Less
10943
Try the finest setting with a measured dose. Something like 15 grams for a double. If the water has trouble passing through and takes more than 12 or 13 seconds to start dripping out them adjust the grind a little coarser, keeping the dose and the tamping pressure the same. Adjust just the grind until you get your desired time of around 30 seconds or your desired volume.
10944
You want expresso grind to be powder like and feel smooth between your fingers. If your beans are freshly roasted you can try one step less fine because the beans have a little more moisture in them. Really fresh ground beans should brew with some "crema" brown foam on top. That amount of crema is a clue to freshness. Different beans with different roast times also can change the "best" grind setting. Experiment, LOL
1086480
Not sure. Most espresso grounds I've seen are more fine than this. That said, I'd give it a shot. This coffee is amazing.
2045667
I like Americanos, so I use the large cup size. I adjusted the water settings to add more, and I adjusted the strength setting to be as strong as possible. I am experimenting with beans.. I've used Peet's French Roast, Espresso, and Major Dickason. I will probably settle on Espresso Roast at the end. I haven't yet adjusted the grind; the default seems to work fine.
1931945
I have noticed a very slight variation in temperature of the espresso. Typically it is just at a comfortable temp to drink as soon as it is drawn but sometimes it is a bit too hot.
1703888
I have used all different grinds. I like espresso, but I have relatives who like weaker coffee.
1365499
You aren't doing anything wrong. Before I bought this grinder, I really researched what I needed, and I knew going into it, from the expert reviews outside of Amazon, that this grinder is not recommended for Espresso. I didn't want or need espresso grind, so I was fine with this lower end version. I have heard that the Virtuoso model makes good espresso, though I do not have personal experience with that grinder.
963344
You want the grind to be fine as opposed to coarse. (6 or 7) I like a strong espresso so I set my dosage more towards the plus sign.
963345
The settings right out of the box work well. Half way through on the amount and about 10 - 11 on the grind. Of course, this might also have to do with the type of coffee, in my opinion, a mexican lighter roast, bali or indian malabar, might benefit from slightly finer grind. It is a matter of trial and taste.. Good luck!
1248033
If you intend to weight the ground espresso prior to brewing, this would be a fine scale. The reading fluctuates with the items as they placed on the scale and come to a rest, so the reading indeed is instantaneous (there's no pause between the final resting weight of the item & the readout on the monitor). The backlit display screen is always on & the scale is always constantly weighing the measuring plate. Hope this helps.
1790748
I looked back at the picture shown and it isn't quite "that" espresso. It may take on a bit of a cherry tone, but also not true cherry. I hope that makes sense!
935048
Mine is set at 8 on my Baratza Virtuoso, so out of the 40 adjustments it's quite fine.
528785
Certamente! I've had mine for about a year. I'm very pleased with it. I use it to make my morning fix. Occasionally, for two portions of espresso for me & a guest. Just the right size for that.
1624347
Can I use my bricks or does it only grind? Also, this is my first Espresso machine, I know almost nothing about them. Does it come with a good manual? Based on some reviews I read I feel I need to hold a doctorate to operate one. Tell me it aint so.
191467
Definitely espresso. Just to make sure, I set something black on it, and there is a difference. I am very happy with the color.
925133
The other two responses you got are correct in the iced coffee, just like iced tea, pour it over Ice. As far as the temp of the coffee, its quite hot out of my machine, others have to cool it off before they drink it. The taste of the coffee if you like a strong coffee flavor, use the Italian Espresso's on 12OZ serving. Perfect cup of coffee. Just follow the strength dots on the box. The box colors for the best coffee, Red, Orange, Yellow. Personal preference of course. Good Luck
699789
You can get close to an Americano - there's a dial that sets the beverage size - set it lower and get an espresso. I set it to between 2 and 3 o'clock and get a full mug of coffee... I say *close* to an Americano, because when you make one, you pour hot water over the espresso - which breaks up the crema. This continuously brews a mug of coffee through the espresso puck. We like it - rich, definitely more full-bodied than drip.
2116338
Bialetti has been making Aluminum for many years. It is the gold standard for making Espresso. But, I have never had a cup from the Aluminum version. Coffee can have a Ph of 4.7 and will eventually corrode Aluminum. I bought the Stainless Venus for easy dishwasher cleaning and beautiful appearance. It is just perfect, eventually it will need a new gasket, and those are easily available. Recipes... add a teaspoon of Vanilla Ice Cream, or Chocolate. Sounds like Latte or Mocha. After all Ice Cream is milk, sugar and foam. This saves all the bubbling fuss of frothing. This is how my Italian Grandmother from Genoa Italy made it! Forty years before StarBucks. Treat yourself to some ILY Espresso beans, ground. That is about as good as coffee can get Ciao! ( sorry, I am only half Italian )