Can I use flavored beans or will the stickiness gunk up the machine?
1830445
I wouldn't.Better to add flavored syrups to the finished product.Also avoid overly oily beans as they don't flow neatly through the mechanism.
1830446
If you use flavored beans dont use it if its more oil or syrup on them, just if they are flavored in the process of roasting them.The flavor gone stay some time when you use it with other beans with out taste. You can not take out the brewer self!
1830447
I wouldn't. Better to add flavored syrups to the finished product. Also avoid overly oily beans as they don't flow neatly through the mechanism.
158834
From my limited use thus so far I have adjusted with the machine off. The only things I can see that may go wrong is some clogging may occur or it will be difficult to go from coarse to fine. I have not experienced that yet like others have. In the instructions they do mention to run for a few seconds while turning grind size knob if you have issues, otherwise grind size can be done while off. Also they mention if it is hard going from coarse to fine then you may have to take hopper off and clear beans....again I have not had any issues of any kind so far.
407870
I have my saeco machine almost 10 years; using other espresso bean with a lot of oil without any clogging issue. This bean does not have much oil.
233478
Probably need espresso grind - best if fresh roasted -also, with practice best with bottomless portafiltet
563104
Yes. I haven't had any issues with sticking. I use this pot every other day at least.
740720
Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky clean. Just keep rising after EVERY use - it'll be fine. Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky... » Read More Hi Charles. I too do not want my coffee to have ANY modifications to the original coffee bean's tastes. I simply rinse the entire apparatus thoroughly with plain tap water each and every I time use it. About once a week I'll use a couple of drops (no more!) of Dawn and a soft sponge on everything, but I've never felt compelled to disassemble any parts; although I suppose you could it just doesn't seem necessary. The instructions say "If it's very dirty" to use a small amount of bleach, but I wouldn't dare use anything so harsh. Besides, after quite a bit of use, it's still squeaky clean. Just keep rising after EVERY use - it'll be fine. « Show Less
2023527
I get flavored coffee at the grocery and then use their grinder set on espresso. I have played around with how I put it in the duck and I find that tapping it down just a bit helps and I still get a nice foam on the top.
1572223
Same here. I would not worry too much about the beans. Never had a problem with the coffee but make sure you alway clean the sprout on the steamer.
697047
I know this is an older question but I'll offer my 2 cents in case other buyers have this same concern. I too was wondering about the 'leftover' grounds stuck in the machine. So, every 2 weeks or so, I grind up 1 Tbls. of dry, uncooked rice on the coarsest setting. This works wonders at clearing out any old grounds as well as any oils that may be left behind, thus eliminating the possibility of rancidity. Then, when you next want to grind coffee beans again, just throw in 1 teaspoon of beans and run them through to clear out any white dust left from the rice cleaning. Dump it out and proceed as usual. Also, be vigilant about cleaning the grinder once a week or more by removing the upper burr and brushing everything out thoroughly, including turning the machine upside down over the sink and tapping it a few times to dump old grounds stuck inside. And don't forget to brush out the chute as well. I never store any beans in the hopper. They will get stale in a matter of hours doing that. The 4 mortal enemies of coffee are: Light, Heat, Moisture & Air. Keep them in an airtight container until you want to brew some coffee. Then you'll have a fresh brew every time.
1238873
Think you might end up with MUSH instead of a minced bean...use your chefs knife..chop-chop...think it would be better. This handy tool is great for herbs...parsley....etc
497122
The only time I've had a problem was when I froze beans. I've since learned that isn't actually good for the beans anyway. But Peet's Major Dickason's blend is my choice also, and works just fine in this coffee maker! I do always, always brew on "strong" and use just a touch less water than the carafe indicates.Edited to add: I 've just read some other answers, and I'm embarrassed - but happy - to report that we never clean the chute. The only time we did was after we froze the beans and they gunked up the works!
1222689
No..it is not recommended. Also, do NOT refrigerate. It kills the flavor and hardens the beans. Keep wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and place in a jar or Tupperware container.
396328
We have been very satisfied with the strength settings. Could it be the beans you are using? If not, I would recommend having the company evaluate your machine.
1857507
Use good espresso beans for starters. Beyond that, adjust the grind (but only when the grinder is operating) to level 1-3 (finest is 1) and move the flavor control knob on the front of the unit to maximum.
1687304
No, it is just strongly flavored. I just add a bit to my other Cameron"s/other beans & it adds a definite depth of flavour to the pot. Good luck w/ your mix!
2182278
It can be a bit of a jolt to learn that espresso machines are about half the cost of great espresso. I use this Gaggia Classic. My Rancillio grinder cost more. Think it through, there are many bean types and freshness varies. Both effect grind. If you buy truely fresh roasted beans they should be ground slightly coarser, still quite fine, for first 4 or 5 days. Then less fresh they dry out a little and need slightly finer grind to control 22sec brew time. Store whole beans in really air tight containers, non refrigerated. The "art" of great espresso is how you grind it. That takes long experience. If you get a truely fresh roast and grind just right you cup will fill with 50% golden foam and it will taste a little sweeter. I still need a little sugar but never milk or foam. Starbucks has an advantage with their always fresh roasts. By the time you can "pull" a good single shot 2oz espresso you might agree with me, LOL. They still give me trouble........... Happy Trails
385102
If you use whole beans and grind them a little coarse, that's the best option. However, I've used pre-ground beans and its worked fine, you just have to beware the extra-bitter magic dust that settles out into the last sip. This is probably true of any press though