Espresso Enthusiasts

[Shrink]

The little mini vac works great!!

It means I don't have to keep moving all the clutter on my counter around to get to the grinds...I can take the vacuum to the stuff that needs picking up.

Anyone interested in getting one, there is a tiny modification that can be made that about doubles the suction.

 

[S.B.G]

The little mini vac works great!!

It means I don't have to keep moving all the clutter on my counter around to get to the grinds...I can take the vacuum to the stuff that needs picking up.

Anyone interested in getting one, there is a tiny modification that can be made that about doubles the suction.

Cool!

A favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to take a photo of your portafilter with coffee in it and your tamper sitting on top? I want to see how much space there is around the edge of the tamper and between the rim of the portafilter.

My new tamper seems to have the extra 1mm spacing, which leaves some coffee slightly untamped.

 

[Shrink]

Cool!

A favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to take a photo of your portafilter with coffee in it and your tamper sitting on top? I want to see how much space there is around the edge of the tamper and between the rim of the portafilter.

My new tamper seems to have the extra 1mm spacing, which leaves some coffee slightly untamped.

I'll be glad to take the picture, but I can tell you without the picture that your observation is correct. When the 53mm tamper I sent you didn't fit, I checked and discovered that your portafilter is 51mm.

The new tamper you bought has 60mm on one end, and 50mm on the other. So since your basket is 51mm, and your tamper is 50mm...your observation that there is a 1mm gap is on the mark!!

There are only two solutions that I can think of (although others might have other ideas for you). Although doing "the knock" is now not considered good practice..that's what I'll suggest. After tamping, lift the tamper out and gently tap the portafilter on the counter to knock the excess grinds sticking to the sides onto the puck, and then tamp again.

The knock is not used any more because it can "fracture" the puck and create channels.

The second solution is to find a 51mm tamper...which will solve the whole problem.

 

[Smileyboy]

I got some Monte Real from DR and my French press makes it sooo nice. Sometime I do prefer this

 

[Shrink]

Cool!

A favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to take a photo of your portafilter with coffee in it and your tamper sitting on top? I want to see how much space there is around the edge of the tamper and between the rim of the portafilter.

My new tamper seems to have the extra 1mm spacing, which leaves some coffee slightly untamped.

Mate, I looked everywhere I could to find 51mm tampers. They are very hard to find. The most common are 53mm and 58mm.

I did find the link below. Absolutely the only 51mm tampers I could find!

http://www.nextag.com/espresso-tamper-51mm/stores-html#!

 

[Kissaragi]

I got some Monte Real from DR and my French press makes it sooo nice. Sometime I do prefer this View attachment 398563

Same thing I use! They are fantastic for making single cups of coffee.

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Cool!

A favor to ask. Would it be possible for you to take a photo of your portafilter with coffee in it and your tamper sitting on top? I want to see how much space there is around the edge of the tamper and between the rim of the portafilter.

My new tamper seems to have the extra 1mm spacing, which leaves some coffee slightly untamped.

theres always a custom made tamper like a reg barber http://www.coffeetamper.com

 

[S.B.G]

Mate, I looked everywhere I could to find 51mm tampers. They are very hard to find. The most common are 53mm and 58mm.

I did find the link below. Absolutely the only 51mm tampers I could find!

http://www.nextag.com/espresso-tamper-51mm/stores-html#!

Cool, thanks! I just ordered this one:

theres always a custom made tamper like a reg barber http://www.coffeetamper.com

Now that is nice! But I really don't want to pay that much for a tamper, though it is a custom job and probably worth it. I'll try the one I ordered above, hopefully it will be sufficient.

 

[Kissaragi]

Now that is nice! But I really don't want to pay that much for a tamper, though it is a custom job and probably worth it. I'll try the one I ordered above, hopefully it will be sufficient.

They are pretty expensive, they really come into their own when you want an absolutely perfect fit. Some of the places will even let you send your filter basket in and then they make the tamper to fit it.

Was just an option for you if you couldn't find a nice 51mm tamper, but it looks like you have.

 

[S.B.G]

They are pretty expensive, they really come into their own when you want an absolutely perfect fit. Some of the places will even let you send your filter basket in and then they make the tamper to fit it.

Was just an option for you if you couldn't find a nice 51mm tamper, but it looks like you have.

I appreciate the link. Shrink had sent me a 52mm tamper under the impression that my portafilter was the same size. But the company had changed it's size since he last used one. I thought about taking that tamper to my dad and having him mill off that 1 millimeter!

 

[Shrink]

They are pretty expensive, they really come into their own when you want an absolutely perfect fit. Some of the places will even let you send your filter basket in and then they make the tamper to fit it.

Was just an option for you if you couldn't find a nice 51mm tamper, but it looks like you have.

I have a Strada basket, and I'm temped to get the "perfect fit" tamper. I have a 58mm Vanelis all stainless steel tamper, which I love because of it's weight (and, I must admit, it's appearance). I'm not sure I could get a closer fit, although there are (expensive) tampers especially made for straight side baskets like the Strada. The basket was expensive, but the precision production techniques, and incredible optical scan quality control does, I believe, make a difference in the coffee production (Or it's a placebo effect to make up for spending so much on a filter basket!!)

See links below for more than any rational human should know about filter baskets:

http://coffeegeek.com/opinions/markprince/04-29-2011

http://www.home-barista.com/reviews...resso-taste-and-barista-technique-t18743.html

I appreciate the link. Shrink had sent me a 52mm tamper under the impression that my portafilter was the same size. But the company had changed it's size since he last used one. I thought about taking that tamper to my dad and having him mill off that 1 millimeter!

Actually, I believe the tamper I sent to you was 53mm...a bit more grinding to get it down to 51mm.

I think the purchase will serve you well.

 

[S.B.G]

I have a Strada basket, and I'm temped to get the "perfect fit" tamper. I have a 58mm Vanelis all stainless steel tamper, which I love because of it's weight (and, I must admit, it's appearance). I'm not sure I could get a closer fit, although there are (expensive) tampers especially made for straight side baskets like the Strada. The basket was expensive, but the precision production techniques, and incredible optical scan quality control does, I believe, make a difference in the coffee production (Or it's a placebo effect to make up for spending so much on a filter basket!!)



Actually, I believe the tamper I sent to you was 53mm...a bit more grinding to get it down to 51mm.

I think the purchase will serve you well.

52mm, 53mm what's the difference, right? LOL. Dad can mill it down to whatever I need. I might have him do it when the weather warms up. Too cold out in the garage to work right now

 

[Shrink]

52mm, 53mm what's the difference, right? LOL. Dad can mill it down to whatever I need. I might have him do it when the weather warms up. Too cold out in the garage to work right now

If you think 1mm differences are silly, take a look at the links I added to my post above. The Strada basket is made to one micron tolerances!!!

If you actually read both articles you will hear a loud knock on your door. Don't open it, it's the men in the white coats with the butterfly net to take you away!!

 

[Kissaragi]

Well thanks to you lot i have so far spent £60 on a new steam wand, tip and filter basket.

Curse you all!

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I appreciate the link. Shrink had sent me a 52mm tamper under the impression that my portafilter was the same size. But the company had changed it's size since he last used one. I thought about taking that tamper to my dad and having him mill off that 1 millimeter!

Im sure he can if he has a lathe. Lots of engineers make their own tampers.

 

[S.B.G]

It's been a 3 espresso/latté day. No particular reason other than they taste so good.

I tell ya, Shrink must be right about the caffeine content in espresso verses drip coffee. I almost never drink drip coffee, but I had a business lunch with Motorola a few days ago and it was cold out here, so instead of an iced tea like I usually get, I decided to get a coffee, well two cups altogether. I felt all hopped up on caffeine all day and into the evening. I don't ever feel that way after espresso.

 

[Shrink]

Well thanks to you lot i have so far spent £60 on a new steam wand, tip and filter basket.

Curse you all!

Oh yeah, well get this if you think you have been profligate with your purchases!! (Why am I bragging that I am insanely extravagant!)

I couldn't resist the below. Since I have a Strada basket, which is made to 1 micron tolerances, and come with a printed report with the results (in print AND graphs) of the hole placement and hole size variability...demonstrating no more than 1 micron variability of that particular basket. It even has a QR code stamped on the side so you can access the quality control report if you lose the one included with the basket!!

The tamper is made specifically for VST and Strada baskets, which is made to 0.05mm tolerance, and measures in at 58.33 to 54.35mm and also includes a signed report of the final quality control check one each tamper proved.

Gosh, I hope it fits!!!

Only a tiny bit over the top...but what the hell...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

This whole thread is brilliant. Bonkers but brilliant. I love it......(and, yes, naturally, I'm a coffee fanatic - just look at my avatar).....it is simply that I now sadly know, and must bow to the regrettable fact that I am not nearly as learned on the topic as some others writing here.....

Anyway, thank you, Shrink. For a fantastically informative, completely insane, quite wonderfully esoterically detailed thread and for sharing your encyclopaedic knowledge (of coffee and its universe) with us and disseminating it with such generous and gracious aplomb........

Edit: I've been away (much needed break) for over a week, and upon my return, this thread has grown and grown.....wow.....

 

[Kissaragi]

I was very tempted to get a vst basket today, went with the good old Synesso Double Ridgeless instead tho.

Been meaning to upgrade from my old Cimbali double for ages, its all dented round the rim from its previous life of abuse in a cafe.

 

[Shrink]

This whole thread is brilliant. Bonkers but brilliant. I love it......(and, yes, naturally, I'm a coffee fanatic - just look at my avatar).....it is simply that I now sadly know, and must bow to the regrettable fact that I am not nearly as learned on the topic as some others writing here.....

Anyway, thank you, Shrink. For a fantastically informative, completely insane, quite wonderfully esoterically detailed thread and for sharing your encyclopaedic knowledge (of coffee and its universe) with us and disseminating it with such generous and gracious aplomb........

Thanks for the kind words. Credit really goes to eric/ for starting the thread!

As for the encyclopedic knowledge...nah, I just make up s*** as I go along!!

I was very tempted to get a vst basket today, went with the good old Synesso Double Ridgeless instead tho.

Been meaning to upgrade from my old Cimbali double for ages, its all dented round the rim from its previous life of abuse in a cafe.

For what it's worst, I do think the VST (or Strada..pretty much the same thing, same 1 micron tolerances, and same price) makes a difference in the taste of your shots.

 

[eric/]

But without the collection of knowledge and experience, what a terrible thread it would be. So thanks to you Shrink

 

[Kissaragi]

For what it's worst, I do think the VST (or Strada..pretty much the same thing, same 1 micron tolerances, and same price) makes a difference in the taste of your shots.

Its just that id start buying fancy tampers if i got the vst and then theres a vst shower screen, a sproline tip..... I need to stop it before it starts!

*edit*

Starts again that is.....

 

[Shrink]

Its just that id start buying fancy tampers if i got the vst and then theres a vst shower screen, a sproline tip..... I need to stop it before it starts!

*edit*

Starts again that is.....

Wait...there's a VST shower screen!!??

Really!?

I've never seen one...please tell me you're kidding!

 

[Kissaragi]

Wait...there's a VST shower screen!!??

Really!?

I've never seen one...please tell me you're kidding!

Hang on, its sproline that make those, not vst. sorry! Still top quality and ultra fine tolerances tho.

http://www.espressoparts.com/EP_TX_SCREENKIT_NS

"Each screen comes with a special dispersion screw that has been designed to work in conjunction with the screen, to deliver an even delivery of water over the puck of coffee"

 

[Shrink]

Hang on, its sproline that make those, not vst. sorry! Still top quality and ultra fine tolerances tho.

http://www.espressoparts.com/EP_TX_SCREENKIT_NS

"Each screen comes with a special dispersion screw that has been designed to work in conjunction with the screen, to deliver an even delivery of water over the puck of coffee"

Happily (for my wallet), my shower screen assembly does not have a center screw.

Even I find that $125.00 for a shower screen is a tad steep.

(But if I'm honest..if it fit, I'd probably get it!!!)

 

[Kissaragi]

Happily (for my wallet), my shower screen assembly does not have a center screw.

Even I find that $125.00 for a shower screen is a tad steep.

We have finally found your limit lol

 

[Shrink]

We have finally found your limit lol

Um...read the additional line added late...

Edit: I've been away (much needed break) for over a week, and upon my return, this thread has grown and grown.....wow.....

Welcome back...you've been missed!