FAQs and Favorites

Have a question or just want to talk espresso? Check out the forum and its FAQs and Favorites!

A complete alphabetical listing of the 620 most popular topics in the forum

Contents
Tips & Techniques · Espresso Machines · Espresso Grinders · Lever Espresso Machines · Coffees · Home Roasting · Knockbox · Digest

Tips & Techniques Forum
1	'Flush and go' technique suitable for smaller HX machines?
2	A few hints from Heather Perry
3	A Strange Form of Extraction Time
4	Achieving Optimal Brew/Pump Pressure
5	Advice to Newbies from a Newbie
6	Are all espresso types extracted in 20-30 seconds?
7	Backflushing... please explain what it is
8	Basket Overdosing; time for a serious re-evaluation!
9	Basket Overdosing: Are triple baskets taboo?
10	Best step by step guide to Rancilio Silvia use?
11	Blade distribution technique?
12	Bottomless portafilter and espresso texture
13	Brew ratio vs brew temperature
14	Brewing ratios for espresso beverages
15	Bricoletta for Dummies
16	Can't tell when the HX water dance ends
17	Cappuccino vs. Latte
18	Cleaning brushed stainless steel
19	Cleaning Note: Front flushing an E61 dispersion screen
20	Coffee waste reduction techniques
21	Controlling shot extraction pattern
22	Counter-intuitive week-old-coffee tip from Ellie
23	Cracking into the Extraction: when and where the espresso puck brews.
24	Cubano shots anyone?
25	Cup shape conducive to latte art?
26	Dialing in a new espresso machine, a step by step guide
27	Digital E61 thermometer adapter - Why does group temperature nosedive after flush?
28	Do I need an upgrade to make good espresso?
29	Do you adjust grind from double to single espressos?
30	Do you free pour or spoon for espresso-based milk drinks?
31	Do you thwack the doser handle fast or slowly?
32	Does a good center tamp take care of the sides?
33	Donut effect
34	E61 HX espresso machine maintenance schedule
35	E61 thermocouple adaptor and flushing observations - aka backflush cooling flush
36	E61 Thermometer Adapter Techniques for Dummies
37	Easy E61 grouphead gasket removal
38	Empty reservoir nightly??
39	Espresso Drinking Technique
40	Espresso texture from spouted versus bottomless portafilter
41	Exercises for tuning your barista techniques
42	Experiments with Preground Coffee for Espresso and a Brew Pot
43	Extraction problems when I tried a new blend
44	Fine grind / small dose versus coarse grind / big dose: Is there a difference?
45	Freshness of hopper vs. hopperless
46	Getting to know the Rancilio Silvia
47	Grind setting vs. the effect of tamp pressure
48	Guideline for brewing decaf espresso?
49	Help with Gaggia Espresso perfect crema device and machine
50	Here, water boils @ 195F. Your recommendations for espresso roasts?
51	Home barista techniques that the pros shun (and vice versa)
52	How Al's Rule Saved My Life
53	How can 30 lbs be a universal tamper pressure?
54	How did you learn to make quality espresso?
55	How do you explore the extraction space?
56	How does high altitude affect brewing?
57	How important is tamping?
58	How important is the tamper, correct pressure, and 'twist'?
59	How long do you allow your espresso to sit before adding milk?
60	How many espresso "sink shots" do you pull?
61	How much is too much for barista training?
62	How much time does your morning espresso routine require?
63	How to consistently dose coffee for a traditional espresso
64	How to get better crema with non-pressurized portafilter
65	How to get decent espresso from thermoblock espresso machine?
66	How to get/test the right pressure for espresso
67	How to properly use a Scace thermofilter?
68	How to reduce coffee waste?
69	How to Steam Milk for Cappuccinos and Lattes [video]
70	How to use cheapo thermocouple?
71	HX espresso machines waste water - or do they?
72	I'm overdosing. Who knew!?
73	Ideal crema is dark, light, or golden?
74	Importance of regular backflush/cleaning
75	Is making good espresso really hard?
76	It's the Barista, Stupid
77	Keeping your espresso workarea clean
78	La Marzocco Basket Woes
79	Latte Art Challenge[d]
80	Learning latte art with steamed soapy water [video]
81	Looking for the "rules of thumb" on espresso-making variables
82	Lower pressure brewing
83	Mazzer Mini - how much adjustment for different coffees?
84	Measure dose from whole beans or what ends up tamped?
85	Milk Frothing in a McDonald's Hot Cup
86	Most common mistakes a barista makes
87	My attempt - Silvia and Rocky, the video - HELP NEEDED!
88	Need hints on using E61 thermocouple adapter
89	Neverending Novelty of Nakedness... Not
90	New perspective on value of the naked portafilter
91	Overdosing leads to inconsistent results
92	Pay Attention
93	Please describe the Stockfleth's Move
94	Please offer me guidance on how to use my "naked" portafilter
95	Poor espresso has to wait for the milk
96	Problem with channeling? Dose less and grind finer
97	Problems with my new Rancilio Silvia
98	Professional training for the non-professional
99	Proper distribution technique when "down dosing" using WDT
100	Properly Frothing and Pouring Milk
101	Purpose of the Tamp
102	Putting it all together
103	Question on dosing quantity versus grind
104	Removing stubborn portafilter baskets
105	Scratch Removal from Stainless Steel
106	Second shot pulls faster than first
107	Seeking low tech way to measure brew temperature
108	Shot volume -- what IS two ounces?
109	Side channeling solved by accident.
110	Significance of using different baskets?
111	Slight modification to the Weiss Distribution Technique
112	Slow extraction and watery puck
113	Solubles Yield as a function of Grind and Dwell Time
114	Sounds of Frothing
115	Soupy puck syndrome
116	Sour pour with Silvia/Macap?
117	Spinning for distribution?
118	Spot the distribution technique
119	Steaming & pulling sequencing? Too much crema? and other questions
120	Still can't froth milk properly
121	Stockfleth's move vs. circular finger dosing?
122	Stockfleths Move for Dummies [video]
123	Surprised by my weight!
124	Switching from a double to a single without changing the grind?
125	Tamp and Dose Techniques Digest
126	Tamping Technique - whether to tap? and where?
127	Tamping Twaddle
128	Taste at the end of the extraction
129	Techniques for making large quantities of quality espresso drinks quickly
130	The $10 Method for Temperature Tuning an HX Machine
131	The Denver effect?
132	The problem is on the handle side of the portafilter
133	The Weiss Distribution Technique is NOT a 'cheat'!
134	Theory behind flushing an E61 HX machine
135	Timing a double shot
136	Timing of extraction starts when?
137	Tips for making a better Americano?
138	Two ounce pour with or without crema?
139	Understanding Espresso
140	Unexpected results when forgetting to tamp
141	Updosing Revisited
142	Videos of different techniques of dose-distribute-level-tamp sequence
143	Videos of espresso extractions
144	Ways to a great single espresso with a single basket
145	WBC-style dose and tamp?
146	WDT for single baskets and low headspace machines
147	Wet pucks
148	What about "overdosing" makes channeling more likely?
149	What does your typical espresso rate?
150	What espresso blend to start with?
151	What is your method of HX brew temperature management?
152	What's the best way to use Eric's E61 thermometer adaptor?
153	What's the key criteria for stopping espresso extraction?
154	When did this espresso extraction go blond? [another video]
155	When did this espresso extraction go blond? [slow motion video]
156	When did this espresso extraction go blond? [video quiz]
157	When to start timing shots from naked portafilter?
158	Why don't pros use the WDT? More advanced distribution techniques?
159	Why run boiler so high that it requires long cooling flush?
160	Why tap the portafilter?

Espresso Machines Forum
1	Adjusting espresso machine's rotary pump brew pressure?
2	Adjusting Rancilio Silvia brew pressure (OPV)
3	Advantage of E61 lever action semi-auto espresso machines
4	Advice about bringing an espresso machine out of storage?
5	Advice on grouphead gasket removal needed
6	An idea for simple temperature control in E61 machines
7	Astra and the no-tamp espresso
8	Best espresso gear on a student's budget?
9	Best espresso machine for around $500
10	Best way to recharge the in-tank water softener
11	Brew pressure, boiler insulate, preheat HX coil for Isomac
12	Building a Portafilter Pressure Gauge
13	Buying / upgrading espresso machine or grinder this year?
14	Calibration of a group thermometer
15	Can a rotary pump suck up from a bucket?
16	Can ANY 110v Heat Exchanger Machine "Pass" the WBC
17	Can anyone explain preinfusion on the E61?
18	Can I get good espresso from a budget friendly espresso machine?
19	Checking an E61 Espresso Machine for Scale
20	Cleaning a filthy espresso machine
21	Cleaning shower screen
22	Cleaning Stainless Steel
23	Commercial espresso machines in the home
24	Concerns about flooding from a plumbed in espresso machine
25	Constant dripping from E61 grouphead
26	Converting a pourover espresso machine to direct connect
27	Cutaway of La Marzocco saturated grouphead
28	Dedicated Steamer?
29	Degraded espresso machine performance OR "The Scale Monster Attacks!"
30	Dialing in temperature on a commercial HX espresso machine
31	Difference between (super) automatic and manual espresso machines
32	Digital Pressure Adapter
33	Discount replacement water softener and carbon filters
34	Distilled and tap water ratio for optimal taste vs. scale
35	DIY bottomless portafilter block for a level tamp
36	DIY guide for bottomless portafilter?
37	Do most plumb-in machines require external pressure?
38	Do you leave your espresso machine on all the time?
39	Does a vibe pump fail suddenly?
40	Does basket diameter matter?
41	Draining an HX boiler for storage and shipping
42	E61 Group Espresso Machine: Detailed Interior Schematics
43	E61 Group Espresso Machine: Is its reputation justified?
44	E61 Thermal Analysis Questions
45	Electricity Usage Monitor
46	Eliminating noise from vibration
47	Errors in temperature and pressure measurements
48	Espresso Machine Cleaning Digest
49	Espresso machine trips GFI outlet
50	Espresso machine voltage conversion from 110V to 240V
51	Espresso Machines 101
52	Exterior Cleaning Tips
53	First "real" espresso machine questions
54	Flojet and rotary pump questions
55	Flood Mitigation for Plumbed Espresso Machines
56	Flow rate of a rotary pump espresso machine
57	Fluke vs. Omega Dataloggers for use with Scace thermofilter
58	Frozen bolts won't budge
59	Getting the most out of Starbucks Barista while saving for upgrade
60	Good all round explanation of PID stuff
61	Grinder vs Espresso Machine: How to split 2K?
62	HB Roadshow - Espresso Tamper Reviews
63	Help choosing a superauto for my parents
64	Help! $1000 budget for espresso machine & grinder
65	Homemade Knockbox removable bottom for cleaning
66	How can I adjust the brew pressure of a vibe pump espresso machine?
67	How do I check brew pressure without a gauge?
68	How do I descale my espresso machine?
69	How do I tell the rating of the circuit in my kitchen
70	How do I turn down the steam boiler pressure?
71	How do you descale a non-reservoir machine, ie. Vetrano?
72	How do you lubricate a squeaky E61 lever mechanism?
73	How long before you upgraded from a Rancilio Silvia-class espresso machine?
74	How many tampers do you own?
75	How much difference to brew temperature does HX boiler temperature make?
76	How much espresso machine is enough?
77	How often do you replace e61 gaskets
78	How to adjust an espresso machine pressurestat (boiler temperature)
79	How to change E61 group gasket & screen
80	How to clean an E61 dispersion screen
81	How to descale HX espresso machine
82	How To Make Your Own Naked Portafilter
83	How to Preinfuse; Extraction Pressure Redux
84	How to remove the dispersion screen and gasket of an E61?
85	How to: La Marzocco OEM Portafilter fit E61 Group (Alternative Modification)
86	I still don't get it: Why adjust the OPV?
87	I told you so...
88	If You Were Buying a Second Espresso Machine for a Second Location...
89	Insulated boiler yes or no
90	Is a Flojet necessary for vibe pump drawing from bottle?
91	Is E61 HX espresso machine a good place to start?
92	Is it really necessary to adjust vibe pump brew pressure?
93	Is there a purpose for the E61 middle brew lever position?
94	Is there a temperature vs boiler pressure table?
95	Is this filter design "normal"?
96	Leaking E61 brew lever, is it normal?
97	Leave it on, or turn it off?
98	Looking for a cheap(ish) but decent starter espresso machine
99	Looking for a meter to go with E61 thermocouple adaptor
100	Looking for basic HX espresso machine
101	Looking for cheap espresso machine and grinder
102	Low Brew Pressure = Mild = Lever?
103	Making the case against Super Automatics
104	Making the case for super-automatic espresso machines (again)
105	Metallic particles/flakes in the water...
106	Minimum equipment to produce good espresso
107	Mixing citric acid/sour salt for decalcifying
108	Monitoring Brew Temperature - E61 & Silvia
109	More on boiler insulation
110	Must torque portafilter really hard to stop leaking - normal?
111	Newbie Question: Coffee sticks to filter basket
112	Noisy/faulty OPV and use of OPV in general
113	One week with the La Marzocco GS3
114	Opinions of buying a new model espresso machine
115	OPV adjustment question - QuickMill Alexia
116	PID on a HX...this is my thinking, is it flawed?
117	Possibly upgrading to double boiler
118	Preheating the incoming water on a Gaggia Classic
119	Preinfusion on the E61 - revisited
120	Pressure profiles, preinfusion and the forgiveness factor
121	Rancilio Silvia 4 Hole Stainless Steel Steam Wand Tip
122	Rancilio Silvia Dilemma - it's a love/hate thing!
123	Rancilio Silvia Performance with/without PID
124	Rancilio Silvia powered on but no heat
125	Rancilio Silvia steam tip alternatives
126	Rancilio Silvia with PID vs. competition on shot quality
127	Recharging a water softener
128	Recommendations for pressure setting on OPV requested
129	Recommended inexpensive scale for weighing coffee?
130	Removing dents from your espresso machine
131	Repairing a ULKA vibratory pump
132	Rotary pump cup clarity achievable with a mod ?
133	Should I bother with an espresso machine?
134	Simplified HX Descale [PourOver]
135	So, the silvia seems to have fallen out of favor?
136	Sputtering e61 & HX scale build-up - Cured!
137	Stinky steam
138	Super-Automatic vs Automatic vs Semi
139	Synesso (or whatever) basket vs LM basket
140	Tamper bottoms: Flat or convex?
141	Tasted Your Reservoir Water Lately?
142	Temperature Stability . . . . from a Heat Exchanger
143	Temperature surfing Rancilio Silvia
144	Testing Brew Pressure
145	The E61 Group - Truth and Lies
146	The Impact of Autofill on Shot Temperature and Pressure in an HX Machine
147	The Impact of Frothing on HX Temperature Stability
148	The Impact of Preinfusion on the Taste of Espresso Shots
149	The importance of brew pressure, purpose of adjusting OPV?
150	The risk of using a timer
151	The Worst Thing about HX Machines/Heat Exchangers are evil
152	Thread sealant/plumber's dope on fittings
153	Time from cold until ready to brew
154	Tips on upgrading from Rancilio Rocky/Silvia combo
155	Vacuum breaker - serviceable?
156	Very soft water fools boiler fill sensor - better idea than adding a little salt?
157	Water pressure and the effect(s) it may have on rotary pump
158	Water, Scaling and Descaling with HX machines?
159	Wet steam troubleshooting
160	What are "must have" accessories for new espresso machine
161	What do you look for in a good tamper?
162	What E61 & grinder would you buy for <$2K?
163	What is a three way solenoid valve?
164	What is that ugly Allen screw for?
165	What is the purpose of long HX flushes?
166	What is the ultimate home machine?
167	What makes it an E61 group?
168	What steaming pitcher shape do you prefer?
169	What was your upgrade path from a Rancilio Silvia class espresso machine?
170	When to recharge water softener?
171	Where can I get citric acid?
172	Which basket for a fill, level then tamp 14g dose?
173	Why are HX espresso machines so popular?
174	Why backflushing is important to the health of your espresso machine
175	Yet another way of making your own bottomless portafilter
176	Your favorite tamper, if you could choose only one...

Espresso Grinders Forum
1	Are Cunill Tranquilo steps sufficiently small? (suggested mods included)
2	Best (inexpensive) grinder for drip/french press?
3	Best $100 to $150 second grinder
4	Best Inexpensive Grinder?
5	Burr grinder for French press?
6	Cleaning a Mazzer Mini
7	Cleaning Cimbali Jr. grinder
8	Cleaning Grinder Between Blends
9	Cleaning the burrs of a Macap M4 Stepless Grinder
10	Coffee grounds in new Mazzer grinder - normal?
11	Convenience of Stepless vs. Stepped Grinders
12	Damage espresso grinder burrs by adjusting them too close?
13	Deep cleaning of very dirty Mazzer Super Jolly
14	Dialing in a stepless grinder
15	Difference between Mazzer Mini E burrs and Super Jolly burrs?
16	Doserless to doser and back again... the debate continues
17	Getting started with MACAP M4 Stepless
18	Good approximate Mazzer grind setting for espresso/French press
19	Grinder burr types explained (flat, conical, DRM)
20	Grinder burrs touching is the "kiss of death"?
21	Grinder settings for drip/French press/perc
22	Hand (grinder) Jive - a photo essay
23	How often to replace burrs in Mazzer Jolly home use?
24	How to evaluate condition of used Mazzer grinder
25	How to find the Rocky true zero point
26	How to know Rocky burrs are worn out?
27	How to make your Mazzer dose like an Anfim
28	How to Tame a Messy Mazzer Doser
29	Improving Mazzer doser efficiency
30	Inexpensive grinder suggestions
31	Is some French press mud normal even for a Mazzer Mini?
32	It's the Grinder, Stupid
33	La Cimbali Junior Grinder Mod - Hopper Throat Extension
34	Mazzer Kony - removing doser microswitch instructions
35	Mazzer Mini adjustment only while running?
36	Mazzer Mini Component Photos
37	Mazzer Mini Old and New Burrs -- A Macro Look
38	Mazzer reassembly problem after burr replacement
39	Mazzer Super Jolly (2-liter bottle) doserless modification
40	Mazzer Super Jolly "Home Depot" Hopper
41	Minute Rice to clean a grinder
42	My cheap and easy stepless Rocky mod...
43	Need help removing doser from Mazzer Mini
44	Opinions on high-end grinders?
45	Pros and cons of doser vs. doserless grinder?
46	Rancilio Rocky Mod - Easy Continuous Grind
47	Removing interlock collar from a mazzer kony hopper... without breaking it!
48	Removing Super Jolly lower burr carrier
49	Replacing burrs of Rancilio Rocky grinder
50	Rocky burr wear
51	Rocky Mods - How to turn it into an uber grinder
52	Rocky thread slop and the teflon tape fix
53	Sour/bitter espresso... is it my grinder?
54	Starting espresso setting for Rancilio Rocky
55	Switching Macap M4 from stepped to stepless - DONE!
56	The role of fines and what we really want from a grinder
57	Titan Grinder Project provokes upgrade fever - what's the cure?
58	Titan Grinder Project: Can it Beat the Mazzer Robur?
59	Urnex Grindz Espresso Grinder Cleaner (before/after photos)
60	Use preground coffee while saving for an espresso grinder?
61	Vacuum for Grinder
62	Warning about grinder burr / carrier removal
63	What is your grinder of choice and why?
64	What's with the clumps?
65	Which grinder would you choose?
66	Which way to turn Macap stepless to make the grind coarser?
67	Why good espresso grinders not good for drip ???
68	Why so widely spaced grind settings for some espresso blends?

Lever Espresso Machines Forum
1	A Soft Pull Technique
2	All-Clad Presso - the minimalist pour over espresso machine
3	Alternative food safe lube to Dow Corning 111
4	An Espresso Travel Kit: Taking charge of your coffee when away.
5	Calculating the force on the level required to reach 9 bars?
6	Cannot get good results with the naked portafilter
7	Clevis to Lever - further explorations in Espresso Space
8	Comments on my technique [video]
9	Deep cleaning an Elektra Microcasa
10	Descaling an Elektra Microcasa a Leva
11	Do I need to empty lever machine's boiler each day?
12	Draining boiler of lever espresso machine while away?
13	Elektra Microcasa a Leva not heating
14	Elektra/Pavoni side by side
15	Fellini does espresso ...
16	Has anyone ever PID'd a lever machine?
17	How do lever machines work? I know, no pump ... but ...
18	How to adjust the LaPavoni / Gaggia pressurestat
19	How to clean an Europiccola
20	Incomplete list of Gravity-fed lever machines
21	Is it ok to leave the boiler full of water for 24 hours?
22	La Pavoni Pro in the hands of pros
23	Lever Espresso Machine Gallery
24	Lever espresso machines that do not overheat like La Pavoni
25	Lever multiple pull techniques
26	Levers and SO coffee
27	Lubricating a lever machine
28	Milk foaming on La Pavoni
29	Olympia Cremina Offical Factory Setup Information
30	Olympia Express Parts and Support Issues
31	Olympia Parts for Immediate Delivery
32	Pavoni europiccola newbie confused... and heads up on a decent price
33	Peppina Redux
34	Piston gasket replacement on Elektra Microcasa a Leva (MCaL)
35	Refeathering the Peacock - Pavoni head gasket replacement
36	Restoration of an Olympia Cremina
37	Ristretto in a hand levered machine?
38	The 'Fellini Move' in Pictures
39	The LMWDP guide to lever espresso stands of the world
40	The Lure of the Lever
41	To tamp or not to tamp
42	Top on or off when emptied over night?
43	Using the Olympia Cremina -- The Movie (Video)
44	Visit to the Olympia Factory
45	Warning: Filthy Images! How to Descale a Lever?
46	What's so great about an Olympia Cremina?
47	When filling lever machine cylinder, where does the air go?
48	Why a double basket with single pulls?
49	Why do I get better espresso with a single-shot basket?

Coffees Forum
1	"Attack" in espresso tasting
2	An Aficionado's Guide to Espresso Blending
3	Are Tobacco Flavours Common?
4	Blend differences for pure espresso and milk-mixes?
5	Blending for Mouthfeel
6	Cupping 101
7	Cupping technique to minimize suspended grounds
8	Dark roast espresso blends
9	Decaf bitterness after a couple days
10	Decaf Coffees Post-Roast Shelf Life
11	Do you add sugar to your espresso?
12	Do you handicap your single-origin espresso evaluations?
13	Espresso Tasting Notes
14	Favorite/"Best" single origin espresso?
15	Forgiving beginner's coffees?
16	Freeze 'n' Re-freeze
17	General rule to allowing coffees to rest?
18	Getting close, seeking advice to maximize flavor
19	Good coffees I've had recently
20	Good espressos I've had away from home
21	Have you purchased "ultra premium" priced coffees for espresso?
22	How many double espressos do you get per pound of roasted beans?
23	How many pounds of coffee do you consume per year?
24	How often do you change espresso blends?
25	How old is too old?
26	I once had a farm in Nicaragua
27	Iced Coffee, what do you use and how do you make it?
28	If you had to recommend just one Single Origin coffee for espresso?
29	Is brew temperature the most difficult part of the equation to figure out?
30	Is it possible to tell why some coffees are more forgiving?
31	Leaving coffee beans in hopper
32	Precise Blend for Verona Espresso From Classico Coffee
33	Proper way to drink espresso?
34	Questions for those who freeze coffee still in the bag...