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Main
Date: 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22
From: Bob Wilson
Subject: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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Hi,
What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
tiny holes in the portafilter?
I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
issue (I like my fingers!)
Bob Wilson
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 01:59:07
From: Barry Jarrett
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
Wilson) wrote:
>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
fire.
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Date: 20 Jun 2006 17:44:31
From: Randy G.
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob Wilson) wrote:
>Hi,
>
>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
>I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
>means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
>the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
>issue (I like my fingers!)
>
Espresso machine cleaner. I recommend Cafiza by Urnex but any such
product will do. Mix with hot water and soak overnight if necessary.
Do the saem for the portafilter body, shower screen, shower head, and
any other removeable parts that are cleanable. Only precaution is to
be sure that the cleaner is OK with your machine (some cleaners are
rough on aluminum for example) and to rinse everything thoroughly.
DIscard the first shot to be sure.
Also, if you machine has a 3-way valve, check into backflushing...
Randy "just did" G.
http://www.EspressoMyEspresso.com
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 01:45:24
From: Paul Monaghan
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 17:44:31 -0700, Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com >
wrote:
>bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob Wilson) wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>>tiny holes in the portafilter?
Looking at Randy's and Ian's comments and your original post I think I
misinterpreted what you're trying to clean - I guess you want to clean
the basket, which is held in place by the PF.
FWIW I second their advice, but I would separate the basket from the
PF before doing that, and clean each part separately (as I imagine
both of them would do as well). If you are seeing a lot of scum on the
top side of the basket, I'd bet you'll find even more beneath it and
want to remove that too.
On many machines the basket can be removed from the PF either by hand
or with a simple slot screwdriver and some leverage, but if you have a
special "crema enhancing" pf maybe there is more involved. I don't
know, as I know nothing about them. For this reason I don't want to
tell you to just pry off the basket as that may harm it.
What machine do you have?
Paul
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Date: 20 Jun 2006 21:07:07
From: Bob Wilson
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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Paul Monaghan <monaghan@shorelinelegal.com > wrote:
> On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 17:44:31 -0700, Randy G. <frcn@DESPAMMOcncnet.com>
> wrote:
>
> >bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob Wilson) wrote:
> >
> >>Hi,
> >>
> >>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> >>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
>
> Looking at Randy's and Ian's comments and your original post I think I
> misinterpreted what you're trying to clean - I guess you want to clean
> the basket, which is held in place by the PF.
Correct. It is the basket I'm trying to clean. I have two and one needs
to have the little holes cleaned.
> FWIW I second their advice, but I would separate the basket from the
> PF before doing that, and clean each part separately (as I imagine
> both of them would do as well). If you are seeing a lot of scum on the
> top side of the basket, I'd bet you'll find even more beneath it and
> want to remove that too.
It is just the stuff that has filled the little holes I'm after.
> On many machines the basket can be removed from the PF either by hand
> or with a simple slot screwdriver and some leverage, but if you have a
> special "crema enhancing" pf maybe there is more involved. I don't
> know, as I know nothing about them. For this reason I don't want to
> tell you to just pry off the basket as that may harm it.
>
> What machine do you have?
A Capresso 100 bought years ago when they went end of production.
Bob Wilson
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 02:57:00
From: Paul Monaghan
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:07:07 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
Wilson) wrote:
>
>Correct. It is the basket I'm trying to clean. I have two and one needs
>to have the little holes cleaned.
Got it. Soak it (as recommended by I/R in the detergents they
recommend). I don't think there is a tool small enough to punch the
crud out of those holes and you'd be there forever in any event...
... but maybe you or your partner sews silk and you have tiny needles
and some time?
;-)
Best,
Paul
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 06:36:31
From: someone
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On Wed, 21 Jun 2006 02:57:00 GMT, Paul Monaghan
<monaghan@shorelinelegal.com > wrote:
>On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:07:07 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
>Wilson) wrote:
>
>>
>>Correct. It is the basket I'm trying to clean. I have two and one needs
>>to have the little holes cleaned.
>
>Got it. Soak it (as recommended by I/R in the detergents they
>recommend). I don't think there is a tool small enough to punch the
>crud out of those holes and you'd be there forever in any event...
>
>... but maybe you or your partner sews silk and you have tiny needles
>and some time?
>
>;-)
>
>Best,
>Paul
Use a sewing needle or hypodermic needle, and don't stick yourself.
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 17:16:02
From: I->Ian
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On Wed, 21 Jun 2006 06:36:31 GMT, someone <nobody@nowhere.com > wrote:
>On Wed, 21 Jun 2006 02:57:00 GMT, Paul Monaghan
><monaghan@shorelinelegal.com> wrote:
>
>>On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 21:07:07 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
>>Wilson) wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>Correct. It is the basket I'm trying to clean. I have two and one needs
>>>to have the little holes cleaned.
>>
>>Got it. Soak it (as recommended by I/R in the detergents they
>>recommend). I don't think there is a tool small enough to punch the
>>crud out of those holes and you'd be there forever in any event...
>>
>>... but maybe you or your partner sews silk and you have tiny needles
>>and some time?
>>
>>;-)
>>
>>Best,
>>Paul
>
>
>
>
>
>Use a sewing needle or hypodermic needle, and don't stick yourself.
WoTaE = Waste of Time and Effort.
Use the cleaners and the holes are as clean as new...
I checked with a microscope...
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 00:27:12
From: I->Ian
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
Wilson) wrote:
>Hi,
>
>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
>I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
>means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
>the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
>issue (I like my fingers!)
>
>Bob Wilson
Soak in Cafiza or similar cleaner.
Add a table spoon of Cascade to a basket and pull a couple of shots.
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 00:26:14
From: Paul Monaghan
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
Wilson) wrote:
>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>tiny holes in the portafilter?
If you mean the spouts I've had good luck soaking in espresso
detergent overnight in (initially) hot water. For really big deposits
I suppose I'd try some craft store type pipe cleaners.
Hope that helps.
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 08:21:34
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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Bob Wilson wrote:
> Hi,
>
> What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
> I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
> means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
> the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
> issue (I like my fingers!)
I find that a scrub with a brush of the type intended to clean
fingernails ('nailbrush'?) with ordinary dish-washing detergent leaves
them spotless. Check that the bristles are narrow enough to fit
through the basket holes, and shorter rather than longer, for best
results. Definitely don't use abrasives.
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 04:20:27
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Yet another method:
compressed air! from the 'back' side
Never use a needle or a pin -- it may enlarge the holes, ruining the
thing.
dave " gtretrfu77nbfcfcm" b
professional Saeco / Gaggia service SE
Johnny wrote:
> <haddonist@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:1150871902.658804.15980@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
> <snip/>
> > Warm water, dishwashing liquid or espresso clean, and 40khz vibrations
> > will work wonders.
> Aha I haven't tried the ultrasonic cleaner but I will now. Thanks Paul.
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Date: 20 Jun 2006 23:38:22
From: haddonist@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
> What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
> I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
> means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
> the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
> issue (I like my fingers!)
An alternative to espresso cleaner (or as well as if you've inherited
abused equipment) is an ultrasonic cleaner. They start at $20 and go up
past ones big enough to stick an entire espresso machine in ;)
Warm water, dishwashing liquid or espresso clean, and 40khz vibrations
will work wonders.
Cheers
Paul Haddon
Sydney, Aus
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 00:52:36
From: Johnny
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
<haddonist@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1150871902.658804.15980@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
<snip/ >
> Warm water, dishwashing liquid or espresso clean, and 40khz vibrations
> will work wonders.
Aha I haven't tried the ultrasonic cleaner but I will now. Thanks Paul.
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Date: 21 Jun 2006 08:50:07
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
In article <1150871902.658804.15980@b68g2000cwa.googlegroups.com >,
haddonist@gmail.com <haddonist@gmail.com > wrote:
> > What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> > tiny holes in the portafilter?
> > I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
> > means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
> > the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
> > issue (I like my fingers!)
> An alternative to espresso cleaner (or as well as if you've inherited
> abused equipment) is an ultrasonic cleaner. They start at $20 and go up
> past ones big enough to stick an entire espresso machine in ;)
Take the basket(s) to a local Optician/Optometrist, (or
whatever you call them). They often have ultrasonic cleaners
for gently and rapidly de-gunging spectacles of hidden grease
and/or inaccessible particles..
> Warm water, dishwashing liquid or espresso clean, and 40khz vibrations
> will work wonders.
..alternatively, apologise to any near neighbours, bribe
the partner, place basket in small, lidded container with
cleaning liquid, place directly against sub-woofer, turn
MeatLoaf's "Bat Out Of Hell" (whatever or similar) up to
a full resonating volume with playback loop engaged...
..sit back in aural bliss (or with exquisitely canned Mozart)..
Voila! ;))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
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Date: 22 Jun 2006 09:55:59
From: Jeff Davis - Charter
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On 6/20/06 6:58 PM, in article
1hh8v8e.1hp2haz172o3drN%bwilson4use@hotmail.com, "Bob Wilson"
<bwilson4use@hotmail.com > wrote:
> Hi,
>
> What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
> I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
> means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
> the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
> issue (I like my fingers!)
>
> Bob Wilson
As usual I agree with Barry - try fire. Maybe the self cleaning cycle of
your oven.
Back when I had a two stroke bike I used to clean the muffler baffles with a
propane torch - just heat it up to red hot, wait until the smoke cleared and
then tap out the ash.
But that was before I had a self cleaning oven. :)
Jeff - (It's not possible to use too much energy to achieve the perfect
cup.)
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Date: 25 Jun 2006 02:35:51
From: D. Ross
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
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Date: 25 Jun 2006 07:28:51
From: Coffee for Connoisseurs
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Gas flame. Works a treat on showerscreens & filter baskets.
--
Alan
alanfrew@coffeeco.com.au
www.coffeeco.com.au
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Date: 22 Jun 2006 15:17:04
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Jeff Davis - Charter wrote:
> On 6/20/06 6:58 PM, in article
> 1hh8v8e.1hp2haz172o3drN%bwilson4use@hotmail.com, "Bob Wilson"
> <bwilson4use@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi,
> >
> > What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
> > tiny holes in the portafilter?
> >
> > I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
> > means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
> > the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
> > issue (I like my fingers!)
> >
> > Bob Wilson
>
> As usual I agree with Barry - try fire. Maybe the self cleaning cycle of
> your oven.
> Back when I had a two stroke bike I used to clean the muffler baffles with a
> propane torch - just heat it up to red hot, wait until the smoke cleared and
> then tap out the ash.
Hmm, not sure if you're kidding but serious heat will anneal the metal
leaving it softer; not good for something that sees 150 pounds per
square inch
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Date: 22 Jun 2006 19:04:16
From: Marshall
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
Wilson) wrote:
>Hi,
>
>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>
>I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
>means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
>the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
>issue (I like my fingers!)
>
>Bob Wilson
Well, no one else has asked, so I will. Why do you think there is any
significant organic material in the tiny holes, and why do you care?
Marshall "happy rinsing with hot water after each use"
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Date: 22 Jun 2006 18:29:35
From: Bob Wilson
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Marshall <mrfuss@ihatespamearthlink.net > wrote:
> Well, no one else has asked, so I will. Why do you think there is any
> significant organic material in the tiny holes, and why do you care?
When you look through the bottom of the basket held up to the light, you
can tell a lot of the little holes are blocked. The problem is they
reduce the flow to a trickle and the crema (sp?) disappears. It also
tastes a little 'flat' . . . not as aeromatic.
When I put my spare basket it, suddenly my 20-30 second shots were back
with a lot of crema and flavor.
Bob Wilson
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Date: 23 Jun 2006 09:06:42
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
In article <1hhcj8p.17vfqohrc7gcqN%bwilson4use@hotmail.com >,
Bob Wilson <bwilson4use@hotmail.com > wrote:
> Marshall <mrfuss@ihatespamearthlink.net> wrote:
> > Well, no one else has asked, so I will. Why do you think there is any
> > significant organic material in the tiny holes, and why do you care?
> When you look through the bottom of the basket held up to the light, you
> can tell a lot of the little holes are blocked. The problem is they
> reduce the flow to a trickle and the crema (sp?) disappears. It also
> tastes a little 'flat' . . . not as aeromatic.
> When I put my spare basket it, suddenly my 20-30 second shots were back
> with a lot of crema and flavor.
I wonder if when, as the baskets are not so excessively
expensive and the holes really do become virtually and/or
irretrievably blocked - or so enlarged with enthusiastic
pin-holing - that replacing them might not be the wisest
course of action?
Treat your baskets as periodic consumables ..cost
isn't all that much different to a packet/bottle of
descaler anyway.. :))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
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Date: 24 Jun 2006 19:49:47
From: Bob Wilson
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Bill (Adopt) <adopt@billsimpson.com > wrote:
> I wonder if when, as the baskets are not so excessively
> expensive and the holes really do become virtually and/or
> irretrievably blocked - or so enlarged with enthusiastic
> pin-holing - that replacing them might not be the wisest
> course of action?
>
> Treat your baskets as periodic consumables ..cost
> isn't all that much different to a packet/bottle of
> descaler anyway.. :))
This is what happened to the original basket which failed after three
years of use. The flat bottom surface bowed down and failed. I was using
the single shot basket until this pair showed up.
The bottom of the portafilter basket is weakened by the small holes and
subject to considerable stress everytime a cuppa is brewed. They don't
last forever and certainly, replacement with a pair every two to three
years is OK. Just you like to get as much usage as possible before
sending it to the scrap metal dealer.
Bob Wilson
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Date: 26 Jun 2006 15:14:28
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
In article <1hhdgoy.18hc1ok1s6ic24N%bwilson4use@hotmail.com >,
Bob Wilson <bwilson4use@hotmail.com > wrote:
> Bill (Adopt) <adopt@billsimpson.com> wrote:
> > ....baskets as periodic consumables..
[..]
> Just you like to get as much usage as possible before
> sending it to the scrap metal dealer.
Yes.. I can understand that, Bob. :))
Although aware of the pressures involved, I suppose I
hadn't really given the failure of a basket much thought
until you introduced this thread and then others added
to and around it...
Not that it means anything, (different discussion), but
one or two of us did notice recently when looking for a
suitable single-pod basket to work sensibly with Gaggia's
pf that most basket costs were, if anything, about the
same as the cost of a packet Gaggia's de-scaler.. (This
in GB, by the way)...
..and thank you for your added explanatory notes.. :))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
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Date: 22 Jun 2006 19:50:09
From: I->Ian
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
On Thu, 22 Jun 2006 19:04:16 GMT, Marshall
<mrfuss@ihatespamearthlink.net > wrote:
>On Tue, 20 Jun 2006 18:58:22 -0500, bwilson4use@hotmail.com (Bob
>Wilson) wrote:
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>What are the recommended ways to get the organic material out of the
>>tiny holes in the portafilter?
>>
>>I have used a very fine toothbrush but is there is prefered chemical
>>means? Say boiling, saturated baking soda or something simular. I'd like
>>the organic stuff to be gone . . . without too much of a kitchen safety
>>issue (I like my fingers!)
>>
>>Bob Wilson
>
>Well, no one else has asked, so I will. Why do you think there is any
>significant organic material in the tiny holes, and why do you care?
>
>Marshall "happy rinsing with hot water after each use"
Over time, even though I scrub the baskets vigorously every day, crud
built up in the holes. Oil sticks and super fine particles stick to
it, eventually reducing the hole diameter to the point a decent pull
was not possible.
I first discovered this a long time ago when I was trying to figure
out what had gone wrong with my shots. I held an unused single basket
and a VERY used double up to the window and was astounded at the
difference in apparent hole size. I, too, had thought scrubbing every
day would keep it clean.
A soak in Cafiza and a shot of Cascade and the holes were again the
same. I'd assumed descaling would have cleaned it, but was not the
case.
Not sure if this is somehow related to machine and / or the grinder
producing more fines and / or ????. At the time I was using a Maestro
with an Solis SL90.
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Date: 23 Jun 2006 07:39:41
From: daveb
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
I'm gonna blow out my basket -- right now! 100 psi air.
dave (b)
Bill (Adopt) wrote:
> In article <1hhcj8p.17vfqohrc7gcqN%bwilson4use@hotmail.com>,
> Bob Wilson <bwilson4use@hotmail.com> wrote:
> > Marshall <mrfuss@ihatespamearthlink.net> wrote:
>
> > > Well, no one else has asked, so I will. Why do you think there is any
> > > significant organic material in the tiny holes, and why do you care?
>
> > When you look through the bottom of the basket held up to the light, you
> > can tell a lot of the little holes are blocked. The problem is they
> > reduce the flow to a trickle and the crema (sp?) disappears. It also
> > tastes a little 'flat' . . . not as aeromatic.
>
> > When I put my spare basket it, suddenly my 20-30 second shots were back
> > with a lot of crema and flavor.
>
> I wonder if when, as the baskets are not so excessively
> expensive and the holes really do become virtually and/or
> irretrievably blocked - or so enlarged with enthusiastic
> pin-holing - that replacing them might not be the wisest
> course of action?
>
> Treat your baskets as periodic consumables ..cost
> isn't all that much different to a packet/bottle of
> descaler anyway.. :))
>
> Bill ZFC
>
> --
> Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
> Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
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Date: 23 Jun 2006 21:27:19
From: Bill (Adopt)
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
In article <1151073581.594211.195980@y41g2000cwy.googlegroups.com >,
daveb <davebobblane@gmail.com > wrote:
> I'm gonna blow out my basket -- right now! 100 psi air.
LoL..!
..Bill reaches for his bio-protection suit! O;))
Bill ZFC
--
Adoption InterLink UK with -=- http://www.billsimpson.com/
Domain Host Orpheus Internet -=- http://www.orpheusinternet.co.uk/
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Date: 25 Jun 2006 02:06:10
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Coffee for Connoisseurs wrote:
> Gas flame. Works a treat on showerscreens & filter baskets.
Well, looks like I'm being proved wrong. Maybe the crud turns to CO2
way before the metal has reached the same temperature (what, red heat
to oxidise carbon?), but it just strikes me as an extra risk when
baskets already break from time to time without any help. Then again,
St. Schomer recommends cleaning them with scotchbrite and i don't like
that either ;)
Out of interest, how long do baskets last in the commercial environment?
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Date: 26 Jun 2006 17:51:14
From: Johnny
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
"Phil Paintin" <charneybarn@yahoo.com > wrote in message
news:1151226370.176526.181540@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
>
> Coffee for Connoisseurs wrote:
> > Gas flame. Works a treat on showerscreens & filter baskets.
>
> Well, looks like I'm being proved wrong. Maybe the crud turns to CO2
> way before the metal has reached the same temperature (what, red heat
> to oxidise carbon?), but it just strikes me as an extra risk when
> baskets already break from time to time without any help. Then again,
> St. Schomer recommends cleaning them with scotchbrite and i don't like
> that either ;)
>
> Out of interest, how long do baskets last in the commercial environment?
>
I tried gas heat on one of mine and it is now permanently discolored (a blue
hue :) but still very functional. Super clean on the holes. Thanks Barry.
imo I don't think that 9 bar will blow through the metal, even weakened,
before it blows through the holes. Time will tell.
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Date: 27 Jun 2006 02:26:09
From: Phil Paintin
Subject: Re: Chemical cleaning portafilter?
|
Johnny wrote:
> "Phil Paintin" <charneybarn@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:1151226370.176526.181540@p79g2000cwp.googlegroups.com...
> >
> > Coffee for Connoisseurs wrote:
> > > Gas flame. Works a treat on showerscreens & filter baskets.
> >
> > Well, looks like I'm being proved wrong. Maybe the crud turns to CO2
> > way before the metal has reached the same temperature (what, red heat
> > to oxidise carbon?), but it just strikes me as an extra risk when
> > baskets already break from time to time without any help. Then again,
> > St. Schomer recommends cleaning them with scotchbrite and i don't like
> > that either ;)
> >
> > Out of interest, how long do baskets last in the commercial environment?
> >
>
> I tried gas heat on one of mine and it is now permanently discolored (a blue
> hue :) but still very functional. Super clean on the holes. Thanks Barry.
> imo I don't think that 9 bar will blow through the metal, even weakened,
> before it blows through the holes. Time will tell.
Thing is, the puck is the flow restrictor that allows the brew pressure
to build up and since the basket is the only thing holding back the
puck, it sees the total pressure. Depending on the evenness of the
dose and tamp, the pressure is exerted across the whole basket surface,
so even the area around the holes will be stressed via the puck.
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