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Date: 11 Aug 2006 15:08:22
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm not
referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather those who
I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn something to help them
make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I use to get great shots from
a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope some will find this useful
(there's nothing new in here, just an encapsulation of separate posts). If
you find something useful here, good. If not, too bad. If you want to argue,
go find a steel fence post (it'll care more than I will about your POV).
It's not easy getting impressive shots from the Europiccola; good yes,
impressive no. These are the "secrets" I use.
1) Fresh roasted blend of coffees.
2) Roast large enough quantities (minimum 1 pound) so what I learn on one
shot is transferable to subsequent shots.
3) Grind just what I'll use within a half hour.
4) Adjust the grind so it chokes the filter, then gradually get coarser
until the resistance on the lever is about the same as pushing a 40 pound
cardboard box over the surface of the counter (won't bulk you up but enough
that you feel it).
5) Preheat the machine for at least 30 minutes & draw off the 'false' steam.
6) Draw a few blank shots to heat up the brew group.
7) Use an infrared thermometer to measure the external heat at any given
point on the brew group (this will be your baseline temp for subsequent
pulls).
8) Use a damp tea towel to cool the brew group after every three shots to a
temp lower than the baseline.
9) Pull a blank shot, then up to three more shots & repeat #8.
10) If I really want great crema I use the old blender's trick of using a
10% Robusta/90% Arabica combination.
This sounds like a lot but it's easy once you get in the habit of doing it.
The keys are coffee, grind, preheat, & control heat. The infrared
thermometer is indispensable for maintaining a temp range that works best
for you. I don't endorse any particular make or model. I bought mine at
Costco simply because of their very liberal return policy.
Here are two links that you might find useful.
Amazon.com: http://tinyurl.com/h4wlp
eBay.com: http://tinyurl.com/erd3a
BTW, these are basically the same steps I use for any machine, manual or
not. It's all about finding a combination that works & staying consistent.
--
Robert ("Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds.", Ralph Waldo
Emerson) Harmon--
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 18:04:07
From: Brian Colwell
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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"Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com > wrote in message
news:G31Dg.2421$Sn3.1244@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm not
> referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather those
> who I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn something to help
> them make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I use to get great
> shots from a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope some will find this
> useful
snip
Robert,
There seems to be quite a selection of IT's , From your
experience, do you have a preference ?
Thanks,
BMC
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 18:17:17
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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I'd go with a name brand at a reasonable price. The main thing is buy one
from a source with a liberal return policy (I've gone thru two returns of my
Fluke already) because they seem to be sensitive to bumping & dropping. :)
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Brian Colwell" <bcolwell@shaw.ca > wrote in message
news:rE3Dg.376207$IK3.128231@pd7tw1no...
>
> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:G31Dg.2421$Sn3.1244@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>> I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm not
>> referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather those
>> who I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn something to
>> help them make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I use to get
>> great shots from a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope some will
>> find this useful
>
> snip
>
> Robert,
> There seems to be quite a selection of IT's , From your
> experience, do you have a preference ?
>
> Thanks,
> BMC
>
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 18:21:33
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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Oh, and I forgot to mention; tell the ol' ball & chain that the expensive
new 'toy' will really be helpful testing the oven & using the BBQ. Heck, any
excuse is better than no excuse!
--
Robert (Yes dear, I'm sure I need IT.) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com > wrote in message
news:NQ3Dg.6838$xp2.5334@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> I'd go with a name brand at a reasonable price. The main thing is buy one
> from a source with a liberal return policy (I've gone thru two returns of
> my Fluke already) because they seem to be sensitive to bumping & dropping.
> :)
> --
> Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
>
> "Brian Colwell" <bcolwell@shaw.ca> wrote in message
> news:rE3Dg.376207$IK3.128231@pd7tw1no...
>>
>> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:G31Dg.2421$Sn3.1244@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>> I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm
>>> not referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather
>>> those who I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn something
>>> to help them make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I use to get
>>> great shots from a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope some will
>>> find this useful
>>
>> snip
>>
>> Robert,
>> There seems to be quite a selection of IT's , From your
>> experience, do you have a preference ?
>>
>> Thanks,
>> BMC
>>
>
>
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 18:44:17
From: Brian Colwell
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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"Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com > wrote in message
news:NU3Dg.6839$xp2.5835@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> Oh, and I forgot to mention; tell the ol' ball & chain that the expensive
> new 'toy' will really be helpful testing the oven & using the BBQ. Heck,
> any excuse is better than no excuse!
> --
> Robert (Yes dear, I'm sure I need IT.) Harmon
> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
>
> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:NQ3Dg.6838$xp2.5334@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>> I'd go with a name brand at a reasonable price. The main thing is buy one
>> from a source with a liberal return policy (I've gone thru two returns of
>> my Fluke already) because they seem to be sensitive to bumping &
>> dropping. :)
>> --
>> Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
>> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
>> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
>>
>> "Brian Colwell" <bcolwell@shaw.ca> wrote in message
>> news:rE3Dg.376207$IK3.128231@pd7tw1no...
>>>
>>> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
>>> news:G31Dg.2421$Sn3.1244@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
>>>> I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm
>>>> not referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather
>>>> those who I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn
>>>> something to help them make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I
>>>> use to get great shots from a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope
>>>> some will find this useful
>>>
>>> snip
>>>
>>> Robert,
>>> There seems to be quite a selection of IT's , From your
>>> experience, do you have a preference ?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>> BMC
Thanks for the added recommendations !! :-))
BMC
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 10:43:24
From: KBuzbee
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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Robert Harmon wrote:
> 3) Grind just what I'll use within a half hour.
Good post Robert. You said you don't really care about my POV but I'll
give it to you anyway ;-)
I only grind one shot at a time. I find it stales pretty quickly if I
try to do more than that. I also find I do minute adjustments to the
grind between shots. Otherwise I think your proceedure is great. I like
the IR therometer idea. Very cool.
Ken
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Date: 11 Aug 2006 18:10:48
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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No, No, I was referring to those with a negative POV not from good guys like
you & me! ;)
Within a half hour is applicable only if I'm going to pull multiple shots.
Otherwise I agree with you about freshness.
--
Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
"KBuzbee" <kbuzbee@mac.com > wrote in message
news:1155318204.426415.72680@b28g2000cwb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Robert Harmon wrote:
>
>> 3) Grind just what I'll use within a half hour.
>
> Good post Robert. You said you don't really care about my POV but I'll
> give it to you anyway ;-)
>
> I only grind one shot at a time. I find it stales pretty quickly if I
> try to do more than that. I also find I do minute adjustments to the
> grind between shots. Otherwise I think your proceedure is great. I like
> the IR therometer idea. Very cool.
>
> Ken
>
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Date: 12 Aug 2006 11:35:50
From: Heat + Beans
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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Good advice about the "grind a pound" in order to zero in
(triangulate?) on the best technique for a particular roast. As a
corollary, I always recommend roasting several consecutive SOs or
blends for much the same reason.
BTW, I don't speak to symbols of incarceration or other inanimate
objects, but I do talk things over with my wife, who is understanding,
generous, and not at all likely to be tricked..
Martin
Robert Harmon wrote:
> Oh, and I forgot to mention; tell the ol' ball & chain that the expensive
> new 'toy' will really be helpful testing the oven & using the BBQ. Heck, any
> excuse is better than no excuse!
> --
> Robert (Yes dear, I'm sure I need IT.) Harmon
> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
>
> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:NQ3Dg.6838$xp2.5334@newsread1.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> > I'd go with a name brand at a reasonable price. The main thing is buy one
> > from a source with a liberal return policy (I've gone thru two returns of
> > my Fluke already) because they seem to be sensitive to bumping & dropping.
> > :)
> > --
> > Robert (duck & cover) Harmon
> > http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
> > http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
> >
> > "Brian Colwell" <bcolwell@shaw.ca> wrote in message
> > news:rE3Dg.376207$IK3.128231@pd7tw1no...
> >>
> >> "Robert Harmon" <r_h_harmon@Zhotmail.com> wrote in message
> >> news:G31Dg.2421$Sn3.1244@newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net...
> >>> I've had a few inquiries about my "Mars, God of coffee" post. No, I'm
> >>> not referring to the few who take themselves too seriously, but rather
> >>> those who I still have hope for. They actually wanted to learn something
> >>> to help them make better coffee. So I'm posting the method I use to get
> >>> great shots from a Europiccola (and everything else). I hope some will
> >>> find this useful
> >>
> >> snip
> >>
> >> Robert,
> >> There seems to be quite a selection of IT's , From your
> >> experience, do you have a preference ?
> >>
> >> Thanks,
> >> BMC
> >>
> >
> >
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Date: 12 Aug 2006 19:22:27
From: Robert Harmon
Subject: Re: The "secret" to great shots from a La Pavoni Europiccola (and every other) espresso machine.
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Howdy Martin,
You're truly blessed to have found the 'perfect' spouse! Does she have any
single sisters? Ol' #5.6 is now ol' #5.79 & counting. ;)
The repeatability of shots is important to me; a carry over from quality
circles & similar crap that emphasized standardization over the
impetuousness of one-off cowboys. I do roast smaller amounts in the air
popper when I'm testing out new SOs or new blends but those I limit to no
more than 1/4 cup max. I use the TurboCrazy for larger batches because the
beans 'seem' more uniform in color. After I figure out how I want to mount
the thermocouple in the TC & either buy or write some software I'll mess
around with some profiles that'll let me control things even more.
When Emerson wrote, "Foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of small minds." I
think he meant for the emphasis to be on the first word, not meant as a slam
on doing things the same way once you've established an optimum technique.
"Heat + Beans" <heatgunroast@gmail.com > wrote in message
news:1155407750.030399.143490@m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> Good advice about the "grind a pound" in order to zero in
> (triangulate?) on the best technique for a particular roast. As a
> corollary, I always recommend roasting several consecutive SOs or
> blends for much the same reason.
>
> BTW, I don't speak to symbols of incarceration or other inanimate
> objects, but I do talk things over with my wife, who is understanding,
> generous, and not at all likely to be tricked..
> Martin
>
>
> Robert Harmon wrote:
>> Oh, and I forgot to mention; tell the ol' ball & chain that the expensive
>> new 'toy' will really be helpful testing the oven & using the BBQ. Heck,
>> any
>> excuse is better than no excuse!
>> --
>> Robert (Yes dear, I'm sure I need IT.) Harmon
>> http://tinyurl.com/pou2y
>> http://tinyurl.com/fkd6r
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