Coffee machine....works! Top tips needed!

yip fitting myself Slick, how hard can it be:s

I think I will get some more consistent shots with it, as I can grind the same tamp the same and still end up with one good espresso and one crap one so only variant I can see is the temperature of the water, Plus what antdad says about the lovely numerical display(its not that expensive a mod if you source and fit the parts yourself well under half what auburns want for a kit)

Also contemplating changing the current 14-15 bar pressure down to 9 bar but not completely sure of that one yet
 
antdad said:
Man after my own heart...I haven't looked too hard but please tell where you sourced a high amp switching PID and thermocouple.
Click to expand...

I got the PID off ebay it came with a free thermocouple (wrong thread to fit the gaggia. will have to bolt on or thread through another bolt) and the SSR came from the same place. the SSR will do away with the need for the PID to be high amp.



I think:huh:
 
this is the PID I bought

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/110799607208?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

there is loads of SSR relays on there I got a 25a one for 6 quid delivered has a cover to clip over top to protect live terminals, operates on 3v-25v dc and output works on 120-380 ac
 
Thanks. I'd spotted those before but conveniently missed the minus (-) in front of the temp range, thought the damn thing started to operate at 200 C. Do'h.
 
I've been looking at those PIDs too, hmm. Please let us know Pedro!

I got a new machine, well used and not for keeps, but for transit. Complicated, I know. An old Faema Family wit copper boiler, draws nice shots but a little crappy on steaming, todays shot:
002800x531.jpg
 
Quickest way to great coffee:

1) Decent Burr Grinder. Maybe the most important. Pre-ground coffee is already stale. Avoid cheap blade grinders and the lower end burrs. This is where the smart money goes. Grind just before you make, with....
2) Freshly-roasted beans! Not the cheapest way of doing it but well worth it if flavour is your priority.
3) Obey the above two and the coffee machine itself becomes less and less important. Even a £20 Aeropress or French Press makes AWESOME coffee when the above are adhered to.
 
I'm being lazy.Which is the one to go for?

http://www.johnlewis.com/231270117/Product.aspx

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Classic-RI8161-Machine-Professional-Stainless/dp/B0000C72XS/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1328957651&sr=1-1
 
Fido I have pm'd you a link but its here too

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Netelectrics/_i.html?LH_TitleDesc=1&submit=&_nkw=coffee&_sid=58774558

Yr John Lewis Gaggia is about half price??!!
Cheers
Tim

Oh I have the Classic but have nothing to compare with but it works well.
Mind you without a burr grinder like the ascaso imini it wont work at all.
I am using using a dualit grinder and its Ok actually.
TA
Tim.
 
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