Jesus Creed

Espresso Machine Help?

Tuesday March 31, 2009

I have a Rancilio Silvia espresso machine. I had a wonderful cup of latte this morning but forgot to turn the machine off. (I did not leave the steaming wand on.)

When I got home this evening, I thought I'd see if the machine was damaged. When I tried to pull a shot of espresso the water ran through the grind way too fast.

Any suggestions?
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Comments
Michael W
March 31, 2009 10:00 PM
http://mwalcher.auzigog.com

The only thing I can really think of is the water being too hot, and burning the coffee rather than really "extracting" through the coffee.

My only suggestion is one that I am sure you thought of: turn the machine off and let it cool, then try again.

Few questions though: How long of shots do you pull? Do you get good ristretto results with that machine? I know you go to intelligentsia in Chicago. I am from Portland, home of Stumptown, and lived in Seattle, but can't find any spro in Minneapolis worth looking at twice.


I am looking into buying a home espresso setup, but don't really have the cash.

Anyway's keep me posted, interested in seeing how your machine turns out. Worst comes to worst, you will just have to adjust the grind, which will take a bit of time, but not too long. What kind of grinder do you use by the way?

Scot McKnight
March 31, 2009 10:04 PM

Michael,

Thanks. On the grind... it was perfect earlier today so I'm not convinced it is the grind. (I use a Zassenhaus hand grinder.) I think I pull good shots out of the Rancilio.

Pete
April 1, 2009 12:53 AM

I'm wondering if the head gasket was damaged?Is there any water leaking from the grouphead, or were the used grounds wet, rather than the "dry puck"?

Scot McKnight
April 1, 2009 7:33 AM

Pete,
I can't see that it is. What is the "dry puck"?

It seems to me that this new coffee I'm using, Second Cup, needs a finer grind than I was using and last night's attempt to see if it was working was without enough grinds or a tight enough tamp. Thanks.

Pete
April 1, 2009 7:58 AM

Sorry, by "dry puck" was meant to describe the used grounds after you've pulled your shot. I have a machine with a bad gasket, and the grounds are very wet after the shot is pulled.

Glad to hear you're back onto the Second Cup, must have been the second trip up north that sold you! ;)

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Scot McKnight is a widely-recognized authority on the New Testament, early Christianity, and the historical Jesus. He is the Karl A. Olsson Professor in Religious Studies at North Park University (Chicago, Illinois). A popular and witty speaker, Dr. McKnight has given interviews on radios across the nation, has appeared on television, and is regularly asked to speak in local churches and educational events. Dr. McKnight obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Nottingham (1986). Click to continue reading Scot McKnight's Bio...

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