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CoffeeCrew.com Discussion Forum and Guestbook
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Pitou
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Coffee Lover
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metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/16 13:44
Hi,
I've recently got a second hand somac Splendida coffee machine. It looks not unlike the napolissima we have at work or the form of the Saeco aroma nero. Anyhow, I flushed it with vinegar and then water but the pump was extremely loud. I took it to Faema in Montreal, and they installed a new pump (I was a bit reticent because I had only spent 8$ on the machine at second hand shop, but they claimed the machine was "worth it") It has a pump and a brass boiler.
Anyhow, the machine is quieter, espresso has a bitter metalic taste. I took the boiler apart (ouch, that brass gets hot) and it had some build up of calcium that I scraped off. I ran citric acid through and flushed it with water- twice now. It still has some bitterness. What am I not doing right. The coffee is from Faema, freshly ground and I'm using bottled water (now all water tastes weird) Is there something I have forgotten? Does the grase they put on the steam valve taste nasty? I've spent more time and money than I really wanted, but I guess I need to know what the experts suggest.
Thanks,
Peter in Montreal
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colin
Admin
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Re:metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/17 09:38
You are using pre-ground espresso?
The grease that is used on the wand is food safe and tasteless -
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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Pitou
User
Coffee Lover
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Re:metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/17 17:22
yes the espresso is preground, but in the store in front of me. I keep it in an airtight container (mason jar) I don't think I'm getting the same taste from my stovetop machine. I'm hoping that some use will "clean" or rinse out whatever causes the taste. It's almost rubbery burned smell (the boiler gasket looked fine) I assume they changed the shower head gaskets 9if there is such a thing) If it persists I'm taking it back for the Faema guys to inspect.
Peter
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colin
Admin
Admin
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Re:metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/17 20:20
GROUND coffee is fresh for about an hour.
Ditch the pre-ground coffee and grind it yourself.
Your espresso is never going to be right if you use pre-ground.
Sad reality.
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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chnsw_sqrl
User
Junior Barista
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Re:metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/19 13:00
For espresso I'd even say an hour is WAY too long. It should go from the grinder to the pf. After 30 seconds I consider my espresso old and dump it. There's just too many chemical changes happening after its ground and exposed to air. If you are using fresh coffee a lot of CO2 is created in the bean and the second you grind it large amounts are being released into the air. Try only keeping it for 30 seconds and see what a difference it makes in bitternes and taste.
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colin
Admin
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Re:metallicky and bitter - 2008/11/20 08:59
You need to keep in mind the actual number of people that still buy espresso pre-ground and in (shield your eyes!) brick packs!
Yes, it is pretty nasty ass - but this is what people do.
I have spent the past 15 years trying to educate people about coffee - and I feel like I have just scraped the surface.
Once people start equating coffee with food and the fact that is actually goes bad - like a head of lettuce or something... it will start to sink in.
Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website |
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