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questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/10 21:28Hi Atomic fans,
I just bought an Atomic (and instruction manual) from an auction site last week, it's beautiful but I think I need some hints . I've made coffee 4 times so far on it, (and I worked in hospitality for years making coffee on some excellent italian machines so am no stranger to the techniques of good coffee consistency and frothing techniques) and I do realise that because it's a stove top it's probably not going to be as thick and oily a consistency as some of the bigger machines but the coffee just seems to be a bit thin. I've increased the pack of the coffee and decreased the water level I guess I just expected there to be at least a bit of that lovely caramel coloured foam-is this outside of realistic expectations of an Atomic? It's a Bon Trading one so I gather one of the newer models and the parts were guaranteed to be all working so I think its more a matter of technique than the equipment. Also, and excuse me if this is a dumb question, but can the milk frother pipe be adjusted so it's more accessible for the milk jug? Am also having a little trouble completely heating the milk all the way through-have also found the steam pressure is not strong enough to froth if I wait til the coffee has poured completely so have to start the frothing half way through-is this normal? Having said all that, it's still pretty high quality coffee coming out of it, I guess I'm just looking to improve it-any suggestions would be greatly appreciated (and it's definitely the most beautiful thing in my kitchen!).
cheers Tracey
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dave
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Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/10 23:27Tracey,
I can't speak definitively for the Atomic, not having owned one, but I think that it is, sadly, a bit unrealistic to expect crema from this machine. I have managed small quantities of something ressembling blond crema on similar machines, but it wasn't at all the same.
However, you should still be able to produce a pleasant body in your coffee. Again, not the same as espresso, but keep at it.
I'm sure that Frederick will give you some pointers and maybe toss a warning shot past my bow for heresy!
DaveDave is an Ottawa resident and Coffee Expert
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tracey
Visitor
Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/11 00:12Thanks Dave,
I will keep at it and I think you're right, it probably is too much to ask of the machine to produce crema. Do you think some of the more robust coffee types would do it better? I used a local, fairly grunty organic grind but maybe it's better to go with arabica for a oilier body? Will have fun experimenting anyway... (I just have to say in an aside, the only country in the world where I would expect such a hard core information site explicitly devoted to coffee zealots and coffee ephemera but still with such a sense of humour is Canada-you guys crack me up! It's a great site and was certainly very helpful for my research in buying the Atomic-thanks!)
Tracey
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colin
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Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/11 16:25Risking a frown from Frederick... owner of 14 Atomic Espresso makers.
This is a steam powered coffee toy, nothing more, nothing less. It does not make espresso. It cannot make cappuccino. It makes coffee with a slight push.
Espresso coffee requires bar pressure that this aluminum coffee maker is simply not capable of.
People pay enormous sums of money for, what could be, one of the most over-rated pieces of coffee gear ever foisted upon the consuming and collecting public.
I think what you are experiencing is the real experience as opposed to the imagined experience that most of the doe-eyed collectors have.Colin is the Senior editor and creator of the CoffeeCrew.Com Website
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Tracey
Visitor
Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/11 21:58Having just consumed my morning coffee from the Atomic I would have to voice my agreement, good, not great. The body was better with a different more robust coffee but certainly not the quality of our lavazza-however-you are right-different machines and the bar pressure is of course the key to expresso and perfecto crema.
On the other hand, I don't regret the money spent on the Atomic (unless of course my partner who is less than appreciative to such historical artefacts finds out and gives me a boring lecture about budgeting-at the moment he thinks I bought it for $5 from a garage sale!). It is an iconic 20th century design piece, it is beautiful and has an interesting cultural heritage. The fact that it has functionality as well is an added bonus but probably, in my opinion at least, shouldn't be offered as one of the foremost reasons to buy one.
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Colin the editor
Visitor
Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/18 16:13We spend too much time budgeting and not enough time spending too much!
Go on.
Buy ANOTHER Atomic.
Frederick has 12 of them... or is it 13?
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Frederick
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Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/20 19:47Tracey, Tracey, Tracey! You have enough pressure in the Atomic for up to 6 cups of coffee. Are you using the small filter? Or the big one? You should stick to the smaller. Fill it with coffee ground finer than white sugar granules. Press down, do not tamp, once, fill to the brim. Remove grinds sitting on edge because they will ruin the seal. The coffee should be French roast. The water, pure. The heat, high.
The frothing wand should be pointing straight down, not at an incline. NEVER use the brass rod to shut off the pressure. The compacted humid grinds is a good enough seal. Start frothing when driplets are forced through the coffee holder.
We understand that this is a stove top, not a Giotto or a Marvolusa Erprimo Delictabile. Comparing it to a commercial espresso machine is a futile exercise in coffee snobism. It's just the best stovetop in the world that will give you a great idea of what good coffee is all about. A book is in the works, perhaps a small training video. Have fun, FrEdErIcKFrederick Nakos is the Global authority on the Atomic Espresso Coffee maker.
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Frederick
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Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/20 19:53I would try to get my hands on one before judging the ATOMIC by it's look alone. Personnaly I have never driven a Ferrari, I've only seen them. I cannot judge it's handling. Expecting crema from the beloved and impossible to get (in Victoria) ATOMIC, is like expecting 50 miles to the gallon from any Ferrari. Compare oranges with oranges, please peoploids! In this case, the ATOMIC compares to........nothing!
Frowning FrEdErIcKFrederick Nakos is the Global authority on the Atomic Espresso Coffee maker.
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Tracey
Visitor
Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/20 21:29Frederick,
Given your reputation in the world of the Atomic I feel truly honoured you would respond to my concerns with such candour-thank you!
I have been using the smaller filter, filled to the top and packed well, but not french roast (am really into a local organic arabica). It's getting better (coffee quality), and, I know you think I sound shallow by taking the Atomic's stunning looks into consideration, but I am still appreciating its beauty and...when I do feel like a quick espresso with crema, I make it on the $62.00 la pavoni bargain I bought on ebay last week! Budget? hah! Am just enjoying broadening my overall coffee experience but a book on the Atomic would certainly add to that.
thanks,
(smiling)Tracey
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Frederick
Admin Admin
Posts: 92
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Re:questions about the atomic and coffee quality - 2005/11/21 09:28Fair Lass, Thou art not shallow in the least!
Pray tell, what do you thinketh that has drawn me so close to thee ATOMIC?
You do not approach something that from afar seems unpleasent to the eye.
The organic simple shape is a masterpiece of minimalism indeed. The jug cradled in the arc, thus composing a compact, dedicated ensemble....I could go on....
Cheek kiss! FrEdErIcKFrederick Nakos is the Global authority on the Atomic Espresso Coffee maker.
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