We have 3 guests and 1 member online
Powered by
Baratza Inc.
Baratza.com - Creators of the Virtuoso!
|
Home  Articles Gear Tools of the trade - basic accessories
|
Tools of the trade - basic accessories |
|
|
|
Written by glenn
|
The grinder has been bought. The espresso machine has been purchased. Time to get started - right?
Not so fast young fella!
Before you start flipping switches and turning knobs you need
accessories.
Here are some basic things you will need:
1. a tamper - it has to be a Reg Barber tamper of course! Do remember
to toss out that black, sorry looking piece of plastic that came with
your machine.
2. pitcher(s) - you want the Dave Schomer style, 20 ounce capacity,
slightly cone shaped with a large needle-nose spout. (for you straight
espresso drinkers who are sneering at this very
moment - please remember that your friends, relatives, colleagues,
acquaintances are eventually going to ask you for a latte.) And, for those of you that have removed your turbofrother or other frothing aid, a smaller 10 or 12 ounce pitcher works quite nicely with these short wand machines.
3. shot glass(es) - these are not just for showing off your Guinness
style pour. You need these to calibrate your shot. In other words; are
you pulling a
true double or just a lazy ristretto?
4. milk frothing thermometer - how hot is hot? Forget the sub $10
inaccurate el-cheapo types - get a GOOD one. You want 155F to 160F.
Start with a Taylor thermometer maybe...
5. cloths - there is nothing like endearing yourself to your
significant other when you are caught using great-grandma's prized
linens to wipe down your showerscreen. Keep the peace in the family by
purchasing inexpensive(ideally, coffee coloured) dish cloths and dish
towels just for you. Don't let anybody else use them.
6. cutting board - while we are on the topic, how are you going to
explain all of the dents in the Corian? Save your countertops and
possibly your life by acquiring a small cutting board - wood or plastic
will do. Cutting board? OK for you beginners out there, you place your
portafilter on the cutting board before you tamp down with all your
might...
7. blind filterbasket or rubber backflushing disk - buy this ONLY if
you have a solenoid equipped machine. See article on this site. Loads
of fun - addictive.
8. grinder brush - keep the chute clean
9. can't think of anything else at the moment...yes! an appliance timer. Run, don't walk. Get one now.
10. just thought of something else- you need a short screwdriver to unscrew
the showerscreen. Do not attempt this on E61 machines...
Glenn
S. is a senior financial consultant with a successful firm in Southern
Ontario. He works and lives in Waterloo and is the most prolific member
of CoffeeCrew.Com.
|
|
|
|
-
Subject: Re:settling milk, unsettling attempts at art - by: colin
You have the right tools no question.
I have been foaming milk for years but have yet to produce 1st rate micro-foam and naturally NO ART.
This is one thing you need to keep at.
Do yourself a...
-
Subject: Re:Best Cafes by Canadian Cities - by: colin
I used to go to Coyote Cafe -- was a regular there - and was in touch with the owners constantly (advising them with their start-up and growth...) and then at some point they stopped answering their e...
-
Subject: settling milk, unsettling attempts at art - by: jdpg
I'm running into frothing trouble.
I'm getting very nice velvety stuff on top and no big bubbles. After tapping the pitcher and swirling the milk, I get a nice start of thick, soft milk but toward...
-
Subject: Re:Best Cafes by Canadian Cities - by: amcwilliam
Never been there but here Museo in Saskatoon is excellent! http://www.museocoffee.com/...
-
Subject: Vancouver Island (no victoria) - by: amcwilliam
Hey! Here's a little list of some great places on Vancouver Island (exluding Victoria, as this website is mostly devoted to that!)
By far my favorite anywhere I've ever been is Drumroasters in C...
-
Subject: Re:Best Cafes by Canadian Cities - by: amcwilliam
where you getting good espresso in Nanaimo? I've been going to the buzz latley... they have a synesso and are using JJ Bean... fairly good. Curious to where you have gone!...
-
Subject: Re:Espro 53mm convex tamper, black, 30lb tamp. $60 - by: Chugabrewski
I would like to buy your Espro 53mm Convex Tamper, I live i Portland, Oregon 97220, USA. What would my final cost in US currency be including shipping/postage? My phone is 503-481-1493
...
-
Subject: Re:Buying Decision:Saeco Armonia versus Gaggia Car - by: Polonski
Cheers Colin,
Many thanks for your input. Looks like I will go with the more economical Gaggia, and invest the savings on a decent burr grinder (Baratza Maestro or Krups?)
All the Best
Eryk...
-
Subject: Re:Buying Decision:Saeco Armonia versus Gaggia Car - by: colin
My decision would come down to the fact that the Gaggia has some pro-sized accoutrements - 58MM portafilter and a larger double basket.
That alone puts the Gaggia out front for me....
-
Subject: Buying Decision:Saeco Armonia versus Gaggia Carezz - by: Polonski
As a first time espresso machine buyer I'm torn between these models.
The Saeco Armonia and the Gaggia Carezza are both available here in the Montreal area for about $250. I have noted positive feed...
|
|
