We are not being paid to mention or promote Cafune or Moonbeam Coffee Shop in our video. We just wanted to provide info on where we got our items and how they've been so helpful in relaying accurate info to us. We wanted to make sure they were getting recognition :) All links and info are in the Description area. Enjoy! 😀 We do, however, have a referral link to Cafune, which gives you 10% off your first order: i.refs.cc/yqCX6U90?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo3MDI1ODkwMTV9
I just bought a Cafelat Robot, I’m very excited to be using it. For a grinder, I bought the best 1Zpresso hand grinder for espresso, the J-Ultra. For my milk, I bought a Bellman stovetop steamer. I’m also getting into roasting my own beans with a Fresh Roast SR800 with extension tube. I’ll buy my beans from Sweet Maria’s. I bought all of this during Black Friday and saved a fair amount. For traveling, I also bought the Wacaco Picopresso.
what a relieving, peaceful video. it just came out my recommendation clips, I'm robot user though, I can feel your joy with the Robot. thanks for making this beautiful video!
So gratifying when I see someone really enjoying an espresso! I'm an espresso lover, but I don't have an espresso machine at home. At the moment I'm working with my billeti brikka
I also love the bialettis. Such classic design. Prior to the robot I had a saeco bean to cup which did massive service for over 20 years! The robot and hand grinder offered a budget way to get into actual espresso and we’re both really happy with the choice! So much fun exploring the world of espresso
Loved this! When I began to search for a an espresso maker, I was sure it would’ve been something like the Gaggia Classic however I’ve been pleasantly surprised to have decided on the Robot!
Well that was one excellent video! I have a Decent Espresso machine and occasionally use a AeroPress when I've run out of store bought water. The simplicity of this Espresso maker is what stands out for me and still making true espresso. Beauty and easy cleanup are winners and I'll be picking one up soon.
Thank you for the compliment! I think you’ll like the hands-on feel of the Robot, sort of the complete opposite of the Decent, so a nice balance. Enjoy!
Thank you Nadia and Rob. Your response has immensely helped me make my decision to purchase the "Robot" (I hope that I have enough strength to push down against the resistance of the 'arms' during extraction!). Happy Canada Day to both of you :).
Love your video! I’ve been looking at a lever machine to add some zest to my coffee journey ( from my first espresso machine to roasting) and after some in depth research the Robot stole my heart. It will be in my hands in short order - until then, I’ll enjoy my espresso with my trusty Ascasso and Cafelat videos -cheers
Hello Nadia and Rob. Today, i have the made the step... I purchased the kinu simplicity and robot from Cafune and with Justin's help! I told him you made him famous! 😂 ---- p.s. from the gentle music in the background, the beautiful home, and your warm welcoming energy - just wanting to say thanks for the great quality content.
Welcome to the world of hand made espresso! We're so glad you enjoy our video style, and I'm sure Justin was happy to be famous. Let us know how your journey with the Robot goes. Enjoy!
Hello there, friends! My robot and kinu came in! The robot's build is even better than it seems in videos... Wow... But, I do have a question about kinu... So I'm finding that there are lumps and more static than my midrange hand grinder, which I thought strange... I heard of the spray technique which I'll try but just thought it strange since it's much more expensive than my midrange hand grinder... But just started so we'll see! Stay tuned!
@@YumEspressoYum Glad you like the build of your Robot! Re the Kinu... we do use the spray technique to minimize static and lumps, and we also use a WDT tool to break up clumps and prevent channeling. You may also find that as you use your Kinu and the grinder gets a coating of oils etc, the static may go down. Hope that helps.
Thank you for a lovely video and no fuss instructions. I just followed the recipe and without, even measuring the output, made a delicious cup of cappuccino 😊
Hey Rob and Nadia, love your content. I used your video on how to make sparkling water at home to switch from a soda stream to a tank set up. So much better than soda stream. Now I am wondering how you settled on the robot versus the Flair or the Rok. I am researching all three but have not decided yet. Thanks for your wonderful content.
I also loked at those three choices. The Flair takes up a big footprint, and there's a lot of fiddly pre heating to be done. The Rok is also interesting, but again, big footprint and temperature control. The Robot is super easy to use, and takes up very little space. But in the end, the factor that really appealed to both of us is it's just SO CUTE! It brings a smile every morning... and who can ask for more than that? Thanks for your encouragement!
@@NadiaandRobthanks for your response. I have been leaning toward the robot because I really like the looks of it. It does consistently great reviews. Thanks again and have a wonderful day. BTW, I am ordering the Kinu Simplicity. I have a Breville virtuoso+, but wanted something more travel friendly and seeing you use it made up my mind.
Hi Rob.. meet me from Indonesia.. it's great that many people like the way you make espresso videos with the Robot...I also just bought a robot 1 week ago..my robot has no bar pressure indicator... please advise I haven't received my extraction or crema with a robot... am I not pressing the arm stick enough...?? my coffee is finely ground...as much as 18 grams...hopefully I get a solution from you...thank you very much.
Hi Wana, If you find that the espresso comes out too fast with no crema, then you probably need a finer grind. You have to push pretty hard on the arms to build up pressure, so if the grind isnt fine enough the espresso will flow through too fast with no crema. It should take around 30 seconds for your espresso to flow through. If it's faster than that, finer grind. If slower, then coarser grind. Hope that helps.... let me know. Have fun with your new Robot!
@@NadiaandRob Thank you.. I'll try..so happy to get your answer..always healthy and successful with RUclips content..coffee is that passion and happiness..thank you🙏
What an excellent video, equally informative and soothing :) I meant to ask you about which scales you used but then I noticed that you already included all the information in the description box, which is really the cherry on top 👏 Thank you.
Wow that’s a tricky question. The pressure gauge definitely helps keep you on track producing consistent shots….. especially when you’re learning the technique. After a while you develop a feel for the pressure and flow as you're pressing down, but I find I still glance at the gauge to confirm the pressure. I’d say you can definitely learn to get by without the gauge, but it does help dial in your shots and maintain consistency. I decided to get it…. Sort of figured if I was spending the money, go all in (I’m glad I did). It’s still way less expensive than a good electric espresso machine. Hope that helps… enjoy your Robot!
@@NadiaandRob I made a small mistake it’s not an “auto” but a leveling tamper. Think I typed fast. www.cafelatstore.com/products/robot-levelling-tamper
Great video Rob!. I have the same combo. I received the same advice from Justin about a year ago jaja. In case you haven't done it, you can get a small mirror to see the bottomless portafilter while brewing. It really makes the experience even more enjoyable :)
That’s funny... at least Justin’s consistent! Yeah I played with a mirror too and sometimes I just prop my phone on the counter. It is hypnotic! Glad you enjoyed the video!
Love your videos! Just got a cafelat robot and am trying to figure out the right balance of pressure, speed, grind coarseness, etc. Love the relaxed vibe of your guys' videos :)
Hi Shweenz, it took me a while to get things sort of nailed down too. I sort of aim for around 8 bars pressure…. But I’m quite tall so when pushing down I can’t really see the numbers. I can see the Cafelat at the bottom of the gauge, and I know 7-8 bars is around ⅔ into the name! I can also feel the resistance in my hands, and I can sort of know when it ‘feels’ right…. The handles are going down evenly (no channeling) espresso is flowing in one smooth flow. I use the grind adjustments to get the right resistance and flow… and the kino allows making very small adjustments which have a big effect on the flow. I adjust the grind for different beans, roasts and age of beans….. I make an espresso, note the the flow and feel, then adjust the grinder so the next round will be better. And It changes fairly constantly. I’ve been using a lighter roast for espresso shots, but sometimes I want a bigger cup of coffee, so I use a darker roast to pull a shot, then add water yo make americano. I definitely have to adjust the grind for the different beans. I’ve sort of settled on a dose of 18.3 grams in to 36-40 grams out… so I eliminate one variable to keep my head straight… seems to work fine so for now I’m sticking with it. Maybe try to do the same… find a dose and ratio that seems to work fairly consistently and stick with it so you can get a feel for grind and pressure. Hope that helps! Enjoy the journey. Rob
Hey, thanks for the demo. While I've had an interest in a manual espresso machine, my one hurdle in making the leap is how to create steamed milk/foam for milked drinks. I'm yet to find a good "by hand" option for this. Any recommendations?
Nadia has been very happy with the subminimal.com/products/nanofoamer. It makes a very fine foam quickly and easily. You can order from Cafune : i.refs.cc/yqCX6U90?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo3MDI1ODkwMTV9 Enjoy!
Great video! I have just received my robot yesterday. Any idea why I'm not getting much resistance on the lever arms when pulling a shot ? It's only showing about 1.5 bar on the gauge! I have the perfect espresso fine grind. I'm tamping the grounds nice and square and even adding a filter paper! Thanks, Adrian
There are two things that will affect the resistance… your coffee dose and your grind. I’ve been using a 20 gram dose (and around 55 grams of water which outputs around 35 grams of espresso, so just under 2:1 ratio). If you’re dosing around 18-20 grams and still not getting 6-9 bars, then you’ll have to grind finer. Keep making the grind finer until you get suitable resistance, and you can pull your espresso in around 20-30 seconds. It takes some finessing, but it’s definitely worth the effort! Let us know how it goes.
@@NadiaandRob Hello guys and thank you very much for your detailed reply! I didn't realise there was such a fine grind as was needed for the robot but I have it perfected now! Funny, I bought a manual grinder and the one that stood out to me the most was the Kinu M47 Phoenix like you have! What an beauty! I am now enjoying the most delicious coffee's at home. Thank you again for your help it is much appreciated! Greetings from Ireland!
Hi Zach, Glad you enjoyed the review. The shirt is from Simons in Montréal… their Djab brand… got it quite a few years ago so not sure if it’s still around. Thanks, Rob
Couple of reasons… first…. The Robot is just so cute! We both love the design. Plus the small footprint is a big asset. The Robot tucks away into a corner and doesn’t take up too much counter space. On a more practical note, not having to deal with temperature management was a big selling point compared to the Flair. The workflow is very simple… no need to pre-heat elements, or in the case of the new Flair, plug it in! We both love the simplicity and elegance of the Robot….. and of course the great espresso!
It's nice to see someone not afraid to take the plunge to going fully into the manual workflow from completely automated and be prepared to persist until you get your routine down. I would suspect if you were going for a true light roast you would absolutely want to fill your basket with water to minimise thermal loss as my understanding is you want to go hotter the lighter you go but maybe someone who uses the robot with a lighter roast can confirm this (I am waiting for my robot to be delivered so these videos are definitely building my anticipation).
Yes we sort of figured if you’re going to step away from the press button get espresso method, may as well go all the way! It’s really fun, and the results are worth the effort! I’ve never really worried about thermal loss…. I started off relying on the method from James Hoffmann and it seems to work fine. He’s a light roast drinker so I assume that method works fine for light roasts. Enjoy your robot when it arrives!
Very nice review, thanks! I was thinking a lot about manual espresso and manual grinder and this was the last push for me to just order your combo Robot + Kinu :)
great video! you have a good voice too :) May I know what need to be washed after every use? just the grinder, the brew chamber, distrubtion screen and tamper? Does the liquid touches the piston or the silicon ring?
Hi fs. Thanks for the compliments! Funny, your comment popped up just as I was making an espresso, so now I’m sipping as I type. The only things we wash are the brew chamber and distribution screen…. just give them a quick rinse under the tap and they’re good to go. That’s one of the things We love about this machine… it’s very low maintenance. The piston and ring don’t touch the water, so they stay clean. If I’m wiping the robot clean every few days, I pass a cloth under the piston and it’s generally pretty clean. I don’t clean the grinder at all…. Everything seems to pass through it completely. Hope that answers your questions. Cheers, Rob & Nadia
@@NadiaandRob Wow. Good timing! So I knew your answer is also fresh haha. kidding. Tks so much. Low maintenance is important to me. I am looking at the Robot or the Rok Espresso GC. Jsut watched a video on how Paul makes them, it is beautiful, I love mechanical stuff! Tks so much again!
Such an informative video! Your love for the Cafelat Robot shows! I have just ordered one in the same colour, without the pressure gauge today and hope to receive it in 2 weeks or so! Would not having the pressure gauge affect the coffee output much?
Hi Jolene, Glad you enjoyed the video. Not having the pressure gauge won’t directly affect the coffee, you’ll just develop a feel for when you have enough pressure to get a good extraction. Plan around a bit with grind size, dose and output and you’ll start to know by feel what works. Mostly, just have fun and enjoy the espresso!
Hi Jolene, One thing I didn’t mention in the reply: An very useful accessory for the Robot is a small scale like this: www.amazon.ca/GreaterGoods-Digital-Pocket-Letter-Accuracy/dp/B07SJTXGN7/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=greater+goods&qid=1618598970&sr=8-11 It will help you dose out consistent amounts of coffee and water so you can control your “recipe”. This will help you get a feel for the machine and give you greater control over the final results. This scale is accurate, easy to use and (most importantly) fits under the spout of the Robot. Enjoy your espresso journey!
Hi Christian, I stick to espresso myself, but Nadia likes cappuccino so we bought the NanoFoamer: subminimal.com/products/nanofoamer It works great to foam heated milk and Nadia has enjoyed using it. Another alternative is a stovetop steamer like the Bellman: cafune.ca/products/bellman-stovetop-steamer I haven’t used one recently, but a friend of mine had a stovetop Atomic espresso maker, and I used to steam milk with it quite easily. Hope that helps! Nadia and Rob
Sure. It’s a Skagen 233 LTMN. Skagen is a Danish watch company and they make very slim, simple watches at a reasonable price. I have a few and I love them! Thanks for watching the video so closely!
Hi, Nadia & Rob: I am contemplating buying the Cafelat Robot. I just wanted to know if you are still happy with your purchase after using it for a few months now. Is there anything that you're dissatisfied with the Robot? Or do you wish that you had chosen a different espresso machine altogether?
Hi Edie, We're both still in love with our Robot! First off, because it just makes you smile every time you use it. We'er also really enjoying exploring the nuances and fine points of espresso. The tactile feedback on pressure and flow give a sense of control over the making of espresso that is missing when you just hit a button. It's definitely a tool that requires involvement, and a bit of patience, but the rewards match the effort. I haven't seen another machine that makes me rethink my purchase, so still very happy. I hope you enjoy yours as much as we have!' Nadia & Rob
I usually have a problem with my Robot when I try to hook in the brew chamber according to the instructions. You seem to do it pretty easily. What is your trick?
We have also noticed that over time it's gotten a bit trickier to get the brew chamber on. I imagine the silicone seal around the piston has flared out a bit with use, and makes it just a bit tricky to get on. I just push it up a bit and it goes. If yours is giving you a hard time, you can replace the silicone seal with the one provided and see if that helps. Let me know how that goes.
@@NadiaandRob My Cafelat Robot is new. Someone I saw on RUclips showed that if you put the Brew chamber in the middle and then turn to the left or the right it should hook on. I found it in my case it attaches easily on the left when the name is facing the front.
Hi Janmajay Mahapatra doing a quick google search it seems Cafelat and it’s products are available in India. I can see it on Amazon India and another site called Ubuy. Hope that helps. If you are able to get it then we really hope you enjoy it as much as we do 😊
Just to let you know, the official Cafelat store ships worlwide: www.cafelatstore.com/collections/frontpage/products/robotpowdercoating They’re based in Hong Kong, so shipping should be reasonable. Enjoy your espresso journey!
So this is a year old but I wanted to say that this brand of grinder is good but too expensive. I am looking at the 1zpresso J Max for espresso. Also, the advice is not to spray the coffee beans with water because if the burs in the grinder get wet, they will start to rust.
Hi Trojan, From seeing reviews I think the 1zpresso is a good choice and great value. I’m pretty sure the burrs in the Kinu are stainless steel, so no fear of rust. I dismantled mine recently to clean it, and no sign of rust. And the little spritz of water really helps avoid static and coffee flying all over the place. Enjoy your new grinder!
@@NadiaandRob Please look into it because I believe that Kinu does provide instructions that state not to wash the burs. It is up to you but the advice I have been given is to be very careful in regards to this. Also, I am very interested in this espresso machine, so thanks for that.
Testé et approuvé - Le café est délicieux, cependant certains sont chagrinés que les bras du robot ne restent pas en l'air quand on les relève. Par ailleurs la jauge devrait être dirigée un peu plus vers le haut car on peine à voir le cadran quand on presse le café. Tested and Approved - The coffee is delicious, however some are annoyed that the robot arms do not stay up when lifted. In addition, the gauge should be directed a little more upwards because it is difficult to see the dial when you press the coffee.
I don’t have trouble with the arms… I just lift them with one hand and place the holder with the other. I do agree about the gauge…could also be a bit bigger from my eyes! But now I know where the gauge should be for the pressure I want, and you get a pretty good feel for the pressure and flow over time. The coffee is definitely excellent…. So thanks for the approval!
Agreed.... the Saeco can't really compare to our curent setup, but it does make a very drinkable cup. Especially if you make a double long and you like dark roasts. Our taste has definitely evolved with the new setup, and that's the fun of the journey!
Has had and uses the Cafelat Robot for 3+ months and drinks coffee "all day long" and he still has to use a scale to measure beans and water? That's pretty pathetic, it's a cup of espresso for God's sake! He acts like he's making some elixir to cure cancer or something. He does need to share that scales he's using, there are a log of other knuckleheads using this machine that use a scale but are complaining about not being able to find one that fits.
We are not being paid to mention or promote Cafune or Moonbeam Coffee Shop in our video. We just wanted to provide info on where we got our items and how they've been so helpful in relaying accurate info to us. We wanted to make sure they were getting recognition :) All links and info are in the Description area. Enjoy! 😀
We do, however, have a referral link to Cafune, which gives you 10% off your first order:
i.refs.cc/yqCX6U90?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo3MDI1ODkwMTV9
I just bought a Cafelat Robot, I’m very excited to be using it. For a grinder, I bought the best 1Zpresso hand grinder for espresso, the J-Ultra. For my milk, I bought a Bellman stovetop steamer. I’m also getting into roasting my own beans with a Fresh Roast SR800 with extension tube. I’ll buy my beans from Sweet Maria’s. I bought all of this during Black Friday and saved a fair amount. For traveling, I also bought the Wacaco Picopresso.
This is by far the best coffee channel on RUclips
Wow, thank you!
this guy needs to read bedtime stories what a soothing presentation
I’m flattered!
what a relieving, peaceful video. it just came out my recommendation clips, I'm robot user though, I can feel your joy with the Robot. thanks for making this beautiful video!
So happy you enjoyed this! Thanks
Thank you! Helping me with my new robot
Glad that help! Feel free to reach out if you have questions.
Thanks for sharing this. Great alternative to all the cost and noise.
It is a cool alternative without sacrificing anything in quality
Really pleasing to see you take the time to make a cup of coffee, may you be happy 😊🙏
Great to see a fellow Cafelat Robot enthousiast enjoy the espresso making process with this wonderful machine so much.
So gratifying when I see someone really enjoying an espresso! I'm an espresso lover, but I don't have an espresso machine at home. At the moment I'm working with my billeti brikka
I also love the bialettis. Such classic design.
Prior to the robot I had a saeco bean to cup which did massive service for over 20 years!
The robot and hand grinder offered a budget way to get into actual espresso and we’re both really happy with the choice!
So much fun exploring the world of espresso
Loved this! When I began to search for a an espresso maker, I was sure it would’ve been something like the Gaggia Classic however I’ve been pleasantly surprised to have decided on the Robot!
We went through the same thing! So much fun….. glad you enjoyed our video.
Well that was one excellent video!
I have a Decent Espresso machine and occasionally use a AeroPress when I've run out of store bought water.
The simplicity of this Espresso maker is what stands out for me and still making true espresso. Beauty and easy cleanup are winners and I'll be picking one up soon.
Thank you for the compliment! I think you’ll like the hands-on feel of the Robot, sort of the complete opposite of the Decent, so a nice balance.
Enjoy!
Thank you Nadia and Rob. Your response has immensely helped me make my decision to purchase the "Robot" (I hope that I have enough strength to push down against the resistance of the 'arms' during extraction!). Happy Canada Day to both of you :).
Hi Edie Mah it’s Nadia. If I can push down being a tinee tiny lady I know you can too 😁😁. Hope you enjoy the machine as much as we both do daily ❤️
I loved everything about this video
Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed
Love your video! I’ve been looking at a lever machine to add some zest to my coffee journey ( from my first espresso machine to roasting) and after some in depth research the Robot stole my heart. It will be in my hands in short order - until then, I’ll enjoy my espresso with my trusty Ascasso and Cafelat videos -cheers
Glad you enjoyed our video! Have fun with your Robot!
Yea.. a thanks to cafelate Robot, and a great thanks to you for this nice Video!!! Lovely)))....
Glad you enjoyed!
Hello Nadia and Rob. Today, i have the made the step... I purchased the kinu simplicity and robot from Cafune and with Justin's help! I told him you made him famous! 😂 ---- p.s. from the gentle music in the background, the beautiful home, and your warm welcoming energy - just wanting to say thanks for the great quality content.
Welcome to the world of hand made espresso! We're so glad you enjoy our video style, and I'm sure Justin was happy to be famous.
Let us know how your journey with the Robot goes. Enjoy!
Hello there, friends! My robot and kinu came in! The robot's build is even better than it seems in videos... Wow...
But, I do have a question about kinu... So I'm finding that there are lumps and more static than my midrange hand grinder, which I thought strange... I heard of the spray technique which I'll try but just thought it strange since it's much more expensive than my midrange hand grinder... But just started so we'll see!
Stay tuned!
@@YumEspressoYum Glad you like the build of your Robot! Re the Kinu... we do use the spray technique to minimize static and lumps, and we also use a WDT tool to break up clumps and prevent channeling. You may also find that as you use your Kinu and the grinder gets a coating of oils etc, the static may go down.
Hope that helps.
Thank you for a lovely video and no fuss instructions. I just followed the recipe and without, even measuring the output, made a delicious cup of cappuccino 😊
We're so glad that worked for you! Enjoy.
so cool - thanks
Hey Rob and Nadia, love your content. I used your video on how to make sparkling water at home to switch from a soda stream to a tank set up. So much better than soda stream.
Now I am wondering how you settled on the robot versus the Flair or the Rok. I am researching all three but have not decided yet. Thanks for your wonderful content.
I also loked at those three choices. The Flair takes up a big footprint, and there's a lot of fiddly pre heating to be done. The Rok is also interesting, but again, big footprint and temperature control. The Robot is super easy to use, and takes up very little space. But in the end, the factor that really appealed to both of us is it's just SO CUTE! It brings a smile every morning... and who can ask for more than that?
Thanks for your encouragement!
@@NadiaandRobthanks for your response. I have been leaning toward the robot because I really like the looks of it. It does consistently great reviews. Thanks again and have a wonderful day. BTW, I am ordering the Kinu Simplicity. I have a Breville virtuoso+, but wanted something more travel friendly and seeing you use it made up my mind.
@@CH-iy4go we're sure you'll enjoy both the Robot and the Kinu! Have fun!
Very nice video. I feel all relaxed after watching it. And wanting a nice espresso as well
So glad you enjoyed it 😊
Very nice video 👏🏻👏🏻
Now, that was one calming video! Can#t wait for the shipment of my Robot..and i need an espresso now :)
Enjoy your robot!
Hi Rob.. meet me from Indonesia.. it's great that many people like the way you make espresso videos with the Robot...I also just bought a robot 1 week ago..my robot has no bar pressure indicator... please advise I haven't received my extraction or crema with a robot... am I not pressing the arm stick enough...?? my coffee is finely ground...as much as 18 grams...hopefully I get a solution from you...thank you very much.
Hi Wana,
If you find that the espresso comes out too fast with no crema, then you probably need a finer grind. You have to push pretty hard on the arms to build up pressure, so if the grind isnt fine enough the espresso will flow through too fast with no crema. It should take around 30 seconds for your espresso to flow through. If it's faster than that, finer grind. If slower, then coarser grind.
Hope that helps.... let me know.
Have fun with your new Robot!
@@NadiaandRob Thank you.. I'll try..so happy to get your answer..always healthy and successful with RUclips content..coffee is that passion and happiness..thank you🙏
What an excellent video, equally informative and soothing :) I meant to ask you about which scales you used but then I noticed that you already included all the information in the description box, which is really the cherry on top 👏 Thank you.
Thank you. So glad you enjoyed.
The scale is great. Compact. Accurate. And very reasonably priced!
I'm debating for months if I should buy one. in your experience, do you really need the pressure gate?
Wow that’s a tricky question. The pressure gauge definitely helps keep you on track producing consistent shots….. especially when you’re learning the technique. After a while you develop a feel for the pressure and flow as you're pressing down, but I find I still glance at the gauge to confirm the pressure.
I’d say you can definitely learn to get by without the gauge, but it does help dial in your shots and maintain consistency.
I decided to get it…. Sort of figured if I was spending the money, go all in (I’m glad I did). It’s still way less expensive than a good electric espresso machine.
Hope that helps… enjoy your Robot!
Great video! I have had my Robot of a bit as well. They started selling a auto-leveling tamper which I would recommend. Easier to grip!
Hi Christian. Thanks! Where did you see the auto-level tamper? Haven’t come across that yet.
@@NadiaandRob I made a small mistake it’s not an “auto” but a leveling tamper. Think I typed fast.
www.cafelatstore.com/products/robot-levelling-tamper
Wow. Looks cool. Thanks for the heads up!
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it
Perfect espresso, nicely done
Great video Rob!. I have the same combo. I received the same advice from Justin about a year ago jaja. In case you haven't done it, you can get a small mirror to see the bottomless portafilter while brewing. It really makes the experience even more enjoyable :)
That’s funny... at least Justin’s consistent! Yeah I played with a mirror too and sometimes I just prop my phone on the counter. It is hypnotic!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
Nice video.
I have the same combo.
Kinu Phoenix + Robot.
Thanks!
Me too how u use kinu 1 or 1.2 Round for robot medium coffee
I think your video fully convinced me to start saving up for this awesome little espresso maker. Thanks for the awesome brewing tutorial!
Glad to hear that Paulo! Enjoy.
Love your videos! Just got a cafelat robot and am trying to figure out the right balance of pressure, speed, grind coarseness, etc. Love the relaxed vibe of your guys' videos :)
Hi Shweenz, it took me a while to get things sort of nailed down too. I sort of aim for around 8 bars pressure…. But I’m quite tall so when pushing down I can’t really see the numbers. I can see the Cafelat at the bottom of the gauge, and I know 7-8 bars is around ⅔ into the name! I can also feel the resistance in my hands, and I can sort of know when it ‘feels’ right…. The handles are going down evenly (no channeling) espresso is flowing in one smooth flow.
I use the grind adjustments to get the right resistance and flow… and the kino allows making very small adjustments which have a big effect on the flow. I adjust the grind for different beans, roasts and age of beans….. I make an espresso, note the the flow and feel, then adjust the grinder so the next round will be better. And It changes fairly constantly. I’ve been using a lighter roast for espresso shots, but sometimes I want a bigger cup of coffee, so I use a darker roast to pull a shot, then add water yo make americano. I definitely have to adjust the grind for the different beans.
I’ve sort of settled on a dose of 18.3 grams in to 36-40 grams out… so I eliminate one variable to keep my head straight… seems to work fine so for now I’m sticking with it. Maybe try to do the same… find a dose and ratio that seems to work fairly consistently and stick with it so you can get a feel for grind and pressure.
Hope that helps! Enjoy the journey.
Rob
Hey, thanks for the demo. While I've had an interest in a manual espresso machine, my one hurdle in making the leap is how to create steamed milk/foam for milked drinks. I'm yet to find a good "by hand" option for this.
Any recommendations?
Nadia has been very happy with the subminimal.com/products/nanofoamer. It makes a very fine foam quickly and easily. You can order from Cafune : i.refs.cc/yqCX6U90?smile_ref=eyJzbWlsZV9zb3VyY2UiOiJzbWlsZV91aSIsInNtaWxlX21lZGl1bSI6IiIsInNtaWxlX2NhbXBhaWduIjoicmVmZXJyYWxfcHJvZ3JhbSIsInNtaWxlX2N1c3RvbWVyX2lkIjo3MDI1ODkwMTV9
Enjoy!
Great video! I have just received my robot yesterday. Any idea why I'm not getting much resistance on the lever arms when pulling a shot ? It's only showing about 1.5 bar on the gauge! I have the perfect espresso fine grind. I'm tamping the grounds nice and square and even adding a filter paper! Thanks, Adrian
There are two things that will affect the resistance… your coffee dose and your grind. I’ve been using a 20 gram dose (and around 55 grams of water which outputs around 35 grams of espresso, so just under 2:1 ratio). If you’re dosing around 18-20 grams and still not getting 6-9 bars, then you’ll have to grind finer. Keep making the grind finer until you get suitable resistance, and you can pull your espresso in around 20-30 seconds.
It takes some finessing, but it’s definitely worth the effort! Let us know how it goes.
@@NadiaandRob Hello guys and thank you very much for your detailed reply! I didn't realise there was such a fine grind as was needed for the robot but I have it perfected now! Funny, I bought a manual grinder and the one that stood out to me the most was the Kinu M47 Phoenix like you have! What an beauty! I am now enjoying the most delicious coffee's at home. Thank you again for your help it is much appreciated! Greetings from Ireland!
@@adriano8729 glad that helped! Greetings from Canada.
Thanks for sharing, I love your video 😀
Most welcome and so glad you enjoyed it 😁
Great review, love my robot. Random question, but who makes the shirt you're wearing?
Hi Zach,
Glad you enjoyed the review. The shirt is from Simons in Montréal… their Djab brand… got it quite a few years ago so not sure if it’s still around.
Thanks,
Rob
Great Video Rob!
Why have you chosen the Cafelat over the Flair?
Couple of reasons… first…. The Robot is just so cute! We both love the design. Plus the small footprint is a big asset. The Robot tucks away into a corner and doesn’t take up too much counter space.
On a more practical note, not having to deal with temperature management was a big selling point compared to the Flair. The workflow is very simple… no need to pre-heat elements, or in the case of the new Flair, plug it in! We both love the simplicity and elegance of the Robot….. and of course the great espresso!
It's nice to see someone not afraid to take the plunge to going fully into the manual workflow from completely automated and be prepared to persist until you get your routine down.
I would suspect if you were going for a true light roast you would absolutely want to fill your basket with water to minimise thermal loss as my understanding is you want to go hotter the lighter you go but maybe someone who uses the robot with a lighter roast can confirm this (I am waiting for my robot to be delivered so these videos are definitely building my anticipation).
Yes we sort of figured if you’re going to step away from the press button get espresso method, may as well go all the way! It’s really fun, and the results are worth the effort!
I’ve never really worried about thermal loss…. I started off relying on the method from James Hoffmann and it seems to work fine. He’s a light roast drinker so I assume that method works fine for light roasts.
Enjoy your robot when it arrives!
Compelling! Well done……..🙏🏻
Very nice review, thanks! I was thinking a lot about manual espresso and manual grinder and this was the last push for me to just order your combo Robot + Kinu :)
We’re glad you enjoyed the review… happy to inspire. Enjoy your manual espresso journey!
Great stuff! And...cool shirt!!
Thank you on both counts!
great video! you have a good voice too :) May I know what need to be washed after every use? just the grinder, the brew chamber, distrubtion screen and tamper? Does the liquid touches the piston or the silicon ring?
Hi fs. Thanks for the compliments!
Funny, your comment popped up just as I was making an espresso, so now I’m sipping as I type. The only things we wash are the brew chamber and distribution screen…. just give them a quick rinse under the tap and they’re good to go. That’s one of the things We love about this machine… it’s very low maintenance.
The piston and ring don’t touch the water, so they stay clean. If I’m wiping the robot clean every few days, I pass a cloth under the piston and it’s generally pretty clean. I don’t clean the grinder at all…. Everything seems to pass through it completely.
Hope that answers your questions.
Cheers,
Rob & Nadia
@@NadiaandRob Wow. Good timing! So I knew your answer is also fresh haha. kidding. Tks so much. Low maintenance is important to me. I am looking at the Robot or the Rok Espresso GC. Jsut watched a video on how Paul makes them, it is beautiful, I love mechanical stuff! Tks so much again!
Such an informative video! Your love for the Cafelat Robot shows! I have just ordered one in the same colour, without the pressure gauge today and hope to receive it in 2 weeks or so! Would not having the pressure gauge affect the coffee output much?
Hi Jolene,
Glad you enjoyed the video. Not having the pressure gauge won’t directly affect the coffee, you’ll just develop a feel for when you have enough pressure to get a good extraction. Plan around a bit with grind size, dose and output and you’ll start to know by feel what works.
Mostly, just have fun and enjoy the espresso!
Hi Jolene,
One thing I didn’t mention in the reply:
An very useful accessory for the Robot is a small scale like this:
www.amazon.ca/GreaterGoods-Digital-Pocket-Letter-Accuracy/dp/B07SJTXGN7/ref=sr_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=greater+goods&qid=1618598970&sr=8-11
It will help you dose out consistent amounts of coffee and water so you can control your “recipe”. This will help you get a feel for the machine and give you greater control over the final results.
This scale is accurate, easy to use and (most importantly) fits under the spout of the Robot.
Enjoy your espresso journey!
@@NadiaandRob Many thanks for the useful tips! And enjoy your espresso too!
Exellent video. Greetings grom Poland !
:) so so glad you enjoyed it
Which tool do you have to make milk foam for a cappuccino?
Hi Christian, I stick to espresso myself, but Nadia likes cappuccino so we bought the NanoFoamer: subminimal.com/products/nanofoamer
It works great to foam heated milk and Nadia has enjoyed using it. Another alternative is a stovetop steamer like the Bellman: cafune.ca/products/bellman-stovetop-steamer
I haven’t used one recently, but a friend of mine had a stovetop Atomic espresso maker, and I used to steam milk with it quite easily.
Hope that helps!
Nadia and Rob
That’s a very cool watch super tin. Can you tell us the model?
Sure. It’s a Skagen 233 LTMN. Skagen is a Danish watch company and they make very slim, simple watches at a reasonable price. I have a few and I love them! Thanks for watching the video so closely!
Your house is very pretty
Thank you. We like it too
Hi, Nadia & Rob: I am contemplating buying the Cafelat Robot. I just wanted to know if you are still happy with your purchase after using it for a few months now. Is there anything that you're dissatisfied with the Robot? Or do you wish that you had chosen a different espresso machine altogether?
Hi Edie,
We're both still in love with our Robot! First off, because it just makes you smile every time you use it. We'er also really enjoying exploring the nuances and fine points of espresso. The tactile feedback on pressure and flow give a sense of control over the making of espresso that is missing when you just hit a button.
It's definitely a tool that requires involvement, and a bit of patience, but the rewards match the effort.
I haven't seen another machine that makes me rethink my purchase, so still very happy.
I hope you enjoy yours as much as we have!'
Nadia & Rob
I usually have a problem with my Robot when I try to hook in the brew chamber according to the instructions. You seem to do it pretty easily. What is your trick?
We have also noticed that over time it's gotten a bit trickier to get the brew chamber on. I imagine the silicone seal around the piston has flared out a bit with use, and makes it just a bit tricky to get on. I just push it up a bit and it goes. If yours is giving you a hard time, you can replace the silicone seal with the one provided and see if that helps.
Let me know how that goes.
@@NadiaandRob My Cafelat Robot is new. Someone I saw on RUclips showed that if you put the Brew chamber in the middle and then turn to the left or the right it should hook on. I found it in my case it attaches easily on the left when the name is facing the front.
@@jakobw135 I usually go right, but it does work either way,
Creama is nice, but should not be a main objective. Also, stir your espresso with a spoon before sampling, if you wish to even its flavor in the cup.
Agreed on both points, thanks. However, I’m rather old school, and still enjoy the look and mouth feel of a rich crema.
Is this available for India???
Hi Janmajay Mahapatra doing a quick google search it seems Cafelat and it’s products are available in India. I can see it on Amazon India and another site called Ubuy. Hope that helps. If you are able to get it then we really hope you enjoy it as much as we do 😊
@@NadiaandRob Thank you 🙂
Just to let you know, the official Cafelat store ships worlwide: www.cafelatstore.com/collections/frontpage/products/robotpowdercoating
They’re based in Hong Kong, so shipping should be reasonable.
Enjoy your espresso journey!
that crema
So this is a year old but I wanted to say that this brand of grinder is good but too expensive. I am looking at the 1zpresso J Max for espresso. Also, the advice is not to spray the coffee beans with water because if the burs in the grinder get wet, they will start to rust.
Hi Trojan,
From seeing reviews I think the 1zpresso is a good choice and great value. I’m pretty sure the burrs in the Kinu are stainless steel, so no fear of rust. I dismantled mine recently to clean it, and no sign of rust. And the little spritz of water really helps avoid static and coffee flying all over the place. Enjoy your new grinder!
@@NadiaandRob Please look into it because I believe that Kinu does provide instructions that state not to wash the burs. It is up to you but the advice I have been given is to be very careful in regards to this. Also, I am very interested in this espresso machine, so thanks for that.
Testé et approuvé - Le café est délicieux, cependant certains sont chagrinés que les bras du robot ne restent pas en l'air quand on les relève. Par ailleurs la jauge devrait être dirigée un peu plus vers le haut car on peine à voir le cadran quand on presse le café.
Tested and Approved - The coffee is delicious, however some are annoyed that the robot arms do not stay up when lifted. In addition, the gauge should be directed a little more upwards because it is difficult to see the dial when you press the coffee.
I don’t have trouble with the arms… I just lift them with one hand and place the holder with the other. I do agree about the gauge…could also be a bit bigger from my eyes! But now I know where the gauge should be for the pressure I want, and you get a pretty good feel for the pressure and flow over time.
The coffee is definitely excellent…. So thanks for the approval!
that would look so good next to my kitchen aide
Totally agree! It’s such a cute tool. Makes us both smile every morning
@@NadiaandRob was conflicted if over this or the flair 58 but the "no preheat" is godsent ill buy this one instead
We did the same calculation. No preheat and great design decided it for us
That's a lot of crema
Yes. Those beans were just roasted so they still had lots of CO2.
Therapeutic video.
Get up at 5 am if you want a cup by 7.......
You can go from "I want espresso" to having a cup in less than 10 minutes, even with a manual grinder!
@@r_bear .......tongue in cheek ;)
If you live coffee, how could you drink saeco coffee for 20 years 😂😂😂 those two cant even compare 🤦♂️
Agreed.... the Saeco can't really compare to our curent setup, but it does make a very drinkable cup. Especially if you make a double long and you like dark roasts. Our taste has definitely evolved with the new setup, and that's the fun of the journey!
Has had and uses the Cafelat Robot for 3+ months and drinks coffee "all day long" and he still has to use a scale to measure beans and water? That's pretty pathetic, it's a cup of espresso for God's sake! He acts like he's making some elixir to cure cancer or something. He does need to share that scales he's using, there are a log of other knuckleheads using this machine that use a scale but are complaining about not being able to find one that fits.