This video was very helpful! It's the first one I've found to thoroughly explain the differences, pros/cons of each type of portafilter. I'm a pour-over fan myself but have been interested in the making of espresso as well.
Very helpful! Just bought a Breville Café Roma but it was not at all clear how to change filters, nor did anyone seem to mention them in demos. This is great.
I just hacksawed the bottom off of my EC 680 portafilter after seeing that naked one. Totally worth it in combination with a non-pressurized basket, it even ended up looking great after some careful sanding.
Thank you! I loved the video! I was having troubles with my Sirena portafilter squirting all over the place and over-creming my coffee (like a built-in coffee frother! :-( Yikes!...Since I couldn't find manual (moved recently)..I was suffering through each cup! When you mentioned the nubbin having to be lined up, I thought must be the reason, but when I looked in my portafilter and the nubbin was missing! Now, from watching your video I removed the rubber gasket completely (didn't know I could use it that way and/or with pods) and am having the best cup of coffee! :-) Yay! Thanks again!
I was expecting for this video since I was born, but I didn't know, haha, very goog one, I will send it to my friends on our coffee blog. I learn more english with you than in my english school!
Thanks for your reply, I was just looking for a nonpressurized upgrade for the EC100. Is there anything I can do/buy, like a mew basket or portafilter, etc? Thanks!
You guys are awsum, found your channel when looking for a new coffee machine (refs going with the breville bse870) great personalities , really fun and informative :)
@rudiwells If you tamp it at all, it is very light; it's a 53mm diameter. There aren't any bottomless PF's for these machines right now, but we are in the process of having them manufactured (after we complete the non-pressurized batch). - Kat
My boyfriend and I bought a Starbucks Barista espresso machine and so we are learning as we go about this whole world of espresso and your videos have been very helpful! Our machine was used and we have done a lot if refreshing of parts to it and it works great now but I am wondering if our pressurized portafilter needs to be replaced. How would we know if it's time to buy a new one or if we could just take it apart and refresh some of the parts? Thanks!!
How do you empty out grounds from the protafilter in between making shots? I tried to bang it on the side of the trashcan and the basket popped out of the portafilter. So..... then I would just take a spoon and try to dig out the grounds because they are packed really tight but I don't want to hurt the rubber seal in the basket or the tiny holes in any way. What is the proper method? My machine is a Delonghi Dedica...Thank you this channel is so helpful!
Perfect timing on this video... I have the Capresso beginners model which you featured a few weeks ago. I just recently made the mistake of putting the portafilter in the dishwasher and it looks awful since it lost all of the chrome. I was curious if I can use the pressure (2nd one you showed) on my beginner Capresso 4 cup machine... Mine is the unpressurized and would you recommend a pressurize one? If so do you carry the part and how much? Thank you so much!
Great video guys :D I have a Classic Gaggia. In my portafilter there was a small rubber object which I lost. Ever since I lost it, my coffee squirts everywhere, like i've had to repaint my kitchen it's that bad... Is there a chance that the rubber device was pressurising my portafilter? And the fact that coffee squirts everywhere means that there is something wrong with my grind and tamp? Do you think that if I perfect my tamp and grind that the coffee may actually come out nice and smoothly?
Can You (or have you already) talk about portafilters intercompatibility, when, for example, you want to pass from pressurized to conventional non pressurized (but in the same machine)? Different brands and models portafilrters intercompatibility / portafilters sizes and dimensions, standards, etc.? Many thanks,
@thePowerPlant I believe the Strada only has one version ... or did they create a new variation of which I am not aware? Compatibility is basically diameter and then the lip on the top of the basket. Generally, 58mm baskets will fit most 58mm portafilters (doubles) but you'd need to check out the lip on your current basket to be sure -- is there a curve? Is it flat? etc. - Kat
Gail+Kat: I have the Capresso and disassembled the basket. Inside there is a plate with many pinholes in it (that's what you see looking down from the top of the basket) then another plate with a single hole (to maintain pressure) all held in by the black rubber gasket you see from the top. The bottom plate (the black thing on the bottom of the basket) keeps everything secured down.
@betterhalfservices Yeah, I don't know which is better; we do have plans to test out all the machines that have pod adaptation vs. machines that you can use pods in their pressurized portafilter, but it won't be for some time as Gail needs to do the installation work and won't have time for the next couple of months - Kat
Awesome video, I'v been wanting to ask you guys about somthing for a while now.. Why dont you have Gaggia in the store ? I'v just bought a Gaggia Baby, But it only came with some new Very crappy filterbaskets. "Crema Perfetta" and it is pressurized i think.. I think the filter itself is doublewalled, cuz it got like 150 holes at the top, but only 1 tiny exit hole at the bottom. Do you know where i could get a regular 14g filter, that would fit inside the Gaggia Portafilter ? -MrShaun
Hey Kat, I don't like using these things that run hot water thru plastic, is their an affordable machine with an all metal portafilter plus spout? Do you also know if the Nespresso Pixi uses BPA-free plastic parts?
@SeattleCoffeeGear the reason i ask is that i just wanted to know which shot is better, the same ese pod extracted from a pressurized espresso machine or from a semi automatic espresso machine with a pressurized portafilter, any inputs kat, and thanks again, very informative
I am looking for a manual non-pressurized Espresso machine that has a good milk steamer. I used to work as a Barista and would like to get one for myself at home. What would be your recommendation? My budget would be below USD300 if possible to get any good value ones.
Hi Phyllis Koh, you have a couple options with that budget. Both the Saeco Aroma and Via Venezia have an optional non-pressurized portafilter, however they only come with a panarello steam wand. Not sure of your preference there. The Capresso EC Pro is also an option for you. It has a conventional steam wand and comes with a non-pressurized single naked portafilter and a pressurized double. Take a look at those machines here:www.seattlecoffeegear.com/capresso-ec-pro-espresso-cappuccino-machine www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-aroma-espresso-machine www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-via-venezia-espresso-machine
just saw this video: and was wondering about the capresso style basket if there is a fit for unpressurized or a way to make the current pods unpressurized? I don't have a capresso brand but the filter/ basket look exactly the same. I know that this is an older video but if you could reply that would be much appreciated.
actually took apart the single shot/ pod filter to see: and what it is is another plastic piece with a very small metal piece that has one hole in it, I am going to try to remove that and the metal sive to see if that helps depressurize the pod.
I have an old (4+ years) Saeco Aroma, with the very first portafilter shown. I took all of the guts out underneath the basket and, when paired with a nice grind from the Baratza Vario, get beautiful crema.
Things that could impact it include ... cleanliness of the portafilter, age of the coffee, grind of the coffee ... the latter two you can try a tamp to see if that adds more pressure / crema ... the former, soak the whole shebang in detergent over night and then run a bunch of water through. Hope that helps! - Kat
Hi Gaille, nice demonstration! I loved your good humor and great disposition. once in a while my tiny pressurized coffee machine glogs the basket with coffee in those tiny little holes, and I have to clean them one by one with the tip of a tiny needle, which is a pain in the neck. Do you have a different solution to clear the holes by submerging into something? And you successful ideas would be much appreciated. Vinegar doesn't work and I think it's really not a good idea. I tried adding some baking soda in the water and submerge it for a few hours and that didn't work either. Thanks
+Miguel Garcia Thanks for watching! Soaking the portafilter in cleaning solution like this usually does the trick! 15-30 minutes in the solution is typically all it takes: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/full-circle-espresso-machine-cleaning-tablets Cheers!
@betterhalfservices I don't know which version of pod prep tastes better, but you do need to have some kind of either adapter or a PF designed specifically for it. If you don't, the force from the brew head will just send the water around the sides of the pod and you won't get an extraction at all. Water likes the path of least resistance :) - Kat
So, we have a question... if you have a minute to respond, that would be great! We have a Nuova Simonelli Appia II that we want to start brewing triple shots with. If we purchase a triple shot basket, will that fit in our current, standard, single/double shot portafilters? If not, what type of portafilter will fit a triple basket while also being compatible with our machine? Thanks in advance for any help :)
There is a chance that it will fit your standard portafilter. You can actually measure that: research the height of a triple basket, and compare it with the depth of the portafilter. I'd not bother with considering the lip size of the basket because in the end there should be some air below the basket. If it doesn't fit, you'd have to get a bottomless portafilter, with the added inconvenience that you cannot easily split the shot. La Nuova Simonelli *might* sell portafilters with increased height though. If not, the aftermarket *might* offer them. Your machine vendor might be able to help you out.
@spyrmak Ah, since you said without a plug :) We have done videos on the 8 & 16 LP machines that we carry and that is all we have planned for right now so hope they help! - Kat
I have the Saeco "Armonia for Philips", wifey got one after philips took over Saeco and gave the whole company one. It looks like I have the portafilter you showed at the beginning, what size of tamp would you recommend? Can I use a bottomless portafilter with it? I love the coffee I get from it, but I'm a noob...
A question: why are the iron portafilters more expensive? Is it because stainless steel is more expensive than chromed brass, or is it because the market does not really request them?
@MrShaunDupont We stopped carrying Gaggia because their US support story resulted in a lot of customer escalations and we just didn't want to deal with that any more. Depending on the portafilter's diameter, you could check out the Ascaso baskets or possibly the different 58mm ones available, but not positive if the basket's tops would make a seal. You'd need to experiment a little - Kat
could you do a video on manual espresso machines ? is there a manual - non electric espresso machine ? - with no power cord i mean ( i mean heating the water outside the machine ) ...
Hey, I have a Caprresso 100 can I use a non-pressurized portafilter or will it mess up the machine? (ie not maintain the 7-9 bars needed to brew at 20-30 sec.)
We haven't seen that; the brew head gasket will deteriorate over time due to use so needs to be replaced about once a year. The biggest contributor to that deterioration is heating up/cooling down. - Kat
Hi Kat, You have another excellent video. I was wondering if perhaps you can do a video explaining more about the basket sizes for different port filters. Why would you use a single over a double or triple basket? Can you use the ese pod adapter on the Saeco aroma as a single? Let Gail know that there is a huge interest in seeing her pull shots using different baskets sizes. ;)
I use a single with my naked portafilter on my Rocket quite often.. It took me a long time to perfect but finally get consistent good shots from my single :P takes a bit of practise ;-)
You could upgrade the pf's on the Aroma/Via Venezia with the models that we've produced - non-pressurized or bottomless. Otherwise, all the machines in this under $500 range seem to have some plastic involved. Yes on the Pixie -- the only elements of real concern are on clear plastic and their reservoir is the only part that would qualify. They have produced BPA free for quite awhile now. - Kat
So... these pressurised or regulated ones... could one make a device which controls the amount of pressure? Some sort of screw thing? Could one also put a pressure sensor onto the portafilter?
Hi guys! Thank you so much for all the videos! Really learn a lot from them. Im currently using an automatic coffee machine from jura, a nespresso pod machine and i'm looking to move to the next level up. been playing with an aeropress and siphon and i love what you can get from varying everything. Would my next level be a pressurised or non-pressurised espresso machine? Im not trained in pulling shots yet. but I'm hoping to get into classes around my area in the near future. Do hope you can provide some insights! Thanks!
Hi thenitwasfull, Generally the next step from a superautomatic espresso machine would be a pressurized portafilter, as your grind and tamp do not need to be as precise with this type of portafilter. You can also brew using pre-ground coffee with a pressurized portafilter, so it's pretty handy if you do not own a grinder. However, if you would like to learn how to be more precise with your shots you can always try your hand at a non-pressurized portafilter, or purchase a machine that offers both types of baskets so you can switch back and forth between the two. I hope this helps! :-) - Sarah
Seattle Coffee Gear Hi Sarah! Thanks again! looking at those who may offer both, it seems like the saeco poemia is probably the best of its kind. but getting the non pressurised kind here in Singapore for them is pretty difficult. comparatively, how would the rancillo silvia be a better choice, because I'm probably going for a barista lessons soon! I've seen expobar machines as well. >< Thanks again!
thenitwasfull Hi again! The Rancilio Silvia is a higher quality machine and thus (depending on your budget) has a substantial price difference. The Silvia does not offer a pressurized portafilter, but it does feature a powerful steam wand that helps make latte art possible. Whereas the Aroma features a panarello and panarellos are known for bigger milk bubbles and not so much for the dense micro-foam that is needed to create latte art. - Sarah
@jobamigaful We carry one on our site that works well for the Silvia, although there is some leaking over the edges over time (it's not a perfect fit, but it's the best we've found). - Kat
If you're doing a double ristretto or the like - more coffee dose, less water - then yes. But if you are under dosing the basket, you might see that it extracts too quickly, etc. Play around with it a bit! See how your coffee responds :) - Kat
...But Kat, I have seen in some baskets like the VST/Strada Baskets they come in a ridge and ridge-less versions what does that mean? And how do I know if they are compatible with my machine?
Seattle Coffee Gear Hello, can you tell me how many grams of coffee you can fit in the triple shot basket? Also do you still shoot for a 25-30 second brew time.
hi everyone i dont know if its right to place this question here or in another proper area but here it goes, which pulls a better shot? an ESE from a PPF or from a non pressurized PF with ese adaptor? another thing, i cant just load the ese is a non pressurized PF right it has to be in a adaptor or a ppf right? or is there another way?
@jtashland1 We don't carry any parts for Capresso -- sadly, they don't sell them to suppliers. If you contact them, though, they should be able to help you out. We haven't tested any other portafilters on their machines so not positive if there's an easy swap option - Kat
It varies by machine, the of coffee you're using and whether or not you're using a grinder. Some models, like the Saeco, you may find you don't tamp at all, but as the coffee ages, you need to add a little more pressure to get a flavorful shot. We have a video about dialing in a shot on a pressurized portafilter and we talk about some of these variables. Also, some machines def. benefit with a tamp regardless -- so experiment to see how it affects the taste of your shot. - Kat
@SeattleCoffeeGear Thank you so much for such a quick response. I am a coffee novice and everything I have learned is from you 2 ladies! I am in TN and if I ever get a chance to come to Seattle I will definately swing by to say hello.. and have have a cup of brew! Love the sign about unattended children gets a espresso and a puppy!
Still looking for a non-pressurized portafilter for my Saeco Via Venezia. I have already removed the pressurization mechanism from the stock portafilter -- but don't like that the handle can freely after it is engaged. Anyone know of another manufacturer that I could mod to meet my needs??
This video was very helpful! It's the first one I've found to thoroughly explain the differences, pros/cons of each type of portafilter. I'm a pour-over fan myself but have been interested in the making of espresso as well.
Just wanted to say that your videos are so helpful! Many thanks from London, UK!
You can just watch this person talk about coffee machines whole day and you won't be bored.
I tried this on my electric stove, let it smoke so all the coffee trapped inside burned off, worked like a charm. Thanks!!
Very helpful! Just bought a Breville Café Roma but it was not at all clear how to change filters, nor did anyone seem to mention them in demos. This is great.
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll add it to our experiments to-do list :) - Kat
I found you by accident. Looking for an espresso machine. Love to watch. You guy's are the funny, friendly and very informative espresso girl's.
I hope u continue to create more videos! I have learned a lot by watching then :)
I just hacksawed the bottom off of my EC 680 portafilter after seeing that naked one. Totally worth it in combination with a non-pressurized basket, it even ended up looking great after some careful sanding.
@Henry Anderson - No, you can't use the Saeco portafilter on Capresso machines, unfortunately; they don't insert in the same manner. - Kat
Great video. Thanks!!!
Love your 'Unattended Children' notice. :-D
Thank you! I loved the video! I was having troubles with my Sirena portafilter squirting all over the place and over-creming my coffee (like a built-in coffee frother! :-( Yikes!...Since I couldn't find manual (moved recently)..I was suffering through each cup! When you mentioned the nubbin having to be lined up, I thought must be the reason, but when I looked in my portafilter and the nubbin was missing! Now, from watching your video I removed the rubber gasket completely (didn't know I could use it that way and/or with pods) and am having the best cup of coffee! :-) Yay! Thanks again!
Donette Lamson Right on! So great to hear! :)
Really appreciate it, I cherish the videos more after Gail’s retirement
I was expecting for this video since I was born, but I didn't know, haha, very goog one, I will send it to my friends on our coffee blog.
I learn more english with you than in my english school!
Thanks for your reply, I was just looking for a nonpressurized upgrade for the EC100. Is there anything I can do/buy, like a mew basket or portafilter, etc? Thanks!
@VSorceress We definitely will! Glad they are helpful for you :) - Kat
You guys are awsum, found your channel when looking for a new coffee machine (refs going with the breville bse870) great personalities , really fun and informative :)
Thanks for watching!
@rudiwells If you tamp it at all, it is very light; it's a 53mm diameter. There aren't any bottomless PF's for these machines right now, but we are in the process of having them manufactured (after we complete the non-pressurized batch). - Kat
My boyfriend and I bought a Starbucks Barista espresso machine and so we are learning as we go about this whole world of espresso and your videos have been very helpful! Our machine was used and we have done a lot if refreshing of parts to it and it works great now but I am wondering if our pressurized portafilter needs to be replaced. How would we know if it's time to buy a new one or if we could just take it apart and refresh some of the parts? Thanks!!
How do you empty out grounds from the protafilter in between making shots? I tried to bang it on the side of the trashcan and the basket popped out of the portafilter. So..... then I would just take a spoon and try to dig out the grounds because they are packed really tight but I don't want to hurt the rubber seal in the basket or the tiny holes in any way. What is the proper method? My machine is a Delonghi Dedica...Thank you this channel is so helpful!
Perfect timing on this video... I have the Capresso beginners model which you featured a few weeks ago. I just recently made the mistake of putting the portafilter in the dishwasher and it looks awful since it lost all of the chrome. I was curious if I can use the pressure (2nd one you showed) on my beginner Capresso 4 cup machine... Mine is the unpressurized and would you recommend a pressurize one? If so do you carry the part and how much? Thank you so much!
that was simple and helpful
@Henry Anderson - sorry, not that I know of. Also, you've set your account that your comments can't be replied to … FYI :) - Kat
Great video guys :D I have a Classic Gaggia. In my portafilter there was a small rubber object which I lost. Ever since I lost it, my coffee squirts everywhere, like i've had to repaint my kitchen it's that bad... Is there a chance that the rubber device was pressurising my portafilter? And the fact that coffee squirts everywhere means that there is something wrong with my grind and tamp?
Do you think that if I perfect my tamp and grind that the coffee may actually come out nice and smoothly?
Can You (or have you already) talk about portafilters intercompatibility, when, for example, you want to pass from pressurized to conventional non pressurized (but in the same machine)?
Different brands and models portafilrters intercompatibility / portafilters sizes and dimensions, standards, etc.?
Many thanks,
@thePowerPlant I believe the Strada only has one version ... or did they create a new variation of which I am not aware? Compatibility is basically diameter and then the lip on the top of the basket. Generally, 58mm baskets will fit most 58mm portafilters (doubles) but you'd need to check out the lip on your current basket to be sure -- is there a curve? Is it flat? etc. - Kat
whats should be the right basket im using?
Gail+Kat: I have the Capresso and disassembled the basket. Inside there is a plate with many pinholes in it (that's what you see looking down from the top of the basket) then another plate with a single hole (to maintain pressure) all held in by the black rubber gasket you see from the top. The bottom plate (the black thing on the bottom of the basket) keeps everything secured down.
@betterhalfservices Yeah, I don't know which is better; we do have plans to test out all the machines that have pod adaptation vs. machines that you can use pods in their pressurized portafilter, but it won't be for some time as Gail needs to do the installation work and won't have time for the next couple of months - Kat
It's your workout for the morning! :) - Kat
Where/How can I find/buy a naked portafilter for my De'Longhi EC155?
That's a great idea! - Kat
Awesome video, I'v been wanting to ask you guys about somthing for a while now.. Why dont you have Gaggia in the store ?
I'v just bought a Gaggia Baby, But it only came with some new Very crappy filterbaskets. "Crema Perfetta" and it is pressurized i think.. I think the filter itself is doublewalled, cuz it got like 150 holes at the top, but only 1 tiny exit hole at the bottom. Do you know where i could get a regular 14g filter, that would fit inside the Gaggia Portafilter ?
-MrShaun
@spyrmak The only one we know of that would meet your specs here would be a portable one like the MyPressi TWIST or Handpresso - Kat
One question: can I use the Saeco Serina (sorry for spelling) portafilter on a capresso ec100?
is there a bottomless portafiler for the vintage La Peppina?
Do you still have the bottomless portafilter for The Saeco Barista/Via Venezia? How about a double or triple portafilter basket also?
Hey Kat, I don't like using these things that run hot water thru plastic, is their an affordable machine with an all metal portafilter plus spout? Do you also know if the Nespresso Pixi uses BPA-free plastic parts?
Hello ,thanks for your Nice vidéo,what modèle of pressurised filtre does lelit pl41 tem accept?
Thanks for the helpful video.
@SeattleCoffeeGear the reason i ask is that i just wanted to know which shot is better, the same ese pod extracted from a pressurized espresso machine or from a semi automatic espresso machine with a pressurized portafilter, any inputs kat, and thanks again, very informative
I am looking for a manual non-pressurized Espresso machine that has a good milk steamer. I used to work as a Barista and would like to get one for myself at home. What would be your recommendation? My budget would be below USD300 if possible to get any good value ones.
Hi Phyllis Koh, you have a couple options with that budget. Both the Saeco Aroma and Via Venezia have an optional non-pressurized portafilter, however they only come with a panarello steam wand. Not sure of your preference there. The Capresso EC Pro is also an option for you. It has a conventional steam wand and comes with a non-pressurized single naked portafilter and a pressurized double. Take a look at those machines here:www.seattlecoffeegear.com/capresso-ec-pro-espresso-cappuccino-machine
www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-aroma-espresso-machine
www.seattlecoffeegear.com/saeco-via-venezia-espresso-machine
Thus, pressurized have all plastic or rubber elements inside it (between water in and coffee out)?
Thanks,
You guys are too fun to watch. So cute
just saw this video: and was wondering about the capresso style basket if there is a fit for unpressurized or a way to make the current pods unpressurized?
I don't have a capresso brand but the filter/ basket look exactly the same.
I know that this is an older video but if you could reply that would be much appreciated.
actually took apart the single shot/ pod filter to see: and what it is is another plastic piece with a very small metal piece that has one hole in it, I am going to try to remove that and the metal sive to see if that helps depressurize the pod.
I have an old (4+ years) Saeco Aroma, with the very first portafilter shown. I took all of the guts out underneath the basket and, when paired with a nice grind from the Baratza Vario, get beautiful crema.
Things that could impact it include ... cleanliness of the portafilter, age of the coffee, grind of the coffee ... the latter two you can try a tamp to see if that adds more pressure / crema ... the former, soak the whole shebang in detergent over night and then run a bunch of water through. Hope that helps! - Kat
@neofuturist23 Glad we could help! :) - Kat
Hi Gaille, nice demonstration! I loved your good humor and great disposition.
once in a while my tiny pressurized coffee machine glogs the basket with coffee in those tiny little holes, and I have to clean them one by one with the tip of a tiny needle, which is a pain in the neck. Do you have a different solution to clear the holes by submerging into something?
And you successful ideas would be much appreciated. Vinegar doesn't work and I think it's really not a good idea. I tried adding some baking soda in the water and submerge it for a few hours and that didn't work either.
Thanks
+Miguel Garcia Thanks for watching! Soaking the portafilter in cleaning solution like this usually does the trick! 15-30 minutes in the solution is typically all it takes: www.seattlecoffeegear.com/full-circle-espresso-machine-cleaning-tablets Cheers!
I need to replace my leaking Rocket Cellini portafilter, what type and size would work as a replacement on my Rocket Cellini?
@betterhalfservices I don't know which version of pod prep tastes better, but you do need to have some kind of either adapter or a PF designed specifically for it. If you don't, the force from the brew head will just send the water around the sides of the pod and you won't get an extraction at all. Water likes the path of least resistance :) - Kat
Dose the gaggia classic portafilter 58mm fit a breville BES870XL?
Does anyone know why the Breville duo temp machine’ espresso comes out not hot enough?
:D Thank you! - Kat
@brittanyweston We have two books by Scott Rao, a recipe book and a coffee primer by Kenneth Davids - Kat
So, we have a question... if you have a minute to respond, that would be great!
We have a Nuova Simonelli Appia II that we want to start brewing triple shots with. If we purchase a triple shot basket, will that fit in our current, standard, single/double shot portafilters? If not, what type of portafilter will fit a triple basket while also being compatible with our machine?
Thanks in advance for any help :)
There is a chance that it will fit your standard portafilter. You can actually measure that: research the height of a triple basket, and compare it with the depth of the portafilter. I'd not bother with considering the lip size of the basket because in the end there should be some air below the basket. If it doesn't fit, you'd have to get a bottomless portafilter, with the added inconvenience that you cannot easily split the shot. La Nuova Simonelli *might* sell portafilters with increased height though. If not, the aftermarket *might* offer them. Your machine vendor might be able to help you out.
Hi! If I have no crema on my coffee and the time of making espresso is shorter than 20 sec it mean that I have my coffee grounded weak yea?
@betterhalfservices Of course! I try to help if/when I can :) - Kat
Awaiting a non-pressurized machine.Tired of dealing with either weak shots or scorched ones from the pressurized portafilter.
I am barely getting any faux crema from my Saeco pressurized portafilter, would you have any ideas.
@spyrmak Ah, since you said without a plug :) We have done videos on the 8 & 16 LP machines that we carry and that is all we have planned for right now so hope they help! - Kat
@pokeken Thank you!! :) - Kat
I have the Saeco "Armonia for Philips", wifey got one after philips took over Saeco and gave the whole company one. It looks like I have the portafilter you showed at the beginning, what size of tamp would you recommend? Can I use a bottomless portafilter with it? I love the coffee I get from it, but I'm a noob...
A question: why are the iron portafilters more expensive? Is it because stainless steel is more expensive than chromed brass, or is it because the market does not really request them?
@MrShaunDupont We stopped carrying Gaggia because their US support story resulted in a lot of customer escalations and we just didn't want to deal with that any more. Depending on the portafilter's diameter, you could check out the Ascaso baskets or possibly the different 58mm ones available, but not positive if the basket's tops would make a seal. You'd need to experiment a little - Kat
could you do a video on manual espresso machines ? is there a manual - non electric espresso machine ? - with no power cord i mean ( i mean heating the water outside the machine ) ...
What Coffee books do you have on the shelf over there
@MrAlligam We have them in the works; waiting on them to come in from Asia. - Kat
Hey, I have a Caprresso 100 can I use a non-pressurized portafilter or will it mess up the machine? (ie not maintain the 7-9 bars needed to brew at 20-30 sec.)
Mind blowing! ;) - Kat
We haven't seen that; the brew head gasket will deteriorate over time due to use so needs to be replaced about once a year. The biggest contributor to that deterioration is heating up/cooling down. - Kat
Hi Kat,
You have another excellent video. I was wondering if perhaps you can do a video explaining more about the basket sizes for different port filters. Why would you use a single over a double or triple basket? Can you use the ese pod adapter on the Saeco aroma as a single? Let Gail know that there is a huge interest in seeing her pull shots using different baskets sizes. ;)
I use a single with my naked portafilter on my Rocket quite often.. It took me a long time to perfect but finally get consistent good shots from my single :P takes a bit of practise ;-)
You could upgrade the pf's on the Aroma/Via Venezia with the models that we've produced - non-pressurized or bottomless. Otherwise, all the machines in this under $500 range seem to have some plastic involved. Yes on the Pixie -- the only elements of real concern are on clear plastic and their reservoir is the only part that would qualify. They have produced BPA free for quite awhile now. - Kat
So... these pressurised or regulated ones... could one make a device which controls the amount of pressure? Some sort of screw thing? Could one also put a pressure sensor onto the portafilter?
Hi guys!
Thank you so much for all the videos! Really learn a lot from them.
Im currently using an automatic coffee machine from jura, a nespresso pod machine and i'm looking to move to the next level up. been playing with an aeropress and siphon and i love what you can get from varying everything.
Would my next level be a pressurised or non-pressurised espresso machine? Im not trained in pulling shots yet. but I'm hoping to get into classes around my area in the near future.
Do hope you can provide some insights!
Thanks!
Hi thenitwasfull, Generally the next step from a superautomatic espresso machine would be a pressurized portafilter, as your grind and tamp do not need to be as precise with this type of portafilter. You can also brew using pre-ground coffee with a pressurized portafilter, so it's pretty handy if you do not own a grinder. However, if you would like to learn how to be more precise with your shots you can always try your hand at a non-pressurized portafilter, or purchase a machine that offers both types of baskets so you can switch back and forth between the two. I hope this helps! :-) - Sarah
Seattle Coffee Gear Hi Sarah!
Thanks again! looking at those who may offer both, it seems like the saeco poemia is probably the best of its kind. but getting the non pressurised kind here in Singapore for them is pretty difficult.
comparatively, how would the rancillo silvia be a better choice, because I'm probably going for a barista lessons soon!
I've seen expobar machines as well. ><
Thanks again!
thenitwasfull Hi again! The Rancilio Silvia is a higher quality machine and thus (depending on your budget) has a substantial price difference. The Silvia does not offer a pressurized portafilter, but it does feature a powerful steam wand that helps make latte art possible. Whereas the Aroma features a panarello and panarellos are known for bigger milk bubbles and not so much for the dense micro-foam that is needed to create latte art. - Sarah
Seattle Coffee Gear Thanks again! :D
You guys look like very fun people to hang out with. And thanks for teaching us so much about coffee stuffs.
It sounds like it; how is your shot timing? - Kat
Thank you! I think ;) - Kat
will the vst work on the rocket
Is it normal for 1 shot portafilters made for a 58 mm basket not to fit the 58 mm tamp very well? (It gets stuck)
@luizzzzzzzzzzzzzz That is awesome! Glad it was helpful and that we are increasing your coffee and linguistic education simultaneously! :D - Kat
@jobamigaful We carry one on our site that works well for the Silvia, although there is some leaking over the edges over time (it's not a perfect fit, but it's the best we've found). - Kat
Hi,
Do you know which make /model of bottomless portafilter is suitable for the Rancilio Syliva?
Thanks
Jonathan
what happened if you take off the screws ? (1:59) what happend from this experiment?
@coffeefusion Hahaha -- cool :) I don't think Gail is ever going to give in on this one so you should make a video on your technique!!! :) - Kat
Hi,
Can I use the triple basket to pull a double shot?
Thank you so much.
If you're doing a double ristretto or the like - more coffee dose, less water - then yes. But if you are under dosing the basket, you might see that it extracts too quickly, etc. Play around with it a bit! See how your coffee responds :) - Kat
...But Kat, I have seen in some baskets like the VST/Strada Baskets they come in a ridge and ridge-less versions what does that mean? And how do I know if they are compatible with my machine?
What if you place a plastic cap in the bottom of a porta filter to raise the
Pressure ..... slow the flow ???
I still haven't been able to get her to do it ... we'll see ;) - Kat
Seattle Coffee Gear Hello, can you tell me how many grams of coffee you can fit in the triple shot basket? Also do you still shoot for a 25-30 second brew time.
Hello Michael Greco! Take a look here: ruclips.net/video/6T3YPAmNVig/видео.html :)
hi everyone i dont know if its right to place this question here or in another proper area but here it goes, which pulls a better shot? an ESE from a PPF or from a non pressurized PF with ese adaptor? another thing, i cant just load the ese is a non pressurized PF right it has to be in a adaptor or a ppf right? or is there another way?
Hi, is it possible to know where I could buy the pics of bottomless extractions that are on the wall ?
Thank you.
Romain
Hi Romain. We do not sell those images. I believe they were taken for us by a photographer. Sorry. - Steven
@jtashland1 We don't carry any parts for Capresso -- sadly, they don't sell them to suppliers. If you contact them, though, they should be able to help you out. We haven't tested any other portafilters on their machines so not positive if there's an easy swap option - Kat
It varies by machine, the of coffee you're using and whether or not you're using a grinder. Some models, like the Saeco, you may find you don't tamp at all, but as the coffee ages, you need to add a little more pressure to get a flavorful shot. We have a video about dialing in a shot on a pressurized portafilter and we talk about some of these variables. Also, some machines def. benefit with a tamp regardless -- so experiment to see how it affects the taste of your shot. - Kat
@SeattleCoffeeGear Thank you so much for such a quick response. I am a coffee novice and everything I have learned is from you 2 ladies! I am in TN and if I ever get a chance to come to Seattle I will definately swing by to say hello.. and have have a cup of brew! Love the sign about unattended children gets a espresso and a puppy!
Ah the days of the unedited videos, no scripts, and cell phone recording.
Still looking for a non-pressurized portafilter for my Saeco Via Venezia. I have already removed the pressurization mechanism from the stock portafilter -- but don't like that the handle can freely after it is engaged. Anyone know of another manufacturer that I could mod to meet my needs??
@brittanyweston Cool!! They are the best IMHO - Kat