Discover All Normcorewares Here: alternativebrewing.com.au/collections/normcore All Breville Accessories Here: alternativebrewing.com.au/collections/breville-coffee-machines
I've just bought the Breville Barista Express and am absolutely loving these videos, learnt so much from them. Would you please be able to do a video showing the best techniques to keep your espresso machine clean?
If you upgrade the filter basket, then yes, the default tamper will be very ill fitting. The filter basket that comes with these machines is tapered and the default tamper matches that taper. It's not a very good idea because the match between the basket and the tamper is sensitive to the amount of coffee, but that's how it is. As far as I know, if you want the pressurized basket, you are stuck with the Breville one, so you need to work with the taper.
The plastic in the filter holder seems like a feature to keep your espresso from cooling too fast. If the spout is all metal, and not heated it will cool your coffee off before it hits the cup. I imagine the plastic shield reduces heat loss.
thanks! What else are you after? I've since released these two video below -- am I missing anything? 👉 ruclips.net/video/TbBgwoEOeug/видео.html 👉 ruclips.net/video/oGgE1uRgWTM/видео.html
Ohhhh I must have missed those. Very informative and I enjoy your videos. I’m just trying to master this machine. Struggling with consistency of pressure and ratio. I’ll get it figured out. Great videos.
Hi, thank you for the video and the great tips. Does the normcore portafilter already include a precision basket or would I have to buy that additionally
I'm confused: you never reviewed the accordion-looking device sitting atop the hopper/grinder, which is featured prominently in the thumbnail. Why show it if you had no plans to talk about it? What even is that thing?
Another great video Josh. I bought a Barista Pro today (probably should have spent the extra money on the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky combo though) and have been looking at your website with the intention of ordering some scales, a distributor tool, WDT, spring loaded tamper, steam handle, basket and bottomless portafilter... damn, making coffee at home was supposed to save me money compared to buying them each day. Haha! Ignoring cost, do you recommend the Normcore spring loaded tamper V4 and the Normcore distribution tool, or the Normcore distributor-tamper combo?
The thumbnail shows the grinder having bellows on it instead of a hopper? Is that something you guys will stock aswell? I don't see it anywhere in this video.
Yes, we may stick this in the future - though - imho I'd prefer to use a stand alone grinder as opposed to Single Dosing with the In-built Grinder. And this part of the video was left out - as it was a bit of a tangent/rabbit hole regarding Grinders 😂
Hi Josh, just got a Barista Pro. Considering the 14-18g IMS basket (dosing 17g) however just wondering how the Pesado basket would compare? I was under the impression that Pesado was made by IMS but was a non precision maybe cheaper version of the IMS Precision Basket? Can you please advise. Also keen to get some Normcore accessories especially V4 Tamp but initially I'm struggling to choose an espresso scale. I was recently advised that the Timemore Black Mirror Plus & the Varia Brew Scale were only suitable for brewing due to their size and not being waterproof? I then started to look at the Brewista Smart Scale 11 (have also seen video on Brewista Smart Scale 111 but not sure if available in Australia) and some users reckon they're rubbish so depends who you listen to. I want a mid price espresso scale (not for pourover) that is responsive, accurate, auto start & timer at first drop in the cup and preferably rechargeable but I could live with batteries if needed. Should I rule out the Timemore, Varia & Brewista for a better option? Thanks Josh and I really have enjoyed your videos for quite some time now and I value your feedback. Cheers.
IMS I would confer as the better basket. Reputation and peer reviewed. I use a Pesado though am yet to really compare it to the IMS, so if searching for the better basket - I would lean towards the IMS. A scale with high responsive, accurate, auto start & timer at first drop in the cup is a hard one to find! Ofc Acaia Lunars are the top of the line. I haven't been satisfied with the "timer at first drop" on many scales as I've mostly used pre-infusion and - first drop can on occasions, inconsistent. So I can't really say how the scales are for this feature - but am very pleased with the newest Varia scales just released - we don't have these yet - but they are a great scale - and the Timemore Black Mirror Nano would be my other suggestion 👌 Thanks so much for your support !
@@AlternativeBrewing Thanks Josh for your prompt reply. What are the newly released Varia scales you mention? Also, I now think I'll get a Normcore puck screen so would you recommend the 18g or 22g basket? My original thoughts was to dose 17g however maybe I should be dosing 20g. I'm actually not sure but I will go for the IMS basket(s) as you suggested. I'll have a look on you website. Cheers.
@@steph8408 I dose either 18 or 20g. Thouh you won't have the option with an 18g basket, so go the 22g 👌 Especially as, in using a puck screen you'll want a little extra head space. They are the Varia AKU Scales, though we do not currently stock them :( I was sent a model to try out and do like them. Otherwise check out the Rhino Coffee Stealth Scales - another good option. FWIW - we also do not have IMS baskets - only the Pesado for 54mm Breviile.
I switched to an IMS last week and it was 20 seconds faster on the same grind that I used with the stock basket the previous day. I’m super happy with it.
Not yet! It's more snug than the default - which is not hard 😂 but not as snug as other tampers I've used at 58.5mm sizes. It could be snugger in the 54mm Pesado Basket ... but I'd say is the best option right now
Hi, does the steam lever fit the Barista Pro dial as any photos/videos I have seen it has been fitted on the Barista express steam dial which it’s a smaller size?
have you reviewed the Breville Barista Pro? because i don't buy anything brew unless i've watched your review, but i can't find an Alternative Brewing review on the Barista Pro. either way if you which machine would you choose between a Barista Express and a Barista Pro (when cost isn't a consideration)?
Hey thanks so much! We do not stock Breville unfortunately (yet) We would like to! ... now for twice the cost - It's difficult to say if the Barista Pro is worth it. THere's not a lot separation between the two machines. In terms of flavour, I'd say there'd be very little difference. The Barista Pro does have a better heating system, the digital display -(which i'm not raving about) , and Breville's website at least, has an extra year of warranty, which is ALWAYS handy! BUT, you could get the Express, and purchase maybe 1-2 years extra on warranty - and here you'd still save money and end up with a very similar cup of coffee anyway 👌
Not meaning to go against Josh's advice but I have just been through the whole process and comparison with the Express and Pro. I just purchased the Pro and for the extra money it made sense especially the shorter transition time from espresso to start of steam. Also check the Etzinger cone burr has 6 points and not 5 points which is easily checked by lifting the hopper. The 6 point star is more current. I also paid for extended warranty. There are also other reasons I decided on the Pro however no doubt the Express is still a solid contender for the price as Josh stated. Cheers.
I’m surprised I only came across your channel just now. Such good contents. Subscribing now. Quick question though. You said the filter basket and portafilter from normcore are great fit with Breville, but I’ve read pretty bad review, not being a perfect fit with Breville, and overpriced etc. is that right? What might be a good alternative then in your opinion?
IMHO - a Normcore Portafilter presents no issues - in using it with the Breville Barista Express 54mm machine - all is good. I would go and get the Pesado Filter basket for breville over Normcore - just better baskets honestly. alternativebrewing.com.au/products/pesado-breville-filter-baskets - otherwise every other tool from Normcore to fit the 54mm machines is on point. My preference FWIW is: • Normcore 54mm Distributor Tamper Combo • Normcore WDT Tool V3 • Normcore 54mm Naked Portafilter • Pesado 54mm Filter basket • Normcore 54mm Puck Screen
Not yet sorry ! No, was going to include a part about the Grinder - though it become more about the Grinder - than it did about the accessory. TBH I would not recommend the Grinder for single dosing use anyway - even though there are attachments out there to enable this. You'd be better off getting a stand along Grinder to greatly improve the quality 👌
Pretty much all of them. If you're looking for Normcore specifically I think they only don't make the portafilters, but you can find tampers, screens etc very easily.
The problem with Breville (Sage in Europe) is reliability and part’s availability. Don’t do it. Most repair shops in the Seattle area at least, won’t touch them. All of that said, they can produce irritatingly good espresso. I opted for an awesome Alex Duetto which costs significantly more unless you find a good used one which I did. ECM, Rocket, any of the other REAL machines are a better choice and can last for decades.
Discover All Normcorewares Here: alternativebrewing.com.au/collections/normcore
All Breville Accessories Here: alternativebrewing.com.au/collections/breville-coffee-machines
I've just bought the Breville Barista Express and am absolutely loving these videos, learnt so much from them. Would you please be able to do a video showing the best techniques to keep your espresso machine clean?
No worries 👌
If you upgrade the filter basket, then yes, the default tamper will be very ill fitting. The filter basket that comes with these machines is tapered and the default tamper matches that taper. It's not a very good idea because the match between the basket and the tamper is sensitive to the amount of coffee, but that's how it is. As far as I know, if you want the pressurized basket, you are stuck with the Breville one, so you need to work with the taper.
The plastic in the filter holder seems like a feature to keep your espresso from cooling too fast. If the spout is all metal, and not heated it will cool your coffee off before it hits the cup. I imagine the plastic shield reduces heat loss.
Please more videos on the operation of this machine
thanks! What else are you after? I've since released these two video below -- am I missing anything?
👉 ruclips.net/video/TbBgwoEOeug/видео.html
👉 ruclips.net/video/oGgE1uRgWTM/видео.html
Ohhhh I must have missed those. Very informative and I enjoy your videos. I’m just trying to master this machine. Struggling with consistency of pressure and ratio. I’ll get it figured out. Great videos.
The basket is the most important to get consistency for your shots
Should I use the new filter baskets on my breville bambino plus? Because I don’t feel like replacing my old ones bc they work perfectly fine
I wouldn't change a thing if you're happy with it 🫶
Nice one Josh ☕️🎉💕
Thanks! 😃
Hi, thank you for the video and the great tips. Does the normcore portafilter already include a precision basket or would I have to buy that additionally
It includes it 👌
@@AlternativeBrewing thanks. is it a 18g basket?
Yes the 54mm portafilter has a capacity of 18g 👌
Breville baskets are premium....
Wow these are like way expensive
I'm confused: you never reviewed the accordion-looking device sitting atop the hopper/grinder, which is featured prominently in the thumbnail. Why show it if you had no plans to talk about it? What even is that thing?
It's a Single Dosing Hopper bellows, to evacuate the grinder chute. A lot of work to single dose - will use this in an upcoming video 🫶
Another great video Josh. I bought a Barista Pro today (probably should have spent the extra money on the Rancilio Silvia and Rocky combo though) and have been looking at your website with the intention of ordering some scales, a distributor tool, WDT, spring loaded tamper, steam handle, basket and bottomless portafilter... damn, making coffee at home was supposed to save me money compared to buying them each day. Haha!
Ignoring cost, do you recommend the Normcore spring loaded tamper V4 and the Normcore distribution tool, or the Normcore distributor-tamper combo?
Either to be honest. I'm not loyal to one setup or the other. Both work well - the combo ofc will be a little neater on the bench - 1 tool vs 2.
The thumbnail shows the grinder having bellows on it instead of a hopper? Is that something you guys will stock aswell? I don't see it anywhere in this video.
Yes, we may stick this in the future - though - imho I'd prefer to use a stand alone grinder as opposed to Single Dosing with the In-built Grinder. And this part of the video was left out - as it was a bit of a tangent/rabbit hole regarding Grinders 😂
Hi Josh, just got a Barista Pro. Considering the 14-18g IMS basket (dosing 17g) however just wondering how the Pesado basket would compare? I was under the impression that Pesado was made by IMS but was a non precision maybe cheaper version of the IMS Precision Basket? Can you please advise. Also keen to get some Normcore accessories especially V4 Tamp but initially I'm struggling to choose an espresso scale. I was recently advised that the Timemore Black Mirror Plus & the Varia Brew Scale were only suitable for brewing due to their size and not being waterproof? I then started to look at the Brewista Smart Scale 11 (have also seen video on Brewista Smart Scale 111 but not sure if available in Australia) and some users reckon they're rubbish so depends who you listen to. I want a mid price espresso scale (not for pourover) that is responsive, accurate, auto start & timer at first drop in the cup and preferably rechargeable but I could live with batteries if needed. Should I rule out the Timemore, Varia & Brewista for a better option?
Thanks Josh and I really have enjoyed your videos for quite some time now and I value your feedback. Cheers.
IMS I would confer as the better basket. Reputation and peer reviewed. I use a Pesado though am yet to really compare it to the IMS, so if searching for the better basket - I would lean towards the IMS.
A scale with high responsive, accurate, auto start & timer at first drop in the cup is a hard one to find! Ofc Acaia Lunars are the top of the line. I haven't been satisfied with the "timer at first drop" on many scales as I've mostly used pre-infusion and - first drop can on occasions, inconsistent. So I can't really say how the scales are for this feature - but am very pleased with the newest Varia scales just released - we don't have these yet - but they are a great scale - and the Timemore Black Mirror Nano would be my other suggestion 👌 Thanks so much for your support !
@@AlternativeBrewing Thanks Josh for your prompt reply. What are the newly released Varia scales you mention? Also, I now think I'll get a Normcore puck screen so would you recommend the 18g or 22g basket? My original thoughts was to dose 17g however maybe I should be dosing 20g. I'm actually not sure but I will go for the IMS basket(s) as you suggested. I'll have a look on you website. Cheers.
@@steph8408 I dose either 18 or 20g. Thouh you won't have the option with an 18g basket, so go the 22g 👌 Especially as, in using a puck screen you'll want a little extra head space.
They are the Varia AKU Scales, though we do not currently stock them :( I was sent a model to try out and do like them.
Otherwise check out the Rhino Coffee Stealth Scales - another good option.
FWIW - we also do not have IMS baskets - only the Pesado for 54mm Breviile.
Hey great video as always!
Just a quick question, How snug is the tamper inside the Pesado basket? Have you guys tried it in the IMS?
Cheers!
I switched to an IMS last week and it was 20 seconds faster on the same grind that I used with the stock basket the previous day. I’m super happy with it.
Not yet! It's more snug than the default - which is not hard 😂 but not as snug as other tampers I've used at 58.5mm sizes. It could be snugger in the 54mm Pesado Basket ... but I'd say is the best option right now
@@notsoawake1915 Yeah , I have an array of IMS baskets but unfortunately yet to encounter a tamper that has a really snug fit 😭
@@AlternativeBrewing thank you for the info! I am in search of that 58.5 mm feel but no luck yet 🤷
Hey, I’m the preview, the machine has a single dose hopper attached. Do you have a review on this and do you sell them?
NOt at this stage - but we will be getting them 👌
Is the leaver still available? I can’t find it on the website
We haven't got them up just yet - but they'll be up soon 🫶
Hi, does the steam lever fit the Barista Pro dial as any photos/videos I have seen it has been fitted on the Barista express steam dial which it’s a smaller size?
so - in fact there will be two different versions of these available - one for Pro, one for Express 👍
@@AlternativeBrewingis there a lever for the Barista express impress
have you reviewed the Breville Barista Pro? because i don't buy anything brew unless i've watched your review, but i can't find an Alternative Brewing review on the Barista Pro. either way if you which machine would you choose between a Barista Express and a Barista Pro (when cost isn't a consideration)?
Hey thanks so much! We do not stock Breville unfortunately (yet) We would like to! ... now for twice the cost - It's difficult to say if the Barista Pro is worth it. THere's not a lot separation between the two machines. In terms of flavour, I'd say there'd be very little difference. The Barista Pro does have a better heating system, the digital display -(which i'm not raving about) , and Breville's website at least, has an extra year of warranty, which is ALWAYS handy! BUT, you could get the Express, and purchase maybe 1-2 years extra on warranty - and here you'd still save money and end up with a very similar cup of coffee anyway 👌
Not meaning to go against Josh's advice but I have just been through the whole process and comparison with the Express and Pro. I just purchased the Pro and for the extra money it made sense especially the shorter transition time from espresso to start of steam. Also check the Etzinger cone burr has 6 points and not 5 points which is easily checked by lifting the hopper. The 6 point star is more current. I also paid for extended warranty. There are also other reasons I decided on the Pro however no doubt the Express is still a solid contender for the price as Josh stated. Cheers.
I’m surprised I only came across your channel just now. Such good contents. Subscribing now.
Quick question though. You said the filter basket and portafilter from normcore are great fit with Breville, but I’ve read pretty bad review, not being a perfect fit with Breville, and overpriced etc. is that right? What might be a good alternative then in your opinion?
IMHO - a Normcore Portafilter presents no issues - in using it with the Breville Barista Express 54mm machine - all is good. I would go and get the Pesado Filter basket for breville over Normcore - just better baskets honestly. alternativebrewing.com.au/products/pesado-breville-filter-baskets - otherwise every other tool from Normcore to fit the 54mm machines is on point. My preference FWIW is:
• Normcore 54mm Distributor Tamper Combo
• Normcore WDT Tool V3
• Normcore 54mm Naked Portafilter
• Pesado 54mm Filter basket
• Normcore 54mm Puck Screen
@@AlternativeBrewing thanks mate. Legend!
Sorry, just another silly question. Would the Pesado basket fit the 54mm Breville pro portafilter?
Do you have a review of the single dose bellows for Breville machines? There looks to be one on the still for this video?
Not yet sorry ! No, was going to include a part about the Grinder - though it become more about the Grinder - than it did about the accessory. TBH I would not recommend the Grinder for single dosing use anyway - even though there are attachments out there to enable this. You'd be better off getting a stand along Grinder to greatly improve the quality 👌
What accessories can be used for the Breville Oracle with a 58mm group head?
Pretty much all of them. If you're looking for Normcore specifically I think they only don't make the portafilters, but you can find tampers, screens etc very easily.
Pretty much all of them 👌 58mm is a very compatible size - you you're in luck 😀
Normcore V4 tamper - what spring do you have in it?
OG Spring - haven't felt the need to use the other two 🫶
Upgrade to a Sunbeam it will last longer.
The problem with Breville (Sage in Europe) is reliability and part’s availability. Don’t do it. Most repair shops in the Seattle area at least, won’t touch them. All of that said, they can produce irritatingly good espresso. I opted for an awesome Alex Duetto which costs significantly more unless you find a good used one which I did. ECM, Rocket, any of the other REAL machines are a better choice and can last for decades.
Too true