How to use the paddle on a Lelit Bianca

This video shows one method of using the paddle to adjust the flow rate on a Lelit Bianca and adjust grind size to taste.
Edit- the water debit with the paddle fully open is 6 GM per second. In the 7 o clock position, it is 3 GM per second

[@mgswansea]

Great video.

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

Thanks!

[@HanHaLuu-hs7gm]

you soak the coffee for 6 seconds❤ i like it

[@yeeek]

thanks for the vid! how long do you stay in the 7 o' clock position (preinfusion)?

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

You’re welcome. I keep it at the 7 o clock till the pressure rises to 2 bar and then turn off the flow to maintain this pressure. After first few drops, I turn the paddle slowly to the open position to achieve a pressure of 9 bar.

[@themodularmodular]

Hey where did you get that huge shot mirror?

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

It’s simply a 2x mirror stuck to a car vent phone holder!

[@7RiOtBoY7]

What tamper is do you use?

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

It’s a self levelling tamper by Decent Espresso, version 2

[@abotmeem]

2:57 l think 6g/s is to much for preinfusin

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

I added an edit to the description. It’s 3gm per second. With the paddle fully open, it’s 6 gms per second

[@sebastiankeiner1955]

You have to crank up the paddle to full flow, goes to 10-11bar at the group head then (forget about 9 bar pump pressure).
And please take the stickers of the group head😉

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

Thanks for your comment. The smaller gauge shows pressure at the group head. The pump pressure has been set higher. My experience is that if I allow the pressure at the group head increase to 11, the espresso is invariably harsh. I suspect there is compacting beyond 9 bar which leads to channeling within the puck. This is not necessarily appreciated even with a naked portafilter. If you haven’t already, I would recommend reading www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590238519304102
BTW I don’t mind the decal… Hopefully it stops the kids from touching it!

[@st4rdust86]

Man here's what I think. The shot should be 25-30 seconds. Your first drop happens around 10th second. So your shot takes less than 20 seconds.

[@UnderstandingCoffee]

Thanks for your comment. if you are using pre infusion, it should be counted as brew time. The coffee is still in contact with water saturating the puck. There is no fixed rule for shot duration. Time is not an independent variable. It took me a while to realise this. Ultimately the only guide is taste and you adjust your variables based on that.