Thank you, all your videos were really helpful. It’s very hard to find good Slayer videos on RUclips ! Your detail explanations helped me in my decision. Few days ago we got brand new Slayer Single one. Looking forward enjoying some of the best coffee drinks in my new home ☕️🙏🏻👍🏼
Great video, I have a question... You said: 20sec. PI by 60 g/30s 24sec. PI by 50 g/30s 27sec. PI by 40 g/30s Could I take this as a standard to set my grind size? Because it's difficult to tell with flow control! Or how do you set it?
It’s awesome to finally have an informative, useful Slayer post. Thank you. Next thing: How do you easily repeat a recipe without going thru the whole trial and error with the valve? IT WOULD BE GREAT IF SLAYER DESIGNED AN EXTERNAL, CALIBRATED PADDLE FOR THE NEEDLE VALVE. Then you could do things like switch back to pre-brew position, but with higher flow rate at end of shot, and dial it down. Or even pull the whole shot at pre brew position. But certainly, at least, return precisely to a valve setting you want to repeat. Does dialing in the flow help make the grind simpler? Do you have a more or less standard espresso grind on the EK, then just adjust flow?
Hey Laurence, sorry for the delay in responding. Typically, getting started with your Slayer Espresso you want to pull a classic 9 bar shot -- and then start profiling from there. Setting your needle valve to what you think will work, and then making more minor changes in temp, grind, and pre brew etc tend to yield the best results with as little time developing the recipe. Oh and one more thing, the needle valve is available on the exterior, but as noted, we just find it easier to keep it under the hood (also reduces risk of someone in the cafe that isn't familiar with the needle valve from turning it).
Bit of a techy question. What would you say is the ideal pump % in the menu? I've got an external pressure regulating valve and it's set so the pump is at 22% to achieve 10bar with the blind basket. Would upping the line pressure and reducing the pump % to 20% or less be better and would any changes affect the flow rate/espresso? My water supply pressure is excellent as I have a water pumping station right opposite my home, hence the regulator. Also, would dropping the full brew to 8 bar instead of 9 have a marked difference on the output? I've tried espresso from a Conti lever machine with 8 bar springs and it was quite nice, plus done the 6 bar thing when I had a Speedster (which was quite interesting). I wish I had some nice Slayer cups as well, but being in the UK I doubt they'll be not worth the expense. Cheers, and I love my Slayer!
Hello, good question. For the classic single group, The pump percentage will be dependent on the environmental factors of the machine. We typically see it fall between 20-30%. As long as you have a good pressure into the machine 40-60psi and you are getting 10 bar then everything is good. The great thing about this machine is that you own it. Have fun! This is the point of the machine. Find what you love and brew it. I have personally experimented with 6bar, 8bar, on more developed coffee on traditional machines and still found that I loved it. On the Slayer I found I enjoyed my results more by playing with extending prebrew, changing flow rate, temp, adding post. Etc. Feel free to reach out to training@slayerespresso.com for further questions!
Having great results doing exact same thing on the lelit Bianca normally do a 2/3 bar 20 second pre infusion then 25 second shot typically... Get insane results. Can help using a refractometer to see where you want to take the shots
I've watched the videos and read the comments but wonder how changing the needle valve changes the pressure in the basket. It seems that the needle valve creates pressure behind the valve and decreases it after the valve in the basket resulting in the ability to do a 25 second "pre-brew" before full pressure is brought on to do the full brew? I'm I understanding this correctly? If so then it's like dropping the pressure for a "pre-infusion" and then bumping it back up for the shot but perhaps with a lot more precision.
Hello! The needle valve is a precise flow-restriction device that allows us to consistently control the flow rate of water delivered to the puck during "Pre-Brew" Through the group actuator you are toggling between a restricted flow rate via the needle valve and an unrestricted flow rate which bypasses the needle valve. The pump is on throughout the brewing process (set to 9-bar at the factory.)
At which point in time do you turn the paddle to full brew? Do you do it as soon as you get coffee out or after a certain number of grams of coffee in the cup? Also, you mentioned you were able to grind very fine. Were you testing this variable before you started the video? At which point was the coffee too fine where you said, ok, I should make it a bit coarser. Thanks. Love the video!
All of your questions really lead to the whole dial in process -- determining where the coffee flavor is it's best based on all of your variables. Typically a recipe is based on time and weight, which let you know when you should move from pre-brew to full pressure. Thanks for your comment!
Wow awesome. One question... what is the flow rate per 30s for the full flow position. And does it change when you adjust the valve, or does the valve only adjust the pre-infusion flow rate? Thanks!!
@@SlayerEspressoMachines I see thanks. So that’s 9 bars brew pressure on the group head, not the pump pressure right? Because I think I saw somewhere online it saying you calibrate with a blind filter to have 10 bars? Do you know what sort of flow rate to expect in full brew mode? I saw one retailer saying it should be roughly 4oz in 10s? What’s that like 350g in 30s? Or are you saying the flow will vary to whatever it needs to be to give 9 bars group head pressure in full brew?
@@tris694 We set the bar pressure with a blind to 10 bars. This extracts through coffee at 9 bars. When in prebrew (where we restrict through the needle valve) we adjust the flow rate through the needle to 40-60grams in 30 seconds.
What size basket were you using for your 19g dose? The web site says the machine includes an 18g basket - did you size up for the video? Just wondering how much head space to allow, if any, for expansion during saturation.
Hi John. The included basket comfortably accommodates 18-20g so I tend to use 19g out of habit, as much as anything! I generally stick to a fixed 19g dose then adjust my yield to control my ratios.
Sometimes, the adjusted flow rate will change after a period of time, usually it will decrease by itself, and you have to adjust repeatedly. Can you be firm?
I would expect to need to check on your PM schedule (3 mos.). Also make sure when you're dialing the flow rate in, turn off your heaters and puge the group for 10 seconds. This ensures all the air is purged from the system. Also you're never going to land exactly on 42 (for example) every time. I recommend running 3 tests and taking average. Being sure to purge the group between tests. You'll fall into a range because this is a mechanical process. 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60.
@@fahadaljuraid5707 Okay, first of all thank you for letting me know. Second, could you please send an email with your serial number to support@slayerespresso.com and let them know what has happened? We will figure this out for you.
Sometimes, the adjusted traffic will change after a period of time and usually decrease by itself, so you have to make adjustments repeatedly. Can this problem be solved? This machine has only been used for a week. The translation software I use is not very accurate. Sorry
Hey, no worries -- understand you 100%! The needle valve is not fixed and should be adjusted. We recommend checking the pre-brew flowrate once a week--is the flowrate how you want? If not, then adjust. When adjusting the pre-brew flowrate, make sure to PURGE the group in full-brew for 20 seconds after you've made an adjustment and then confirm your pre-brew flowrate is accurate. If you have any further questions, we are here to help. Just send an email to support@slayerespresso.com and if you'd like we can do a video call to walk you through the steps!
Hey there, thanks for the comment. Dan goes over, in detail, the time and weight during each extraction in the video. Did you catch the details for whichever extraction you are referring to?
With such an expensive machine there should be an better solution setting up the flowrate than stopping 30 seconds and wheight the output. It's a waste of energy, hot water and time.
Thank you for your comment--I hope it's okay that we respond in full as this is a very valid point--when building something that is truly incomparable, just where do you stop? It’s difficult to appreciate just how extreme something is, without being able to judge that thing alongside something truly average. Equally as important, we know Slayer Espresso is not for everyone and that’s absolutely okay with us. The technology, or in fact lack of technology is by design for the user, making the Slayer Single Group Espresso (SSG) accessible for the everyday barista but could prove to be somewhat difficult for someone unwilling to apply both a scientific and artistic approach to espresso preparation. All that said it’s one of the easiest machines to plug and play upon arrival. The manual aspect of the SSG is appealing to those who also place value in having total control of the variables including an intuitive and simple way to set them. The SSG has more modern features to date (when compared to the two and three group configurations) including a touch screen where you can enable a semi automatic setting that allows for a digital transition from Pre-brew to Full Brew. You still have to stand by and turn it off. When updating the unit this past year our main goals were to increase temperature stability in high volume demand along with heat up from sleep mode to ready to brew. By default that new technology gave us faster recovery beverage to beverage. Slayer is a boutique manufacturer, building a commercial machine in Seattle Washington. Various metal components make up the chassis, body panels, group cap and X’s. Internally it’s got a commercial brew group, Portafilter, basket, screen and screw, a dedicated steam tank, multiple PID’s for stability when used in a commercial capacity and while it would have been easy to add a plastic lever or button for steam and espresso our founder chose wooden actuators to bring the machine some soul. Honestly, it’s expensive to build a machine like this. The price point reflects so much more than the simple needle valve tech. This machine is not a toy, not built in a massive factory by machines instead it's handcrafted by our detail oriented production team. The patented needle valve technology and ease of tuning is something I truly appreciate. I’m not an engineer but thanks to the simplicity of the build, upkeep on my machine is done by me, including full annual PM’s. I appreciate your comment as it reminds us all to remember who we are but it also connects us to what you view as modern and of value. We rely on consumer feedback, it's something we crave from the professional barista and coffee aficionado community alike! In fact, if you’d like to continue the conversation, I’d invite you to share more with me directly sarah@slayerespresso.com. I have the privilege of contributing to future concepts to our product dev team, your thoughts and ideas for Slayer are welcome.
I have one coming soon, I can’t wait! Thanks for the video, please keep them coming!
Thank you, all your videos were really helpful. It’s very hard to find good Slayer videos on RUclips !
Your detail explanations helped me in my decision. Few days ago we got brand new Slayer Single one.
Looking forward enjoying some of the best coffee drinks in my new home ☕️🙏🏻👍🏼
So great to read, I hope it is all going well!
@@DANFELLOWScoffeecocktails Thank you, Slayer exceeded our expectations. Your videos are very helpful ...
Great video, I have a question... You said:
20sec. PI by 60 g/30s
24sec. PI by 50 g/30s
27sec. PI by 40 g/30s
Could I take this as a standard to set my grind size? Because it's difficult to tell with flow control! Or how do you set it?
It’s awesome to finally have an informative, useful Slayer post. Thank you. Next thing: How do you easily repeat a recipe without going thru the whole trial and error with the valve? IT WOULD BE GREAT IF SLAYER DESIGNED AN EXTERNAL, CALIBRATED PADDLE FOR THE NEEDLE VALVE. Then you could do things like switch back to pre-brew position, but with higher flow rate at end of shot, and dial it down. Or even pull the whole shot at pre brew position. But certainly, at least, return precisely to a valve setting you want to repeat.
Does dialing in the flow help make the grind simpler? Do you have a more or less standard espresso grind on the EK, then just adjust flow?
Hey Laurence, sorry for the delay in responding. Typically, getting started with your Slayer Espresso you want to pull a classic 9 bar shot -- and then start profiling from there. Setting your needle valve to what you think will work, and then making more minor changes in temp, grind, and pre brew etc tend to yield the best results with as little time developing the recipe.
Oh and one more thing, the needle valve is available on the exterior, but as noted, we just find it easier to keep it under the hood (also reduces risk of someone in the cafe that isn't familiar with the needle valve from turning it).
Thanks for sharing.
Bit of a techy question. What would you say is the ideal pump % in the menu? I've got an external pressure regulating valve and it's set so the pump is at 22% to achieve 10bar with the blind basket. Would upping the line pressure and reducing the pump % to 20% or less be better and would any changes affect the flow rate/espresso? My water supply pressure is excellent as I have a water pumping station right opposite my home, hence the regulator. Also, would dropping the full brew to 8 bar instead of 9 have a marked difference on the output? I've tried espresso from a Conti lever machine with 8 bar springs and it was quite nice, plus done the 6 bar thing when I had a Speedster (which was quite interesting). I wish I had some nice Slayer cups as well, but being in the UK I doubt they'll be not worth the expense. Cheers, and I love my Slayer!
Hello, good question. For the classic single group, The pump percentage will be dependent on the environmental factors of the machine. We typically see it fall between 20-30%. As long as you have a good pressure into the machine 40-60psi and you are getting 10 bar then everything is good.
The great thing about this machine is that you own it. Have fun! This is the point of the machine. Find what you love and brew it. I have personally experimented with 6bar, 8bar, on more developed coffee on traditional machines and still found that I loved it. On the Slayer I found I enjoyed my results more by playing with extending prebrew, changing flow rate, temp, adding post. Etc. Feel free to reach out to training@slayerespresso.com for further questions!
Having great results doing exact same thing on the lelit Bianca normally do a 2/3 bar 20 second pre infusion then 25 second shot typically... Get insane results. Can help using a refractometer to see where you want to take the shots
I've watched the videos and read the comments but wonder how changing the needle valve changes the pressure in the basket. It seems that the needle valve creates pressure behind the valve and decreases it after the valve in the basket resulting in the ability to do a 25 second "pre-brew" before full pressure is brought on to do the full brew? I'm I understanding this correctly? If so then it's like dropping the pressure for a "pre-infusion" and then bumping it back up for the shot but perhaps with a lot more precision.
Hello! The needle valve is a precise flow-restriction device that allows us to consistently control the flow rate of water delivered to the puck during "Pre-Brew" Through the group actuator you are toggling between a restricted flow rate via the needle valve and an unrestricted flow rate which bypasses the needle valve. The pump is on throughout the brewing process (set to 9-bar at the factory.)
At which point in time do you turn the paddle to full brew? Do you do it as soon as you get coffee out or after a certain number of grams of coffee in the cup? Also, you mentioned you were able to grind very fine. Were you testing this variable before you started the video? At which point was the coffee too fine where you said, ok, I should make it a bit coarser. Thanks. Love the video!
All of your questions really lead to the whole dial in process -- determining where the coffee flavor is it's best based on all of your variables. Typically a recipe is based on time and weight, which let you know when you should move from pre-brew to full pressure. Thanks for your comment!
Wow awesome. One question... what is the flow rate per 30s for the full flow position. And does it change when you adjust the valve, or does the valve only adjust the pre-infusion flow rate? Thanks!!
Full brew is 9 bars of pressure, this wouldn't change as the needle valve is adjusted (remains constant).
@@SlayerEspressoMachines I see thanks. So that’s 9 bars brew pressure on the group head, not the pump pressure right? Because I think I saw somewhere online it saying you calibrate with a blind filter to have 10 bars? Do you know what sort of flow rate to expect in full brew mode? I saw one retailer saying it should be roughly 4oz in 10s? What’s that like 350g in 30s? Or are you saying the flow will vary to whatever it needs to be to give 9 bars group head pressure in full brew?
@@tris694 We set the bar pressure with a blind to 10 bars. This extracts through coffee at 9 bars. When in prebrew (where we restrict through the needle valve) we adjust the flow rate through the needle to 40-60grams in 30 seconds.
What size basket were you using for your 19g dose? The web site says the machine includes an 18g basket - did you size up for the video? Just wondering how much head space to allow, if any, for expansion during saturation.
Hi John. The included basket comfortably accommodates 18-20g so I tend to use 19g out of habit, as much as anything! I generally stick to a fixed 19g dose then adjust my yield to control my ratios.
Sometimes, the adjusted flow rate will change after a period of time, usually it will decrease by itself, and you have to adjust repeatedly. Can you be firm?
I would expect to need to check on your PM schedule (3 mos.). Also make sure when you're dialing the flow rate in, turn off your heaters and puge the group for 10 seconds. This ensures all the air is purged from the system. Also you're never going to land exactly on 42 (for example) every time. I recommend running 3 tests and taking average. Being sure to purge the group between tests. You'll fall into a range because this is a mechanical process. 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60.
Can u I face the problem brew overheating how can I solve
Hello
it is an awesome machine i just received one few days ago but it didn't came with the naked portafilter so bad is it for me only?
The machine you ordered is the Slayer Espresso Single Group?
@@SlayerEspressoMachines yes
@@fahadaljuraid5707 Okay, first of all thank you for letting me know. Second, could you please send an email with your serial number to support@slayerespresso.com and let them know what has happened? We will figure this out for you.
Sometimes, the adjusted traffic will change after a period of time and usually decrease by itself, so you have to make adjustments repeatedly. Can this problem be solved? This machine has only been used for a week. The translation software I use is not very accurate. Sorry
Hey, no worries -- understand you 100%!
The needle valve is not fixed and should be adjusted. We recommend checking the pre-brew flowrate once a week--is the flowrate how you want? If not, then adjust.
When adjusting the pre-brew flowrate, make sure to PURGE the group in full-brew for 20 seconds after you've made an adjustment and then confirm your pre-brew flowrate is accurate.
If you have any further questions, we are here to help. Just send an email to support@slayerespresso.com and if you'd like we can do a video call to walk you through the steps!
@@SlayerEspressoMachines Thank you for your reply, it is to adjust the flow regularly, the flow will have certain changes over time
❤️❤️❤️❤️
What kind of grinder do you have?
Mahlkonig EK43s
What is flow rate of full brew?
That would depend on your building/line pressure.
@@SlayerEspressoMachines what is recommended flow rate in g/s during extraction phase?
How many grams / s is flow during extraction phase?
Hey there, thanks for the comment. Dan goes over, in detail, the time and weight during each extraction in the video. Did you catch the details for whichever extraction you are referring to?
@@SlayerEspressoMachines he only talks about pre-brew flow rate. My question is what is the flow rate during the extraction phase?
@@christopherma1718 Flow rate fluctuates depending on your building/plumbing. By using a scale and time you can determine what you are experiencing.
With such an expensive machine there should be an better solution setting up the flowrate than stopping 30 seconds and wheight the output. It's a waste of energy, hot water and time.
Thank you for your comment--I hope it's okay that we respond in full as this is a very valid point--when building something that is truly incomparable, just where do you stop?
It’s difficult to appreciate just how extreme something is, without being able to judge that thing alongside something truly average. Equally as important, we know Slayer Espresso is not for everyone and that’s absolutely okay with us.
The technology, or in fact lack of technology is by design for the user, making the Slayer Single Group Espresso (SSG) accessible for the everyday barista but could prove to be somewhat difficult for someone unwilling to apply both a scientific and artistic approach to espresso preparation. All that said it’s one of the easiest machines to plug and play upon arrival.
The manual aspect of the SSG is appealing to those who also place value in having total control of the variables including an intuitive and simple way to set them. The SSG has more modern features to date (when compared to the two and three group configurations) including a touch screen where you can enable a semi automatic setting that allows for a digital transition from Pre-brew to Full Brew. You still have to stand by and turn it off. When updating the unit this past year our main goals were to increase temperature stability in high volume demand along with heat up from sleep mode to ready to brew. By default that new technology gave us faster recovery beverage to beverage.
Slayer is a boutique manufacturer, building a commercial machine in Seattle Washington. Various metal components make up the chassis, body panels, group cap and X’s. Internally it’s got a commercial brew group, Portafilter, basket, screen and screw, a dedicated steam tank, multiple PID’s for stability when used in a commercial capacity and while it would have been easy to add a plastic lever or button for steam and espresso our founder chose wooden actuators to bring the machine some soul.
Honestly, it’s expensive to build a machine like this. The price point reflects so much more than the simple needle valve tech. This machine is not a toy, not built in a massive factory by machines instead it's handcrafted by our detail oriented production team.
The patented needle valve technology and ease of tuning is something I truly appreciate. I’m not an engineer but thanks to the simplicity of the build, upkeep on my machine is done by me, including full annual PM’s.
I appreciate your comment as it reminds us all to remember who we are but it also connects us to what you view as modern and of value. We rely on consumer feedback, it's something we crave from the professional barista and coffee aficionado community alike!
In fact, if you’d like to continue the conversation, I’d invite you to share more with me directly sarah@slayerespresso.com. I have the privilege of contributing to future concepts to our product dev team, your thoughts and ideas for Slayer are welcome.