Category Archives: Brewing

Brewing, Equipment, Highly Caffeinated

Timemore 64s

My Timemore Sculptor 64s. Ah, the Timemore Sculptor 64s. I succumbed to FOMO. You know, you buy these things, you think, “Is this just another contraption, another gadget promising nirvana in a cup, only to deliver… well, coffee, but with an added layer of existential dread?” But with this one, it’s different. It’s actually good.

The Grind: A Metaphor for Life, Only Consistent and Reliably Repeatable

The grind. That’s the thing, isn’t it? The consistency. You get up in the morning, you’re already bracing yourself for the day’s inherent inconsistencies, the inevitable disappointments. But then, the Sculptor 64s delivers this uniform grind. And the best part? The reliability of going back and forth on grind settings. This is a crucial point, really. I can be grinding some exquisite Panama Geisha for a pour-over, dialing it in precisely at, say, 10.8. And then, without skipping a beat, I can swing it all the way down to 3.2 for an espresso. And it works. It actually works. No fuss, no recalibration anxiety. It remembers. It’s like a very consistent, understanding therapist for your coffee beans.

For pour-over, I slow it down. Like a quiet conversation, you know? You want to extract every nuance, every subtle hint of flavor, without rushing it. It’s almost… delicate. And the cup? It’s clean, sweet. It’s like the coffee bean finally gets to express itself, without all the static, literally and figuratively, of life.

Now, espresso. That’s a whole other neurotic beast. I tried the slow thing, thinking, “More contact, more flavor, more…something profound.” But no. Faster. It’s like the universe telling you, “Some things are better quick, buddy. Just get in there, get out, and enjoy the jolt.” The faster speed, for me, it just…works. A more vibrant shot. I don’t know why. I’m not a physicist, I just roast the coffee and drink it. It’s probably some cosmic irony I haven’t yet figured out.

The Aesthetics and the Agony of Static

And the look of it. It’s solid. Substantial. Not flimsy, like some of the people I’ve dated. It has a magnetic grinds cup, which is a nice touch. Keeps things from flying around, mostly. It looks good on the counter, too. Sleek. Modern. You know, trying to maintain some semblance of order in a chaotic world.

But then, the static. Oh, the static. It’s like a clingy ex, you just can’t shake it. If you try to grind directly into the portafilter, it’s a disaster. Grounds everywhere. Clinging to the sides, like my anxieties clinging to me in a crowded room. It’s a mess. A beautiful, delicious mess, but a mess nonetheless. My solution? Even with a little spritz of water on the beans, the static is substantial. So, use the magnetic catch cup AND a spritz. And, yes, I do the hipster WDT too. It’s a small ritual, a little dance you do to appease the coffee gods and their electrical charges. It’s not ideal, no. But then, what in life ever is?

Conclusion: Flawed, Like Us All

So, despite the static, which, let’s be honest, is a minor neurosis compared to the grander existential quandaries, the Timemore Sculptor 64s has been a major upgrade to my coffee routine. My Macap is now sitting sadly in my garage next to a power drill. The grind quality, the robust build, the sheer, unshakeable reliability of changing settings, and the ability to control the speed for different moods of coffee… it elevates the whole morning ritual. It’s transformed my home brewing, given me consistently delicious cups. And, in a world filled with disappointments, that’s something. t’s got its flaws, like us all. But, if you’re looking for a grinder that mostly gets it right, despite its own little quirks, then yes, I’d recommend it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need another cup. I have to go confront the day.

Brewing, Equipment

Bezzera BZ10 Repair – New Pump

After nearly 10 years, the vibratory pump on my trusty Bezzera BZ 10 espresso machine started to fail. The expected life-span of these pumps is actually rated at only about 4 years, so lasting almost 10 seems impressive. However, as they say hind-sight is 20/20 and thinking back, signs of failure started years ago.

However, last week, it was clear. Shots ramped up to brew pressure slowly, and they could not hold through the shot…frequently dropping to as low as 2bar by the end. If I had a pressure profiling machine, that would be fine, but the BZ10 doesn’t do that. So, it was time to replace the pump.

BZ10 with case off showing internals with new pump installed and old pump on counter.

In the above picture you can see the old pump removed and the new pump installed. The process is really very simple provided you have the necessary tools. The entire effort took me 20 minutes.

Tools Required

  • Replacement pump. I found the exact replacement on Amazon here.
  • 3mm Allen wrench for machine case AND the pump vibration dampeners
  • Two(2) Crescent wrenches (small and large – or you may also be able to use a pair of vice-grips, but be really careful)
  • Teflon tape

The first thing you do is remove the water tank from the back, tip the machine on its side, and remove the 4 Allen bolts that hold the case one. The case then slides DOWN to unlock the parts that attach to chassis/frame of the machine. You can search the internet for this process.

After the case “falls” down, you can remove it from around the chassis/frame and you will see the pump on the side. Removing the pump can be a little tricky unless you have an Allen wrench that can fold a bit. But, you can push/twist on the rubber vibration dampener mounts that hold the pump to get better access.

Once the Allen bolts are removed, you use a crescent wrench to unscrew the water line from the brass end.

Closeup image of the brass end of the installed pump showing the water line connection.
Brass end of the pump

Once the brass coupling is removed, the connection on the other side of the pump is just a pressure fit, and you can simply wiggle that off. Remove the rubber vibration dampener mounts, and the electrical connections and the pump is now free.

Now, you need two crescent wrenches. One goes on the flat part of the elbow joint, and the other in the grooves of the brass pump output. Unscrew the 90 degree elbow because you need to transfer that to the new pump. This is a very tight connection. If you are using vice-grips be careful not to damage the brass connection. Mine had a little gunk in it, so I cleaned it up. But, if you are using hard water, this is a good time to de-scale that part.

Attach the 90 degree elbow to the new pump. I wrapped the threads with some Teflon tape to ensure a good connection. This is a cold water system at this point, so heating of Teflon is not an issue, but still make sure the tape you are using is safe for water lines. Also, attach the vibration dampener mounts, re-connect the waterline on both sides, and the electrical connections. At this point, turn the machine back on and do a leak test. The pump will need to prime for several seconds to suck water through the new system, but make sure there are no leaks before you seal everything up.

Once you are satisfied there are no leaks, fully re-install the pump by screwing the vibration dampener mounts back to the machine chassis and put the case back on the machine.

My machine is now like new. Pressures are all back to normal (I took the time to also re-adjust the OPV valve – on the other side of the machine) and the machine is significantly quieter with the new pump.

Happy Brewing.

Brewing, Highly Caffeinated

ChatGPT and Espresso vs Coffee

I have seen way too many coffee related “articles” recently about the “difference” between Espresso and Coffee. It’s clear that generative AI is behind most of them. So, I asked ChatGPT to tell me about it. When it started to spew the same crap, I corrected it. Here is the result.

New chat

Write a blog post on the difference between espresso and coffee

Coffee is a beloved beverage that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It comes in various forms, ranging from drip coffee to espresso, and each has its unique taste and brewing method. Two of the most popular forms of coffee are espresso and coffee. Although they share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between espresso and coffee.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed using high-pressure extraction. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine. Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups and has a thick, creamy layer of foam on top known as crema. It is a popular choice for those who want a quick, strong caffeine boost or a rich, intense flavor.

What is Coffee?

Coffee, on the other hand, is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans. It is typically brewed using a drip coffee maker or a French press. The brewing process involves steeping ground coffee beans in hot water for a period of time, usually several minutes, to extract the flavor and caffeine. Coffee is typically served in larger cups and can be enjoyed with milk, sugar, or other flavorings.

The Differences Between Espresso and Coffee

Now that we have a basic understanding of what espresso and coffee are, let’s take a look at the key differences between them:

  1. Brewing method: The most significant difference between espresso and coffee is the brewing method. Espresso is brewed using high-pressure extraction, while coffee is brewed using a variety of methods, including drip brewing and French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is much more concentrated than coffee, with a much higher caffeine content per ounce. A typical shot of espresso contains around 60-70 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
  3. Taste: Espresso has a strong, bold flavor that is often described as bitter or intense, while coffee has a milder flavor profile that can vary depending on the beans and brewing method.
  4. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Coffee does not have crema.
  5. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while coffee is served in larger cups.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between espresso and coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a strong, concentrated flavor and a quick caffeine boost, then espresso is the way to go. If you prefer a milder flavor and a larger serving size, then coffee is the better

Espresso IS Coffee. They are not separate things. Espresso is simply a brewing method. So, re-write that post with that information.

You are correct, Espresso is a type of coffee, not a separate beverage. Espresso is made using a specific brewing method that involves high-pressure extraction of finely ground coffee beans, which results in a concentrated shot of coffee. While there are some differences between traditional drip coffee and espresso, they are both derived from the same source – coffee beans.

Despite being a type of coffee, espresso does have some unique characteristics that differentiate it from regular drip coffee. These include:

  1. Brewing method: As mentioned earlier, espresso is made using high-pressure extraction, while drip coffee is typically brewed using a filter or French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is a highly concentrated shot of coffee, while drip coffee is usually less concentrated.
  3. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Drip coffee does not have crema.
  4. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while drip coffee is usually served in larger cups or mugs.

When it comes down to it, the choice between espresso and drip coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the bold, concentrated flavor of espresso, while others prefer the milder taste of drip coffee. Additionally, some people appreciate the convenience and speed of making a quick shot of espresso.

Brewing, Equipment, Highly Caffeinated

Staresso Espresso Maker

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The Staresso Espresso Maker is a very compact portable “espresso” maker.  It makes a surprisingly good shot provided you have your grind and coffee dialed.

It can use Nespresso pods, but there is no substitute for fresh roasted and ground coffee.  Here’s a video review and the device in action.

The Short Version

The Staresso is surprisingly good and easy to use for a $60 gadget.  However, I have a feeling my results have a lot to do with my accumulated knowledge of coffee and the coffee I used.  But, again, for $60, the compact size of the Staresso Espresso maker is pretty hard to beat if you are on the go and want decent coffee.

The Long Version

This is not a true espresso maker.  There’s no way that it is generating 9bar of pressure.  But, as many people are finding, you can make espresso with far less than 9bar.  So, the Staresso is going to be very sensitive to grind size.  You will need to play with your grinder quite a bit to dial this in perfectly.

The Staresso is really pretty simple to use.  The parts all come apart and re-assemble very easily.  Filling the brew head can be a little messy however because it’s small.  They recommend 7-10gr of coffee (you aren’t pulling a typical 3rd wave 18-20gr double with this device).  In my testing, I found it hard to cleanly get more than 7gr in the little cylinder.  I got up to 9gr in there by being very careful.

Once loaded, a quick “tamp” with the back of the included scoop, and you just screw everything together.  Add water and start to pump.  I have not yet experimented with this, but the pumping builds pressure in such a manner that a pre-infusion style shot is very possible…and will likely produce a very nice result.

The shot itself is as you might expect…decent, but lacking depth and body.  You can see in the video above the crema produced is substantial (aided by the valve in the brew head), but since the pressure and heat retention are lacking, the body of the shot suffers.  However, there was a surprising clarity to the shot and I was still able to taste the fruit in my blend.

The Verdict

If you are an espresso enthusiast and want to take control of your destiny while traveling, the Staresso is compact, produces a decent shot, and at $60 is hard to pass up.

Brewing, Equipment, Highly Caffeinated

VST Precision Filter Baskets

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VST Espresso Filter Baskets

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything.  But, this is worth the time.  I’ve read about VST Precision Filter Baskets before and finally decided to see what this was all about.  I just picked up the 18gr VST STD Ridged filter basket and the difference it makes is crazy.

You can read all about the fancy holes and quality control elements of the VST Precision Filter Baskets on their site.  But, the main take away is that it’s not just a marketing gimmic.  The design of the VST baskets is superior to most stock filter baskets and the result is sweeter, better tasting espresso.  The main thing I notice instantly is that the side walls of the basket are not really tapered at all (like my stock Bezzera or Gaggia baskets).  There is a small curve near the bottom, but mostly, they look nearly straight by comparison.  This means that the coffee puck is a uniform depth all the way around.  This matters because even before you get to the precision holes at the bottom, the coffee is uniform leading to even saturation.

Now, this design also has the side effect of showing even the slightest error in your distribution and tamping technique.  So, be prepared to reset what you think you know how to do a little.  Also, I had to actually adjust my grind finer to deal get the same timing with my standard 18.5gr dose.

The result in the cup is a sweeter, more complex espresso.  Same beans, same grinder, same machine…just changing the filter basket made the espresso taste significantly better.  If you are serious about your espresso, it’s well worth the $30 for the VST basket.

FOOTNOTE:  For most home machines, you probably want the STD Ridged model.  This “ridge” is a small bump on the outside that catches the “spring” in the portafilter and locks the basket in.  The “ridgeless” models don’t lock like that…they rely on simple friction fit.  If you DO NOT have a bottomless portafilter, you might need to get one if you get the 18gr or larger basket.  They have the dimensions on their site so you can measure your gear for compatibility.

Brewing, Equipment

Gaggia Classic with a Mid Level Grinder

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So far, we’ve had a budget grinder (Capresso Infinty), and a good grinder (Macap M2M).  What about something in between?  Here we have the Baratza Preciso.  This is a workhorse of a grinder that is easy to maintain, and I’ve had this one now for close to 4 years.

You really can’t go wrong with this grinder in your home set up.  Paired with the Gaggia Classic, you will be very happy with your home espresso.