So, unpacked and had a play. First impressions. Looks good on the bench. A little low for me to operate easily, I had anticipated this and prepared a 60 mm thick block for it to sit on, brings it up to a better level for me. Heats up quickly. First shot using the double basket and 14 grams of coffee into the sink, ground it way to fine. Second shot still 14 grams a little coarser, ok, some crema, nothing special, had a break for a couple of hours. Third shot, 16 grams, grind 1 notch coarser again, tried the 5 cent piece test, no imprint, puck still not contacting screen, however good crema and not a bad shot, have paid for much worse. Fourth shot, started thinking, surely should be aiming for approx 30 second extraction, and given its a double basket 2 x pulls of the lever, so, ground a notch coarser again, 5 cent piece, still no contact, first pull around 15 seconds, raise lever, second pull near enough another 15 seconds, now I'm getting somewhere, approx 60 mls, nice crema, pretty good coffee, at this point I'm coffeed out. Think I can perhaps grind for the next shot a notch coarser and again try for a double in approx 30 seconds. Early overall impression, like the look of it, not difficult to use, heats and is ready for action quickly, the coffee I've produced so far is miles ahead of the plunger stuff I've been drinking for the past week and I imagine will improve when I become more familiar with the machine. The boiler needs care when filling, would be easy to miss the opening and pour water all over the machine and bench, I used a funnel. Tiny drip tray, suggest empty and dry under it each use, can see if carelessly filled and drip tray neglected could easily result in the bottom rusting out. Am I pleased with it, yep, it certainly won't replace the Bezzera, however as it's light and portable can see it traveling with us when moving around in the motor home. Pics will have to wait for a bit, the kitchen is a pretty chaotic at the moment. 🙂
