Estro 480 Grinder -- Optimum Setting for Estro Vapore?

Christopher Schweda

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Jul 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/19/96

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Just purchased an Estro 480 to go along with my Vapore. One question: what
do you find to be the optimum setting on the grinder to get the best
espresso?

Now, I realize grinders can vary; and I realize that the Vapore is pretty
forgiving machine; and I realize espresso tastes are subjective. I realize
all that.

I'm just looking for ballpark estimates. I've found that if I set the
grinder at about 1.5 and buy a bag of fresh Peets (or even Starbucks), I
get a pretty damn smooth cup of espresso -- and the crema is killer.

Anyone care to share their experiences?

Chris Schweda
sch...@wwa.com

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Christopher Schweda
sch...@wwa.com
Chicago, IL

Jeff Mayhew

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Jul 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/19/96

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sch...@wwa.com (Christopher Schweda) wrote:
>Just purchased an Estro 480 to go along with my Vapore. One question: what
>do you find to be the optimum setting on the grinder to get the best
>espresso?
>
>Now, I realize grinders can vary; and I realize that the Vapore is pretty
>forgiving machine; and I realize espresso tastes are subjective. I realize
>all that.
>
>I'm just looking for ballpark estimates. I've found that if I set the
>grinder at about 1.5 and buy a bag of fresh Peets (or even Starbucks), I
>get a pretty damn smooth cup of espresso -- and the crema is killer.
>
>Anyone care to share their experiences?

I set mine around 3 or 3.5. As you noted, two grinders may give quite
different grinds on the same setting. Also, different beans will
behave differently (both in terms of physical grinding and how they
brew at a given grind). Plus temperature, humidity, etc. all have an
impact. Furthermore, a dirty machine (glazed burrs or slightly
"choked" output aperture) will behave differently than a clean one.

You'll be disappointed to know that, since the appearance of the
Vapore, good crema is apparently no longer considered the mark of a
skillfully brewed cup. It's too easy with this machine!

Jeff Mayhew
jma...@cris.com

tastites

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Jul 20, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/20/96

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> You'll be disappointed to know that, since the appearance of the
> Vapore, good crema is apparently no longer considered the mark of a
> skillfully brewed cup. It's too easy with this machine!
>

I hate to sound so ignorant, but what is crema?

Thanks,

Ed

There's too much blood in my caffeine system.

Joe B

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Jul 24, 1996, 3:00:00 AM7/24/96

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sch...@wwa.com (Christopher Schweda) wrote:

>Just purchased an Estro 480 to go along with my Vapore. One question: what
>do you find to be the optimum setting on the grinder to get the best
>espresso?
>
>Now, I realize grinders can vary; and I realize that the Vapore is pretty
>forgiving machine; and I realize espresso tastes are subjective. I realize
>all that.
>
>I'm just looking for ballpark estimates. I've found that if I set the
>grinder at about 1.5 and buy a bag of fresh Peets (or even Starbucks), I
>get a pretty damn smooth cup of espresso -- and the crema is killer.
>
>Anyone care to share their experiences?

I have the same grinder at the 1.5 setting seems to be optimal for the Starbuck
espresso beans.

BTW
I modified the machine by cutting out the grid on the grinder outlet. This mod
seems of cured the clogging problem.