Category Archives: Espresso
Rancilio Audrey Group Head
Today I disassembled my Audrey with the intent to install pre-infusion mod and to clean the group head. I did not install the mod though. I realized that my mental picture of the mod is not matching what I found in the machine.
I am looking for a place to attach the water shock absorber. [...]
Rancilio Audrey Pre-infusion mod
Next facelift for my Rancilio Audrey will be a pre-infusion mod. There are two ways to do that. Simplest way is to add a couple of water hammer aresters (kudos to JeepinGeo @ coffeegeek.com).
JeepinGeo also posted a Youtube video of this setup (I assume it is the same guy and the same setup) in action.
The [...]
The lengths we go for it…
The E61 group design was created by Faema in 1961. Since then it has become a golden standard. The design is still very modern. Many high-end semi-automatic machines are using it still. Manufacturing capabilities have improved, gasket material, finish, and electronics are much better, but the design is still the same.
Just to understand the [...]
Video of my coffee roaster in action
My roster in action movie just went on Youtube. It shows this roasting rig in action
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Roasting Coffee at Home
I roast my own coffee. It is not really a choice. It is more a necessity, if you care about the drink. I tried to avoid this technically complicated endeavor. I drink coffee made in a French Press or in an Espresso machine. Both of these devices extract flavor from the beans intensely. And, as you might imagine, [...]
Fine Espresso Making (continued)
Addition of a PID controller works wanders on a Rancilio Audrey. Since Silvia is really the same machine in a different, more modern looking, body, I can expect that PID is a must on it as well.
Once PID is installed the next big thing is to find optimal brewing temperature for your setup. I found [...]
Practicing Espresso Making
I discovered fine expresso recently. I am amazed now little I knew about espresso before. I did not really have much appreciation for the drink. It was just another type of coffee. It has changed when I tried a nice shot of espresso in Milan. Oh man! Did it change things! Imagine being able to [...]
The PID is working, now my espresso is consistently bad
Now I do not have any more excuses. The temperature control is perfect. PID works like a charm, but my espresso is sour and bitter, way worse than it was without a PID. I am wandering what is going on. At least I am consistent. I figure the problem is really in bad leveling and [...]
Rancilio Audrey thermostat regulates temperature in 24C (over 70F) degrees band! And how do we manage to make good espresso? The answer is “by sheer chance”.
I started to install the PID on my Audrey. Fist, I decided to find out what is going on by just observing the temperature as I pull a shot. I have read [...]
The PID has arrived
The PID for the Audrey mod has arrived. Neat looking thing!
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