Green Coffee Buying Club
Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: BoldJava on February 17, 2011, 09:13:09 AM
-
Subtitled: Yogurt cups, be gone!
I have the day off so I cleaned the coffee drawer. Yikes, what a mess. I found the 2nd dosing funnel I had accused the Czarina of throwing out. I need to get rid of the evidence.
Glad to send this on the road to stay in perpetual motion. Yours free to try and send to the next person. It is a 58mm. Aluminum. Works exceptionally well for those of us that are doserless. Very easy to position under the grinder and then apply the WDT method of needle stirring to break the clumps. I find it an indispensable tool in my doserless arrangement.
If interested, reply to the thread and we can keep this in play. It costs $18.50 at http://orphanespresso.com (http://orphanespresso.com). Doug punches these out when he tires of refurbishing old levers.
Cost to play? $1.22 in postage to next in line. Envelope and padding included.
List of players (keep it a week or until next person pops on list)
Expy98 - shipped 2/17
RandyTsuch
JohnF
RonL
YasBean
-
I'd like to try please. I'm in the doserless-pre-grind single-dose weighing-ramekin-
post-grind weighing-WDT-bottomless PF-timer camp. At least I haven't stooped
to the shot-mirror level of OCD. (apologies to shot-mirror folks but I have a couple
of spot mirrors in the garage ready to deploy when my back gives out)
Anything to further obfuscate my morning routine is most welcomed...
-
...I'm in the doserless-pre-grind single-dose weighing-ramekin-
post-grind weighing-WDT-bottomless PF-timer camp. At least I haven't stooped
to the shot-mirror level of OCD....
Much healthier than repeated hand washing.
Send address via PM and it will be off to you today.
B|Java
-
I would like a chance to try this.
Randy
-
I would like a chance to try this.
Randy
Got it.
-
Put me in...
-
How timely... My yogurt cup is cracking ::)
Put me in, coach!
-
Have funnel, thanks B|J!!!
First of all, it sure is purdy and well made...
Tried it the last 2 mornings. Without altering my morning ritual, I used the
funnel during the critical ramekin-to-basket transport phase. It sure made it
easier to quickly and sloppily spoon out the grind and mess-free WDT.
The downside is that I'm not nearly as careful about distribution
than w/out the funnel. Of the 4 shots, all 4 had minor visual
defects. Of course, I also changed beans at the same time so
it could be a combination of things. Also, perhaps remove the funnel
before I WDT otherwise it leaves a "ring" around the basket which
needs to be re-distributed again to fill up the ring.
It's too complicated, I did not find the user's manual in the envelope...
Randy, emailed you as you're next in line.
-
That is a nice looking dosing funnel.
If you don't mind me asking where did you get and how much was it?
Thanks
:)
-
See title of this thread as well as first post.
B|Java
-
It's too complicated, I did not find the user's manual in the envelope...
That brought an audible chuckle.
... Also, perhaps remove the funnel
before I WDT otherwise it leaves a "ring" around the basket which
needs to be re-distributed again to fill up the ring.
I wonder if this differs by portafilter. I have never noticed that being an issue on my 58mm Rancilio naken pf.
B|Java
-
... Also, perhaps remove the funnel
before I WDT otherwise it leaves a "ring" around the basket which
needs to be re-distributed again to fill up the ring.
I wonder if this differs by portafilter. I have never noticed that being an issue on my 58mm Rancilio naken pf.
B|Java
hmm... maybe I'm not being clear in how I'm using the funnel...
I'm using a Rancilio bottomless PF but when I'm prepping the basket, the basket is not in the PF.
Once I fill the basket w/ coffee grind, I WDT w/ the funnel on the basket, upon removing the funnel,
there is a gap "ring" around the basket where the funnel used to be. So to fill that gap "ring" with grind,
I need to WDT again (or perhaps I can just tamp at that point but I'd never tried that).
So for me and my prep routine, the funnel makes it easier and less messy when moving grind
from ramekin to basket and do a quick WDT before removing the funnel, but it makes WDT a 2-step program,
imo a little cumbersome.
It's probably a wash but I don't think it's for me. Maybe I'll change my opinion once I send it
along...
Thanks again B|J.
-
Once I fill the basket w/ coffee grind, I WDT w/ the funnel on the basket, upon removing the funnel,
there is a gap "ring" around the basket where the funnel used to be. So to fill that gap "ring" with grind,
I need to WDT again (or perhaps I can just tamp at that point but I'd never tried that).
What I do right now, using a yogurt cup:
WDT, remove cup, drop basket from about a inch or two above the counter. The grinds should level out, and fill the gaps. Tamp, and pull shot.
Dropping basket from suggestion from Tex.
Randy
-
Interesting...
I also "drop" the basket about 5-6 times while I WDT to help settle the grind
but prob only about 1/4" off the counter.
My guess is that the yogurt cup leaves a thinner ring than the aluminum funnel.
Now that I think about it, I don't drop the basket but rather I lift the entire kitchen counter,
cabinets and all, to tap the bottom of the basket instead :-)
-
...What I do right now, using a yogurt cup:
WDT, remove cup, drop basket from about a inch or two above the counter. The grinds should level out, and fill the gaps. Tamp, and pull shot.
Dropping basket from suggestion from Tex.
Randy
A-up, same here.
B|Java, tips hat to the Texan
-
Now that I think about it, I don't drop the basket but rather I lift the entire kitchen counter,
cabinets and all, to tap the bottom of the basket instead :-)
A HA!!!
expy98's real name must be Chuck Norris. 8)
-
Chuck Norris makes espresso by chewing the beans, taking a gulp of boiling water, and pressurizing his lips to 9bar before a 28sec./2oz. spew into an Illy demitasse.
At least that's what I hear.
-
when he backflushes his 3 way valve, how loud is the whoosh?
-
update...
funnel on its way to RandyT and I'm back to my meticulous WDT ways w/out it.
Thanks again B|J, it was def fun to experiment...
-
...Thanks again B|J, it was def fun to experiment...
That's the idea -- get hardware out there for some hand-on, a variety of users, a cross-section of feedback so folks can make some more informed decisions. Thanks for posting.
B|Java
-
I'm waiting for the Speedster Travel and Try/Lottery but the list of
players nec may be a lil long...
-
I'm waiting for the Speedster Travel and Try/Lottery...
IN!
;)
-
9,999 more and it should be a go.
-
Blahahahahahahahahaha!!!!!!
We are on the way.
-
I'm waiting for the Speedster Travel and Try/Lottery...
IN!
;)
+1 - will the 4 ft espresso bench with small bar sink I am putting into our new kitchen area of the house we're building fit a Speedster or will I need to call the architect to modify our new home? :angel:
PS- I have the same dosing funnel (same color too strangely enough) and I think its an improvement over my dannon yogurt cup.
-
Sorry to get back on topic ;D
I got the funnel in the mail today, will try it tomorrow and see how it works.
It is much shorter then the yogurt cup I am used to using, so I need to figure out how to use it with my Vario.
Randy
-
The funnel at your place Randy? Critique?
B|Java
-
I've had the funnel for a few days now.
So, here's a short review
It looks nice, much nicer then a cut down yogurt cup.
The downside of the funnel is that it is short, at least for my setup.
With a yogurt cup, I can stick the basket/cup into the pf holder of my vario, push a button, and walk away and do things until it stops.
With this, I can't get it to lock in place with my vario, so I can't walk away, I need to stay there and hold it. Unless I can solve this, this guy is not in my future.
They do make a taller one, I guess I wasn't the only person who thought this one was too short.
Randy
-
The downside of the funnel is that it is short, at least for my setup...
They do make a taller one, I guess I wasn't the only person who thought this one was too short.
Randy
The taller one to which Randy refers is here from Orphan Espresso: http://www.orphanespresso.com/OE-IPANEMA-Tall-Aluminum-Portafilter-Dosing-Cylinder_p_2540.html (http://www.orphanespresso.com/OE-IPANEMA-Tall-Aluminum-Portafilter-Dosing-Cylinder_p_2540.html)
-
I last think, when you remove the funnel, there is a small gap around the edge of the basket.
I drop the basket on the counter 2-3 times, from about 1", and the gaps is gone.
Who's next?
Randy
-
Big John. Shoot him a PM for his JohnDenverRockyMtn address. List is in the 1st post.
B|Java
-
I've been thinking of it. Put me on the list. :)
-
I've been thinking of it. Put me on the list. :)
You are in. See 1st post for travel order.
BJava
-
Got it today....testing tomorrow...
Will report back directly. 8)
-
My thoughts on the funnel.
The good:
It's got a very nice feel to it. I'd say it adds some class to the espresso ritual in the way a nice cutter does with cigars. Overall I like it.
The not as good:
I did not realize something this small would alter my SOP.. I actually had to change my grinding routine a little and make some other minor adjustments. Kinda strange...just a little thing, but it was my observation.
I don't use the yogurt cup but if I did I'd JUMP on one of these in a heartbeat. Because I don't use any funnel now adding it in would be a change in my routine that I don't think would add anything to my shot building...
So I probably will not buy one of these but I still like it and think it would be a significant upgrade for those that use a chopped up yoplait cup.
-
Get ready Ron, porch vigil begins.
B|Java
-
Get ready Ron, porch vigil begins.
B|Java
I was out of town all week so I didn't even have to watch for it. It was here when I came home.
I've been using a yogurt cup and one of the original dissecting needles that were sent out years ago. The funnel is an upscale option, but for me it is too short. I dose directly into the yogurt cup (inserted into the PF/Basket combo) now, and it is relatively clean. With the funnel I ended up with coffee all over the counter. I would have to alter my process and grind into a small container and then pour the coffee into the funnel and PF/basket. If I'm going to do that, I may as well keep on dosing into my low tech yogurt cup :)
-
... The funnel is an upscale option, but for me it is too short. I dose directly into the yogurt cup (inserted into the PF/Basket combo) now, and it is relatively clean. With the funnel I ended up with coffee all over the counter...
Fair enough -- amazing how different all of our techniques are.
Get ready YasBean. If you wish to be added to the list, sing out now, before it comes home to roost.
>>>
List of players (keep it a week or until next person pops on list)
Expy98
RandyTsuch
JohnF
RonL
YasBean
>>>
B|Java
-
- amazing how differently all of our techniques are.
It is...
I really liked it but using it added a step to my process that I don't need to add.
It added a coolness factor that I'd have liked to keep but at the end of the day an additional step in my routine.
-
Fair enough -- amazing how different all of our techniques are.
Get ready YasBean. If you wish to be added to the list, sing out now, before it comes home to roost.
B|Java
I guess I'm just to stubborn to change :-D
I'm taking the envelope for Yasbean to the P.O. at lunch.
-
What a week! I received the funnel late last week, and have had enough time with it to decide that I want one. I had to lower the fork on my Vario, and now have it set just right! (Had I had one of these earlier, I would not have troubled Baratza for a replacement to my early-model porta-filter fork.) No longer do I get the spray and overflow from the Vario. My only complaint is that the grounds are centered in the basket, as the funnel places the portafilter at a greater distance out from the Vario grounds outlet. This inconvenience, however, is minor compared to the convenience of not having to clean grounds from under my VBM. Now, if only we could get a group buy at <$10! ;) I will miss this funnel as it flies back to cheddar-land, but the good news is, it will be replaced in a short while.