Green Coffee Buying Club
Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: BoldJava on March 01, 2011, 06:02:56 AM
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Time for another one. Santa brought me a 12-oz Toroid pitcher for Christmas and overnight, my foam improved 1000%. I love it. The Czarina immediately took note and asked "why is this cremier and tighter?" Shiny, tight. I have a second 12-ounce one ordered from orphan espresso and am offering it up for trial and auction.
Three differences I noted out of the gate from my standard pitcher. Made better -- spot welded handle. Indentation in the bottom creates different milk turbulence. Pouring spout is different; elongated (I still can't pour for beans but that hasn't anything to do with the pitcher).
Need five or more to pay. Fewer than that, I will just mail it out to the 1st of those playing. Jump in. If we get five or more, I will pick a random number via . That person will go to the bottom of the list and receive it last but keep it.
5 $7.50
6 $6.25
7 $5.35
8 $4.75
9 $4.25
10 $3.75
Let's save the argument. You can learn to nail micro foam on any pitcher with lots of practice. However, if you are a Sunday morning quarterback like me and prefer to take a short-cut, consider the Toroid. This is for the non-purists among us. Viva la diffe'rence.
Sign up here. I will let this run a week or until we have 10, whichever comes first.
B|Java
List
1 jspain, pd
2 JohnF, pd
3 ReddyK, pd
4 simmich, pd
5 Expy98, pd
6 RandyTsuch, pd
7 Tyme, pd
8 ecc, pd
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B/J,
jspain is first on your list!
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I'm in!
I have a small rattleware bell pitcher that looks almost identical, it would be interesting to see what the differences are.
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Let's save the argument. You can learn to nail micro foam on any pitcher with lots of practice. However, if you are a Sunday morning quarterback like me and prefer to take a short-cut, consider the Toroid. This is for the non-purists among us. Viva la diffe'rence.
B|Java
I think it's a cool idea, no pushback from us 'able to steam microfoam in a random household article, like a leftover Luke Skywalker Lego head or banana peel' kind of baristas.
Interestingly, one of the guys involved with the creative push and beta testing of the Toroid way back in the day was in my kitchen (I think it would be about 5 or 6yrs ago) to check out my relatively new BII. We were both working on different milk steaming techniques checking out two different tips and he was talking about a 'new pitcher' that was gonna be 'really good' but he couldn't tell me anything more about it. To this day I still haven't used one.
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Another one I want in on..
Giddy up!
;)
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I am in for this one!
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Definitely want to get in on this one!
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It's a go. We have 5; room for 5 more.
B|Java
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pls count me in!!! my pours are more Impressionistic but I'd rather be
closer to Digital Art...
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pls count me in!!! my pours are more Impressionistic but I'd rather be
closer to Digital Art...
Got it.
B|Java
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OK, I want to play, maybe it will help my sad art.
Randy
Got it. We are at 7. I will be offline this weekend, till Sunday eve. I will ask ecc to monitor the thread and cut it off at 10 should that occur.
B|Java
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If everyone doesn't mind a greenhorn in the mix, I would like to try the Toroid.
When I went from a ~20oz krups pitcher to a 12oz standard from SM's it really seemed to improve my frothing and my latte finger painting :D (art).
It would be great to see if this pitcher would further improve frothing on the Pavoni.
Thanks,
Tyler
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If everyone doesn't mind a greenhorn in the mix, I would like to try the Toroid...
Thanks,
Tyler
Tyler, you are more than welcome. I will close the list on Tuesday, assign numbers, and have random.org pick the winner. I will rearrange the list to put the winner last in the list and then get the pitcher on tour.
B|Java
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Last date for sign up.
B|Java
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Link at H-B discussing the Toroid as well as a discussion re: different frothing wands. http://www.home-barista.com/tips/espro-toroid-pitcher-newbies-review-t9687.html (http://www.home-barista.com/tips/espro-toroid-pitcher-newbies-review-t9687.html)
I put 4 or so ounces of 2% milk in the pitcher and into the freezer it goes while I work on the coffee. Once the shot it ready, I pull the pitcher from the freezer. I put the wand straight down; no tipping. The raised hump in the base creates the turbulence so the tip isn't necessary. I have been stretching less and sinking the wand earlier, getting tighter foam, richer foam. I quit stretching between 95-100* (and trying even lower lately). I have also been pulling it earlier (125*) as it continues to heat (~140-145*) even after being pulled. This is creating a sweeter, thicker microfoam.
My review of the Toroid? A great crutch; a jump-start. A winner for those of us who haven't the time, interest, or inclination to master the milk. Delighted with the one I got at Christmas and thought I would put a second one on tour. Your mileage may vary.
B|Java
(http://www.home-barista.com/forums/userpix/2_espro_toroid_swirl.jpg)
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I'll just throw a quip out there I heard and tend to believe...
Milk can wait on espresso....espresso can not wait on milk. Steam that udder juice first, then pull your god shot. :)
-Stubbie
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Closed out.
Who won? ecc was number (2) and http://random.org (http://random.org) brought back his number. He is on a winning streak.
I have taken ecc out of order and placed him last. The order for the use/travel/review of the Espro Toroid pitcher is:
List
1 jspain
2 JohnF
3 ReddyK
4 simmich
5 Expy98
6 RandyTsuch
7 Tyme
8 ecc
Please send along $4.75 which includes PayPal. When you receive the pitcher, keep it a week, post a review, then find out next person's address. Thanks, B|Java
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PayPal coming your way Dave! Ms. Silvia is anxious to give this a whirl!!! Jim
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Paypal sent to the bold/mystic. :)
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Paypal sent.... ;)
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:o Wow thats awesome! I only get the milk out when the occasional guest drops by, and I'm not sure you guys would even call it milk, the skim grocery store white stuff that I usually buy.
But with a fancy pitcher like that, I'm going to have to mend my ways. (at least a little)
Thanks for setting this up, B|dairy!
(substitute cleaned up image of the victory dance)
:wav:
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Gentleman, the Toroid is wending its way to Jim Spain's estate. One fine gent <name omitted to preserve his dignity> said it is bound to help improve his latte art -- he is using a pyrex pitcher right now <grins>.
B|Java
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Just got back from lunch and Mr Postman had left the 12oz Espro Toroid at the church office! I won't have a chance to try her out until tomorrow morning. I'll use her through the weekend, post my experience, and mail on to JohnF.
First observation is that "if" I like the pitcher, I'll get the 24oz version. I'm use to double lattes!!
Thanks for shipping Dave! Jim
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Jim
The larger Torroid pitccher is 20 Oz. I got one for Christmas to go with my 12 Oz and if anything it works even better to produce nice thick creamy microfoam that pours beautifully. Have fun testing the 12 oz. You may need to stick with oversized Cappas rather than Lattes for the next few days.
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Jim
The larger Torroid pitccher is 20 Oz. I got one for Christmas to go with my 12 Oz and if anything it works even better to produce nice thick creamy microfoam that pours beautifully. Have fun testing the 12 oz. You may need to stick with oversized Cappas rather than Lattes for the next few days.
;D Gotha!
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OK, here we go with my first review of the 12oz Espro Toroid Milk Picther!
Sweet looking little thing! The design shows why B/steamer says, "Just stick the wand straight in and let the machine do the work." I did just that! No tipping the pitcher. Ms. Silvia was temp surfed for full throttle. I put the wand in and the milk spirted straight out at me. I'm use to a much larger pitcher and the strength of the pressure blew part of the milk out. I pulled the pitcher and started again with the remaining milk. I know now that I put too much milk in to begin with! DAH!!!!
On my second try, she worked perfect! That little pitcher is sweet! VERY UNIFORM was my first impression. Normally I will have a thinner foam on top of my other larger pitcher. This one was uniform and smooth. The micro foam was dense and consistent.
I usually do double lattes. I use a large mug that "Wild Bill" and Denise threw for me a couple years ago. I placed my two shots in the mug and the finished steamed milk and it didn't quite fill the mug as normal. I WILL BUY ONE OF THESE but I will get the 20oz model. I can see why artists would love this picher for latte art! From the consumers standpoint, "NICE!"
I'll post again on Monday before I send this on to JohnF. Jim ;D
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... I know now that I put too much milk in to begin with! DAH!!!!
On my second try, she worked perfect! That little pitcher is sweet! ...
I put 4 or so ounces of 2% milk in the pitcher and into the freezer it goes while I work on the coffee.
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I opened up the box an hour ago and decided to take it for a spin not knowing anything about it.
I didn't read any of the tutorial info.....
I realized right away I didn't know what I was doing Hahahaha! But as things went on I figured out how to work it in time to finish my milk. I think I'm going to experiment a little more with it before reading how it's supposed to be used and share my findings.
I have the weekend off so I should complete my tour of both the pitcher and the dosing funnel with write ups on both and shipping em' out to the next testers right after.
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I opened up the box an hour ago and decided to take it for a spin not knowing anything about it.
I didn't read any of the tutorial info...
Well, talk about surprises <double wink>
B|Java
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what, no user manual for this gadget neither???
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what, no user manual for this gadget neither???
Well, I did see a little something in the bottom of the box, but who needs directions???? I just ordered the 20oz version!!! Jim
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what, no user manual for this gadget neither???
http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?topic=11312.msg175144#msg175144 (http://www.greencoffeebuyingclub.com/index.php?topic=11312.msg175144#msg175144)
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haha, this from the guy that needed a manual for the funnel :-)
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Here are my thoughts on the pitcher..
It's cool.
After using it a bit I went back to my normal pitcher and for me I like them both. I find no strong preference over the design helping swirl or tilting my normal pitcher.
I do like the size of it and just might buy one.
I cheated by not following the directions and reading the tutorials but I'm still happy with what I got from test driving it...I give it two thumbs up.
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Reddy K, trust you can read directions better than Pikes Peaker did <grins>. You are next.
B|Java
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I got my 20oz model about a week ago. I've used her several times. 6oz of milk is perrrrrrfect! My large double Latte's are now a smooth microfoam. The 20ozer works well too. Jim
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The pitcher was in my mailbox when I got home from the gym today...Hmmmmmmmn. My son gifted me a Rattleware pitcher a couple days ago so I guess it will be an interesting week for milky 'spresso drinks at mi casa. ;D
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I guess that means ReddyK has had his turn with the pitcher? May I cross him off?
B|Java
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I guess that means ReddyK has had his turn with the pitcher? May I cross him off?
B|Java
Yep...the pitcher is here. I'm gonna try and get toroidal with it... :)
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Oh yes, I have had my turn with the little shiny pitcher. I liked the pitcher because of the heavy weight and the narrow spout. I expected the "dimple" in the bottom to be larger. I could not tell the difference in the quality of the foam from this pitcher and my other pitchers. However I was very impressed with the spout. It improved my "art" greatly so, I will be purchasing the larger size.
Thanks,
Steve
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First off...I didn't read the directions so these are my uninstructed observations...
It didn't make a typical whirlpool for me. It was more like a curling effect and by altering the angle it was easy to curl sections of the milk. Very easy to work the milk but its a bit different from a typical whirlpool.
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As I missed out on this traveling roadshow, maybe someone can speak to if they feel that the Toroid helps to get the whirlpool started and keep it going...
Chris, I have no base of comparison/reference to the questions you asked. I can only speak to my experience.
I do very limited steaming. My milk in conventional generic frothing pitchers was a train wreck, no insult meant to the train. The Toroid produces nicely textured milk, time after time, for me. Keep in mind my limited reference points and experience with milk. The pitcher pushed me into the hero's circle with the Czarina. I tried to give the credit to the pitcher but she insisted that it had to be me. I am bearing the credit with due humility.
B|Java
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what, no user manual for this gadget neither???
Oh my, Expy has the pitcher without instructions. This should be interesting <grins>.
B|Java
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First try with the Espro this morning. I've been using the common 12 and 20oz
straight wall pitchers, but never able to roll more than 5 or 6 oz of milk, most likely
because my machine's steaming capacity is not that strong. It takes
about 45 secs to bring 6oz of milk from fridge to 140F.
My steam tip has 2 small .9mm holes. I've tried straight down, at an angle and
with the pitcher flying across the room and can't get any consistency, well
consistently not-quite-perfect.
This morning, I filled the Espro with about 5oz, left tip straight down. It did seem
to roll slightly better than w/ my pitcher, the narrow neck of the pitcher helped what little
rolling action on the surface. I'll try it at an angle tomorrow but my guess is that's
not how it's designed to be used.
Compared w/ my 12oz pitcher, it def seems better and easier to use, just point straight down.
But the 20oz may be better and I can use it straight or at an angle and get about the same
results.
Again, I think my machine's weak steaming capacity is the likely bottleneck. Surely can't
be me...
I plan to descale my machine next week to see if that helps it any. It's been about 6 months
since my last descale and eventho I use RO water, there's still buildups.
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pitcher on way to Randy...
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Pitcher has arrived, Thanks Randy. Report to follow.
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Tiny pitcher has arrived! I can't wait to check it out, but it will have to wait for the weekend.
Can't take a chance of frou-frou messing up my careful regulated (maximized) caffeine intake on a work day ... ;D
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I picked up a 12oz toroid off the BST forum on coffee geek and I'm loving it. I've only used it a handful of times but I could tell the difference on the first use. If your milk is mediocre and you want to step it up I strongly suggest this pitcher.
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