Taste Of Coffee

dave

Hey all
    I've been having problems with adjusting my grinder and my machine. It seems that when i reduce the grind it becomes too fine and the machine can't "push" the water through. But i've had the machine checked for its pressure, but they said it was fine. However, my coffee doesnt seem like its strong enough or even has any flavour. Any suggestions?

FreshCoffee2

Assuming you are talking espresso machine... a) Are you "filling" the filter. If you do not fill the filter, the process will not work properly. By fill, I dont mean right up to the top of the filter edge. If you do not fill it, you get an incomplete brew, dishwater, no strength, horrible. b) The coffee you are using...fresh? Not stored in the fridge I hope...it's still crunchy if you chew it, not rubbery (a classic symptom of coffee stored in fridge that has absorbed moisture)??? More detail needed fom you. Cheers, FC  

Steamed

Generally speaking, if you are having problems getting water out through the spout you've either set the grind too fine or your dosage is off (too much coffee in the basket). Usually, any liguid you manage to get in such a situation will taste very bitter and burnt. If a proper extraction out of your machine produces weak tasting coffee there may be a possibility that you have stale coffee.

FreshCoffee2

Dave, further to your question. Check out the replies under the new topic called "Anyone have a Rancilio Silvia", in the "Have Your Say" section of this site. This will help. Cheers, FC.

john

Dave What type is the machine and grinder????

dave

Hey Guys      Well its a Coffee Mio machine and a grinder. Its a commercial machine. I don't know enough to tell you much more really. As for the coffee freshness, I think its relatively fresh as we dont keep the coffee for very long.      I just find it odd that when i make the grind finer that the water can't go through. But when i adjust it so that it can, it doesnt seem strong enough like one of you said - dishwater  :-/ .      I mean, i've got all the frothing under control, but the espresso that comes out is a little disappointing. Time to purchase a new machine perhaps?      I wouldn't say its absolutely terrible, but i'd like to offer my customers something better. Thanks Guys Dave

FreshCoffee2

Ok you said..."customers..." so I imagine you are talking "cafe". Please speak to your coffee supplier, explain the situation, and ask him (her?) to make a courtesy call out and check the set up of the grinder VS espresso machine. No coffee merchant wants their brand name placed in jeopardy when the equipment is not properly adjusted or faulty. Goodluck, FC.

john

Dave I agree with Fresh. When speaking to your supplier make sure that they have an understanding of the machines pressure and temperature settings. As these will also have an influence on the quality of the espresso. If the supplier sounds a bit confused then I suggest you contact a reputable service technician for assistance. You may also want to check the grinder. How worn are the blades/burrs?? The blades may be stuffed and not allowing you to get the adjustment required. It is amazing what a new set of blades can do. JD

Bean_Counter

Hi Dave, if I was a betting man i would say your blades are stuffed.That's the bad news the good news is that it's the cheapest solution to hopefully fix ur prob.Unless you want to buy another grinder. If you've done a basic strip down of the group head and made sure all the screens are clean and the filter baskets are likewise, anyway you reckon the machines presure is ok....how's your tamping pressure? A grinder in good condition needs only a minimal amount of adjustment to make a huge diff to ur grind...let us know if you solve your prob.

dave

Hey Guys               I've tried to adjust the grind a few times and obviously there is a difference because if its too fine the machine won't actually allow the water to go through.       I'll try and readjust it again, but thats whats gotten me stumped. I do all the appropriate cleaning. As for the dosage, whilst i was trying to identify what was wrong with it, i made sure that it was filled correctly so i don't think that its the problem.       Do grinder blades require regular replacment? Im guessing it either has to do with the grind and extraction. Dave :-/

john

Dave As mentioned previously, the grinder blades need to be replaced on a regular basis. This will obviously depend on the quantity of coffee used. You will be amazed as to what a new set of blades will do. Worth a shot. JD