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Sage Barista Express

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    #362
    Issac
    Registered Users Posts: 508 ✭✭✭Issac


    Squidgy Black wrote: »
    You need to go tighter on your grind, tamping pressure isn't really a variable as much as anything else so you just want to apply enough pressure to form your puck.

    Thanks I'll try that again. Really seems to vary.
    Think I might need to get my engineering hat on and run a proper DOE on this.


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    #363
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    Issac wrote: »
    I'm really struggling to get the correct settings on this machine.
    If I get the correct extraction time (around 30 seconds) then my pressure is very high and my volume out is approx 55g ish.
    I've moved the internal burr (now at 3).
    Anything obvious I can target? I think tampering pressure has a huge effect on output so maybe I need to get that under control? How high a tampering pressure is normal?
    Edit: I make sure the machine is properly heated and run some water through before each brew.


    For 2:1 ratio coffee - 36g out from 18g in - you need to go above the recommended range on the dial

    The "espresso range" on the BE is more a lungo range in reality - nothing wrong with forcing it up. Ignore the gauge and focus on your input/output.

    Also assuming you're keeping internal birr fixed and just adjusting the side grind dial - tamping will be important.

    The BE grinder increments are big compared to any top end (even sage standalone) grinders. So learn to have a light, medium and heavy tamp.


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    #364
    ExMachina1000
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,748 ✭✭✭ExMachina1000


    Are you using the factory default shot size?

    Ie the amount of water the machine puts through the coffee.

    You could try program it for 50ml or so and then fine tune your grind setting to control and adjust the length of time taken to pour.

    I aim for 17 g in, 45 ml shot in 25-30 seconds.

    I have my Express around 4 years now. Still going strong!


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    #365
    Colonel Claptrap
    Registered Users Posts: 945 ✭✭✭Colonel Claptrap


    I changed the internal burr setting down to 3 this morning.
    Noticed a surprising difference in taste.

    More tinkering needed.


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    #366
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    Colonel Claptrap wrote: »
    I changed the internal burr setting down to 3 this morning.
    Noticed a surprising difference in taste.

    More tinkering needed.

    Let us know what you find out.


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    #367
    Colonel Claptrap
    Registered Users Posts: 945 ✭✭✭Colonel Claptrap


    FileNotFound wrote: »
    Let us know what you find out.

    This morning I tried internal burr on 3, grinder on 4 with Forsa Gala beans. Practically nothing came out in the first 7 seconds so maybe I tamped too much.

    Resulted in a fantastic cup of coffee. I'm nearing the sweet spot.

    Next I'll try 3/6.


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    #368
    Klopp
    Registered Users Posts: 482 ✭✭Klopp


    My SB, the internal burr is at 4 and current grind at 3 - 18g in and getting 58g extraction on a medium roast.


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    #369
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    Klopp wrote: »
    My SB, the internal burr is at 4 and current grind at 3 - 18g in and getting 58g extraction on a medium roast.

    You using the preset settings?


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    #370
    Klopp
    Registered Users Posts: 482 ✭✭Klopp


    FileNotFound wrote: »
    You using the preset settings?


    Funny, i thought this myself this morning and i checked and reset to be sure but it was the same again today, this time it was 18.5g with 60ml at 45 seconds?


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    #371
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    Klopp wrote: »
    Funny, i thought this myself this morning and i checked and reset to be sure but it was the same again today, this time it was 18.5g with 60ml at 45 seconds?

    Personally where the basket has 18g in it

    I use the preset 2 cup button to start the shot - but hit it again to stop it once it has dispensed 36g of coffee ( I actually hit it at 34g or just before to account for the the bit that continues post stop).

    The aim is then to adjust the grind settings so this all happens at 25-30 seconds depending on the coffee in question. (some have the best timing provided on their websites).

    The preset will always aim to give 60ml (seems to be designed to give a lungo style coffee) no matter the grind as its merely a set volume. All that will change really is the time this takes to happen.

    When you do this your gauge will go above the recommend range to the to about where the "E" is at the end of "RANGE"

    Hope this helps


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    #372
    Klopp
    Registered Users Posts: 482 ✭✭Klopp


    FileNotFound wrote: »

    Personally where the basket has 18g in it

    I use the preset 2 cup button to start the shot - but hit it again to stop it once it has dispensed 36g of coffee ( I actually hit it at 34g or just before to account for the the bit that continues post stop).

    The aim is then to adjust the grind settings so this all happens at 25-30 seconds depending on the coffee in question. (some have the best timing provided on their websites).

    The preset will always aim to give 60ml (seems to be designed to give a lungo style coffee) no matter the grind as its merely a set volume. All that will change really is the time this takes to happen.

    When you do this your gauge will go above the recommend range to the to about where the "E" is at the end of "RANGE"

    Hope this helps


    I thought about using the 'preset' option before and then i think is this cheating the machine? lol. I have got lovely shots without changing the settings too much but the next day the taste is off along with extraction time extract amount using the same beans, at least using the preset you would get more consistency.

    I'll try this option going forward and report back in a few days.


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    #373
    fits
    Registered Users Posts: 13,286 ✭✭✭✭fits


    I have a question. If you drink Americana or milk drinks why would you be so concerned about the 1:2 ratio


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    #374
    Klopp
    Registered Users Posts: 482 ✭✭Klopp


    fits wrote: »
    I have a question. If you drink Americana or milk drinks why would you be so concerned about the 1:2 ratio


    Why wouldn't you be?

    Some like a 1:2 ratio, some like a 1:3, all about what your own preference is.


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    #375
    Fall_Guy
    Closed Accounts Posts: 776 ✭✭✭Fall_Guy


    fits wrote: »
    I have a question. If you drink Americana or milk drinks why would you be so concerned about the 1:2 ratio

    I don't know about the 1:2 ratio specifically, but whether you're drinking straight espresso, a milk based drink or a longer black drink, knowledge of your brew ratio is one marker that allows you to adjust your next drink so it is more to your taste.

    For me, I'd much rather know exactly what dose each coffee I make is and how much liquid it yielded so that I know how to make the next drink less sour /less bitter / whatever. And when I make a drink just the way I like it, I want to be able to know why it tasted the way I like it, and how to recreate it next time. Dose and yield (so by extention brew ratio) are excellent markers to aid this pursuit.

    Yeah, the differences are less pronounced in a milk based drink or a longer black drink, but there's still plenty of variation in the flavour profiles of a drink depending on how it was brewed.


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    #376
    downtheroad
    Registered Users Posts: 2,882 ✭✭✭downtheroad


    Have my machine since July 2017 and had my first mechanical issue with it this week. When the pressure built up water, steam and coffee started to spurt out from the group head. Turns out the rubber seal at the gasket is worn down, not surprising with all the use its been getting of late. So a replacement is on the way, but machine out of action for a few days so no home brew coffee until I get the new seal.


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    #377
    Hodors Appletart
    Registered Users Posts: 2,047 ✭✭✭Hodors Appletart


    jaysis have you no back up like an aeropress or v60?

    they are so cheap you should get one


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    #378
    breeno
    Registered Users Posts: 745 ✭✭✭breeno


    fits wrote: »
    I have a question. If you drink Americana or milk drinks why would you be so concerned about the 1:2 ratio

    I've been going with a dose 18g in and then my output depends on the drink I'm having. If I'm having espresso I go 1:2 and get 36g out but for Americano or Latte I go 1:3 so about 54g out as I think it keeps a stronger taste than the 36g which I find gets a bit lost and watery in longer drinks.

    I also got a palm distributor and tamper from Amazon and I can't believe how much more consistent it's making my shots. Delighted with it. The brand is Xunada and it's the 53mm version.


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    #379
    downtheroad
    Registered Users Posts: 2,882 ✭✭✭downtheroad


    Hodors Appletart wrote: »
    jaysis have you no back up like an aeropress or v60?

    they are so cheap you should get one

    The aeropress is in the office, since last March. Could be an essential journey.


  • Options
    #380
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    breeno wrote: »
    I've been going with a dose 18g in and then my output depends on the drink I'm having. If I'm having espresso I go 1:2 and get 36g out but for Americano or Latte I go 1:3 so about 54g out as I think it keeps a stronger taste than the 36g which I find gets a bit lost and watery in longer drinks.

    I also got a palm distributor and tamper from Amazon and I can't believe how much more consistent it's making my shots. Delighted with it. The brand is Xunada and it's the 53mm version.

    I just use less milk in the milk based than most prob do.

    I understood the pressure of shot changes the entire flavour profile and that over drawing can mean you get a poor flavour.

    I can't say I'd notice in anything but espresso.

    I use the Chemex for anything not espresso based.


  • Options
    #381
    downtheroad
    Registered Users Posts: 2,882 ✭✭✭downtheroad


    downtheroad wrote: »
    Have my machine since July 2017 and had my first mechanical issue with it this week. When the pressure built up water, steam and coffee started to spurt out from the group head. Turns out the rubber seal at the gasket is worn down, not surprising with all the use its been getting of late. So a replacement is on the way, but machine out of action for a few days so no home brew coffee until I get the new seal.

    Fixed. Used 1 of these, in case anyone ever has a similar issue - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08P1CK4C6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_Z273DT77FZ8NAV160W8T?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1


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    #382
    Colonel Claptrap
    Registered Users Posts: 945 ✭✭✭Colonel Claptrap


    I think my machine is broken. Tried making a cup this morning but barely a trickle of coffee came out of the portafilter. Almost as if there wasn't enough pressure or there was a blockage.

    I wasnt caffeinated enough to investigate further.

    6 months old so still under warranty.


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    #383
    ExMachina1000
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,748 ✭✭✭ExMachina1000


    Colonel Claptrap wrote: »
    I think my machine is broken. Tried making a cup this morning but barely a trickle of coffee came out of the portafilter. Almost as if there wasn't enough pressure or there was a blockage.

    I wasnt caffeinated enough to investigate further.

    6 months old so still under warranty.

    Is there water without the portafilter in position?

    Obvious question I know


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    #384
    Colonel Claptrap
    Registered Users Posts: 945 ✭✭✭Colonel Claptrap


    ExMachina1000 wrote: »
    Is there water without the portafilter in position?

    Obvious question I know

    Yes there is. Seems like a normal flow rate too. It's almost like the portafilter is blocked.


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    #385
    ExMachina1000
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,748 ✭✭✭ExMachina1000


    Colonel Claptrap wrote: »
    Yes there is. Seems like a normal flow rate too. It's almost like the portafilter is blocked.

    Sounds like your coffee is too fine or tamp way too strong.
    Doubtful it's the pump or blocked basket. Change to a different basket to confirm then change your grind coarser. 3 to 4 numbers up from where the dial is set now would be a good place to test

    Hopefully gets it sorted for you


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    #386
    Klopp
    Registered Users Posts: 482 ✭✭Klopp


    Before i was constantly getting 58g extraction out of 18g between 35/45 seconds and had to increase my dose too to no effect with the yield. I set up the program option and adjusted my grind to taste, i am now getting more consistency with shots and find they're a lot tastier nicer too.


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    #387
    Goose81
    Registered Users Posts: 4,206 ✭✭✭Goose81


    Is this still the best machine for around the price €600? Any others that are worth looking at..

    Don't mind going a small bit over but wanted opinions, so hard to choose


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    #388
    FileNotFound
    Registered Users Posts: 2,004 ✭✭✭FileNotFound


    Goose81 wrote: »
    Is this still the best machine for around the price €600? Any others that are worth looking at..

    Don't mind going a small bit over but wanted opinions, so hard to choose

    It's a good machine, new gaggia meant to be good but will have to buy a separate grinder so increasing the overall price.

    Haven't seen too many others under 1k that challenge them


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    #389
    Sync
    Registered Users Posts: 587 ✭✭✭Sync


    Barista express is currently out for delivery... down the rabbit hole I go! :D


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    #390
    Goose81
    Registered Users Posts: 4,206 ✭✭✭Goose81


    So I got the machine yesterday, not having much luck so far.

    Watched literally hours of videos on how to use it with non pressure baskets.

    I'm measuring out 17 grams of beans on a scale and grinding them in the machine so it's exactly that weight.

    With the grinder set to its lowest setting of 1 I'm getting pretty much no pressure at all.

    I took out the grinder and set it to 4, it was at 6. Reground 18gramd of beans and left the grinder at 1 and now I'm getting towards the pressure I want .

    Am I doing something wrong, how is the grinder so badly calibrated from the factory that I'm having to adjust it straight out of the box, seem like leaving it at a setting of 6 would never work with any beans..

    I'm wondering if it's faulty, like to get the full scale in the side of the machine to actually work I'm going to have to set the inside of the grinder to 1


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    #391
    logistic
    Registered Users Posts: 915 ✭✭✭logistic


    Any recommendations on where to buy filters?


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