I’ve spent a lot of time watching James Hoffman videos but you’ve slowly become my favourite coffee content creator. You’re always really clear about what’s required and make everything actionable by bringing videos back to relatable equipment and knowledge (i.e. no refractometry here, as interesting as it can be to hear about). Keep it up! 🙂
Always good to revise a bit like revising for school exams (a long long time ago!) where I always pick up something useful that somehow I'd forgotten! Thanks Kev 👍
Another great video from the best coffee TH-camr.Keeps it fun and simple to follow. Taking your advice I now have great coffee at home each day. Thanks Kev.
The video I needed, right when I needed it :) My coffee experience has significantly improved because of your videos. Thanks Kev! BTW I really like the choc browny blend, and tomorrow I'm gonna compare it to the clasic Italian espresso blend and the choc and nuts to decide my favourite.
Another great video. Ive spent a couple weeks now watching the videos and trying different things. With a bambino plus i think i worked it out that No1, Buy the right beans is key to this machine. I was using medium (described medium dark) single origin beans and every shot regardless of time or ratio was sour, really sour (great in an aeropress though). Ordered some chocolate brownie blend and no sourness maybe a bit bitter for my first couple so ill start experimenting but those beans & shots gave me the best flat white ive had anywhere. A nice tasting coffee on its own but i dont drink espresso, a really great milk based coffee.
Hi Michael, thanks very much :-). I concur, using the right beans is key for all entry level machines / setups and for anyone who's relatively new to home espresso. There are some stonking single origins out there, but some of them can just be a bit more of a challenge, espresso blends are the most forgiving beans to start with, and are usually my favourite for milkies. Choc brownie blend is my absolute favourite for flat white, I chug it all day long! :-) Cheers, Kev
I have the bambino plus and a sage smart grinder pro. I’m struggling to get the right shot with the choc brownie beans. What grind setting are you using if you have this grinder too?
Hi Kev. The Sage Barista express impress arrived on Thursday. Many thanks again for the videos and discount code. Changing the dual wall filter produced nicer espresso with the beans I'm using. The pressure needle reaches 10 o' clock but the puck is wet. I need to scoop the coffee grinds out with a spoon. Any suggestions?
Ive just recently purchased my sage express impress machine ive been watching the video on dialing in .. my coffee seems to strong im using a strong roasted bean would this ne the problem ? .. it's extracting is around 28 seconds .. thanks
OK, need some help, just starting out with a Barista Express, managed to get the dose/volume set (i think) correctly, that is as much to say its giving me 19g of coffee with the correct volume and headspace after tamping. However, i goto manually pour the shot, extraction is taking about 10seconds, and the actual shot itself just over 20 to give me 40ml of actual espresso. 1, from what i've read 10s is a little too long for it to pre-infuse, and 2. 20s is a little too short. But unsure how to balance it out, if i go finer, the pre-infuse takes longer, if i go courser, the shot is too quick.
Hi Kev, thanks! I recently got a Breville (UK not sage) barista max for my birthday and really love it so far, what sort of accessories would you suggest for such a machine? Don’t want to go upgrading portafilter etc if it won’t really make a difference lol
Hi Ciaran, keep a look out for the video we've recently filmed about accessories and so on, which will be uploaded within the next few weeks. A calibrated tamper with a levelling ring is a good idea, that will ensure you're always tamping with the same pressure, and always level. Some form of distribution tool is a good idea for puck prep, WDT, blind shaker, wedge, whatever floats your boat really. A puck screen might be a good idea with that machine, for better water distribution through the puck, and they keep the shower screen clean too so they can't do any harm. You don't need any of these, you'll be able to get by with nothing but a standard tamper and no tools at all, but the stuff I've mentioned can't hurt, and they should make a slight positive impact, especially the tamper. Ta Kev
Hello, great video. Not strictly related to this video, but I have a question. In my country the Lelit Anita pl042 temd and the Saga Barista Pro is technically the same price. On paper the Lelit seems better a buy. What do you suggest? Did you used them both? Thank you in advance.
Thanks :-). No I've never used the Lelit machines, but (spolier alert) coming soon(ish). My opinion (just opinion based on reading and speaking to folk) is that there are pros and cons for both which probably end up about equal, Lelit probably wins the most points on the espresso machine side of things, but the Barista Pro probably makes up for this on the grinder side of things, and speed and user friendliness. Breville/Sage now own Lelit, as you may know. Cheers, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev Thanks for the replay. I decided that I will buy a separate grinder and coffee machine(everybody says that the grinder is more important). I thinking about to buy a Eureka Mignon (probably the manuale) and a lelit Anna(57mm, temp and manometer) or a lelit Gilda (58mm, temp, no manometer, so probably and add-on later on). _I'm not in a hurry, I have time to decid_
Thanks Kev. Great channel, deserves 10 times the subs that you have. I'd be buying your coffee too if the English Channel and Royal Mail weren't in the way. Cheers!
Im pulling my hair out! Going through kevs vids and cant seem to get anything resembling a shot worth drinking! Have sage kit. The bambino plus and grinder pro. Good beans which in the aeropress taste amazing, try to adjust grind and use bambino, but nope! Just horrible 😢 Got a bottomless portafilter and wdt etc, but just cant get anything good! Kev or anyone assist!?
Excellent video. But I wonder, does putting more beans in the hopper than for the single shot really make that much of a difference? After all, aren't most of the bags that coffee comes in just as porous to oxygen (at least after opening), unless you decant into smaller bags and vacuum seal those. The amount of plastic bags you'd need to use for a daily espresso or two (or three) would be a bit scary, surely.
Just a few thoughts. I use Judge glass double wall coffee mugs. Before brewing I put in some 20mm of cold water and place in the microwave until boiled before starting much the same as Kev's brew process. So hot coffee into emptied hot double walled mug. All of which keeps things warm for longer too. Must say also I prefer using separate Sage grinder to supply my Sage Coffee maker. Finally thanks Kev for all your good advice over the years. Home made Espresso is difficult to beat and enjoyable. Must be getting near Barista promotion from apprentice to level 1😉
@@Coffee_KevGreat video I have started to manually pour my espresso as I cannot get the volume right any other way on my Breville Oracle. Maybe a silly question but how do I purge the coffee when I have changed the grind size? Is it enough to grind for a few seconds then stop the grinding? 16:20
Which machine? with most of them it's just a case of grinding a bit and chucking it. With the touch impress you press and hold the grind image, then press it to stop. Ta, Kev
Barista Express Impress - but I figured it out, just set it to manual and minimum dose and grind :) Cheers, thanks for answering. Your videos have helped me a lot in the last couple of days after getting this machine. @@Coffee_Kev
After 1 year of dialing in I think I still haven't mastered the art. I find all coffee's taste the same, quite bitter, so I think this is to do with me dialing in incorrectly. It doesn't help that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I almost need someone to brew me the perfect coffee so that I can taste what I am aiming for.
Hi, try using an espresso blend with note of Chocolate as this might combat the sweetness flavour that you are craving, Also, these videos are really useful: th-cam.com/video/AjJ7mgN-oxo/w-d-xo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB th-cam.com/video/286LsDOyVD4/w-d-xo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
What's the point of that razor tool? Why measure out your 18gr, do good distribution and tamping and then scrap around a gram back off it? Mine has never been out the drawer.
Its handy for figuring out if you’re over filling the basket. You can just use it for measuring. Volume is as important as weight which is what’s explained in the video. If the measure tool leaves marks in your coffee you’re over filling.
You don't have to use the Razor tool all the time, it's just a great learning tool where dose is concerned. See: th-cam.com/video/LgYDjMCsKJE/w-d-xo.html Ta, Kev
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I’ve spent a lot of time watching James Hoffman videos but you’ve slowly become my favourite coffee content creator. You’re always really clear about what’s required and make everything actionable by bringing videos back to relatable equipment and knowledge (i.e. no refractometry here, as interesting as it can be to hear about). Keep it up! 🙂
Thanks very much Lucas, I really appreciate your comments :-)
Always good to revise a bit like revising for school exams (a long long time ago!) where I always pick up something useful that somehow I'd forgotten! Thanks Kev 👍
Cheers 😃
Another great video from the best coffee TH-camr.Keeps it fun and simple to follow. Taking your advice I now have great coffee at home each day. Thanks Kev.
Wow, that's very kind of you to say, thanks!! :-)
Once again you have nailed with a well produced and comprehensible video. Keep ‘em coming, Kev. And, by the way, your coffee is great 👍
Thanks Mike, very kind ☺️
Thanks Kev. Brilliant!
Thanks 🙂
The video I needed, right when I needed it :) My coffee experience has significantly improved because of your videos. Thanks Kev! BTW I really like the choc browny blend, and tomorrow I'm gonna compare it to the clasic Italian espresso blend and the choc and nuts to decide my favourite.
Thanks Konstantinos, very kind of you!
Fantastic video Kev thanks a lot!
Thanks IIann, glad you liked it :-)
Another great video. Ive spent a couple weeks now watching the videos and trying different things. With a bambino plus i think i worked it out that No1, Buy the right beans is key to this machine. I was using medium (described medium dark) single origin beans and every shot regardless of time or ratio was sour, really sour (great in an aeropress though). Ordered some chocolate brownie blend and no sourness maybe a bit bitter for my first couple so ill start experimenting but those beans & shots gave me the best flat white ive had anywhere. A nice tasting coffee on its own but i dont drink espresso, a really great milk based coffee.
Hi Michael, thanks very much :-). I concur, using the right beans is key for all entry level machines / setups and for anyone who's relatively new to home espresso. There are some stonking single origins out there, but some of them can just be a bit more of a challenge, espresso blends are the most forgiving beans to start with, and are usually my favourite for milkies. Choc brownie blend is my absolute favourite for flat white, I chug it all day long! :-) Cheers, Kev
I have the bambino plus and a sage smart grinder pro. I’m struggling to get the right shot with the choc brownie beans. What grind setting are you using if you have this grinder too?
Thank you
You're welcome 😃👍
Hi Kev. The Sage Barista express impress arrived on Thursday. Many thanks again for the videos and discount code. Changing the dual wall filter produced nicer espresso with the beans I'm using. The pressure needle reaches 10 o' clock but the puck is wet. I need to scoop the coffee grinds out with a spoon. Any suggestions?
Ive just recently purchased my sage express impress machine ive been watching the video on dialing in .. my coffee seems to strong im using a strong roasted bean would this ne the problem ? .. it's extracting is around 28 seconds .. thanks
OK, need some help, just starting out with a Barista Express, managed to get the dose/volume set (i think) correctly, that is as much to say its giving me 19g of coffee with the correct volume and headspace after tamping. However, i goto manually pour the shot, extraction is taking about 10seconds, and the actual shot itself just over 20 to give me 40ml of actual espresso. 1, from what i've read 10s is a little too long for it to pre-infuse, and 2. 20s is a little too short. But unsure how to balance it out, if i go finer, the pre-infuse takes longer, if i go courser, the shot is too quick.
Hi Kev, thanks! I recently got a Breville (UK not sage) barista max for my birthday and really love it so far, what sort of accessories would you suggest for such a machine? Don’t want to go upgrading portafilter etc if it won’t really make a difference lol
Hi Ciaran, keep a look out for the video we've recently filmed about accessories and so on, which will be uploaded within the next few weeks.
A calibrated tamper with a levelling ring is a good idea, that will ensure you're always tamping with the same pressure, and always level.
Some form of distribution tool is a good idea for puck prep, WDT, blind shaker, wedge, whatever floats your boat really.
A puck screen might be a good idea with that machine, for better water distribution through the puck, and they keep the shower screen clean too so they can't do any harm.
You don't need any of these, you'll be able to get by with nothing but a standard tamper and no tools at all, but the stuff I've mentioned can't hurt, and they should make a slight positive impact, especially the tamper.
Ta
Kev
Very informative 😊
Thanks Sandra :-)
Hello, great video.
Not strictly related to this video, but I have a question. In my country the Lelit Anita pl042 temd and the Saga Barista Pro is technically the same price. On paper the Lelit seems better a buy.
What do you suggest? Did you used them both?
Thank you in advance.
Thanks :-). No I've never used the Lelit machines, but (spolier alert) coming soon(ish). My opinion (just opinion based on reading and speaking to folk) is that there are pros and cons for both which probably end up about equal, Lelit probably wins the most points on the espresso machine side of things, but the Barista Pro probably makes up for this on the grinder side of things, and speed and user friendliness. Breville/Sage now own Lelit, as you may know. Cheers, Kev.
@@Coffee_Kev Thanks for the replay. I decided that I will buy a separate grinder and coffee machine(everybody says that the grinder is more important). I thinking about to buy a Eureka Mignon (probably the manuale) and a lelit Anna(57mm, temp and manometer) or a lelit Gilda (58mm, temp, no manometer, so probably and add-on later on). _I'm not in a hurry, I have time to decid_
BTW, can you tell us how to pull one that tastes the same as the gas that comes out of the valve when you squeeze the bag?
haha, if only ;-)
Another great video. Once your beans have been opened is it best to store them in the freezer? 👍
Thanks Paul :-). Re storing: th-cam.com/video/EER3JYjEIto/w-d-xo.html
Thanks Kev. Great channel, deserves 10 times the subs that you have. I'd be buying your coffee too if the English Channel and Royal Mail weren't in the way.
Cheers!
Wow thanks John, very kind of you!! :-)
@@Coffee_Kev My pleasure, Kev.
Im pulling my hair out! Going through kevs vids and cant seem to get anything resembling a shot worth drinking! Have sage kit. The bambino plus and grinder pro. Good beans which in the aeropress taste amazing, try to adjust grind and use bambino, but nope! Just horrible 😢
Got a bottomless portafilter and wdt etc, but just cant get anything good!
Kev or anyone assist!?
Excellent video. But I wonder, does putting more beans in the hopper than for the single shot really make that much of a difference? After all, aren't most of the bags that coffee comes in just as porous to oxygen (at least after opening), unless you decant into smaller bags and vacuum seal those. The amount of plastic bags you'd need to use for a daily espresso or two (or three) would be a bit scary, surely.
Hi Andrew :-). See: th-cam.com/video/EER3JYjEIto/w-d-xo.html more in depth video on this issue. Ta, Kev.
Gaggia cup in a Sage machine, you're a god ahahhaha
Haha, actually I had to glue it to the drip tray, they repel like two magnets!
@@Coffee_Kev Maybe if you flip the cup upside-down so that the poles are inverted...
Just a few thoughts. I use Judge glass double wall coffee mugs. Before brewing I put in some 20mm of cold water and place in the microwave until boiled before starting much the same as Kev's brew process. So hot coffee into emptied hot double walled mug. All of which keeps things warm for longer too. Must say also I prefer using separate Sage grinder to supply my Sage Coffee maker. Finally thanks Kev for all your good advice over the years. Home made Espresso is difficult to beat and enjoyable. Must be getting near Barista promotion from apprentice to level 1😉
@@Coffee_KevGreat video I have started to manually pour my espresso as I cannot get the volume right any other way on my Breville Oracle. Maybe a silly question but how do I purge the coffee when I have changed the grind size? Is it enough to grind for a few seconds then stop the grinding? 16:20
How do I purge the built in grinder in the Sage machine?
Which machine? with most of them it's just a case of grinding a bit and chucking it. With the touch impress you press and hold the grind image, then press it to stop. Ta, Kev
Barista Express Impress - but I figured it out, just set it to manual and minimum dose and grind :) Cheers, thanks for answering. Your videos have helped me a lot in the last couple of days after getting this machine. @@Coffee_Kev
After 1 year of dialing in I think I still haven't mastered the art. I find all coffee's taste the same, quite bitter, so I think this is to do with me dialing in incorrectly. It doesn't help that I have a bit of a sweet tooth. I almost need someone to brew me the perfect coffee so that I can taste what I am aiming for.
Hi, try using an espresso blend with note of Chocolate as this might combat the sweetness flavour that you are craving,
Also, these videos are really useful:
th-cam.com/video/AjJ7mgN-oxo/w-d-xo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
th-cam.com/video/286LsDOyVD4/w-d-xo.html&pp=gAQBiAQB
What's the point of that razor tool? Why measure out your 18gr, do good distribution and tamping and then scrap around a gram back off it? Mine has never been out the drawer.
Its handy for figuring out if you’re over filling the basket. You can just use it for measuring. Volume is as important as weight which is what’s explained in the video. If the measure tool leaves marks in your coffee you’re over filling.
You don't have to use the Razor tool all the time, it's just a great learning tool where dose is concerned. See: th-cam.com/video/LgYDjMCsKJE/w-d-xo.html Ta, Kev