Accessories — Coffee Forum

Quick 2-min survey on home espresso workflow (Australia) – uni project

doublecheese — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:42:17 +0000

Hi everyone, I’m an industrial design student at UNSW working on a university project looking at home espresso workflow and puck removal habits.
If you make espresso at home in Australia, I’d really appreciate 2–3 minutes of your time to fill out this anonymous survey. It’s short and purely for academic research.
Thanks in advance! happy to share findings later if people are interested.

https://forms.gle/tvqwFhhZPbjDvRWY6

Coffee Cups -

System — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 01:03:04 +0000

Well I expect that I will soon have some of those shiny hand made one ...

Matt has been working hard and will be Christening them in his honour when they get here..

Not sure what to name them... A reminder of Matt or something else... I am sure there is a flower or two that could be referenced..... DB, still waiting for that Home shot or did you send it and I have misplaced it ? MAAADD all over again.

Any way a mate heard I was short of cups for my morning session, and he knows of some of the Italian customs; re a latte and pastries for breakfast..... Bugger .. I though he was joking..

This song also comes to mind as the last week has been heavy and this week is not looking any better.. Sunday has become a lost day... Here is to Coffee and Cigs and fingers crossed the lows have bottomed...

IMS Filter Basket for a Europiccola

Cuir Beluga — Wed, 17 Jul 2019 11:11:01 +0000

Hi all.

Does anyone know where I can source a La Pav Europiccola IMS double basket from?

It seems they are few and far between.

Thanks.

Transparent portafilters

West Village — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 20:33:12 +0000

Hey guys,

As the title suggests, has anyone played with or seen a transparent bottomless portafilter?. I think it would be a great learning tool for visually understanding the impacts of pre infusion, and a good tool for understanding the extraction process within the portafilter.

Thoughts?

Londinium funnel and distribution tool

Kelsey — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 11:35:16 +0000

I've just received the Londinium dosing funnel and distribution tool.

They're meant to be used together - add the funnel to your portafilter and either grind directly into it, or pour your grinds into it.

Use the distribution tool to whisk. Tamp and go.

The difference in the cup is incredible.

Having an e10 grinder, I don't bother weighing. I just eyeball my dose and tamp. It's led to a great deal of inconsistency in my pours which has been exacerbated by regular channeling.

Since getting the tool yesterday ever pour has been bang on. Extractions are perfect and I've had zero channeling, which was my biggest issue before.

It adds virtually no extra time to prep and the funnel prevents grinds going everywhere.

10/10

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Upgrading filter baskets and shower screens

West Village — Mon, 13 Mar 2017 21:50:32 +0000

Hey,

But of a newbie question here. Will upgrading filter baskets and shower screens I.e to IMS, VST and (any other acronym know to man ) improve your coffee or is the impact of such an upgrade more to do with other elements of the process I.e cleanliness, repeatability, consistency, water distribution etc or both?

Dare I ask about the whole ridged vs ridgless debate also? Although I'm pretty sure that wouldn't have any effect on shot quality? Am I that naive?

My head is spinning on the subject!

Thanks guys

New tool for group head cleaning

Kelsey — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 12:55:32 +0000

This is for those with machines that don't have a 3 way solenoid. Lever machines, or smaller machines are a good use case.

It's a silicon tool designed to fit in any two-lug portafilter slot and spread the water around the shower screen and the area near the seal during a flush.

https://www.espazzola.ch/

Looks interesting. I know a couple of people who've put in an order. Will report back.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Ponte Vecchio Lusso - anyone got a spare set of seals laying around?

Moon — Wed, 07 Sep 2016 20:29:31 +0000

Howdy

Just wondering if anyone having owned a PV Lusso might have a set of 3 piston seals and a Group head Gasket/seal laying about wanting themselves to get back into some coffee production activity .. for purchase, of course. :thumb:

Just putting it out there

Ive sent Jack from Sorrentina an email but haven't heard back from him as yet. No idea whether he is still in the biz??
I haven't been in touch since 2013. Otherwise I'll have to import some from Italy

Apparently, according to Jack .. back in the day, there was a problem with the seals in some of the 2 Group machines he sold due to a bad batch.
He contacted Ponte Vecchio in Italy to get some replacements sent out. As it turned out .. the seals sent were the ones for the 1 Group machines that didn't fit the 2 Group that he'd sold.. so I figure he'd probably still have the seals that I'm after still laying around ... if only I could contact him.
Unfortunately, there is no Phone number on his website.

I have made enquiries in Italy .. and asked about the seals being different .. their reply was that the 1 & 2 Group seals are the same.
I'd hate to get a set from Italy and finding out they didn't fit :head:

I have a Gaggia Baby in the cupboard needing a repair. It's like brand new but something is wrong with it. Have thought on more than a few occasions .. I should get that fixed so that when my PV Lusso is out of action ... I'd have a spare to fall back on.

Shame I didn't follow through with that ... cause it would come in handy .. right about now ----> another one of those ---> :head:

Single baskets.

Cuir Beluga — Thu, 05 May 2016 12:03:09 +0000

Hi all, just wondering if it is worth my while buying a single basket? I have read they are difficult to work with and that is why I am asking.

I am currently using a double, drinking one shot as a latte and the other as an espresso but I am really not enjoying the espresso, on the hand I don't want wastage. I would really just prefer to make one at a time.

Espro calibrated tampers

Werks — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 15:33:18 +0000

I've read a few discussions on tampers here, but haven't seen anything about the Espro calibrated tampers. Has anyone used one? I was thinking that it would be a good one for new starters until they were used to getting the right pressure during tamping.

Keepcups

Cuir Beluga — Sun, 21 Jun 2015 17:40:25 +0000

Today I have been discovering how much enjoyment there is in a larger cup even if it is my soup mug :thumb:.

I was looking at grabbing a Keepcup. Does anyone have one? Like it? Love it? hate it?

IMS Competizione Filter Baskets

ash — Sat, 28 Feb 2015 15:57:26 +0000

A few weeks ago I had a couple of new toys arrive for the Londinium I. A pair of IMS baskets, a Competizione B70 2T 26.5H and one called simply 'The Single'. The B70 basket is the one I've spent most time getting to know.

My regular basket before this was a ridge-less Synesso double basket which I found quite easy to get my distribution and dose right. I have been quite happy with this basket, preferring it to the VST double which I have around the place. I found the VST quite finicky to get used to with the limited times that I'm making espresso (probably 4 -5 a day during week days). I was hoping that the IMS basket would give me the best of both worlds, the ease of the Synesso and the flavour distinction of the VST.

So far my hopes have been proved right. It is more finicky than the Synesso, but a lot less than the VST. While the flavours aren't quite as good as the VST, the extra attention required for the dose and distribution have been worth it, as the flavours are quite superior to the Synesso IMHO. Funnily enough I've gone back to a style of distribution and tamping that I last used when I owned a Giotto.

Physically, the ridged IMS basket sits between the straight sided VST and the gently curved Synesso, and I think this has a lot to do with the improved favours that I'm tasting, as it compares well to the VST (when I get that one right!). IMS have their own propriety way of sizing, locating and shaping the holes in the bottom of the basket which would also play a part in the way it delivers the flavours.

I've just replaced the seals in my Londinium I today so I'll be going back and revising myself across all three baskets and see if my initial observations over the last couple of weeks still ring true.

In the photos attached, the order from left to right is, the IMS B70 2T 26.5h, VST 20g and Synesso double. I've also included a quick shot of 'The Single'. 'The Singles's claim to fame is that it doesn't require a change in grind setting when swapping between a double basket and itself. I haven't played all that much with to see if that claim is accurate yet, and probably won't for another couple of weeks while I play with the other three baskets.

Pesado 58.5 and basket - any feedback?

GeekKopi — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 18:41:37 +0000

Pesado 58.5mm tamper and a matching basket in collaboration with IMS.

So these are relatively new items to the market from a shop in Melb. The tamper is locally made in Melb

Has anyone used these? and if so any feedback.

I'm looking to change my tamper and this one has caught my eye. Price point - nearly up there with the Pullman.

Water for machine......

Cuir Beluga — Sat, 23 May 2015 09:58:10 +0000

Hi everyone, well today is the day, I am off to look at and probably pick up my new machine this afternoon. I am, however, a little concerned about the water that goes into it. Having a filter system installed is not really an option right now. I have read of people using bottled- Mt Franklin water- but hubby says it doesn't make sense to him due to mineral content and what not and I am not sure that Adelaides tap water is the best option either.

What would you suggest?

Thanks, Sue .

Edit; I just took a look inside my kettle, it is about 14 years old, a Genuine Italian made DeLonghi, and there is hardly any scale in it whatsoever. Maybe Adelaide water isn't as bad as they say.

Milk Jugs "BEST" for Latte Art

Koffee_Kosmo — Tue, 31 Dec 2013 09:54:01 +0000

Just thought to start a thread and ask what milk jugs members use for Latte Art
A review of your particular jug

Also I want to get a good latte art jug for myself
My current set consists with 300 ml & 600ml Rattleware

Have had both good and great success with them, but feel I can do better with a pitcher that has a better shaped spout for better controlled microform distribution for latte art

KK

Tampers......

Cuir Beluga — Thu, 30 Apr 2015 20:47:35 +0000

Evening all.

My new machine is just a couple of weeks away so I figured I had better start thinking about a tamper.
I currently have an el cheapo from the bay of evil but it is going to be too small so have buy a new one.
Any recs?

Naked Portafilter Wanted

Taihara — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 16:46:29 +0000

Hello ...

First Post... Yes... I'm new here, so apologies if I've done anything wrong in my first 2 Hrs.

I'm also new to expresso machines, and have just purchased a Breville BES920. I'm now looking for a naked portafilter to suit, however the best I can find comes from Canada at about $130 delivered.

I'm curious as to whether that is a reasonable price? I hoped to get one cheaper. Can I buy a different brand that will fit?

Thanks all for your patience. I hope.....

New type of coffee accessory

balibuyog — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 21:39:57 +0000

Hi Guys,

I'm new to this forum and I was hoping that you could help me with some feedback on a new product that I have..

We call it the 'hotstopper'.

It's a plastic stirrer which also acts as a plug. It is inserted through the mouthpiece of takeaway coffee beverages, it prevents accidental spillage and also holds coffee heat.

Any feedback is really appreciated, also open for any questions about the product,

Thank you all :coffee2: :coffee: :coffee2: :coffee:

Ben

PergTamp

MikalHoward — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 10:28:03 +0000

Hi all,

Has anyone or is anyone using the PergTamp as designed and patented by Matt Perger?

I found the measurements and sizes quite interesting when Matt was posting about it during development and wondered whether it only suits certain baskets. I get that you really should get as close of a size match with your tamp and basket. My tamp and basket that came with the Rancilio Silvia is barely an ok fit. I find after tamping, I have to brush the edges of the basket to remove the grinds up the wall of it. I then lightly, with no pressure spin the tamper back on top of the grinds to polish the top again.

Just wanting to hear peoples thoughts on it. Cheers.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Tamper handles.

Dry_bean. — Sat, 10 Jan 2015 11:37:44 +0000

We spent Christmas with family in NSW, and I got to use my son in laws Silvia/Rocky combo for the duration of our stay, must admit it was a little like running into an old friend, certainly is an easy machine to use, and still makes very good coffee.

What this post is about is tamper handle material, Son in Law has a Pullman with an anodized metal handle, I have a 10 year old Reg Barber with a turned wood (Bubinga) handle.

Whilst I use his Pullman without any problems my RB feels so much nicer in my hand, and has a much nicer balance, no coldness when you first pick it up, and the clincher for me, it now has 10 years of patina.

I know it all down to preference, and of couse my preference is for a wood handle.

VST filter baskets.

Dry_bean. — Thu, 05 May 2011 15:18:20 +0000

http://www.coffeegeek.com/opinions/markprince/04-29-2011
These certainly sound the ducks guts, will be interesting to see/taste the results in a cup. :-\

Reneka Micro Sieve basket

Lwowiak — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 20:05:06 +0000

I have been following this topic on HB in regards to these baskets:

http://www.home-barista.com/tips/reneka-micro-sieve-basket-new-sourcing-options-t30971.html

http://www.home-barista.com/tips/new-reneka-micro-sieve-basket-gear-or-garment-t29242.html

They are available from here:

http://www.microsieve.nl/

Not sure if anyone in Australia has played with one, but I would be interested in their feedback.

I am not expecting any miracle basket, and am fully aware of the heated debates about VST baskets. I am in the market for a new basket or two, and have been doing my research. I was tempted with the Espresso Parts basket, but this product caught my eye. I am going to make some enquiries if their are any MOQ's and will report back.

I was considering the VST, and will probably get one as well, but the effort required (supposedly) with these baskets, puts me off a bit. My daughters are learning how to use my machine and I am looking to simplify the process for them, not make it harder.

As always, any comments or feedback (positive or negative) is welcome.

Coffee Catcha

Bottom Line — Mon, 24 Feb 2014 10:59:54 +0000

I was very dubious about this product.
Expensive for what it is ($80rrp), another invention to find a hole that may not exist.

But you don't know until you have a go so I bought one.

It is a nice looking, very well made thing. Sits very nicely on the filter basket and feels good.

I tried it at home and wasn't really impressed at all.
I can, with care, not spill any grinds. Position the group handle, sweep the doser level at right speed and Bob's your uncle. The Coffee Catcha simply added a few more steps and time.

I had an event the next and thought of persevering. This would be a good or different test.
Tried different ways of using it and settled on one.

Put to much coffee into the basket. Sweep the extra grinds back into the doser using the Catcha. Tap the Catcha on the doser (some grinds are left on the Catcha). Put the Catcha down and then tamp.

Worked a treat.... but only in the situation that I was in.
I was using a K10 and the grinds fall to the left. Also when you fill up the doser for any more then two shots the grinds go EVERYWHERE when dosing.
So when there wasn't a queue I would take care sweep in from left to right to distribute the grinds properly.
When the line was long or lots of orders just grind up and there wasn't any mess. This is where it rocked.

I fell in love with this thing. Not because it saves on coffee wastage but because there was little or no mess.
Over the 6Kgs I went through it probably only saved about 50g, if that.
Having to clean while under the pump is a pain and once I had a procedure down it would take less time then what I normally did.
I also didn't have to think as much, just dump the coffee in a sweep. No mess. No concentrating on the dose to make sure I got it right. No positioning the group handle to limit wastage/mess. Easy.
Really glad I persevered with it, and glad I was wrong.

So, good product?
For the right situation, yes it is an awesome product.
But I wouldn't use this at home. It is staying the box that I use for events.
I had to try different methods and search for where the Catcha is useful.
It took time and effort. At least two hours after I found the best way I could use it, then speed "me" up to where it was the same or quicker.

Would an average barista be bothered pushing though the learning process?
Probably less useful on a doserless grinder.
Also the thumb tag thingy needs to be bent to fit parallel the the group handle. If your handles are different then you need to bend to each (not really feasible) or buy more Catchas.

That dreaded topic: water filters!

Brett H — Tue, 21 Jan 2014 11:05:48 +0000

I am coming up to replacing my ZIP filter with one like this:

http://hydrotwist.com.au/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4_24_9&products_id=611

I however considering one like this:

http://www.filterific.com.au/fstore/AX2-4F.html

Brains trust, advise me please.

Sometime ago Cosmorex ran a special on water softening canisters. Are these a better option??

How's that for a Tuesday can of worms!

10th birthday celebrations for Pullman Tampers

gregpullman — Tue, 04 Dec 2012 09:41:03 +0000

Just letting you know this month is our 10th birthday! December 13 2002 was when we shipped the first tamper and 10 years later we're still making 100% Australian tampers. I know many of you have supported our products over that time and provided valuable feedback and support, so I say thank you to you all. It has been an amazing journey and great getting to know so many of you! The celebrations are starting next Thursday with some commemorative products but out of respect to the sponsors I'm not going to 'advertise' what they are, but as a general note if you want to grab a standard tamper, see the friendly site sponsors Jetblack or CosmoreX!

Greg

P.S. Mods if this is not OK please feel free to delete as must have happened with last week's post. Would just appreciate the courtesy of being told if this happens.

Water filter install

derrilex — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 11:44:01 +0000

I picked up this system from Bezzera. Very simple bayonet type manifold, pressure reducing valve a few reducers and a braided hose.

Single Baskets

Lacehim — Wed, 07 Aug 2013 19:37:47 +0000

I see KK and SS are using singles. Since I started on my coffee journey everyone said ditch the single, use a double. :D

So, how many of us are actually using their single baskets. I used mine tonight to make the wife's coffee and she liked it, the pour was pretty good. She's always complaining that my coffees are too strong, I pull her a double ristretto and pull it early, but forget now and again. >:D

The single seemed to pour well, but I still had to pull it early because it got very watery near the end (remember I'm using a lever).

Happy wife, happy live though, so if it keeps me in the good books it's worth it!

LONDINIUM Button Tamper

Kelsey — Tue, 06 Aug 2013 21:39:53 +0000

Yesterday I received a care package in the mail from Reiss at LONDINIUM espresso, containing the new button tamper, a couple of D'Ancap espresso cups and some coffee.

It was sent our Thursday night from London, using DHL (their standard shipper) arriving Monday morning. Pretty damn quick.

Nice packaging too:

[attachimg=1]

The tamper was something I've had my eye on for a while, if only because my short stubby fingers don't reach the basket when using my Pullman - I like to feel the rim of the basket for a tactile sense of the evenness of the tamp.

Looking at the pics already online, it looks deceptively large, though logically you know it can't be.

Here it is against the Pullman:

[attachimg=2]

And gripped:

[attachimg=3]

First impressions
The very first attempt at using it, I wasn't sure I'd hold onto it. It's very, very different to use than the Pullman. Not just the style of it, but the balance and weight.

By the second attempt I felt a bit more secure about it.

And now it's my primary tamper - the Pullman stays out for my wife to use.

Once you get to grips with it, I think it offers some serious benefits - primarily that it's pretty much impossible to gorilla tamp with this thing.

If anything, it's shown me that that's exactly what I was relying on, the indication being that I'm having to figure out what my new dosage should be: ever since starting to use the button tamper I've been overdosing (by volume) and hitting the showerscreen.

My pours haven't changed - I still get my typical 10+ secs before the first drops appear for a full 30ml double ristretto. But now it's coming out of about 19.5g rather than 20.6. Still dialing it in, will edit when I've got it nailed.

So all in all, that's a big thumbs up from me.

The D'Ancaps are a thing of beauty also. Nice, thick walls and a great mouthfeel. Like the Nuova Pointe cups, they still fit nicely under a double spout... unlike the ACF which requires precision aim! :D

EDITED TO ADD: Please note my commercial disclosure statement below.

Buying Overseas

Lwowiak — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 23:10:21 +0000

Has anyone had any experience with this company?

http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com/

I noticed some positive feedback about them on HB, and was wondering if anyone has dealt with them here in Australia?
Any feedback or comments are welcome.

They have great prices for machines and grinders, but my interest is in their accessories. I do not want to start a debate about buying machines overseas, and the pros and cons that go with it. I think we are educated enough here to know the pitfalls and make up our own minds.

My main interest is their range of Illy cups.

http://www.espressocoffeeshop.com/store/product696.html

Custom handles and stuff

System — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 16:16:50 +0000

Kelsey; Found a piece of dead wood in the letter box :thumb:

Can not remember what you wanted... Just another Steam/hot water one ?

Not much Mango wood around, so looked at some other special stuff I had... MISTAKE !!!

Lovely material with strange yellow flecks through it... roughed it out and within 5 min I am covered in a itchy rash :o

Some time on the weekend I will attempt to find a bit of Mango for you... Off for a shower, right now.