No Channeling! & Consistent Shots!

Please keep posts on this forum to topics about the programmable preinfusion option for the VII
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mitchjayg

No Channeling! & Consistent Shots!

Post by mitchjayg »

Finally.....I traded in my Isomac Tea for a Vivaldi II the last week of April. Although much improved, not good enough. I was getting channelling the majority of the time.

The coffee mattered, but only a little.

The tamper mattered, but only a little. I swapped out my flat 53.0 mm Reg Barber for a 53.2 mm convex. A bit of improvement. I purchased a very nice Thor tamper (thanks Les!) and that was only a bit of improvement.

I installed the Programmable Preinfusion about 3 weeks ago (those side panels suck!).

After a week or so of fiddling around, it is now so simple.
  • 2 blank shots
    grind and slightly overfill portafilter (Mazzer Mini)
    level with a knife (no tapping)
    tamp (either tamper) with a slight twist
    tamp again a little deeper. Now a few millimeters below the internal ridge.
    Pull the shot. Around 1 1/2 ounces or so in 25 seconds.
Results:
  • Consistent!
    ZERO Channelling. Coffee expands to the ridgeline, slight indentation from bolt.
    A little soupy water on the surface. Soaks in while checking. Did I tell you no channelling?
    Tastes great!
BTW, I also purchased the slower steaming nozzle. Although the original was very good, it was just a bit too quick. This one is perfect.

I am finally happy with my Espresso Machine (until the next issue arises and I obsess again, but that is my destiny). Thanks to all of you for the advice I have found on this forum. You are making a big difference!
:mrgreen:
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chas
Vivaldi Dreamer
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Re: No Channeling! & Consistent Shots!

Post by chas »

Congratulations on your success and thanks for the report.
Chas
LM GS/3 & LaSpaziale Dream v 1.25 (US 120V)
Mazzer Kony E, Customized Rocky
Hottop P/B
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