Getting naked is good for your crema...

[sathid]

So, after deciding the pressurised filter on my Breville BES820 espresso machine was nothing but a good place to collect stale coffee, I've gone naked.

Gone naked...what?

Picked up a new group handle (for a cheaper model Breville), and an unpressurised Krups double basket filter, chopped a hole in the group handle, and voila!

http://youtu.be/wzQvu9qNTyM

Definitely a big improvement in flavour from the unpressurised filter (and it was pretty good before).

Haven't tried a naked shot with fresh beans yet, but hoping for something special.

[sathid]

As hoped, a BIG improvement from fresh beans. Massive crema, and slower pour.

Still got some channelling towards the end of the shot, (although not as bad) so looks like I still need to work on the grind and/or my tamping technique. Anyone have any ideas why the channelling only appears late in the shot? It is right on blonding it seems, although that might be effect, rather than cause.

Hopefully another video to come later.

[I Fancy Holidays]

Are you roasting your own beans? If so, what are you using to roast them and where are you getting the beans from?

[sathid]

Not yet,, but soon hopefully. Plenty of online places to get green beans (have a look at coffeesnobs.com.au - Index)

[Brougham]

Yeah I've got an open head & filter on my sunbeam, makes a much better coffee than the std pressurized one.