I’ve used a home espresso machine, with built-in grinder, daily for at least 10 years. I’m generally happy with the results - there’s some variability but most everything I make is acceptable, and I fairly regularly get something I feel is good. Recently I’ve been getting a lot of “acceptable” and it’s been a long time (many months) since I’ve made one that I’d call “good”. They’re missing that bit of oily lustre that I feel really makes it perfect.
- I drink a single shot over a small amount of hot water
- I get my beans from a local (same province) roaster that say they roast to order
- I like dark roast beans - the roaster calls it their Italian roast
- my house water comes from a well and is naturally a bit hard, but we have a whole house softener
- I’ve never de-scaled the machine because of the water softener - there’s no build up or crusting at any orifices
- I don’t make any attempt to get perfect extraction quantity - I grind, tamp and trim with the tool supplied with the machine. When I first got this particular machine (about 4 years ago) I programmed the extraction time, but a can’t remember the “recipe” I used
- I’ve tried beans from one other local roaster (via a grocery store) with the same results
My experience says it’s stale beans, but I’m buying roast to order, so I’m confused.
Whole house water softeners can really impact extraction, but if you’ve been happy, it’s fine - unless the input water changed or the softener is degrading/needs service.
A 10 year old integrated grinder is probably pretty worn and it’s certainly dirty and difficult to clean.
Temperatures can drift as the sensors age.
Run some citric acid through the boiler and clean the grinder and see how that works. Check the Coffee Compass and dial in a bit better.
I’ve cleaned the grinder and I’ll see how that goes.
This grinder is only just over 4 years old - I’ve had the same model for over 10 years but moved county and left one behind and bought a new one.
I know my water isn’t perfect - I get a bit of salty residue on the chilled water dispenser in my fridge. I might try some (bulk) bottled water.
I really struggle with the coffee compass - I can’t describe (even to myself) what I’m tasting, or relate it to what I’m supposed to be tasting, so I can’t relate it to what I need to adjust. I just know if I like it. I’m the same with wine - I did a tasting course and most of it was lost on me.