1st-line.us

Author: 1st-line Equipment

  • Breville Cleaning Tablets Available?

    Question from a Customer:

    I am looking to source the Breville cleaning tablets and supplies for our locations.
    I couldn’t see the product on your website, do you happen to have the Breville cleaning range or a similar alternatives?

    Answer:

    We do not carry Breville cleaning supplies at this time, and we currently do not have any plans to do so in the future.  We do however stock a variety of other cleaning products for backflushing, descaling, milk washing, grinder cleaning, etc. from manufacturers such as Puly and Urnex. Those products can be found here:

    https://1st-line.us/shop/maintenance/cleaning-agents/

    We also have brushes, clothes, and other cleaning tools.  Those products can be found here:

    https://1st-line.us/shop/maintenance/cleaning-tools/

    In addition, we carry products for water treatment.  Water treatment is preventative maintenance. The water not only needs to be treated to protect an espresso machine from damaging limescale deposits, but to also extract more desirable flavor profiles. Those products can be found here:

    https://1st-line.us/shop/maintenance/water-treatment/

    Protect your espresso equipment and enjoy amazing espresso!  Visit https://1st-line.us/shop/maintenance/ to learn more about espresso equipment maintenance.

  • Who Will Win The Big Game? Vote NOW!

    Who Has What It Takes To Brew Up A Victory?

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  • Which is Right for You? Rancilio Silvia Pro X or Silvia Classic

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    We have carried the Rancilio Silvia Classic since 1998, shortly after it was introduced on the market.  Rancilio incorporated several updates to the Silvia Classic and the result is the Silvia Pro X.  Both are made with commercial grade components, are very durable and very temperature stable.  So what are the differences between the Rancilio Silvia Classic and the Rancilio Silvia Pro X, and which is the right choice for you?

    The Biggest Difference Between The Silvia Classic And The Silvia Pro X?

    The Pro X is an upgrade of the Silvia Classic and contains more features than the Classic, primarily because of a change from a single boiler (Classic) to a dual boiler (Pro X).  The Pro X has a much larger size and footprint because of the upgrades.

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    Single Boiler (Silvia Classic)

    • Steaming Milk:  The Silvia Classic has a single boiler, so you cannot pull espresso and steam milk at the same time.  The boiler has to be manually changed via a switch on the front panel from coffee to steam mode.
    • PID:  There is also no PID on the Silvia Classic.
    • Size: Because the machine is a single boiler, it is a smaller machine and has a smaller footprint.
    • Portafilter:  Comes with a standard portafilter with a smaller basket, with a recommended dose up to 16 g.
    • Features: The Silvia Classic is a great starter machine or a machine for someone who likes to tinker and experiment because there are so many accessories and kits available.

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    Dual Boiler (Silvia Pro X)

    • Steaming Milk: The Silvia Pro X has a dual boiler – one boiler for coffee and a second boiler for steam.  This allows you to steam milk and pull espresso at the same time, which makes preparing milk based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos easier.  This is even more of a consideration if you are doing a lot of milk based drinks or a lot of entertaining.
    • PID:  The Silvia Pro X comes with a dual PID.  The PID has more accurate and advanced temperature control for the steam and coffee boilers and as a result provides more temperature stability than the Classic.
    • Size: Because the machine is a dual boiler, it is a taller machine and has a larger footprint.
    • Portafilter:  Comes with an upgraded portafilter with a soft touch handle and a larger basket, with a recommended dose up to 20 g.
    • Features:  Because of the dual boiler and the addition of the the PID, the Silvia Pro X has the following features that are not available with the Silvia Classic:
      • Pressure Gauge
      • Digital Display and Shot Timer
      • Access to Boiler Pressure and Temperature Controls
      • Variable Soft Infusion that allows you to bloom the coffee during extraction
      • Automatic Shutdown which puts the machine in sleep mode after a period of non-use.
      • Automatic Backflush setting that helps to simplify the backflush cleaning process.

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    Which Rancilio Silvia Is Right for You?

    Both are great espresso machines!

    If space is an issue, the Silvia Classic is a smaller machine.  If you do not make a lot of milk based drinks, or if you are looking for a great starter machine, the Silvia Classic is a great machine.  The Silvia Classic gives you the ability to tinker as you begin to expand your coffee knowledge, so the machine can grow with you!

    If space is not an issue and you make a lot of milk based drinks or do a lot of entertaining, the Silvia Pro X is a great espresso machine.  The ability to steam milk while pulling a shot as well as the PID is a big plus.  The Silvia Pro X gives you access to manipulate more parameters during the pulling of an espresso shot.  If you are interested in any of the other upgrades from the Silvia Classic such as the digital display, variable soft infusion, etc. then the Silvia Pro X is way to go!

    Regardless of which Silvia you choose, you will have a very temperature stable and very durable espresso machine that can produce a wide range of drinks!

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  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Latte

    How do you top peanut butter and chocolate? Add some espresso!

    Try a Chocolate Peanut Butter Latte!

    In a glass, combine well equal parts of creamy peanut butter and chocolate syrup (1-2 tablespoons of each, to taste) with 1 shot of espresso.

    Top with 6 oz of steamed milk.  Enjoy!

     

  • Top College Graduation Gifts for Coffee Lovers

    Looking to reward your coffee-loving graduate for their hard work? We have affordable products that could potentially be top college graduation gifts.

     

    1. Chemex Classic Series Coffeemaker

    Top College Graduation Gifts

     

    The Chemex Classic Series is a simple pour coffee maker that is available in 3, 6, 8, and 10 cups. They are one of the options that would make a great gift for your fellow college graduate. You pick a filter then add the grinds, add the boiling water into the filter to your liking, and you are set with making your very own delicious coffee.

    2. Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Glass Carafe Coffee Brewer

    Top College Graduation Gifts for Coffee Lovers

    The Technivorm Moccamaster KBG Glass Carafe Coffee Brewer is an electric drip machine that would make another good option as a gift. It is an entry-level machine that would be perfect for your home. It is easy to use and has quiet brewing technology for those quiet mornings.

     

    So, there you have it for our recommendations for top college graduation gifts!

    Want to learn more about home coffee makers ? Then call and chat with one of 1st-line’s espresso experts today!

     

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  • Top 10 Espresso Drinks to Try

    Are you new to making espresso, or do you want to brush up on your barista skills? Then learn the basics on these top 10 espresso drinks to make for yourself, your guests, or your customers!

     

    1. Single Shot of Espresso

    Single Shot Espresso

    A single shot of espresso is 1 ounce. You will need approximately 8 grams of freshly ground, tamped coffee in your portafilter to brew for 30 seconds.

    2. Double Shot of Espresso

                                                                Double Shot Espresso

    A double shot of espresso is 2 ounces. You will need approximately 16 grams of freshly ground, tamped coffee in your portafilter to brew for 30 seconds.

    3. Latte

    Latte

     

    A latte consists of a double shot of espresso with a large layer of steamed milk and then a small layer of milk froth. First, brew your espresso. Then, pour your steamed milk and froth into the same cup as the espresso.

    4. Cappuccino

    A cappuccino consists of a double shot of espresso with small layer of steamed milk and then a small layer of milk froth. First, brew your espresso. Then, pour your steamed milk and froth into the same cup as the espresso.

    cappuccino

    5. Latte Macchiato

    A latte macchiato is actually very similar to a cappuccino.

                                  latte macchiato

    Only this time, the small layer of steamed milk actually goes first, followed by the espresso and milk froth.

    6. Mocha

    mocha

    We like to make our mochas extra chocolaty! Add in one ounce of chocolate syrup. Then, brew a single shot of espresso.

    Finally, steam about 10 ounces of milk.

    7. Cortado

    A cortado incorporates half espresso, half milk in the cup. Precisely, you would make a double shot of espresso and then froth about 2 ounces of milk.

                                                                cortado

    8. Americano

    If you are not a big fan of milk-based espresso drinks, then you you might like Americanos! Brew up a double shot of espresso. Then, pour 3-4 ounces of hot water to dilute the espresso.

    americano

     

    9. Espresso con Panna 

    “Espresso con Panna” means “Espresso with Cream” in Italian. Thus, instead of frothing milk, you

    would put a dollop of whiespresso con pannapped cream on top of your shot of espresso!

     

     

     

     

    10. Affogato

    Last but not least, the affogato is for the espresso enthusiast with a big sweet tooth! To make one, put a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cup. Then, make a double shot of espresso and pour the shot into the cup with the ice cream.

    affogato

     

     

    Now that you know a little more about these espresso drinks, which will you try to brew up?

    Need any recommendations on espresso machines geared more toward straight espresso or more toward milk-based drinks? Then contact us to speak with one of our espresso experts today!

     

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  • Steaming with Non-Dairy Milk?

    Steaming with Non-Dairy Milk?

    Do you love milk-based drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, but want to be on a more plant-based lifestyle? Well, no worries since there are plenty of non-dairy milk options that you can steam with!

    As you may know, whole milk is typically the best to create a thick and consistent microfoam due to its high fat and protein content. However, we did a small experiment to see which of the five plant-based milks below have the best texture, taste, and froth for lattes and cappuccinos.

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  • Making Pour-Over Coffee while Traveling?

    Making Pour-Over Coffee while Traveling?

    If you are reading this, then you might be planning on taking a vacation in the near future and want to make coffee on the go. Better than spending a lot of $$ on a cup at the coffee shop, right? After all, a day without great espresso is a sad day on our watch! Here are some recommendations for great coffee makers and coffee grinders to use for travel.

    Coffee Makers

    • Chemex –  Chemex is a great brand of glass hourglass pour-over coffee makers, but need a hot water heater by Capresso or Bonavita. The only issue with traveling with a Chemex coffee maker is that glass could break.
    • Frabosk – Frabosk designed an aluminum stovetop coffee maker that is perfect for traveling or even a weekend camping trip! After all, this Frabosk Mokyta 6-cup moka espresso coffee maker is nicely compact and very simple to use!
    • Velox – The Velox Coffee Break Coffee Maker is an awesome portable espresso machine that gives you the ability to brew espresso in your parked car! To make this possible, you will need ground coffee, fresh water, and your car or truck’s 12-volt power supply or cigarette lighter.
    • Hario – Hario is a highly reputable company for equipment to make pour-over coffee. Specifically, Hario designs a variety of drippers that are nicely travel-sized. Check out our two woodneck drippers, one that makes 2 cups and the other that makes 1 cup. Please be careful with these as they are made with glass and could break. Additionally, you will need an appropriate kettle to pair with your dripper. Check out the Hario Power Drip Kettle Buono that holds 0.8L and the Hario Buono V60 Drip Water Kettle that holds 1L.

     

    Coffee Grinders

    • Hario – Another shout-out goes to Hario for making superb drip coffee equipment! Precisely, this is one of the only companies that make hand coffee grinders with ZERO retention! That’s right, no messes when grinding your coffee! We offer two Hario grinders that are small enough for traveling, including the Hario Acrylic Box and Hario Mini Mill.

     

    And Most Importantly…Coffee!!

    • Our 1st-Cup Blends – We freshly roast coffee and espresso beans right at our NJ warehouse! Our most popular beans for regular drip coffee are 1st-Cup Medium and 1st-Cup Columbian Excelso, which is a light roast.

     

    So there you have it! Now you have some solutions on how to make a nice cup of coffee while traveling. If you have any questions about the models or coffee blends we recommend, feel free to email us on the Contact Us page or submit a question on the Q&A tab on the individual product pages. Enjoy your quality travel coffee!

     

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  • How to Maintain your VBM E61 Grouphead

    How to Maintain your VBM E61 Grouphead

    Some dual boiler espresso machines and heat exchange espresso machines feature an E61 grouphead, which defines a modern size and fitting of a portafilter (typically 58mm) to hold your ground coffee. One of the espresso machine brands, Faema, created the original E61 grouphead, but some espresso machine manufacturers like VBM and Lelit were inspired to design their own. Each type of E61 grouphead comes with differences in how to maintain it or install spare parts because some cams or gaskets may be different on them.

    Precisely, if you have an espresso machine with a VBM E61 grouphead, you can learn about a general overview on how to maintain it by taking it apart and lubricating the various components inside, as well as potentially using a general E61 grouphead maintenance kit we offer.

    A Step-By-Step Overview

    First of all, when performing your maintenance, you may need an Allen key. In other cases, however, you may need two wrenches. Additionally, the E61 grouphead MAY not allow water inside because the pinhole might have limescale or blockage.

    1. For a VBM E61 grouphead, use an Allen key screw to remove the mushroom. This is easier when it is actually on the espresso machine. If there is limescale, you COULD run some descaler through the machine, but it is best that you use a water softener. Feel free to learn more about which water softener to use in our “Water Choice” customer education article!
    2. The first section you can work on is the side of the E61 grouphead. First, take off the nut. There might be a large screw on the side. The hand leveler will typically slide out easily. What is nice about the VBM E61 grouphead is that it is normally easier to leave the grouphead on its side. 
    3. Use the Allen key again to remove the whole mechanism.
      • Please DO NOT use too much backflush detergent since all the grease or lubrication will be removed. 
        • We sell Petrol-Gel lubricant to use for your replacement gaskets and cams. If your espresso machine is being used for commercial use, you will be happy to know that it is NSF-approved for food-grade use!
    4. When getting ready to use the Petrol-Gel, we recommend wearing gloves before applying this because your hands will feel greasy. Take out the lube to apply it on the cams and other components. Feel free to use as much as necessary!
    5. The next section you can work on is the bottom of the E61 grouphead, where you will need two wrenches. Perform your maintenance from the bottom to the top.
    6. Remove any additional screws with a 12-inch wrench as well as a 10-inch wrench.
    7. Remove the big nut with the same 12-inch wrench. A long spring and a cam with another gasket will come out.
    8. The E61 grouphead maintenance kit that we sell will change the different components. As previously mentioned, this kit is very general since all E61 groupheads have different designs, depending on the manufacturer’s requirements. You MAY need some original spare parts from the manufacturer or you may purchase the general spare kit.

    Overall…

    …by following these general steps, E61 groupheads typically last for 5-10 years as long as you take the time to maintain them as well as your espresso machine. However, if you do get a lot of limescale in the E61 grouphead, this could unfortunately cause them to have a shorter lifespan.

    Have any questions? Feel free to post a question on your E61 espresso machine’s product page’s Q&A section on our website or contact us, and someone in tech support will get back to you!

     

    Check out our YouTube video about maintaining an E61 grouphead!

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  • Fall in Love 🍂 with These Two Espresso Recipes

    Fall in Love 🍂 with These Two Espresso Recipes

    September 2020 has arrived, so Fall is just around the corner. The weather will start getting chilly, so it is the perfect time to warm up with some of our favorite Fall espresso recipes! Whether you have a traditional espresso machine paired with an espresso grinder or a super-automatic espresso machine (one-touch), you will be able to whip up these drinks in no time!

    P.S. These drinks are for the 21+ crowd (sorry kids)!

     

    Pumpkin Pie Espresso

    Pumpkin pie will surely gear you up for the Fall time! All you need is the following:

    • Make a shot of espresso.
    • Pour in 1-2 oz of pumpkin pie cream liquor.
    • Enjoy!

     

    Spiked Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL)

    The PSL is an absolute classic Fall beverage. But the way you can upgrade it from the famous drink at Starbucks is to add some pumpkin spice liquor AND save $6 for a Grande. All you need is the following:

    • Pour 1/3 cup of cold milk in a steaming pitcher. 
    • Pour 1-2 oz of pumpkin spice liquor in the same pitcher.
    • Make a shot of espresso.
    • Froth your milk mixed with the pumpkin spice liquor.
    • Add the frothed milk to your espresso.
    • Enjoy!

     

    Get a first-hand look at these recipes from Java Jim on our YouTube channel!

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