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Category: 1st-line’s Espresso Blog

  • Quick Note: Rocket Appartamento (No Power)

    A customer who purchased a Rocket Appartamento from us said their machine wouldn’t power on. Our technical support staff worked with the customer over the phone. After removing the body panel and sending some pictures, we noticed one of the wires was disconnected from the brain unit. Once the customer connected it, the machine powered on normally.

    Part of our process when we sell an espresso machine is to bench-test them (with water only) before they ship out. Sometimes we catch some small issues even though they come straight from the manufacturer. In this case, the customer’s machine worked normally. During transit, a wire came loose. A simple issue like this has happened in the past on other models, but is rare.

    Rocket-Appartamento-no-power

  • Quick Note: Lelit 2100026

    Lelit has informed us of a change regarding the Lelit Bianca.

    The fitting that connects to the copper pipe (SKU 2100026) has changed. Originally the fitting consisted of 3 parts (2x CD024-442 & 1x CD024-462).

    On newer Lelit Bianca’s they have replaced that fitting with 1 part (9700069).

    Lelit-new-1000166

    Unfortunately, Lelit does not offer that part separately.  You would need to purchase the whole hydraulic circuit (SKU 1000166).

  • The Perfect Espresso Machine For Mother’s Day

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    Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the hardworking and nurturing women in our lives. Whether your mom is a coffee lover or simply enjoys the occasional cup, an espresso machine can be the perfect gift to show your appreciation. Our espresso machine products, such as the Bellezza Bellona, Lelit Bianca, and Elektra Verve, offer top-of-the-line features for a high-quality espresso making experience.

    With an espresso machine, your mom can indulge in a warm and flavorful cup of coffee anytime she desires. The Bellezza Bellona, for example, features a powerful heating element and pre-infusion system that ensures a consistent and delicious espresso shot every time. The Lelit Bianca offers advanced temperature control and pressure profiling, allowing your mom to experiment with different coffee flavors and aromas. And the Elektra Verve adds a touch of style to any kitchen with its handcrafted design and commercial-grade components. These machines not only produce great-tasting espresso, but also provide a fun and engaging hobby for your mom to explore and enjoy.

    This Mother’s Day, give your mom a gift that she will cherish and appreciate for years to come. Our selection of espresso machines offers the perfect blend of style, functionality, and quality, making it the ideal present for any coffee-loving mom. By gifting her an espresso machine, you’ll not only show your love and appreciation but also help her unwind and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in the comfort of her own home. So, go ahead and surprise your mom with one of our espresso machines, and let her savor the goodness of her favorite coffee blends every day.

    If you want to learn more about these machines, visit our YouTube Channel

  • 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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  • How to Use Coffee Grounds in your Home Garden

    Happy Earth Day everyone! In honor of this day to appreciate the beauty of nature and your LOVE for coffee, get ready to learn how to use your coffee grounds in your home garden!

    What’s So Special About Coffee Grounds in Your Garden?

    Some of you might be wondering why coffee grounds are beneficial to your home gardening. Well, coffee grounds can keep your soil fertilized, kill weeds, and keep your soil acidic. After all, coffee grounds consist of a lot of nitrogen to increase your soil fertilization. However, this can increase the risk of preventing plant growth and negatively affecting the microorganisms in the soil and soil PH. Additionally, you do not want to use your coffee grounds directly on your soil if you are planning on growing plants with a lot of acid, such as blueberries or hollies.

    How to Properly Use Those Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

    In order to prevent any of those risks previously mentioned as well as making sure your garden produces quality plants, follow these steps:

    • Spread Them Out: Use half an inch of coffee grounds as a bottom layer and cover that with two to four inches of shredded bark or compost.
    • Composting: Add approximately 10-20% of your coffee grounds to compost, or the decomposed organic materials. If you are not sure exactly how much to put, then consider this ratio: add four parts of leaves to one part of ground coffee.

    Source: https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/planting-and-maintenance/how-to-use-coffee-grounds-in-the-garden

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