This machine steams the milk in 8 seconds, so the wait is not significant enough for there to be any difference in the espresso. However if you were to steam the milk first then wait for the espresso which takes around 30 seconds to extract, the milk will separate a little and the pouring of latte art might not be as nice. But yes, most of the time I steam and pull the shot at the same time unless I want to really focus on getting the milk texture perfect, then I will steam the milk after the shot is pulled. (Like in this video)
Yes a level tamper is really good to achieve very consistent tamping. You can look at Normcore Tamper, Force Tampers or Bravo Tamper these are quite good. Currently I'm using the Normcore Tamper.
The worst thing about cheaper espresso machines is the wand. The one on mine gets way too hot and ruins the milk if I throth it long enough so its hot. So I have to drink luke warm coffee
@@Mark.Cleworth Thank you. I haven't had any issues with it since i got it. Previously I was using the Breville Dual boiler and i had several issues with leaking. So I'm happy to report that I haven't had to deal with those any more. I've also opened up the mini to change the restrictor and the parts and construction looks really solid, with proper care and maintenance, it can probably last a lifetime.
@@fredsj That’s good news. I’m pleased it’s giving a good service. I watched a UA-cam video about plumbing the mini into the main water supply and it looked well built on the inside. I went to Livigno, Italy back in the 80’s and fell in love with coffee machines but never bought one. I think I’ll treat myself to a white mini early next year. I like watching videos like yours and how making good coffee is almost a fine art.
@@Mark.Cleworth Thank you. I'm sure you will fall in love with the white mini once you own it like how i did with mine. And yes making good coffee is like making art and the mini is one of the best tool to consistently produce excellent coffee.
These are Chinese OEM cups you should be able to find on aliexpress. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002373583172.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.12da5a55HOHAxK&algo_pvid=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c&algo_exp_id=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000020397925411%22%7D
These are Chinese OEM cups you should be able to find on aliexpress. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002373583172.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.12da5a55HOHAxK&algo_pvid=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c&algo_exp_id=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000020397925411%22%7D
Chopin and coffee 👌
Sweet set up dude. That’s on my bucket list. Maybe one of these days.
Chopin and coffee crema, what a beautiful morning!
Agree, coffee and classical music made booster to ruin the day
Beautiful! And I love the black/wood aesthetic
Thank you!
Like the steam wand....kinda regret not getting it. Just so expensive for a heat damping item.
quality video and latte art man
Now I just need the money to buy all this
LOLOL your background music is the song they play when you’re on hold with the pharmacy😂
Thank you, it's one of my favourite pieces to play on the piano.
@Fred H Love it,what piece is it?
@@maximus3730 Chopin's Nocturne op.9 No.2
I'm surprised there was still a channel with all that puck prep. Do you usually get them if you don't do WDT?
Awesome video, Fred! Do you not steam the milk first so that the shot (heart, body, crema) doesn't become a mess while waiting?
This machine steams the milk in 8 seconds, so the wait is not significant enough for there to be any difference in the espresso. However if you were to steam the milk first then wait for the espresso which takes around 30 seconds to extract, the milk will separate a little and the pouring of latte art might not be as nice. But yes, most of the time I steam and pull the shot at the same time unless I want to really focus on getting the milk texture perfect, then I will steam the milk after the shot is pulled. (Like in this video)
@@fredsj Wow, that's fast. Nice. No doubt you are pro! Love the piano playing as well.
@@ronmahabir9310 Thank you! 😄🙏🏼
Nice!
Leanred a lot, many thanks! What size should I look at in term of the distributor tool for Linea Mini? 🙏🏼😄🙏🏼
Ideally you should get a 58.5mm or 58.35mm distributor to prevent grounds from sticking to the side.
@@fredsj 👌🙏🙏
What does transferring it into a bigger pitcher do?
awesome
Thank you!
Im wondering, what is that tamper. That seems realy handy, to get a level tamp?
Please i want to know.
Yes a level tamper is really good to achieve very consistent tamping. You can look at Normcore Tamper, Force Tampers or Bravo Tamper these are quite good. Currently I'm using the Normcore Tamper.
Fred!!! You have a great set up!! Where are you based?
Thank you! I'm based in Singapore.
Perfection 🤧
The worst thing about cheaper espresso machines is the wand. The one on mine gets way too hot and ruins the milk if I throth it long enough so its hot. So I have to drink luke warm coffee
Add ice cube to it and try to froth it then
Why don't you keep your portafilter in the machine during preheat? A cold portafilter will drastically change the temperature of your brewing process!
You have some 'decent' gear. Have you tried out the decent machine, if so how do s it compare?
I only have the Decent jug, have not tried using their machines yet.
@@fredsj Are you happy with the reliability of the mini?. I’m thinking of getting one.
Good work on the Piano too.
@@Mark.Cleworth Thank you. I haven't had any issues with it since i got it. Previously I was using the Breville Dual boiler and i had several issues with leaking. So I'm happy to report that I haven't had to deal with those any more. I've also opened up the mini to change the restrictor and the parts and construction looks really solid, with proper care and maintenance, it can probably last a lifetime.
@@fredsj That’s good news. I’m pleased it’s giving a good service. I watched a UA-cam video about plumbing the mini into the main water supply and it looked well built on the inside.
I went to Livigno, Italy back in the 80’s and fell in love with coffee machines but never bought one. I think I’ll treat myself to a white mini early next year. I like watching videos like yours and how making good coffee is almost a fine art.
@@Mark.Cleworth Thank you. I'm sure you will fall in love with the white mini once you own it like how i did with mine. And yes making good coffee is like making art and the mini is one of the best tool to consistently produce excellent coffee.
What brand of tamper you are using?
Lol you hid the evidence but you couldn't hide the lovely setup.
What kind of cup is that you use?
These are Chinese OEM cups you should be able to find on aliexpress. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002373583172.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.12da5a55HOHAxK&algo_pvid=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c&algo_exp_id=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000020397925411%22%7D
Fred H Thanks
What brand of cup and saucer are you using here? I love matte cups 😆 Great setup, btw!
they kind of look like 'Inker Luna' cups.
where are your cups from?
These are Chinese OEM cups you should be able to find on aliexpress. www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002373583172.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.12da5a55HOHAxK&algo_pvid=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c&algo_exp_id=1f1ecf9a-1acb-4708-8a00-ccbe09e0583c-8&pdp_ext_f=%7B%22sku_id%22%3A%2212000020397925411%22%7D
@@fredsj Thanks so much! Love the vids!
Wt brand is your naked portafilter?
Its the original La Marzocco branded portafilter.
what kinda tamper is that?
That is a self-leveling tamper. Helps to ensure your tamp is always leveled.
200ml ?
This is a 220ml cup.
Oh man, i wish I'm not lactose intolerant, so i can enjoy that type of coffee everyday.😋
You can try oat milk! They come pretty close to fresh milk.
This machine is sooo expensive. $6750 in Australia
Killer.