So mixed feelings on the single hole steam wand.
- I absolutely love how much less water gets everywhere when purging.
- I can aim it so the water goes into the drip tray.
- Steaming is much easier.
- The smaller overall hole area allows the wand to stay slightly pressurized after turning off the steam. I can time it so that I remove the wand while it’s in a low flow state without disturbing the milk. I feel this is more hygienic in that it should pull less milk into the wand when the steam condenses and pulls a vacuum.
- I really miss the no burn tips. I wish I would have contacted ACS to get a proper single tip. Wand now requires cleaning and not just a quick wipe.
Recently I bought a 26mm IMS competition basket. It is way better than stock or the 32mm IMS basket. Fantastic upgrade. Dosing 14g and the puck is still imprinting the shower screen.
I’m also now using a 54.7mm Bravo Tamper. Tamping is mostly idiot proof. But as a coworker says, “ If you try to make it idiot proof, they will just make a better idiot.”. Welp, I’m talented enough to still make it slanted sometimes. My problem is likely poor puck prep. No WDT, levelers or doodads. Shake cup with portafilter, tap, tamp.
