Hi all, I’ve recently got a Crem One and still in the experimental mode. Have a few questions as I go, appreciate if any one can share some experience on any of these questions. Thanks! * The steam pressure seems to drop quickly when I froth milk - is that what it suppose to be? I started with 120C steam temperature and the pressure typically starts at 1 bar and drops to 0.7bar (and stay there) as soon as I turn the steam knob to let out the start bit of the water, and I will have to wait a bit for it to go back to 1 bar before I can properly start frothing. And after that it typically takes two tried for 150ml of milk, as the pressure drops again in the middle and I will have to wait for it to raise back to 1 bar. I have tried to raise the temperature to 123C, which helps a bit, as it would start pressure at 1.2bar and drops to 1 bar-ish. But is that support to drop so much? * Wet puck. I have been using 15g ground coffee in the 17g basket which comes with the machine. But always get a very wet/soggy puck, it impossible to knock out, and has to be flushed. Google says wet puck does not mean much, but I have always had very dry puck previously with various other machines - it knocks out dry and clean. So wondering it’s the machine or I’m missing something here. * Portafilter. I have been using the portafilter that comes with the machine but would like to get a naked portafilter. Searching does not turn one that’s marked compatible with Crem One. Would the regular E61 ones fit? Any recommendations? * Water. I have been using the filtered water, but my regular kettle is telling me that there may still be slight scale build up. Tempting to use the filter that comes with it, but there is a turning ring at the top with some numbers. There is no users manual there. Which number should I turn the ring to? Or is it possible to descale the machine?

Crem one newbie questions

Aine

Hi all,

I’ve recently got a Crem One and still in the experimental mode. Have a few questions as I go, appreciate if any one can share some experience on any of these questions. Thanks!

The steam pressure seems to drop quickly when I froth milk - is that what it suppose to be? I started with 120C steam temperature and the pressure typically starts at 1 bar and drops to 0.7bar (and stay there) as soon as I turn the steam knob to let out the start bit of the water, and I will have to wait a bit for it to go back to 1 bar before I can properly start frothing. And after that it typically takes two tried for 150ml of milk, as the pressure drops again in the middle and I will have to wait for it to raise back to 1 bar. I have tried to raise the temperature to 123C, which helps a bit, as it would start pressure at 1.2bar and drops to 1 bar-ish. But is that support to drop so much?
Wet puck. I have been using 15g ground coffee in the 17g basket which comes with the machine. But always get a very wet/soggy puck, it impossible to knock out, and has to be flushed. Google says wet puck does not mean much, but I have always had very dry puck previously with various other machines - it knocks out dry and clean. So wondering it’s the machine or I’m missing something here.
Portafilter. I have been using the portafilter that comes with the machine but would like to get a naked portafilter. Searching does not turn one that’s marked compatible with Crem One. Would the regular E61 ones fit? Any recommendations?
Water. I have been using the filtered water, but my regular kettle is telling me that there may still be slight scale build up. Tempting to use the filter that comes with it, but there is a turning ring at the top with some numbers. There is no users manual there. Which number should I turn the ring to? Or is it possible to descale the machine?

DavecUK

Aine 125C-128C will give much better steam, 120C is a little too low. Most standard E61 Naked portafilters should all fit OK…ideally not ones with very thick ears.

hornbyben

Wet pucks are generally a function of headspace. If there is too much space above the coffee then at the end when pressure is released water remains on top. You mention that you’re using 15g in a 17g basket. Try upping your dose and that should help. Like you said though, it doesn’t impact the coffee, just the clean up after.

I don’t know about your other questions, but hopefully someone else can help you with them.

Waitforme

I’m no expert but if your regular kettle is showing signs of scale then your machine will definitely be scaling if you’re using the same water. I’d be moving to bottled water immediately.

How long have you had the machine and was it new, if just new then probably doesn’t require a descale, but even a few months can scale it.

Can you try upping the steam temp to 125 and see how you get on ?

I sometimes get wet pucks, I must pay attention to when I get them and the dose .

LMSC

Please spend some time to read @Rob1’s post on water

I am not a fan of bottled or anything other than RO or distilled. A lot of us would have either of these feeding the machines. We top with Bicarb.

Please get your water report, grab a drop kit, test on 20 ML water and standardise for 5 ML.

Elcarajillo

I suspect the machine is new to you (not a new machine)?? If it is it may need to be descaled. It is essential you test your water as said above.

Set the steam pressure to 1.2 bar, if you still have problems it could be a scale problem.

It is normal for the pressure to drop when you open the valve but should stabilise quickly.

Aine

Thanks all for the the reply and suggestions!

@hornbyben & @Waitforme, re: wet puck, I tried 17g and 18g, still pretty wet, there is almost a small puddle on the top with a filter screen mark on the top of the wet puck, which probably means it’s pressed tightly against the screen - that’s why I reduced the dose to 15g. Guess this does not sound that normal?

DavecUK

Aine With the pressure profilers, especially with longer preinfusions, or low pressure phases, you can grind a lot finer…This often results in a slightly wet puck and even slight puddling….The pucks simply don’t drain down as fast when the group is vented. I would not worry about it.

If you did a straight 9 bar shot with the coarser grind it would need, then you would probably see quite a difference.

It would be good to see a shot produced from the machine…if you are able to load one up to YouTube (unlisted if you want) and link to it here.

Cuprajake

I get wet pucks sometimes. Can be bean related

Aine

@Cuprajake , sounds like I will have to live with it. I have been experimenting with quite a few different beans, have not had a dry puck since I had the machine (I bought from new)…

Cuprajake

I believe using puck screens can help, the thicker ones.