Hi All,

I’ve recently bought a used 2015 Europiccola. It’s as it came out of the factory and appears as the seller said to have been used very infrequently. So I’m currently finding my way around this machine and exploring all the variables involved in ‘getting it right’. I’ve had a couple of el cheapo ( compared to the EP) De Longhi machines and have a blade grinder (sorry) so will also be looking to invest in a hand grinder. I’m the only coffee drinker in the house so a good electric one seems overkill at the moment.

Regards,

Michael.

    Welcome to the forum, there’s a few past and current Europiccola owners on here who should be able to help you.

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    MAXTHEDOG I’m the only coffee drinker in the house so a good electric one seems overkill at the moment.

    Welcome. You could argue that an Europiccola for the only coffee drinker in the house is also overkill. 😊 - But worry not, I’m on the same boat as you, my wife swears by instant coffee, yet at one point I owned two Europiccole.

    Same as for those who think of “what’s the point of having a dual boiler machine or HX if I only make one milk based drink in the morning?” - let me tell you, I would never again go back to a SBDU (like gaggia classic, rancilio silvia, etc).

    So, in summary, don’t let the old excuse get in the way of willing to get a n electric burr grinder. But the point is not whether it’s electrical or not, the point is that you need a good grinder for espresso, and, a blade grinder is simple not adequate for a machine like the one you have. There are plenty good hand grinders out there, but do mind that the novelty can wear off rather quickly. I for one had a manual hand grinder with my Europiccola 4 years ago, and I have to say, once the Niche Zero arrived (it was a brand new thing back there in 2018) I certainly don’t look back. Definitely not for espresso at least. IMMV.

      These machines take a bit of time to master. A good grinder is a must but you will also need either temperature strips or a digital temperature gauge as these machines overheat so you need to know when to pull your shot.

      Hi Thanks for your replies.

      I’d ordered some temperature strips before the EP arrived and they landed today. Given that I’ve had the EP all of one day and being a complete novice with them I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed at the ‘flat’ I.e. no crema coffees yesterday. Also, the temperature wasn’t any where near hot enough. After the strip was stuck on I switched it on and waited, and waited. After what seemed to be an age, Im guessing about 10 minutes after the indicator had gone out, the strip indicated 75C. Initial thought were the ‘stat’s cutting out early. Given that PF was empty, I let some water through as if pre-infusing and the strip indicated 95C. So the ‘stat appears to be doing its job correctly. My conclusion is that I’m at a very low point on the learning curve and plenty of practice is before me! 😁 The quest for a grinder has already begun with reviews read and a couple of YT videos watched. At this moment in time I find it difficult to see how they could overheat although they obviously do given the heatsinks and Bong mod that can be purchased.

      Cheers, Michael.

      If you think about it, once you switch it on then the machine heats up and basically keeps on going with no obvious way to dissipate heat, unless you do one of the mods. So, let us say you switch it on, then become distracted for 40 minutes…….if you had a way of measuring the heat of the group it will likely be in excess of the maximum recommended range for the machine. So, you pull the shot anyway and it will probably be thin and sour. Or, you go the other way and pull the shot when the group is too cool. So, as has already been stated, you need to understand the physics of the machine and that comes with time and experimentation and use and advice and probably watching Youtube videos!

      https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/2024/02/thank-goodness-for-madeira-cake/

        Thanks for the repl

        dfk41

        Thanks for the reply.

        Hmm, even though I’ve wanted a LPEP or Elektra MC for ages they’re perhaps it’s not the ideal machine for waking up, nipping down to make a cup and off back to bed then. ☹️ My morning routine. I suppose I could put a timer on the socket….. Mucho experimentation and workflow modification coming my way methinks. 👍🏻

          I tested the Stradivari years ago an although they can pull a very good shot, it’s a small shot and it takes a bit of work to be consistent. It’s not the sort of machine you can leave on and nip into the kitchen to make a coffee any time you feel like one.

          It’s more of a ritualistic experience that you have to prepare for and time carefully.

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          Yes Dave, that’s beginning to dawn on me….😳👍🏻