ACS Minima, steam wand holes

Java_avaJ

I’m just working out which accessories to get for the Minima I’m ordering, one such is a 3 hole tip, I’m assuming the regular wand has 2 holes?

I know a few of you have the Minima what are your thoughts on the wand holes to help me decide?

Thanks

DavecUK

Java_avaJ See how you get on with the standard ones….you might find the 3 hole a little fast.

cengland117

The 3 hole tip makes it very fast but not necessarily better. If anything it just makes it harder to master. The standard 2 hole is no slouch and gives greater margin for error.

PortafilterProcrastinator

I ordered the three hole tip as it was minimal extra and I can experiment if I want to at a later date, once (if I ever) master steaming with the two hole. Curiosity got the better of me.

Cuprajake

The steam tip in the minima can be welded in with loctite @HVL87 had to get a new steam arm because of this.

The 2 hole tip is good, i myself use a 4 hole tip. Id say a 2 hole is good for single drink, but if you’re making milk for 2 the 4hole tips perfect

dutchy101

Steamed my first jug of milk on my new Minima earlier. Was very pleasantly surprised with the two hole tip. I’d read a lot about the steam power of the Minima and was worried it would be a nightmare to transition to from the Sage Bambino. I only started manually steaming milk a few weeks ago to get used to it before getting the Minima.

The texture I got for 2 cups was probably the best I’ve had when steaming milk so was very happy with the tip as it is

HVL87

@ cuprajake it turns out they didn’t use locktite, the steam wand is supplied to ACS with the steam tip on very tight. ACS sent me a video showing how they remove it!

I had to remove the steam wand and use a lot of brute force to eventually get off. Hopefully that’s not necessary for more recent batches.

I have been trying different tips with the Minima. For me each tip requires a different position in the steam pitcher to get the best results. The Minima uses ACS Vesuvius steam tips which have an extra inner metal tube which sits inside the teflon tubing in the Vesuvius no burn wand. This is unnecessary for the Minima and causes some extra condensation. Not a big deal but something to note:

If you want to experiment with other tips you can try the expobar 2 or 3 hole tips. The 3 hole will steam 200ml in 11 seconds. I believe the Izzo Duetto steam tip set will also fit.

Bottom line, see how you get on with the 2 hole but order the 3 hole as well to experiment with. Ask the retailer to check if the included tip of the wand is finger tight.

Cuprajake

Good point re the shape of the tip.
Ive always had tips the same shape as above, however when i had the crem one, its tip was horrid to use. Totally different shape

Java_avaJ

While we’re talking about extras, another one on offer is a clip handle for the steam wand. It would seem it makes it easier to move around, after steaming I guess, without burning your fingers. I was going to add one, any opinions?

PortafilterProcrastinator

Java_avaJ

Given it is a ‘burn’ steam wand and I’ve not had one before I went for the number 2 option. Looks like it clips on and off easily enough, so can ditch it once I’m more confident.

HVL87

Java_avaJ I added this:

https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/steam-tube-anti-scorch-clip.html

If you’re steaming for multiple drink the steam wand can get very hot and the rubber grip isn’t always sufficient, especially when trying to wipe down the steam tip with a cloth. The plastic clip doesn’t get quite as hot and is useful to have, although it does move around slightly if you push it hard enough. Useful to have I would say.

PortafilterProcrastinator

HVL87 That’s identical to one of the options ACS offer (and the one I chose) which is a nice coincidence.