E61 slow ramp down

Evergreen88

I was wondering if with an E61 machine (mine isn’t plumbed in) without flow control there would be any benefit in finishing the shot leaving the lever in the halfway position for a few seconds, allowing the pressure to slowly ramp down from 9 bar. Did anyone try this? I would be curious to see what happens with a brew group pressure gauge and how quickly the pressure goes down.

I have tried a couple of times with a roast that came out quite dark and it seems to reduce the bitterness but it might well be placebo effect!

DavecUK

Evergreen88 I’d worry slightly in case a machine has the brew switch adjusted so the top group valve opens whilst in that position and the vent valve didn’t. If left in that position for a short time, might not be good.

Or if you forgot and unlocked the PF.

Evergreen88

DavecUK I think I understand what your concern is. The only time I leave the lever in the half way position is with the pump off though. If the pump is off I would think there isn’t any risk?

DavecUK

Evergreen88 I’ll explain better when I’m next on the PC.

Evergreen88

Someone else tried this approach and here there is a cleaner explanation:

https://www.tampandbrew.com/news/e61-brew-lever-espresso-tip