im always hesitant to jump conclusions of new gear after i have only used it a few times
once i have used something for an extended period of time i am much more confident in sharing my thoughts on it
so what definitely goes in the ‘winner’ basket?
the Mahlkoenig EK43 – this definitely does in the winner basket, although i would like to try the Turkish burr set configuration just for comparison
the reduction in the proportion of fines produces a different extraction whereby it starts off terribly slow and gloopy, giving you the impression that you have ground too fine, and then as the shot progresses the flow rate accelerates dramatically as a result of the reduced proportion of fines – in a more conventional grinder that produces a higher proportion of fines the fines are ‘washed’ down to the bottom of the puck as the shot progresses, and this ensures the flow rate does not accelerate in the way that is does on the EK43
as a result the EK43 gives a much sweeter shot & personally i love it
if you can get over the rather large size of this grinder and you have the funds available i would unreservedly recommend this grinder – the zero retention is wonderful to work with – just weigh your beans, drop them in, have a metal container on the bottom to collect the grinds (i used a small stainless steel camping mug), knock the grinds out into your portafilter, tamp, secure PF, pull the shot!
others may have thought differently, i dont know, but i was very pleased with the ease with which we had members of the public pulling exceptional shots of espresso at the London festival of coffee – our two week old single origin Rwandan really performed
in other thoughts i feel the IMS basket that i referred to previously is a must have – i could not speak highly enough of it – this is from their competizione range and is the B70 2T h26.5
at the show the IMS representative from Italy came up to our stand and gave me their B70 1T h24.5 & B70 1T h26.5 to try – these are the single shot baskets that she recommended i try and i will do so imminently
if you want to drop some money on a new basket for your L1 i have no hesitation in stating that the B70 2T h26.5 is the best double basket i have ever used on the L1 by a country mile – it delivers the best performance i have experienced on the L1 and it is forgiving into the bargain; get one.
the cafelat group brush i would also describe as an essential accessory and i wish i bought one the first day we took delivery of our L1
as i come across other items that measure up i will add them to this blog
reiss.