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Permalink Reply by Shadow on February 10, 2011 at 8:21am

A few things come to mind other than an unlevel tamp... check to make sure the machine itself is level. Also, if the flow was that slow it could easily divert to one side of the portafilter opening and out through one spout.

 

Sounds like you're grinding a bit too fine, tamping a bit too hard or overdosing...

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Permalink Reply by Mike McGinness on February 10, 2011 at 8:21am

Uneven distribution combined with too fine grind and/or too much coffee in basket. Unlevel tamp could also be a factor.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on February 10, 2011 at 8:41am

Hanging my head in shame.....   My grinder is a "spiny blade" and I am in the Market for a Burr.  I guess it's possible to get a really fine grind with it but I really did not think that was it.  Although it might just be.  

Overdose is very possible, I will cut back.

To Much tamping pressure, I will cut back on that as well.  I guess I don't know my own strength.

 

Thanks Guys.   I will try these and report back tomorrow.

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Permalink Reply by u30jxwipu1i1 on February 10, 2011 at 8:49am

As a rule, we say Grinder first, machine second when it comes to home use. No sense buying trying to create espresso with a whirly blade grinder, as the results are poor. At a minimum look for a reasonable burr grinder that will grind fine enough for espresso.

 

So what is happening in your current set up is that the fines from the un even grind are being pushed to the bottom of the basket. The basket is plugging up. The fact that it is pouring out one side or the other is related to this.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on February 10, 2011 at 9:20am

Terry Z, Thanks for the information.   I am working on Saving up for a Grinder, and might have gone with the Grinder 1st rule but found my Silvia for just $200.  It was an offer I couldn't refuse.  But I would agree with you.  :)   Im looking forward to getting a Grinder soon!!!  Can't happen soon enough actually.

 

So, would you say that the uneven grounds are getting pushed to say the right of the basket and the water is pushing to the left?  I guess that makes sense.  Just wandering though how that works when the portafilter has a single hole that diverts the stream into the left and the right.

 

Thanks for you thoughts.  Matt  

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Permalink Reply by Shadow on February 10, 2011 at 9:47am

If there is enough flow going down into that single opening in the portafilter theoretically you would get even or nearly even flow from both spouts as it would be properly diverted. BUT if the flow is that slow it could easily run down one side of the opening and more toward one spout. Make sense?

 

Get a decent grinder, fresh beans and tinker a bit. You will see ALOT of difference in taste, texture, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on February 10, 2011 at 10:50am

Thanks Shadow,   That does make sense.  

 

Freash Beans - Check

Still Tinkering

Must save for Grinder.....

 

Thanks Again.

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Permalink Reply by u30jxwipu1i1 on February 10, 2011 at 10:51am

Shadows response covers it well. The fact is that water follows the path of least resistance, and in this instance the flow will be right or left depending on this rule.

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Permalink Reply by Matthew on February 10, 2011 at 10:56am

Yeah, completely makes sense.   At the end of the shot, the flow seems to increase and then a little starts to flow from the dry side.   

 

At lease it seems like nothing is broken.

 

Thanks you guys!  you rock.

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