How Many Bar Pressure?

nc6000

What is the minimum bar pressure needed to make a decent espresso? I've a moka pot which is grand but I like the look of the below model. Is 15 bar enough or should I be looking for higher than that?

http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=30001&partNumber=4223852

Mr Magnolia

Way to high I'm afraid. It's been contended but it's generally accepted that ideal extraction happens at 8.5 to 9 bar.

It's at 15Bar due to the pumps used. Even gaggia supply thier machines with a pressure over 15Bar (me thinks) also too high, but they can be adjusted due to a 3-way over pressure valve (OPV).

As Gran Hermano said in a similar thread, pick up a moka pot and fresh coffee for an espresso type drink. What type of coffee do you like?

RE*AC*TOR

8-9 bar is considered ideal for espresso.

Most vibe pumps will do up to 15 bar or so, but this is not always fully delivered to the coffee - usually there is a system to bring the pressure down (an over pressure valve).

Personally for me, if it was a choice between a moka pot and that machine I'd go with the moka pot 100%.

*edit*

Mr Magnolia wrote:

It's been contended but it's generally accepted that ideal extraction happens at 8.5 to 9 bar.

SNAP!

Mr Magnolia wrote:

but they can be adjusted due to a 3-way over pressure valve (OPV)

You're getting your valves all muddled!

nc6000

I might stick with the Moka pot so which I use to make espresso and add hot water and some milk to that. We've a variety of coffees at home which we go through.

Right now in the cupboard we have tins from Illy, Lavazza and packs of French, Italian & Viennese blends from Sainsburys and a pack of Sumatra Mandheling. Just the Illy and French blend are open at the moment. The French one is nice it has chicory added.

Mr Magnolia

LOL, snap indeed

Fair play nc6000, your better off trying a wide variety if possible. Have you tried any of the suppliers in the stickys? They're worth a go too.