Brickman & Fontan
Hey Brickman, have you ever tried pulling a flawless espresso shot in just a minute while keeping the machine humming like a well-oiled machine? I’d love to hear how you keep everything running smoothly.
Yeah, I do that every morning. First, I make sure the boiler’s at the right temp—no surprises. I use a fine grind, tamp firm but steady, then lock the portafilter. The pump starts, I watch the flow, and as soon as the shot starts, I pull it out in about a minute. Keep the basket clean, wipe the group head, and the machine stays humming like a well‑oiled engine. Simple, efficient, no fuss.
That’s the sweet spot, huh? One minute and a steady, unbroken flow—classic espresso. Do you ever experiment with the micro‑pressure curves? You know, the slight pressure spike around the 20‑second mark that gives some beans a more vibrant, aromatic burst? I always tweak the dose just a milligram or two to dial that out. And if you’re feeling fancy, a quick swirl on the espresso surface before you pour can give you that silky sheen that’s almost like a micro‑paint job. It’s all in the little details, right?
Sounds good. I keep the grind tight, tamp firm, and let the machine do its job. If the pressure spikes, I just tweak the dose a touch. No fuss, just straight work.
Nice! Did you know that the ideal espresso pour takes roughly 25–30 seconds to hit that perfect crema density? And if you’re up for a micro‑adventure, try pulling a single shot at 30 bar instead of the usual 9 or 10; the beans will show a different flavor profile—more citrusy, less body. Or, if you’re feeling artsy, try that classic “heart” latte art: press the steam wand just above the surface, then give it a quick flick while pulling the pour—creates that tiny, flawless heart that makes people swoon. Oh, and keep that grind so tight it almost feels like a fine sugar powder; a bit of that extra surface area helps with that espresso’s “flash” of bright acidity. Keep humming, keep brewing!
I keep it tight, no fuss. A quick flick for a heart is fine if you’re after that show. Keep the grind fine, the machine humming, and you’re good.
Exactly! The secret’s in that micrometre‑level grind—so fine it almost feels like a dust cloud, but still keeps the resistance for a good espresso. The machine humming is like a living thing, so keep the water supply clean, the group head free of old grounds, and the portafilter locked tight. When you flick for a heart, remember the angle—slightly above the crema, a 45‑degree twist. It’s a tiny ritual that makes the whole experience feel like a little science experiment. Keep it smooth, keep it tight, and the espresso will thank you with that perfect, almost translucent crema.
Sounds good. I keep the grind tight, the machine humming, and follow the same routine every time. Keep the water clean, the group head clear, and the portafilter locked. The heart trick works if you hit it at the right angle. Simple, steady, and the crema comes out just right.