Cafelat Robot User Experience - Page 438

A haven dedicated to manual espresso machine aficionados.
tv79
Posts: 237
Joined: 7 years ago

#4371: Post by tv79 »

ojaw wrote:The idea appeals to me but three things hold me back: countertop space, having hot water sitting for that long in plastic (or are they stainless lined?) and power usage.
I'm not sure about all their models, but the one I ordered has a stainless steel interior. It's also vacuum insulated and supposedly uses little energy, though I haven't received yet so we'll see if that holds true.

It definitely looks to have a larger footprint than most electric kettles, so you're right it's probably not for tighter spaces.

ojaw
Posts: 288
Joined: 6 years ago

#4372: Post by ojaw »

Ah thanks, I figure if anyone has a chance of getting it right it's Zojirushi, I really like our rice cooker from them which we use more often for steel cut oats than rice.

tv79
Posts: 237
Joined: 7 years ago

#4373: Post by tv79 »

Oh yeah, their rice cookers are excellent. We got a cheap Oster for our wedding and I couldn't believe the difference after upgrading.

nameisjoey
Posts: 495
Joined: 4 years ago

#4374: Post by nameisjoey »

Looks like OE is releasing another tool for the robot. This one is a leveling tamper designed to be used on top of the shower screen. It allows you to drop the shower screen in and tamp directly on top of it.

Actually looks like a nice workflow and quite simple to use. Might have to pick this up as well, I always like testing out what Doug and Barb cook up.

For those interested -

Kinukcafe
Posts: 77
Joined: 2 years ago

#4375: Post by Kinukcafe »

Hi, I am considering the robot and hope to get some advice from fellow users:

1/ is there a consensus that one can go for the regular version without the gauge but expect a slightly steeper learning curve.

2/ I like latte with strong espresso that I can buy in cafe. I only used moka pot before but can never make a satisfying shot even I followed Hofferman suggestion. Does robot produce much nicer espresso compared to moka?

3/ for the milk steamer, I am going for the Bellman. Any better suggestion for latte art?

4/ in my buying list, do I really need a specialised scale and kettle or my kitten using one is fine? Does the cafe kat levelling tamper make a big difference? Is there better alternative?

Thanks!

pcdawson
Posts: 382
Joined: 7 years ago

#4376: Post by pcdawson »

I have one of the original units (in yellow) without the gauge. I also have a Cremina manual group with a naked pressure gauge. Having used both, I would say that I rarely look at the gauge on my Cremina. I found from my time with the robot that you get a feel for what works more from taste than from knowing exactly what pressure the shot was pulled at. I would say it's a nice to have feature but not essential. Also, if you want to steam milk for latte art I'd recommend the Bellman steamer.

jpender
Posts: 3861
Joined: 11 years ago

#4377: Post by jpender »

Kinukcafe wrote:1/ is there a consensus that one can go for the regular version without the gauge but expect a slightly steeper learning curve.
The gauge is helpful for getting the feel initially. But if you have a bathroom scale you can put under the Robot you can get an idea that way.

Kinukcafe wrote:I only used moka pot before but can never make a satisfying shot even I followed Hofferman suggestion. Does robot produce much nicer espresso compared to moka?
Yes, much better. I also was a moka user before I got a Robot. Now I never use my moka pots anymore.

Kinukcafe wrote:4/ in my buying list, do I really need a specialised scale and kettle or my kitten using one is fine?
A kitten can use any scale that fits. But I'd keep him/her away from the kettle.


Kinukcafe
Posts: 77
Joined: 2 years ago

#4378: Post by Kinukcafe »

pcdawson wrote:I have one of the original units (in yellow) without the gauge. I also have a Cremina manual group with a naked pressure gauge. Having used both, I would say that I rarely look at the gauge on my Cremina. I found from my time with the robot that you get a feel for what works more from taste than from knowing exactly what pressure the shot was pulled at. I would say it's a nice to have feature but not essential. Also, if you want to steam milk for latte art I'd recommend the Bellman steamer.
Thanks. I will go for regular then. Re colour, seems they don't produce the chrome version any more?

jpender
Posts: 3861
Joined: 11 years ago

#4379: Post by jpender »

Kinukcafe wrote:...seems they don't produce the chrome version any more?
Paul Pratt has said that the amount of labour required (polishing) put him off from doing the polished aluminum versions, at least for now. To make it worth his time he'd probably have to charge more than most people would be willing to pay.

baristainzmking
Supporter ♡
Posts: 1105
Joined: 6 years ago

#4380: Post by baristainzmking »

The aluminum robot is not longer in production.

As far as scales, I recommend this one. https://www.amazon.com/Version-Espresso ... 138&sr=8-4

It is compact, has a timer, and fits perfectly between the robot's legs.
Julia

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