Tag Archives: espresso

Brewing, Equipment

Bezzera BZ10 Repair – New Pump

After nearly 10 years, the vibratory pump on my trusty Bezzera BZ 10 espresso machine started to fail. The expected life-span of these pumps is actually rated at only about 4 years, so lasting almost 10 seems impressive. However, as they say hind-sight is 20/20 and thinking back, signs of failure started years ago.

However, last week, it was clear. Shots ramped up to brew pressure slowly, and they could not hold through the shot…frequently dropping to as low as 2bar by the end. If I had a pressure profiling machine, that would be fine, but the BZ10 doesn’t do that. So, it was time to replace the pump.

BZ10 with case off showing internals with new pump installed and old pump on counter.

In the above picture you can see the old pump removed and the new pump installed. The process is really very simple provided you have the necessary tools. The entire effort took me 20 minutes.

Tools Required

  • Replacement pump. I found the exact replacement on Amazon here.
  • 3mm Allen wrench for machine case AND the pump vibration dampeners
  • Two(2) Crescent wrenches (small and large – or you may also be able to use a pair of vice-grips, but be really careful)
  • Teflon tape

The first thing you do is remove the water tank from the back, tip the machine on its side, and remove the 4 Allen bolts that hold the case one. The case then slides DOWN to unlock the parts that attach to chassis/frame of the machine. You can search the internet for this process.

After the case “falls” down, you can remove it from around the chassis/frame and you will see the pump on the side. Removing the pump can be a little tricky unless you have an Allen wrench that can fold a bit. But, you can push/twist on the rubber vibration dampener mounts that hold the pump to get better access.

Once the Allen bolts are removed, you use a crescent wrench to unscrew the water line from the brass end.

Closeup image of the brass end of the installed pump showing the water line connection.
Brass end of the pump

Once the brass coupling is removed, the connection on the other side of the pump is just a pressure fit, and you can simply wiggle that off. Remove the rubber vibration dampener mounts, and the electrical connections and the pump is now free.

Now, you need two crescent wrenches. One goes on the flat part of the elbow joint, and the other in the grooves of the brass pump output. Unscrew the 90 degree elbow because you need to transfer that to the new pump. This is a very tight connection. If you are using vice-grips be careful not to damage the brass connection. Mine had a little gunk in it, so I cleaned it up. But, if you are using hard water, this is a good time to de-scale that part.

Attach the 90 degree elbow to the new pump. I wrapped the threads with some Teflon tape to ensure a good connection. This is a cold water system at this point, so heating of Teflon is not an issue, but still make sure the tape you are using is safe for water lines. Also, attach the vibration dampener mounts, re-connect the waterline on both sides, and the electrical connections. At this point, turn the machine back on and do a leak test. The pump will need to prime for several seconds to suck water through the new system, but make sure there are no leaks before you seal everything up.

Once you are satisfied there are no leaks, fully re-install the pump by screwing the vibration dampener mounts back to the machine chassis and put the case back on the machine.

My machine is now like new. Pressures are all back to normal (I took the time to also re-adjust the OPV valve – on the other side of the machine) and the machine is significantly quieter with the new pump.

Happy Brewing.

Brewing, Highly Caffeinated

ChatGPT and Espresso vs Coffee

I have seen way too many coffee related “articles” recently about the “difference” between Espresso and Coffee. It’s clear that generative AI is behind most of them. So, I asked ChatGPT to tell me about it. When it started to spew the same crap, I corrected it. Here is the result.

New chat

Write a blog post on the difference between espresso and coffee

Coffee is a beloved beverage that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world. It comes in various forms, ranging from drip coffee to espresso, and each has its unique taste and brewing method. Two of the most popular forms of coffee are espresso and coffee. Although they share some similarities, there are significant differences between them. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between espresso and coffee.

What is Espresso?

Espresso is a concentrated form of coffee that is brewed using high-pressure extraction. It is made by forcing hot water through finely ground coffee beans using an espresso machine. Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups and has a thick, creamy layer of foam on top known as crema. It is a popular choice for those who want a quick, strong caffeine boost or a rich, intense flavor.

What is Coffee?

Coffee, on the other hand, is a brewed beverage made from roasted coffee beans. It is typically brewed using a drip coffee maker or a French press. The brewing process involves steeping ground coffee beans in hot water for a period of time, usually several minutes, to extract the flavor and caffeine. Coffee is typically served in larger cups and can be enjoyed with milk, sugar, or other flavorings.

The Differences Between Espresso and Coffee

Now that we have a basic understanding of what espresso and coffee are, let’s take a look at the key differences between them:

  1. Brewing method: The most significant difference between espresso and coffee is the brewing method. Espresso is brewed using high-pressure extraction, while coffee is brewed using a variety of methods, including drip brewing and French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is much more concentrated than coffee, with a much higher caffeine content per ounce. A typical shot of espresso contains around 60-70 milligrams of caffeine, while a cup of coffee contains around 95 milligrams of caffeine.
  3. Taste: Espresso has a strong, bold flavor that is often described as bitter or intense, while coffee has a milder flavor profile that can vary depending on the beans and brewing method.
  4. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Coffee does not have crema.
  5. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while coffee is served in larger cups.

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between espresso and coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you prefer a strong, concentrated flavor and a quick caffeine boost, then espresso is the way to go. If you prefer a milder flavor and a larger serving size, then coffee is the better

Espresso IS Coffee. They are not separate things. Espresso is simply a brewing method. So, re-write that post with that information.

You are correct, Espresso is a type of coffee, not a separate beverage. Espresso is made using a specific brewing method that involves high-pressure extraction of finely ground coffee beans, which results in a concentrated shot of coffee. While there are some differences between traditional drip coffee and espresso, they are both derived from the same source – coffee beans.

Despite being a type of coffee, espresso does have some unique characteristics that differentiate it from regular drip coffee. These include:

  1. Brewing method: As mentioned earlier, espresso is made using high-pressure extraction, while drip coffee is typically brewed using a filter or French press.
  2. Concentration: Espresso is a highly concentrated shot of coffee, while drip coffee is usually less concentrated.
  3. Crema: Espresso has a layer of crema on top, which is a frothy, creamy layer of foam that forms during the brewing process. Drip coffee does not have crema.
  4. Serving size: Espresso is typically served in small, shot-sized cups, while drip coffee is usually served in larger cups or mugs.

When it comes down to it, the choice between espresso and drip coffee ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people enjoy the bold, concentrated flavor of espresso, while others prefer the milder taste of drip coffee. Additionally, some people appreciate the convenience and speed of making a quick shot of espresso.

Highly Caffeinated

A brief word on Espresso

Leave a comment
Espresso (not Expresso)…gotta get that in as many times as I can. Many new folks on their first roasts post photos of a very dark, Starbucks like roast. Let me get it out of the way now, that this is not a crime and not bad in any way. Deciding to learn to home roast takes time, and even a beginners first roast that was taken a little too far will most likely be better that Starbucks!.  Inevitably, there is a follow up comment on forums to try it as Espresso.
So, my question is why?
Here’s my 2 cents on subject. I think everyone knows that espresso (not expresso) is not a roast profile, or a specific bean. It’s a process – a method of production and you can put any roast profile you want through it. Yes, a darker bean is more soluble than a light roast, but still…we all know what Starbucks espresso tastes like…so why would we voluntarily want to brew that at home?
I light roast can make a wonderful espresso (albeit, I’ve only ever had one I liked), but like *any* brewing method, you will need to dial in the grind and brew time params accordingly. I brew mostly espresso at home (Gaggia Classic and a Bezzera BZ10). The single biggest leap in quality after the grinders and machines was when I started just roasting for the flavor profiles, and not worrying about dark/light. I blended beans for the balance of aroma, body, sweetness, chocolate, etc. that I was after. When I was done, I had not only the espresso I wanted, but a damn good cup of coffee period.

Full City+ Roast
Full City+ Roast from the FreshRoast SR700

Ultimately, you drink what you like, and that’s the great thing about being competent in food prep…you eat/drink what you like all the time. So, if a dark roast for espresso is something you like, brew it up and don’t look back. But, don’t assume that a dark roast will work as brewed espresso.
Of course, that’s just my opinion, I could be wrong (apologies to Dennis Miller).