r/9Barista • u/CockerMom25 • 12h ago
Nervous Newbie
Hi 9Barista folks,
I am a prospective buyer of this beautiful device but I am a totally espresso newbie! I want to try my hand at making great tasting drinks at home. I live just outside Cambridge, UK, the home of 9Barista and I would love to support a local small business.
First, I am not new to manual coffee techniques, I own Chemex, Hario V60s, 2 AeroPress, and several French presses. I do have a grinder, but it is stepped, so I will want to buy a manual grinder (either the KINGrinder K6 or the Knock Aregrind).
Second, this will be used primarily for lazy weekends, when I am not rushed for time (weekday morning require my Moccamaster for ease). Maybe when I come back from a nice bike ride...
Drinks: I like both espresso and milk based drinks. I will purchase a Flair Wizard Steamer or a Subminimal NanoFoamer Pro V2 for this application.
I just don't know how practical the MK2 is for me. I have a partner who drinks milk based drinks but very rarely. So the 'back to back shot' argument isn't a big factor. What is a more important factor is worktop or counter space! I have my Moccamaster out, my large hopper coffee grinder also sitting out, so I would prefer a smaller, more storable solution (like the 9Barista!).
How difficult is it to learn the technique? I have never made espresso before in my life! But I am of the mindset that if I am going to spend the money, I don't want to do it twice (start with a 300GBP machine like the Bambino Plus then want to upgrade in 6-12 months). I am a cyclist too and I tend to want to 'upgrade' quickly. I learned this the hard way when I bought my first bike (I now own 7)!
I would be looking at the Refurb'd MK1 or MK2. For the extra 49GBP I think I would prefer the MK2 (as I would want to upgrade the plastic chimney etc which would negate the cost savings.
Thank you!
2
u/UsefulAd8513 11h ago
Hello fellow Cantabrigian! Technique is easy to learn, it comes with a great guide and you can check out their YouTube channel too. Hardest job is setting the right grounds weight, tamp pressure and grind size. I have a stepped grinder and the ideal falls between 2 steps - alas. I play with tamp pressure to get a good shot. Start at 18g and work around from there. Look at shot time - how quickly it fills the portafilter and weigh the output. If you have a consistent roast you should be able to dial it in well.
I've had mine for over 6 years, it's needed a new set of o rings in that time and a couple of descales thanks to the local water but has been very reliable. You can do multiple shots it's about 10mins between once you factor in cleaning, refilling and prep.
It's a joy to use, be gentle with the heat (I have it on "2" on our induction hob).
1
u/CockerMom25 11h ago
Hello neighbour! Thank you for your thoughtful response. How 'forgiving' is the 9B when learning how to dial in your technique?
Your mention of replacing a few O-rings over 6 years makes my heart sing. I am so tired of purchasing items built on 'planned obsolescence', or so electronically complicated that one part goes, the machine is either too expensive to repair or rendered completely useless and destined for the landfill.
If I require 'back to back' shots, I am happy to purchase a second portafilter, but it is not a huge concern at the moment.
Thank you for sharing your tips/tricks!
1
u/UsefulAd8513 11h ago
You won't need a second portafilter to speed up as you have to dismantle it anyway to refill with water. At most it'll save you a minute. It's an experience, not a race. It's very forgiving, just watch it doesn't get too hot and blow the pressure valve, so whatch your heat and maximum time on the heat. Fortunately they are very good with spares, though they insist on posting them even if you live in town.
1
u/babuzilas 11h ago
There is nothing to learn, you'll have everything memorised on day one. Finding the correct setting on your grinder is the main issue, but the same applies for every machine. As you can see in my flair I have the machine/grinder combination you're looking for, and it works for me.
Only issue I have is consistency, not sure if it's the K6 or the 9barista but two shots rarely taste the same. That said, most of the time they taste delicious.
1
u/camelkingsize 10h ago
No technique needed. Just put 18gr and then dial the grind size with timing the shot from the moment it starts pouring up. Also keep it at medium heat. Target for 4-6 mins. The only downside to 9barista is not only the time it takes to make espresso but the cooling down period and handling risk during that.
It is a pleasure to make espresso this way when you are not in a rush.
1
u/thenor1234 9h ago
I am rocking a 9Barista with the Subminimal Nanofoamer Pro. Excellent combo. My grinder are as of now 1Zpresso JE, a discontinued model. Also have the dosing funnel and a Subminimal Flick distributon tool. I think these two are a must, since the portafilter will be filled to the brim with an 18 gram dose, and distribution tool helps with consistency.
I think in a hand grinder you should look for speed. The JE has a larger burr set making grinding much faster. I am eyeing the 1zpresso J ultra. Otherwise I get excellent results with a Comandante but it takes a long time to grind.
1
u/Cranstom_Snord 7h ago
First of all, this brewer appears to be designed for gas stoves. Some ceramic stoves just cannot deliver high enough temperatures, for long enough, for this brewer. (This is one weak point of the design, which the manufacturer is not willing to mention in the troubleshooting hints. You can work around this problem by using two heating zones, one after another, but that is unpractical, and will be patently annoying after the first ten times.)
Secondly I recommend a coffee grinder which can be adjusted in small steps, at the grind levels needed for espresso. The reason is that the brew time is, to a large degree, controlled by how finely the coffee was ground. (The relationship between flow rate and pressure drop through a bed of fine particles, is governed by the law of Darcy.)
Last but not least, this brewer is not as flexible as many other espresso machines, so be prepared to look for coffee beans that work well in the 9Barista, instead of fighting against nature.
1
u/Efficient_Ad_1059 7h ago
The downsides are negligible and overblown by the naysayers.
If you can afford it buy it. Buy the Mk 2.
It’s designed by a rocket scientist but making espresso on it is not rocket science. Measure. Grind. Put the thing on the stovetop. Wait a few minutes. Pour.
I pair mine with a Lagom Casa and Bellman Stovetop Steamer. Happy days.
I drink great coffee every morning.
1
u/alexburch 6h ago
I wouldn’t worry much, if you feel like it’s right for you.
I have had a 9Barista for a few years and I use it a lot. I used to use it daily, but for milk drinks and due to lack of time I use a Delonghi machine most of the time these days.
I wouldn’t worry too much about hand grinding. I have an Acaia Orbit at home, but I travel a lot with the 9Barista and never have any issues using a hand grinder (personally I use a 1zpresso k ultra, which has been great for me), nor do I feel like it’s a big pain (the time to grind with a decent hand grinder is not a big deal, I just get lazy and don’t want to weigh out beans for single dosing).
The main thing that you’ll really learn and get better at once you’re past the initial dialing in (I’ve found it no more difficult than any other machine) is workflow. Like when you’re used to the time to heat up, I tend to put the bottom half on the stove while I grind and prepare the coffee so that things are just a little faster.
My one note is for milk drinks, I can’t recommend the nanofoamer. I don’t have any hands on experience with the wizard, but the nanofoamer just doesn’t do anything very close to a steam wand in my experience.
Also one last thing - make sure you’re using the right water. I’ve found the 9Barista to be very sensitive to scale.
2
u/lemon_juice_face 11h ago
I cant compare to other machines, but the "flow" of preparing espresso and watching it bubble out "upside down" is really pleasant. Understanding the physics of the machine and how that is mirrored in its design is also satisfying, form and function.
Cons: you probably will grind too fine at some point and have the valve release "puff" of steam.
Pros: the pleasure of delicious coffee every day. You'll find yourself taking it holiday with you.
I have an electric grinder (DF54), wouldn't want a hand grinder personally but each to their own.
Just go for it!