Quote:
Originally Posted by bcrdukes
Damn, nice setup and back splash.
I have a handful of questions if you don't mind:
1. Which cups are you using?
2. Is that a 27" deep counter?
3. If so, do you find that it's enough workspace for the GS3?
4. Where are the electrical cables going? I can't see if you've drilled a hole and routed them to an outlet underneath or not.
5. Is that a plumbed in GS3 or pourover?
6. If plumbed in, did you do it yourself?
Two things I am looking to achieve/confirm:
1. I'm looking to plumb in my Rocket at my new place, but on the fence if it's worth all the (unnecessary) work or not, hence the questions. I mostly pull about 2 shots a day (morning and afternoon) and that's it.
2. To get a GS3 or LM Mini, or not. I don't need to. But rather, I want to. Something to think of down the road.
While it may not seem obvious, E61-based machines are notorious for water waste, so I have to refill regularly especially after drawing a bunch of cooling shots to stabilize the grouphead. I haven't come across anyone who has plumbed their Rocket in, both to draw in water, and to dispose of the wasted water through proper plumbing.
Add insult to injury, the plumbing kit that comes with the Rocket is shipped with European fittings, so I'd need to buy a North American kit.
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1) Acme cups (
https://www.acmecups.com/). Mine are pretty old-school ones (I think they're first generation). Their quality is so-so (for instance, the handle isn't always put on straight).
2) Standard 24"
3), I wish it was deeper. I used to have my setup on an extra deep counter space (bay window), and I felt like I had ample room in front of the GS3. Unfortunately, this wasn't possible here since it's a continuation of the kitchen counter, so it would've looked aesthetically weird. I already made special arrangements for the EK43 by having smaller cabinets above to accommodate the grinder's height. Nonetheless, it's still manageable if you have space to the sides.
4) There's a hole at the back of the countertop that drops down to a plug for the grinder/espresso machine (plug is on its own 15A breaker too).
5) Plumbed in. Biggest compromise I made here was not putting the cutout hole (same hole used for electrical) directly under the center of the espresso machine, but the back. Pro: I still had functional drawer space directly under (conveniently storing all my coffee-related crap). Con: The water flow isn't straight down, so there can be still water (since there are kinks, more turns etc).
6) Done by a plumber.
To be honest, plumbing in is so worth it. If you have the flexibility to do it, do it!
I was debating between the LM and the GS3 myself as well and I chose the GS3 because I liked the mechanical paddle (can play with pressure profiling etc.) That being said, I wasn't prepared for the HIGH annual maintenance cost on the GS3 (I'm not sure if its cheaper on the LM). I'm starting to look into servicing the machine myself just to save on future service costs. This is definitely something you should look into before you make the plunge. I also leave the machine on 24/7, and it uses a considerable amount of energy (If I recall, it's nearly $15/month)