9Barista Espresso Maker

The 9barista Espresso Maker is one of the smallest devices that brews true Espresso. I went for it instead of the lever machines for its size and seemingly easier workflow. After some months of use, I am quite satisfied with the results, although it took more trial-and-error than I originally expected.

Links:

My final setup is 18g-20g of coffee and 9-10 clicks on the Comandante grinder. Lower doses may work but less easy to dial-in.

The most tricky bit is the heat (with an induction stove). My current process: start with medium-high heat until gentle bubbling, then drop to medium for the rest. The first stage needs to be hot enough to keep the bubbling within 5 min. The heat setting at the second stage affects the brew time.

Some early pitfalls:
- Constant medium-high heat: the shot would be done in about 1 min after the first bubbling (3 min total time), brew too quick, usually too acidic as Espresso, but fine for diluted drinks.
- Constant medium-low heat: the bubbling stage would go way beyond 5 min, and at 7-8 min it is unclear how long it would still take. The brew may never happen before the upper chamber dries.

0:00 Intro shot
0:33 Background info
1:04 How it works
2:14 The build and its specs
2:53 Finding the right stove heat setting
3:54 The final setup
4:47 Ending shot

Background music: Two Little Bums by The Great North Sound Society from YouTube audio library.

[luketrigger]

I don’t usually comment on videos but would like to thank you for very helpful, practical tips and also say how great your sketches are. Looking forward to getting my 9B in late January and putting some of these top tops into action!

[uta]

Great review. You have generously written the results of your trial and error in the summary.
It is very valuable and I really appreciate it.

[MrRoyboy]

Easy to follow heating process and type of heat you used and importantly the Resulting taste effect on each variation, controlled 2 stage heat on induction , this vlog will help me get dialed in , thanks for saving me some time and cleanup

[frenchlewis]

Thank you for this video. I have a ROK and have been dreaming of the 9Barista for some time. I was very happy to see the Comandante jar is a good fit in the 9 Barista portafilter.

[Archamitect]

Hi Jim, I really enjoyed your video, especially the illustrations! Thank you!

[marfle]

I use the 9Barista for several months now and still having problems with acidic shots, just like you (and others). Never thought about that the problem could be adjusting the right heat adjustment. I tried so much starting with finding the right grindsize, tried different pressures with the tamper (because the company itself gives the advice that 5kg of pressure would be enough) but in the end my shots still were too acidic until right now. I will try the thing with the 2 different heats adjustments and I hope that will solve the problem. For such a high price I still wish that the company would give plenty more help with this problem because it seems that so many people battling with the same issue unfortunately. You can get disappointed and running out of patience pretty quick.

[MagnusNemo-xcnx]

Thanks for the review. Just ordered mine!

[nathankuroki]

This video was great. Keep up the good work.

[RodneyClang]

What a very thoughtful and informative video. Also very well produced. Thank you so much for your effort! I really enjoyed this and might get a 9Barista. I have been considering this or a Cafelat Robot.

[paintbalzmaster]

Wow great video. First good demonstration of this.

[solinvictus]

How do you know when it's done? Do you time it or another way?

[j.r.]

Thank you for making this! Trying to decide between this and the Flair 58. Do you find that different types of coffee require re-dialing in the process?

[MrTheGiant]

How do you get your espresso so creamy? If I`m doing it the coffee is just black and not creamy at all. I experimented with different heat settings and tamp pressure but it seems like something else is completely wrong! Could you give any advice on that? Cheers

[azerotrlz]

Very useful! Thanks a lot! I've been using it for a month now and I would recommend it.

[colbur]

Wow that into shot was amazing. I get mine on Friday and can’t wait to experiment.. I have a 1Zespresso grinder and hope to achieve your results.

Have you looked at sanding the inner coils to help with the water boiling out of the chimney?

[AlokeshBagchi]

I understand your method now, i have been using this from 2019, but in my opinion, if it works, the coffee is nice, else .., it fails.. If i try 10 times, only 2 times the coffee comes out, else only steam and boiling water from the Black Exit. what would you suggest. Thanks.

[davids]

Great review. I've got mine coming end of January and these tips are really helpful, especially since I also have a Comandante grinder! Have you experimented with putting boiling water into the first chamber at all? Rather than cold?

[ninetendopesaitama]

I dont like the plastic filter you put on the pressed coffee. Would it be possible to replace it for a metal part? 9barista would be my choice for an analogue espresso maker. Which number of clicks did you use on your comandante for the 9barista? Which coffee /roast grade /g did you use?

[napsterwong]

What is the scale granularity of C40 do you use for 9barista? Just got this machine in hands:)

[nidalal-sayed]

What is the size of coffee powder, fine or medium, when using this 9barista