steam valve and other questionns

Lukasz Dziekan

Hi,
Wanted to ask is it normal that steam valve does not seem very smooth? I would say there is sharp snap into open position. I think the water one seems better in this regard.

In addition do you mount NPF all the time, or rest it on the side?

Frans Goddijn

The valve will get more smooth over time, with use. I feel the snap on snap off effect is helpful in steaming anyway.

Keeping the (clean) portafilter in (not too tight) helps keeping the screen seal live longer.

Reiss Gunson

yes, they absolutely wear smooth with use; they are designed for a commercial environment
they only way we could improve on that is to have them ground and then we would have to remake the cup that it runs against too as grinding one half would almost certainly change the shape
kind regards
reiss.