LOFRA Retro Coffee Machines for Espresso, PODS, or Pouches by - TheGasCompany.ie

Here is some interesting facts about Coffee and things to consider when buying your new Lofra RETRO Coffee.

What is the "crema" of coffee? :

Crema is the tan or reddish-brown, frothy foam that sits on top of a freshly brewed shot of espresso. It is created when hot water, forced through finely-ground coffee at high pressure, emulsifies the bean's natural oils with carbon dioxide gas (CO₂) released during roasting .

The Science Behind Crema

During coffee roasting, heat causes chemical changes that produce CO₂. Some of this gas escapes, but a significant portion remains trapped inside the beans.

When hot water (usually around 9 bars of pressure) is pressed through the fine grounds, the water becomes supersaturated with this gas.

The Lofra Retro Coffee Machines are 15 bar.

When the brewed liquid exits the espresso machine into atmospheric pressure, the dissolved CO₂ rapidly expands into billions of microscopic bubbles. These bubbles are then stabilized by surfactants, such as melanoidins (a byproduct of roasting) and suspended coffee oils, creating the foamy layer

Coffee has a bitter taste - What is a bitter taste? :

A bitter taste is one of the five basic human tastes, perceived as a sharp, pungent, or harsh flavor detected by specialized receptors mostly on the back of the tongue. In coffee, this taste comes from natural compounds like caffeine, chlorogenic acid breakdown products formed during roasting, and over-extraction during brewing.

What Causes Bitterness in Coffee

Roast level: Darker roasts spend longer in the roaster, creating more bitter and smoky compounds through pyrolysis.

Bean type: Robusta beans contain higher levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acids, making them significantly more bitter than Arabica beans.

Over-extraction: Brewing with water that is too hot, a grind size that is too fine, or too much brew time pulls out harsh plant fibers and heavy soluble compounds.

Stale or dirty gear: Old coffee beans and leftover oils built up in unwashed coffee makers add a harsh, stale taste.

How to Reduce Coffee Bitterness

Coarser grind: Adjust your grinder to a slightly larger particle size to speed up water flow and cut down on over-extraction.

Cooler water: Let your boiling water sit for a minute so it is not hot enough to scald the grounds.

Shorter brew time: Reduce contact time between the water and coffee grounds.

Lighter roasts: Switch to medium or light roast beans, which highlight fruitier and brighter flavor notes.

If you'd like, tell me:

How you brew your coffee (espresso, drip machine, French press, etc.)
What kind of beans or roast you currently use

What is the typical water pressure for coffee machines?:

The typical water pressure for espresso coffee machines is 9 bars of pressure.

Drip coffee makers use zero pressure, while some consumer machines advertise 15 to 19 bars at the pump, though an internal valve limits the actual brewing pressure at the coffee grounds to 9 bars.

Pressure Levels by Coffee Maker Type

Drip and Pour-Over Machines: 0 bars (gravity-fed hot water)

Standard Espresso Machines: 9 bars (the ideal industry standard for flavor and crema extraction)

General Water-Pump Specificationss : 15 bars is considered a powerfull pump output capability, being regulated down to 9 bars during brewing.

Why 9 Bars is the industry minimum Standard

Balanced Extraction: Dissolves the right amount of coffee oils and solids without harshness.

Crema Creation: Forces water evenly through fine grounds to build a thick, creamy layer on top of the espresso shot.

Preventing Defects: Keeps the water from channeling or causing bitter over-extraction.

What is an Integrated Coffee Milk Steam Wand & used for?:

An integrated coffee milk steam wand is a built-in metal pipe connected to an espresso machine's boiler that uses pressurized steam to heat and texture milk. It is used to create microfoam for specialty milk drinks like lattes, cappuccinos, and flat whites.

Main Uses

Heating Milk: Quickly warms cold milk to the ideal drinking temperature (around 140°F–150°F).

Texturing Microfoam: Introduces air to break down fat and sugars, producing smooth, velvety milk.

Latte Art Preparation: Creates a glossy finish with tiny bubbles required to pour patterns on coffee.

For a visual guide on how to position a steam wand and texture milk into microfoam:

How to steam your milk on your espresso machine #coffee

22K views · 1 year ago

A coffee scoop and tamper is a two-in-one tool used to measure ground coffee and compress it flat into an espresso machine filter basket. One end features a spoon for portioning the correct amount of coffee, while the flat base on the other end acts as a press.

For a quick visual overview of how a tamper flattens and compresses coffee grounds to create proper extraction resistance:

what do espresso tools do

24M views · 1 year ago

YouTube · Ethan Rode

Coffee Scoop Functions

Measuring: Accurately portions out ground coffee or beans (typically one tablespoon or about 10 grams per scoop).

Portion Control: Helps repeat the exact same coffee strength for every single brew.

Versatility: Can also scoop other kitchen items like tea, sugar, or protein powder.

Coffee Tamper Functions

Compressing: Packs loose coffee grounds down into a solid, even "puck" inside the portafilter.

Removing Air Pockets: Eliminates gaps so hot water cannot rush through weak spots (a problem known as channeling).

Creating Resistance: Forces pressurized water to flow evenly through all the coffee, extracting a rich and flavorful espresso.

What is a Porta Filter Handle:

What are Porta Filter types?:

LOFRA Retros have an adaptor to use standardised NESPRESSO coffee pods.

"Barista your own Style"

LOFRA Retros have an adaptor to "Barista your own" single or double Espresso......maybe create your own artisitc stlyes and designs with the integrted steam wand

See the standard Lofra Filter range of accessories below.

Also suitable for Single Serve Coffee Pouches (Tea Bag Like):

What is a single serve coffee pouch / bag for a coffee Machine?

A single-serve coffee pouch bag for coffee machines—most commonly known as a coffee pod or coffee pad—is a pre-measured, round paper filter packet filled with ground coffee that is designed for specific single-serve espresso or coffee makers.

Key Characteristics of Coffee Pouches

Design: They look identical to round, pillow-like tea bags but contain ground coffee instead of tea leaves.
Compatibility: They are primarily built for non-pressurized, low-pressure coffee machines like the Philips Senseo system or commercial office brewers.
Standard Sizes: They typically come in a 62mm diameter size for standard soft pod machines.

The Critical Difference: Pods vs. Capsules

It is easy to confuse coffee pouch bags with other single-serve formats. Here is how they stack up:

Soft Pods (Pouch Bags): Made entirely of filter paper. They are soft, pliable, and generally compostable. They use low pressure to brew a mild, drip-style coffee with a light layer of foam.
Hard Pods (ESE Pods): Also made of paper but tightly compacted into a hard disc. These are strictly used in espresso machines to create authentic, high-pressure espresso.
Capsules (K-Cups / Nespresso): Made of rigid plastic or aluminum. These are not pouch bags; they require built-in needles to puncture the cup to brew the coffee.

Benefits of Using Coffee Pouches

Eco-Friendly: Unlike plastic capsules, paper pouch bags are highly biodegradable and easy to compost.
No Mess: The coffee grounds stay completely contained inside the paper, leaving no messy residue in your machine.
Consistent Taste: Each pouch is factory-sealed with the exact grind size and weight for a perfectly balanced cup every time.

Popular Types of Coffee Beans:

The most popular types of coffee beans globally are Arabica, Robusta, and Liberica. These varieties differ significantly in flavor, caffeine content, and how they are grown.

Main Coffee Bean Varieties

Arabica: The most popular and widely consumed bean worldwide, making up over 60% of global production. It has a smooth, sweet, and complex flavor with low bitterness and higher acidity.

Robusta: The second most popular bean, known for its strong, bold, and earthy taste. It contains nearly double the caffeine of Arabica and creates a thick crema, making it a favorite for espresso and instant coffee.

Liberica: A rare bean with an irregular shape and a distinct woody, smoky, and floral flavor profile.

Excelsa: Now classified as a variant of Liberica, these beans offer a unique tart, fruity flavor and are often used in blends to add depth

Gas Fire Photos

Decorative Gas Fires Photos

What is a standard decorative gas fire? A Standard decorative gas fire is an open coal / log flame effect gas fire mainly designed for decrative purposes. The efficiency of this type of gas fire ranges roughly between 15-20% and they give around 1-2 kilowatts of heat.

16" Insert Inset Gas Fire Exchanges

Coal Effect Gas Basket Style Fires

High Efficiency Gas Fires Photos

Welcome to our High Efficiency Fitted Fires gallery, where you'll discover an exquisite collection of modern, eco-friendly fireplaces designed to maximize warmth while minimizing energy consumption. Each photo showcases the sleek, innovative designs that blend seamlessly into any living space, offering both elegance and efficiency. Whether you're looking for inspiration or ready to upgrade your home, our gallery offers a glimpse into the future of home heating with style and sustainability at its core.

The Logic He DESIGNIO High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He STOCKTON Stove Inset High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He VOGUE High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He TEMPO High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He BEAT High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He ARTS High Efficiency Gas Fire Range

The Logic He Winchester High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Sirocco S4000 COAL / LOG Effect High Efficiency Gas Fire Range

Series 4000 Photos

Welcome to our SIROCCO Series S4000 High Efficiency Fitted Fires gallery, where you can explore a stunning selection of advanced fireplaces designed for maximum heat output with minimal energy use. The S4000 series combines cutting-edge technology with sleek, modern design, providing both warmth and style to any home. Each photo in the gallery showcases the series’ versatility and elegance, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your living space. Discover the future of home heating with the innovative and efficient SIROCCO S4000 series

The Sirocco S4000 COAL / LOG Effect High Efficiency Gas Fire Range

Gazco Logic HE Photos

Explore our Gazco Logic HE High Efficiency Fitted Fires gallery, where cutting-edge design meets superior performance. This collection features a range of stylish and energy-efficient fireplaces that combine contemporary aesthetics with powerful heating capabilities. Each image highlights the versatility and elegance of Gazco Logic HE fires, perfect for enhancing any home environment with warmth and sophistication. Discover the ideal balance of form and function in our curated gallery, showcasing the future of efficient home heating.

The Logic He DESIGNIO High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He STOCKTON Stove Inset High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He VOGUE High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He TEMPO High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He BEAT High Efficiency Gas Fire

The Logic He ARTS High Efficiency Gas Fire Range

The Logic He Winchester High Efficiency Gas Fire

Hole in the Wall Gas Fire Photos

Gazco Riva 2 400

Gazco Riva 2 500

Gazco Riva 2 600

(at various installation stages)

Gazco Riva 2 600HL

SIROCCO S6000

Gazco Studio Gas Fires

Gazco Studio 1 Gas Fire Photos

(at various installation stages)

Gas Stoves Photos

Welcome to our Gas Stove Fitting gallery, where you'll find an inspiring collection of expertly installed gas stoves that blend style, functionality, and efficiency.

Each photo showcases the precision and craftsmanship involved in fitting these versatile heating solutions, tailored to complement any home décor.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy addition to your living room or an elegant centerpiece for your kitchen, our gallery offers a glimpse into the transformative impact a well-fitted gas stove can have on your space. Explore the possibilities and envision your perfect gas stove installation here.

The Penmann Remote Controlled Gas Stove

The Gazco Sheraton Remote Controlled Gas Stove

The Gazco Huntingdon 20 Gas Stove

The Gazco Huntingdon 30 Gas Stove

The Gazco Huntingdon 40 Gas Stove

The Gazco Marlborough Gas Stove

The Gazco Stockton Gas Stove

The Gazco Loft Gas Stove

The Gazco Vogue Midi Gas Stove

Goal Post Gas Fires Photos

A goalpost is a structure used in various sports, serving as the target area where players aim to score points or goals.

Typically, it consists of two vertical posts, known as uprights, connected by a horizontal crossbar at the top.

So I guess now you are now asking "What Has a goal post got to do with my new Gas Fire?

- It's really for this reason we describe our fireplace alteration process to customers as a "Marble Goal Post Alteration" . This process coverts your old existing fireplace opening to a standard 3 sided area -Just like a goalpost.

The objective is to create a suitable and safe sealable are for the new gas fire. The size, shape, and exact positioning of goalposts can vary depending on the fire type, but their primary function is to define the sealing area on the gas fire.

Please see a few examples below that explain just some of the process we can arrange to make your fireplace suitable for your new gas fire.

Case Study 1 : Old Tarnished Fireplace Frame Removal

In the first instance below we were able to arrange the removal of the old "Tired Tarnished Frame" using a diamond cutting machine . We then replaced the frame area with a section of polished & tailored granite -this left us with a standard opening for the new gas fire.

Case Study 2 : A Full Fireplace Panel Replacement

In this particular instance the customer had an old in efficient decorative gas fire with tired slate panel with a tarnished old brass brass frame.

We were able to arrange the old frame and panel to be removed and totally replaced with a new slate panel, and the old slate hearth was the re oiled with stone oil to blend in with new slate.

Case Study 3 : Fireplace removal to accommodate a Wall Fire.

In this instance below the customer wall looking to totally modernise the room so we arrange for the fireplace to be totally remove , a new cavity to be prepared for the new wall fire, and full plastering of the wall. Finally supply and installation of a Geo Cast Concrete wood beam in oak

Before and After Photos

Before and After Photo Gallery

Welcome to our "Before and After" gallery, where you can witness some remarkable transformations of outdated fireplaces into stunning, modern focal points.

Each set of photos showcases the dramatic difference a fireplace alteration can make, highlighting improvements in design, efficiency, and overall aesthetic.

Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own renovation or simply enjoy seeing the power of a well-executed makeover, this gallery offers a compelling look at how a fireplace can completely revitalize a living space

In the instance below the customer had a low efficiecncy coal effect fire. In the process the fireplace fitter was able to replace the old tired Victorian Tiled Cast Inset panel with a polished granite black panel to allow the Sirocco S4000 High Efficiency Gas Fire to be fitted , saving the customer over €2000 on a haveing to replace the full fireplace.

Case Study 1: Panel Replacement

- Victorian Tiled Fireplace

Before with Victorian Tiled Inset

During fireplace alteration and panel replacement

After with the New Sirocco S4000 High Efficiency Gas Fire Fitted

Case Study 2:

-Slate Panel Replacement

In this particular instance the customer had an old in efficient decorative gas fire with tired slate panel with a tarnished old brass brass frame.

We were able to arrange the old frame and panel to be removed and totally replaced with a new slate panel, and the old slate hearth was the re oiled with stone oil to blend in with new slate.

Case Study 3:

-Total Room Revamp

Fireplace removal to accommodate a Wall Fire.

In this instance below the customer wall looking to totally modernize the room so we arrange for the fireplace to be totally remove , a new cavity to be prepared for the new wall fire, and full plastering of the wall. Finally supply and installation of a Geo Cast Concrete wood beam in oak

Case Study 4:

-Bespoke Fireplace Feature

This 1st customer below had an old in efficient basket gas fire (a Gas Guzzler).

We were able to reduce the opening size of the old 70's brick fireplace to create this bespoke polished granite feature to utilize the old fireplace to suit a New High Efficiency Gas Fire

Case Study 5:

-Origional Victorian Fireplace

This customer below had an old in efficient basket coal fire with an open chimney sucking heat from the room.

We were able to close the chimney off and install an ECODESIGN HD450 Electric fire to create this bespoke polished granite feature and utilize the old fireplace to suit a New High Efficiency Electric Fire