UKBouldering.com
the shizzle => shootin' the shit => food & drink => Topic started by: andy_e on February 03, 2011, 05:40:07 pm
-
I have, in the past year or so, began to drink coffee regularly, and so I got a cafetiere at Christmas to take things to the next level. Can anybody recommend any good coffees and any good places that often have offers on coffee? I like it strong so don't give me anything mild. I'm currently on the Hot Lava Java which is like rocket fuel, is there anything similar to try for a change?
-
Hot Lava Java
This sounds good. do you get in from a supermarket? Will have to keep an eye out next time i am in Asda/Sainsburys
-
If it's this (http://www.taylorscoffee.co.uk/lifestyle_hotlavajava.html) then you can get it from most supermarkets.
It's what I'm mainly using in my cafetiere at the moment too.
-
Hot Lava Java
This sounds good. do you get in from a supermarket? Will have to keep an eye out next time i am in Asda/Sainsburys
Yep its a Taylor's of Harrogate coffee widely available. I rate most of their coffee's, although I have had to move on to their 'take it easy' which is half decaf for work, the amount I drink meant that sleep was not happening. Save the properly strong stuff for the weekend, when alcohol will cancel out its affects!
-
I'm struggling to restrain myself here. I'm a complete coffee addict/snob. Big into fine coffee.
If you're interested in trying some really good shit:
www.hasbean.co.uk (http://www.hasbean.co.uk)
Ok, so I can't restrain myself very well, I'll give you some more advice. If you want to improve things
A. Cafetieres are one of the hardest and most limited ways to brew good coffee. Get yourself a single cup (or larger) filter or an aeropress from hasbean or plenty of other places, or for that matter a siphon pot or an espresso machine if you're feeling rich
B. Get a grinder. The only downside of this, is that once you grind your own, you realise how shit and stale all pre-ground coffee is.
There ya go, that's a start, i'll sod off now
:oops:
-
Cheers for the purchasing advice, but funds mean I'll be limited to a cafetiere until I've got a job! Good website though, thanks!
-
Would agree with the Harrogates concensus, was really impressed with this recently: http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/frameset/redirect.jsp;GROSESSIONID=NLhVFGKmKn1CGJ6Xp6VP1hssg2VwLpzGyLxCgVp3zV7LnBpMH50r (http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/groceries/frameset/redirect.jsp;GROSESSIONID=NLhVFGKmKn1CGJ6Xp6VP1hssg2VwLpzGyLxCgVp3zV7LnBpMH50r)!-2041082410?bmForm=deep_link_groceries_search_javascript&bmFormID=1296767509087&bmUID=1296767509087
-
What Sam said - get a grinder.
And then buy some of the excellent stuff from here:
http://www.yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/ (http://www.yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/)
Highly recommend the Cuban Serrano and the excellent Ethopian Harrah.
Supermarket coffee? You'll never look back!
-
I get my coffee from a wee place run a by a family in Perth - awesome wee shop and nice people. Best coffee in Scotland too!
I've got a stove-top espresso which is great for camping and when I run out of beans (Lavazza red is the best of the pre ground stuff). But I mainly use a gaggia espresso machine and a reasonable grinder (would love a better one).
When you say you're using a caffetiere - is it the "pour hot water into a glass jar with a press style"? With those, I can;t say I've ever noticed the difference between fresh ground and pre ground - like others have said, that harrogates stuff is quite decent for that.
I got my dad a Gaggia classic off Ebay a couple of years back and it is noticeable how much better it is than mine - keep meaning to get one...
Mmmmmmm - love my coffee!
-
Farrah's mate! Kendal's Finest! Columbia! Two bags on the way to leeds (£3 a bag)..... you interested?
-
Time to buy a Gaggia classic. The bullet needs to be bitten!
-
Good thread Andi!
I was wondering Tommy, if I order whole bean on the drop down menu - I'm assuming its roasted and ready to grind as I only have a grinder and not my own roasting machine!
Always keen to try some new coffee at home and drink the cheaper stuff in work in the cafetiere :)
-
I can second the aeropress, looks a bit like a penis pump so avoid getting them mixed up.
My main weapon of choice is the stove espresso maker. Cheap, and as Fultonius said, ideal for camping.
With a cafetiere, make sure you put a bit of cold water on the coffee before adding the boiling water to prevent a bitter taste.
-
You're all mad, caffeine is a nasty drug. I'd rather a good dose of acid any day, look what it does to spiders in comparison to other "drugs"....
Normal
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/normal.jpg)
LSD
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/lsd.jpg)
Mescaline/Peyote
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/mescaline.gif)
Marijuana
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/marijuana.jpg)
Speed
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/benzedrine.jpg)
Sleeping Pills
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/chloralhydrat.jpg)
...and the one you're all craving for Caffeine
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/caffine.jpg)
P.S. - I don't drink tea or coffee (but have dabbled with drugs a bit).
-
B. Get a grinder. The only downside of this, is that once you grind your own, you realise how shit and stale all pre-ground coffee is.
You may have just solved my problem of what to spend the £30 John Lewis voucher I have left from Christmas! We drink the preground Illy stuff in a stove top, does grinding your own really make that much difference?
-
Well actually, Illy in a tin is about as good as pre-ground tends to come for freshness, but yes you do notice the difference, and of course you can order yourself a whole range of single-estate beans with much more interesting flavour profiles than any blend allows for.
On the other hand, if I was getting a grinder, I'd generally want to spend more than £30. The exception would be one of these http://www.coffeesmithscollective.co.uk/products-page/coffee-and-tea-making-equipment/hario-slim-coffee-mill/ (http://www.coffeesmithscollective.co.uk/products-page/coffee-and-tea-making-equipment/hario-slim-coffee-mill/) ...but they do require a minute or two of hand grinding. Mine is a portable back-up to my main grinder (a commercial coffee shop jobby).
But I'm being a snob of course, basically you want to get yourself a burr grinder, not a blade grinder*. John lewis do the Krups, which'd do you for 35, or the cuisinart for 50 which'd be a bit better.
*blades scorch coffee, sad times.
-
You may have just solved my problem of what to spend the £30 John Lewis voucher I have left from Christmas! We drink the preground Illy stuff in a stove top, does grinding your own really make that much difference?
Mind you, if you change to any other method of brewing coffee you'll see an even more notable improvement. I honestly sincerely promise you I could get better coffee with an old sock than you can with a stovetop*. Fact. If we ever meet, i'll happily demonstrate. So get a sock, or an aeropress, or a hario plastic filter and some papers, or any bloody filter and papers for that matter, or a swissgold filter, or even a cafetiere if you have to. Or a cloth brewer, or a bloom brewer, or an espresso machine or anything but a fucking ibrik. If you use a stovetop, you should really stop wasting your money on Illy and just put some nescafe in it. At least you can't defile nescafe any more.
*This is because stovetops burn the holy shit out coffee. In comparison, a blade grinder would be cuddly to the poor beans
-
*This is because stovetops burn the holy shit out coffee. In comparison, a blade grinder would be cuddly to the poor beans
I've got a stainless stovetop and I'm happy with it, do they really scorch coffee that badly? The huge machines I see rely on a similar process of forcing steam through the coffee and then condensing?
Illy I find a bit overrated (and not just when drunk at home) the stuff I've currently got; Malongo (purchased in France) is far far better. I drunk tonnes whilst travelling but these days I opt for green tea as espresso just leaves me jittery.
The best Coffee I've ever had was at the Luna hut in Mello where the view is fantastic and the people freindly (although I wouldn't stare too much at the sisters that work there, those ashtrays are homemade by their machete wielding father!)
-
I have my doubts about this and also the blades scorch coffee statement as well but what the fuck do I know? I suspect brewing coffee is the same as audio set ups - you get to to certain point where it is noticeably better and then proceed to chuck lots more money at it for ever diminishing increases.
Even having said all that I really would like a random device that looks like a penis pump and a Gaggia and all that stuff.
-
Good thread Andi!
I was wondering Tommy, if I order whole bean on the drop down menu - I'm assuming its roasted and ready to grind as I only have a grinder and not my own roasting machine!
Aye Mr Crouch, it's roasted and ready to grind - they import the beans themselves and roast onsite at their place. They even post it out to you in funky resealable bags!
Think you can order pre-ground if you want it, but I've got my own grinder so just go for whole bean every time.
-
I've got a stainless stovetop and I'm happy with it, do they really scorch coffee that badly? The huge machines I see rely on a similar process of forcing steam through the coffee and then condensing?
Nope, espresso machines don't use steam (except for frothing milk). Water is pumped through the grounds under high pressure at around 90 degrees C or jusr under. Boiling water burns coffee and makes it cry.
But of course, with supermarket coffee it doesn't matter as much.
Think of it as being like wine. If someone matches a £3 bottle of merlot with a bag of haribo, so what.
If someone matches a £10 chianti with sweets, it's going to ruin a good experience.
Supermarket £2 coffee getting burnt, so what
http://shop.squaremilecoffee.com/products/santa-lucia (http://shop.squaremilecoffee.com/products/santa-lucia) getting burnt, I'll come commit some kind of coffee-based Jihad
-
Java coffee beans from Busters Coffee Co: strong, rich, bold and slightly spicy:
http://www.silverserviceconsultancy.co.uk/Busters/ (http://www.silverserviceconsultancy.co.uk/Busters/)
-
P.S. - I don't drink tea or coffee
There you go, Mr S & S again.
Not drinking them means you are missing out on some of the finer things in life.
-
If you use a stovetop, you should really stop wasting your money on Illy and just put some nescafe in it. At least you can't defile nescafe any more.
*This is because stovetops burn the holy shit out coffee. In comparison, a blade grinder would be cuddly to the poor beans
I love your level of enthusiasm for coffee, it's brightening up my morning. I'm going to get the espresso machine out and do a blind taste comparison between that and the stove top. I like the stove top though because we have a 9 cupper and it makes two perfect mugs of 'blow your cock off' coffee.
-
Not drinking them means you are missing out on some of the finer things in life.
Just the smell makes me (http://www.themixingbowl.org/static/img/smilies/sick.gif)
-
what the fuck do I know? I suspect brewing coffee is the same as audio set ups - you get to to certain point where it is noticeably better and then proceed to chuck lots more money at it for ever diminishing increases.
Even having said all that I really would like a random device that looks like a penis pump and a Gaggia and all that stuff.
Yea, if you get into home espresso it gets stupid. On the other hand if you just want good coffee, getting a basic burr grinder, or even the hand grinder one like i linked above = £30 and you can get a hario cone and papers for about a tenner or a swissgold filter for the same. Aeropress is only £20 odd. These can all do great coffee.
If you wanna make geekily good coffee, you could improve things with a thermometer £4? some scales accurate to a gram, £10 and a timer (£on your phone/watch etc) Still not expensive
If you want good espresso, move to london (actually there's a great place in leeds). If you do want home espresso, like people have said, you can get half decent results from a gaggia classic. The problem with home espresso is generally consistency in temp/pressure, and consistency and uniformity of your grind. Big shop machines are much more stable and consistent. It's crazy how much difference this shit can make. Even brewing at different times of day when voltage is different can make a difference. mental!
-
If you use a stovetop, you should really stop wasting your money on Illy and just put some nescafe in it. At least you can't defile nescafe any more.
*This is because stovetops burn the holy shit out coffee. In comparison, a blade grinder would be cuddly to the poor beans
I love your level of enthusiasm for coffee, it's brightening up my morning. I'm going to get the espresso machine out and do a blind taste comparison between that and the stove top. I like the stove top though because we have a 9 cupper and it makes two perfect mugs of 'blow your cock off' coffee.
Been a while since i did any blind tastings, great fun tho. Incidentally, that stove top coffee will probably send you blind permanently. brilliant.
When i got my last espresso machine, a hand-lever la pavoni, i pulled myself 7 doubles, thought about what i'd just done, went and sat down, and then got a nose bleed. Good times
Very jealous, i can hardly drink black coffee these days cos my stomach is fooked, presumably from abusing alcohol a few years back. I produce days worth of excess acid at the sight of black coffee. Should really see the doctor.
Which brings me to another point, stop putting cow juice and plant sap in your coffee, all of you, now!
:spank:
-
Illy I find a bit overrated (and not just when drunk at home) the stuff I've currently got; Malongo (purchased in France) is far far better.
:agree: I dont know about Malongo but have found Illy to be over-rated both at home and out. I like the sound of grinding my own beans etc but as I can only do it on the weekends, if it is that much better I wont enjoy my cafetiere coffee so much in the week!
-
I beg to differ on the stove top coffee - yes, it's not espresso and never will be, but it's still pretty drinkable (much bette than the flavia machine pish we get at work).
If you pull it off the stove the second you hear the first gurgle of steam coming through and pour it's not burnt or bitter. Do you have a gas or electric cooker? I find it always burns on an electric...
There doesn't seem to be a decent "mid-range" grinder - I've got a Duallit burr grinder which was about £50 when I got it abut has gone up to about £70 now. The next step up is about £150!
-
I beg to differ on the stove top coffee - yes, it's not espresso and never will be, but it's still pretty drinkable (much bette than the flavia machine pish we get at work).
If you pull it off the stove the second you hear the first gurgle of steam coming through and pour it's not burnt or bitter. Do you have a gas or electric cooker? I find it always burns on an electric...
I agree with this too, as long as you take it off the heat as soon as it starts to steam then its fine.
I use the smallest ring on a gas hob.
I also use a blade grinder, but I might look into an alternative - I never realised this was such as issue.
-
...actually there's a great place in leeds...
Do tell??
-
Psychomansam:
I don't mean to be rude :hug: but I am finding your aggressive coffee elitism rather grinding (pun intended). I know that all the information you are doling out is good, but at the same time dictating coffee perfection is kind of insulting. While a rich espresso made to perfection is fantastic, a cafe-au-lait in france is also excellent. Perhaps not in the same league in terms of quality.
I know that there are many unsatisfactory ways of drinking coffee, such as any coffee from any coffee shop in Sheffield (I'm yet to find a good one). But coffee via a cafetiere or a percolator is definitely satisfying. A percolator is also the best way of having coffee at a crag.
For good coffee, try here: http://www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk/)
I particularly rate the espresso lusso, just the smell of it makes me hungry for coffee.
-
The Leeds place is La Bottega Milanese next to aire bar in the calls. Fantastic coffee, small, personal and friendly service and pretty cheap too.
-
I'm currently on the Hot Lava Java which is like rocket fuel, is there anything similar to try for a change?
Just bought bag of this, didn't think it was any stronger than any other coffee i have drunk.
Just ordered a Gaggia Classic though. ;D
-
just thought i'd put in a vote for cafetieres/french presses or whatever. i find them great for making large quantities of black coffee. the biggest improvement in the coffee i have noticed is from using freshly ground coffee, keeping the press very very clean and not using boiling water.
-
...actually there's a great place in leeds...
Do tell??
Ignore rich d :kiss2:
http://www.oppositecafe.co.uk/ (http://www.oppositecafe.co.uk/)
I think their stall has more of a fine coffee bias than their shop which is more studenty, but not actually been in the shop.
Mind you the woman who owns/runs the business is very nice and also gorgeous, so maybe you should go to the shop...
Proper (competition) baristas and proper fine coffee. hasbean and square mile i believe.
http://www.leedsguide.co.uk/review/lightly-grilled/louisa-henry-opposite-cafe/10930 (http://www.leedsguide.co.uk/review/lightly-grilled/louisa-henry-opposite-cafe/10930)
http://www.them-apples.co.uk/2009/12/opposite-coffee-leeds-redux/ (http://www.them-apples.co.uk/2009/12/opposite-coffee-leeds-redux/)
-
Psychomansam:
I don't mean to be rude :hug: but I am finding your aggressive coffee elitism rather grinding (pun intended). I know that all the information you are doling out is good, but at the same time dictating coffee perfection is kind of insulting. While a rich espresso made to perfection is fantastic, a cafe-au-lait in france is also excellent. Perhaps not in the same league in terms of quality.
I know that there are many unsatisfactory ways of drinking coffee, such as any coffee from any coffee shop in Sheffield (I'm yet to find a good one). But coffee via a cafetiere or a percolator is definitely satisfying. A percolator is also the best way of having coffee at a crag.
For good coffee, try here: http://www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.atkinsonsteaandcoffee.co.uk/)
I particularly rate the espresso lusso, just the smell of it makes me hungry for coffee.
Well that's fair enough. Most people feel the same way if people go on about fine wine. They just want a fairly inoffensive/tasty way of getting their alcohol/caffeine kick. That's fine for most people, but i don't think there's any harm in giving out tips to those who might be interested. If you're not interested, that's dandy. It's a passion of mine and a hobby, and maybe i tend to be a bit prescriptive, but so what. Think about 90% of the posts on this forum, they're aimed at peopled obsessed with climbing/bouldering, excellent ethics, and high end performance goals etc etc. To the rest of the world we're all tossers. Trust me, i'm happy to be the tosser with the best coffee. Although, technically, steve is (he's also a hero) http://www.inmymug.com/ (http://www.inmymug.com/)
Sheffield pisses me off too, i love it in most ways, but jesus, the coffee. have considered trying to open a shop but currently decided to choose life instead. There are a couple of half decent options though, will post if i get time later
-
Please do. :goodidea: Would be interested to know. People go on about PJ taste, but tbh I thought it was a bit shit.
I see you are clearly obsessed with coffee, and I wasn't suggesting you are a tosser. The best advice you could offer to us mere coffee mortals would be how to achieve the best results with a meager sum of money. I seriously doubt I will be getting a commercial machine plumbed into my (student) house any time soon.
-
just thought i'd put in a vote for cafetieres/french presses or whatever.
When I'm making large quantities for "long" coffees I just use a filter cup - a plastic enclosure for a paper filter that can be balanced on top of a mug or a jug. Gives a slightly cleaner taste than a french press - which can give nice coffee but can sometimes taste a bit earthy. Easier to clean too.
-
I'm really enjoying filter coffee at present, I got a Krups machine for a tenner on eBay that does filter and espresso, and a Krups burr grinder for 30 quid- no idea if it's a good one or not but beans go in and come out ground! I have no idea how coarse or finely ground the end result should be, and haven't had much joy finding an online idiots guide to coffee.
-
I'm really enjoying filter coffee at present,
haven't had much joy finding an online idiots guide to coffee.
http://www.coffee101.co.uk/ (http://www.coffee101.co.uk/)
As far as fineness of the grind goes, there's some good advice there, but the best thing to do is experiment when you've got a half hour spare. If it goes wrong, in the bin, try again. Coffee is, compared to most addictions, pretty cheap (as long as you make it yourself)
filter = cheap and great. Try getting yourself a swissgold filter from ebay, probably about 15quid. See how that affects things. or if you're using a plastic filter, try paper instead
-
Psychomansam:
Wow man, and I thought I was into Coffee! As luck would have it I'm currently writing a lifestyle piece for Climber on Crag Coffee: just wondering would it be ok for me to include some of the links you've mentioned on here in that feature? I’m also trying to get a few climbing + coffee stories to brighten it up, so if anybody has any interesting tales I’d love to here them :thumbsup:
Cheers!
Jamie
-
Go for it.
Can't say I really have any coffee&crag stories. I normally drink mine beforehand, or more often from a mug while driving down b roads at 70mph to the crag. Very sensible i know
-
Thanks :)
-
As a follow up.
I purchased an aeropress out of curiosity and weas rewarded with an amazing Double espresso and americano experience.
Far better than from the caffetiere and using the exact same bog standard lavazza!
Looking forward to testing out the several flavas of bean purchased from has bean when I get back from a trip away this weekend!
-
Glad to hear that, good stuff!
The aeropress is quite forgiving, but even so, be prepared to experiment and be a little patient with it.
Try any quantity of water/grounds you like, don't worry about the guidelines. And you can even try brewing upside down - screwing the bottom on last - if you like
p.s. If you have any friends leaving europe, try to get them to bring you back some cheap vallium.
-
As a follow up.
I purchased an aeropress out of curiosity and weas rewarded with an amazing Double espresso and americano experience.
Far better than from the caffetiere and using the exact same bog standard lavazza!
Looking forward to testing out the several flavas of bean purchased from has bean when I get back from a trip away this weekend!
I really rate my aeropress - I've previously not had the best out of mine by using quite coarse coffee in it that we had for the cafetiere - I reckon it needs a fine grind to allow the slow speed of press people seem to recommend on the 'net - i.e they say sit for 30 secs, upside etc etc. but it starts dripping through the paper as soon as I was adding the water with the coarse ground stuff, so now I have a grinder I'll try again.
-
As a follow up.
I purchased an aeropress out of curiosity and weas rewarded with an amazing Double espresso and americano experience.
Far better than from the caffetiere and using the exact same bog standard lavazza!
Looking forward to testing out the several flavas of bean purchased from has bean when I get back from a trip away this weekend!
I really rate my aeropress - I've previously not had the best out of mine by using quite coarse coffee in it that we had for the cafetiere - I reckon it needs a fine grind to allow the slow speed of press people seem to recommend on the 'net - i.e they say sit for 30 secs, upside etc etc. but it starts dripping through the paper as soon as I was adding the water with the coarse ground stuff, so now I have a grinder I'll try again.
You're right in that it tends to work better with a finer grind, but if it helps, try the inverted method. Stick the pump slightly in, turn it upside down on the kitchen surface, put in coffee, then water, then scew the 'bottom' on, leave for a couple mins, turn right way up onto a mug.
Youtube has vids
-
You're right in that it tends to work better with a finer grind, but if it helps, try the inverted method. Stick the pump slightly in, turn it upside down on the kitchen surface, put in coffee, then water, then scew the 'bottom' on, leave for a couple mins, turn right way up onto a mug.
Youtube has vids
:goodidea:
I did try that - didn't put the pump in far enough though so ended up with hot hands, legs and feet, a filthy kitchen and wasted coffee!
Bit further next time....
-
Also inspired by this thread, I'm getting a Chemex in few weeks (birthday). I'll report back with the results.
-
Also, also inspired by this thread!
I have used a stove top pot for a year or so which goes everywhere with me including camping etc.
I have ordered a Hario hand mill (arrived) and then an AeroPress and SwissGold single cup permanent filter (which should hopefully arrive today) so as soon as they arrive I will be experimenting plenty and then will report back!!
(P.S. I do like my gadgets (gimmicks as the missus calls them) and will hopefully have a fab coffee set-up for relatively little €'s!)
-
I've got to admit - I'd never heard of an Aeropress. :oops:
But you know what - they look great, I'm going to have to get me one of those for the office! I will be ridiculed, but I don't care...
-
I know that there are many unsatisfactory ways of drinking coffee, such as any coffee from any coffee shop in Sheffield (I'm yet to find a good one).
Bragazzi, Abbeydale rd?
-
I know that there are many unsatisfactory ways of drinking coffee, such as any coffee from any coffee shop in Sheffield (I'm yet to find a good one).
Bragazzi, Abbeydale rd?
The best coffee in Sheffield by a country mile is Remo's in Broomhill. If he's not happy with what his machine produces he'll chuck it and start again. Having spent time in Italy this is the only place in the UK that produces a coffee that can compare with the Italians.
The food is pretty good as well - Mr Marco : Father of the owner of Marco's of Milano produces a daily special.
Bragazzi's is pretty good - but still disappoints.
I tend to drink most of my coffee at home:
We've got one of these beasts:
http://www.fiorenzato.co.uk/bricoletta_espresso.html (http://www.fiorenzato.co.uk/bricoletta_espresso.html)
-
I've got to admit - I'd never heard of an Aeropress. :oops:
But you know what - they look great, I'm going to have to get me one of those for the office! I will be ridiculed, but I don't care...
i've used one for a few years, and rate it. It seems to be more effective at extracting a subtle range of flavour, and avoiding the burnt / messy aftertaste you can get with stovetop or cafetiere.
I reckon you can get decent coffee out of a stovetop, if you pour out the first 2/3 - 3/4 of what comes out, as it trickles through, and keep it on a very low heat. It has to be said this is a bit of a chore though.
-
I'm wondering if you get a better coffee from a Pavoni hand pump machine or a gaggie classic - both similar price 2md hand.
Any thoughts?
I'm thinking I could get one of those 2 for my flat and donate my old gaggia espresso to the department at work!.
-
I'm wondering if you get a better coffee from a Pavoni hand pump machine or a gaggie classic - both similar price 2md hand.
Any thoughts?
I'm thinking I could get one of those 2 for my flat and donate my old gaggia espresso to the department at work!.
I've not owned a gaggica classic, but they are supposed to be half decent, especially if you 'pimp' them with some modifications.
I have owned a europicolla, great fun, loved it. If you want consistent coffee, don't buy one. One of these is best seen as a hobby, not as your main way of making coffee. Amazing experience, and i'll get another lever machine at some point i'm sure, but consistency is difficult on high-end lever machines, let alone these. Great fun if you have time and patience.
-
The best coffee in Sheffield by a country mile is Remo's in Broomhill. If he's not happy with what his machine produces he'll chuck it and start again. Having spent time in Italy this is the only place in the UK that produces a coffee that can compare with the Italians.
We've got one of these beasts:
http://www.fiorenzato.co.uk/bricoletta_espresso.html (http://www.fiorenzato.co.uk/bricoletta_espresso.html)
Nice machine - very jealous, can't wait til i'm settled somewhere again. Where do you get your coffee?
Can point you to a lot of coffee places in London where you'll get far better coffee than in Remo's, or for that matter Italy (in my opinion of course). I mentioned a placed in Leeds. There's a few others dotted around north of london, including this nice one in manchester. Someone should go see what you think ... any takers?
http://northteapower.co.uk/ (http://northteapower.co.uk/)
They specialise in tea, but do a very good coffee these days too. Try their capp or espresso
-
The king is dead, long live THE KING! :bow:
I was in Edinburgh last weekend and stopped by Artisan Roast for a quick shot of espresso. Oh My Gaskins, that was, by far, the best espresso I've ever had!
Apparently they have an espresso bar on Gibson Street in Glasogw; I'm going to check it out tomorrow. They also roast beans on the premesis, so that might give me another option than ordering from Perth.
The shots I pull at home are roughly comparable to Glasgow's best potentially second best coffee emporium - Tinderbox, if not quite as good. Definitely better than all the chains.
Artisan Roast is another league altogether! :coffee:
-
I think some of you should volunteer to help with the fine scale mapping of these gene regions...
Cornelis et al. (2011) Genome-Wide Meta-Analysis Identifies Regions on 7p21 (AHR) and 15q24 (CYP1A2) As Determinants of Habitual Caffeine Consumption PLoS Genetics 7:e1002033 (http://www.plosgenetics.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pgen.1002033)
:geek:
-
just bought one of these:
(http://www.gimmecoffee.com/galleries/img/Chemex_7.jpg)
It's very beautiful, and makes lovely coffee too.
-
I like! :coffee:
What, exactly, is it?
-
Sorry, got distracted when writing that and just hit post. It's one of these
http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/ (http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/)
CM-8 size.
Not sure if how good the taste is is mostly down to the filter papers (got a load of the chemex ones at the same time), or more that I've not had a filter at home for ages. Got this in frustration at shit cafetiere coffee - the aeropress looked good too, but seemed too much of a faff for one cup at a time, and besides, I'm no connoisseur really, just intolerant of bad coffee...
-
Oh, and 8 cup means 4-5 real size cups, they size them based on a 150ml cup ::)
-
the aeropress looked good too, but seemed too much of a faff for one cup at a time
I love mine, it's brilliant. Quicker than a chemex for a single cup and makes very tasty coffee.
-
Sorry, that was badly phrased. I meant the aeropress seemed too much faff if you want to make more than one cup... Still want one though, they do look good.
(though not as good as this)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/396826_333679159983150_1362098722_n.jpg)
Also, with Dylan and Ginsberg:
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/401470_319902991360767_565584632_n.jpg)
Right, I'll stop now.
-
So, question for sam and other knowledgable types..
My enthusiasm in the last 24 hrs, as well as making my digestive system go a bit weird, has made me realise that the old grinder I liberated from my parents years ago has reached the end of it's useful life. How does this (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/Porlex-Ceramic-Burr-Coffee-Grinder.html) strike you as a replacement? I know nothing, but it seems a reasonable price, and is burr rather than blade?
-
Burr is (a helluvalot) better than blade as far as grinding coffee goes.
I never used a hand grinder; though the places I go to drink coffee all seem to sell this Hario (http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/hario-skerton-coffee-mill/p441) as the recommended option.
I never heard anything about the Porlex - email Steve at hasbean - he is always super helpful.
Next step up would be an electric burr grinder but I never saw a worthwhile one for less than about £70 so it is a step up pricewise.
I heard it takes a little while to grind enough beans for one dose with a hand grinder, so might turn making coffee for 3 people into a proper workout...
-
I've got the small porlex hand grinder and it is fine, it probably takes maybe a minute or so to grind 17g~ of beans. Ged had the larger one while we were away so you could grind enough for 2 and it seemed to grind a bit faster than mine. You get a fierce pump in the grip hand but if you switch over halfway it isn't too bad ;)
I guess it is a bit more portable than the 2nd one you linked to as well.
-
Not as interesting as the machines above... but last year three of us at work clubbed together and got one of these on Ebay or £130 refurbed (c.£1k new at the time). Its dog ugly and huge, but makes a good cup and has worked perfectly for the last year with no maintenence.. it gets about 1kg of coffee beans put through it a week so its saved us a fortune that would have gone to Costa (etc..)...
(http://ec1.images-amazon.com/images/I/41QP3P2ET4L.jpg)
-
Def go for either a porlex or hario. Two types of each here: http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/espresso-and-coffee-grinders/c9 (http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/espresso-and-coffee-grinders/c9)
Have you got an aeropress? If not, get one! (sorry, too lazy to read back)
I love filter and think it's massively under-rated. Chemex is a design classic, and if you watch "Take this Waltz", keep your eyes open...
-
This topic has inspired me to take the plunge (ho ho!) and order an Aeropress.
Any idea if a cheap electric grinder like this one (http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-KG79-Professional-Burr-Grinder/dp/B002OHDBQC/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1I8HS7PSGU9P7&coliid=I15OBBFWXYPXMF) is any good? If not, how long does it take to grind enough beans for a few coffees with something like the hand-grinders in the above post?
-
If you're making 2 coffees at a time, def go with a hand grinder. A minute maybe? It depends how fast you grind, but as a climber you shouldn't really have an issue!
More coffees than that, you could consider something else. I don't know that particular grinder, but as a rule, cheaper burr grinders will:
Be less adjustable and not so good at finer grind settings (so not great for espresso coffees)
Go blunt quicker
Produce more dust/fines (which quickly become over-extracted and make your coffee bitter and muddy)
Be less consistent
Be more prone to break / not last as long.
That said, for making paper-filtered coffees (including aeropress), the above issues aren't such a problem, and I wouldn't advise against it. I wouldn't personally use it for cafetiere or espresso though
-
Thanks for the advice :thumbsup:
I've taken the risk and ordered that leccy grinder on the basis that you said that for an Aeropress it's not an issue, the many good reviews and the fact that speed is important as I want to kick instant coffee out of my life and my mornings are always rather hectic!
Will probably get a hand grinder down the line for camping/work use/etc anyway...
-
While we are on the subject of coffe, can you get withdrawal symptoms from caffieine? I've gone twice recently without my usual morning fix of one very strong cup (the onyl one I have in the day) and about 2 1/2 days later I get the most horrible splitting headache, which goes away after another strong cup.
Coincidence or a possible link?
-
Yes! very much so.
In fact, the receptors that react to coffee very quickly get used to the amount that you regularly drink and this becomes the new "baseline".
Regular drinkers will notice that rather than coffee giving them a "buzz" or any real stimulation, they just won't feel "right" until they've had a coffee.
If you want to cut down or cut out coffee you will have top endure the withdrawal symptoms for a few days. I get them whenever I come back form offshore as I drink about 5 x as much coffee every day out there!
-
I'll second the above.
I've mainly managed to avoid these problems despite high caffeine intake levels by being intentionally non-routine in the way I drink tea/coffee. Sometimes I purposefully have no caffeine for a day or two (decaf ahoy) and the rest of the time, I just have no routine with when I have caffeine and mix it up with random decaf.
-
It's been suggested that much of the coffee "kick" isn't due to the caffeine's stimulant effects - it's that you're mitigating the lethargy and irritation of withdrawal. Still, it's only a problem if you run out.
I also recall hearing about a study where students were put on regimes of either coffee or milk and asked about their alertness. Most of those on coffee spoke about "the buzz" and wakefulness. Most of those on milk spoke about restfulness and being able to get a good nights sleep.... but half the coffee drinkers had been given de-caff... and half the milk drinkers were on milk laced with caffeine.
-
Hmm. If ever I do feel the need to give up I think I will try to taper off rather than go cold turkey. Can you get caffeine patches?
-
You're all mad, caffeine is a nasty drug. I'd rather a good dose of acid any day, look what it does to spiders in comparison to other "drugs"....
Normal
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/normal.jpg)
LSD
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/lsd.jpg)
Mescaline/Peyote
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/mescaline.gif)
Marijuana
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/marijuana.jpg)
Speed
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/benzedrine.jpg)
Sleeping Pills
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/chloralhydrat.jpg)
...and the one you're all craving for Caffeine
(http://www.trinity.edu/jdunn/images/SpiderWebs/caffine.jpg)
P.S. - I don't drink tea or coffee (but have dabbled with drugs a bit).
Tthat's cool you've got these images - they were published on the cover of the Independent in 1995 and as they say, a picture's worth a thousand island dressing. Or something. Have a wad for your archiving skills. (the sleeping pills were chloral hydrate btw)
-
Been really enjoying the Aeropress and haven't had a cup of instant since it arrived - finding upside down method most controllable but it's fun to experiment with methods / timings and see what works.
I ordered a selection pack from The York Coffee Emporium all of which has been first rate but since the whole mail-order thing is a bit of a pain not to mention the cost of postage - was wondering if there's anywhere in Sheffield that roasts their own beans for sale? Pollards used to but have gone wholesale only - is there anywhere else local or am I stuck with mail order?
-
Pollards have re-opened on ecclesall road - not been in the new place, but they may be worth a try?
-
Ah good, didn't realise that, I'll take a look - whereabouts on Eccy Road?
-
Hunters bar roundabout end near the Thai restaurants.
-
Cheers, still got some York Emporium baggies to get through but will go down and have a look next week sometime...
-
Tthat's cool you've got these images - they were published on the cover of the Independent in 1995 and as they say, a picture's worth a thousand island dressing. Or something. Have a wad for your archiving skills. (the sleeping pills were chloral hydrate btw)
Apparently the quantities given to the spiders were enormous; enough to have resulted in overdose if given to a human proportionately.
-
AeroPress “Ritual” on Vimeo (http://vimeo.com/40980282)
-
If anyone NW based hasn't yet stumbled across them Atkinsons of Lancaster is the bloody business ... http://www.thecoffeehopper.com/page/95/atkinsons.htm (http://www.thecoffeehopper.com/page/95/atkinsons.htm)
-
https://vimeo.com/40980282
there's someone who's been watching a bit too much Breaking Bad - this "POV" montage is fantastic:
https://vimeo.com/34773713
-
With all this talk about the Aeropress, on the other thread,and here, it got me thinking, is there a decent coffee shop in Sheffield? York's Coffee Emporium sounds good, but is there somewhere in Shefside? Pollards sound a bit too wholesale.
-
Anyone got any recommendations for decent coffee in Nottingham for the espresso at home?
-
With all this talk about the Aeropress, on the other thread,and here, it got me thinking, is there a decent coffee shop in Sheffield? York's Coffee Emporium sounds good, but is there somewhere in Shefside? Pollards sound a bit too wholesale.
As in for beans? Bragazzi on Abbeydale does a bloody good coffee... but don't know if they sell any raw product
I am pretty sure I have got some good beans from Northern Tea Merchant in Chesterfield (although they are obviously more tea-orientated). Don't know other than that though... I'd like to know too!
-
Beans yes (preferably roasted for me), but also the tools of the trade. Maybe an Aeropress stockist?
-
If anyone NW based hasn't yet stumbled across them Atkinsons of Lancaster is the bloody business ... http://www.thecoffeehopper.com/page/95/atkinsons.htm (http://www.thecoffeehopper.com/page/95/atkinsons.htm)
:agree:
Best coffee shop I have ever been in. They also have a cafe called "the music room". They know their shit.
-
As I'm sure most Merseyside residents know already, this place is really good.
http://www.boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.boldstreetcoffee.co.uk/)
Also sold at the Hangar, I believe?
-
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/ (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/)
or if you're feeling rich: http://shop.squaremilecoffee.com/ (http://shop.squaremilecoffee.com/) (their bags are 350g, still expensive, but prob the best espresso roaster in the country, now stocked in most decent indie coffee shops in london)
-
Just got a leaflet for this Sheffield place through the door - Can't find an address so not sure if there's a retail outlet - anyone tried it?
http://www.foundrycoffeeroasters.com/ (http://www.foundrycoffeeroasters.com/)
-
1. Do they actually roast the bean
2. The webshop doesn't work
3. Do they roast the fuckin bean?
-
1. Do they actually roast the bean
2. The webshop doesn't work
3. Do they roast the fuckin bean?
According to their website:
30th November – We’re doubing our efforts. From mid-December we’ll be roasting on two days each week.
That would appear to answer questions 1 & 3 then.... ;)
Oh and the shop does seem to work for me at least - £9.99 for 350g of Espresso means I haven't tested it for the actual purchasing of goods though! :o Makes me wonder if it comes with a nice man who is going to make the coffee for me!
-
Yeah, it does seem a bit steep.
I'm all for supporting a local business but when York Coffee Emporium (http://yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/) are offering 500g for the same money it makes me think twice.
-
4. Do they tell you when they roasted the bean?
This is one of the main differences between the real deal, such as those i linked above, and those who are just half decent*.
Roasted coffee is fresh food. It should be eaten within a maximum of about 2.5 weeks. Most coffee peaks at around a week (or a few days either side). This means that to get the best out of your coffee you should be buying it within 5 days of roasting.
Most supply chains for coffee, both for retail and coffee shops, simply don't allow for that. Making allowances for it increases cost. Thus the guys I linked above are quite expensive - compared to providers of stale coffee that is. Funnily enough, stale bread, sour milk and rotten fruit is comparatively cheap too. Work out the cost per mug though. Great coffee at home costs about 10% of the cost of mediocre coffee from *$'s
*Other things include individual observational testing of each roast, willingness to bin bad batches, artisan skills at roasting - a process which might take 17 mins, 20 secs where 30 secs either way or 5 degrees either way would ruin the roast! Another good thing to check is how the roaster feels about selling ground beans - the equivalent of selling pre-peeled apples.
-
Funny that this thread should appear in the most recent unread list!
I have just finished my first cup of Villa Esperanza from ManCoCo. Sublime! (No idea if they pass Sam's slightly higherthan average demands on coffee roasters....)
The beans were part of my birthday present, along with a hario slim ceramic hand grinder. Coffee made in an Aeropress.
I shall be sampling some of their other coffees now......
-
Recently upgraded to a kalita ceramic wave pour through and the subtlety of flavours you can get (by playing with the % of grind to water) is definitely an improvement on the aeropress which gives a nice but fairly standard taste no matter which bean I have used.
I had an amazing batch recently of a limited edition yoyo blend off hasbean but its sadly sold out now!
-
Good coffee is hard to come by out here in France. It's one thing I really miss about living in Glasgow - I knew of 2 good roasters that would pass Sam's test (although, once I did have to point out to one that the bag of "fresh coffee" he was trying to sell me had a "roasted on" date of around 2 weeks prior... put me off for a while but they do pull a damn good espresso (Artisan Roast, Glasgow)
I would always grab a bag from "The Bean Shop" whenever up at my parents in Perth. They roast on the premises and their espresso blend is very, very consistent.
Out here, I've not had one proper espresso. You can get good coffees in Italy (duh!) but 20km in Chamonix it's pretty much all shit. Can;t really get decent beans. There's a big chain, "Folliet" but it's centrally roasted and not very consistent. The local italian Deli "sells" Illy for €13 a can and looked very blanc when went in the other day looking for Borlotti and Canellini beans (pulses, not coffee...) clue less!
-
France is absolutely shocking - you'd probably have to import it!
-
In case it's not yet widely known, you now have a really excellent coffee shop in Sheffield: Tamper (http://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
I know bragazzis is pretty decent, but Tamper takes it to the next level. Almost up to the standards we're used to in Leeds thanks to these guys (http://www.laynesespresso.co.uk/) ;D
-
What happened to the other place in leeds - they still there? They had a place by the uni and an indoor booth in the centre somewhere, which i visited repeatedly. Also once went to leeds just to see them do their thing at a food show, and was equally impressed by the coffee and the hot boss :spank:
-
Has anyone got any recommendations for a good cup of coffee in central Bristol? Got a series of meetings on Tuesday and need an alternative to shitbucks or cunta coffee.
-
In case it's not yet widely known, you now have a really excellent coffee shop in Sheffield: Tamper (http://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
I know bragazzis is pretty decent, but Tamper takes it to the next level. Almost up to the standards we're used to in Leeds thanks to these guys (http://www.laynesespresso.co.uk/) ;D
Layne's serves a good brew but it is very pretentious. Even for a coffee shop! Can anyone seriously be comfortable on those benches?! I had a trippy experience in there when I ordered a pot of coffee for two, having been assured that my friend who I was meeting was "just around the corner". By the time he got there the pot was gone and I was somewhat 'animated'. Heaven knows how I sat still on the train home.
-
Proving the point that, if we're all honest, it's just nice tasting speed.
-
Tamper looks interesting, near my office and I much prefer a 'poured over' to an espresso any day. My ebay bargain £10 Krups machine is still the best coffee I've ever had and the espresso bit of it is permanently crusted up due to lack of use
-
Has anyone got any recommendations for a good cup of coffee in central Bristol? Got a series of meetings on Tuesday and need an alternative to shitbucks or cunta coffee.
The word on the street: https://twodaycoffee.co.uk/ (https://twodaycoffee.co.uk/)
http://www.fcpcoffee.com/contact.php (http://www.fcpcoffee.com/contact.php)
or perhaps the less coffee-focussed http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/ (http://www.bostonteaparty.co.uk/)
-
Two-day is good, I get beans there. Bit up the hill though. Not been to the other one.
-
Cheers guys, I'll report back.
-
For a meeting Boston tea party is best bet up Park St. Although that other place looks good. I've never been though...
There is a place at the bottom of St Michele Hill which I've has recommended it just says 'Cafe' in big letters in the window. Don't know the name, they do a good flat white apparantly.
-
Waiting in the bunker since 07:30 for a delivery (we don't open till 12).
Problem is, I put the coffee machine on when I arrived...
Now shaking badly and grinding my teeth...
The Rombouts "Supremo" blend is quite good. I've crunched a few beans at random. No hollow beans, evenly roasted. Tasty, not bitter.
-
https://vimeo.com/67890000
Good watch for interested folk!
-
I am one of those interested folk...
That was great. Arabica plant was a one off, never knew that.
-
Does anyone like chocolate covered coffee beans? I used to keep them in the car as a "pick me up" snack while driving, but left half a bag that melted into one big lump and haven't bothered since.
-
I ruddy love 'em. Seem a pain to get hold of though unfortunately (at least this limits my consumption of them somewhat).
I recently found a 250g bag in Lidl for £1.49 though. Good times.
-
Yeah there aren't many places that stock them. Will give LIDL a shot. A few places online sell them.
Anyone tried butter in their coffee??
http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/ (http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/)
-
Does anyone like chocolate covered coffee beans?
Dangerous little buggers. I used to buy them at Whittards on Deansgate when I lived in Manchester.
-
+1 for chocolate-coated beans. I usually save them for extreme circumstances. When I've been working all night, the sun's up and the cafes are finally opening I'll get a double espresso and a bag of beans to see me through.
Does anyone roast their own beans? Is this something that can be done well at home or is there no hope of ever matching the results a professional roaster would get?
-
Yeah there aren't many places that stock them. Will give LIDL a shot. A few places online sell them.
Anyone tried butter in their coffee??
http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/ (http://www.bulletproofexec.com/how-to-make-your-coffee-bulletproof-and-your-morning-too/)
I have, but a good few years ago in the early 90s and only to blend an other ingredient. Tasted like crap, but did the job and worked faster than smoking it. ;)
-
Does anyone like chocolate covered coffee beans?
Dangerous little buggers. I used to buy them at Whittards on Deansgate when I lived in Manchester.
Whittards is probably where I last got some before the aberdeen branch closed
-
In case it's not yet widely known, you now have a really excellent coffee shop in Sheffield: Tamper (http://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
I know bragazzis is pretty decent, but Tamper takes it to the next level.
Went to Tamper today; superb.
-
In case it's not yet widely known, you now have a really excellent coffee shop in Sheffield: Tamper (http://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
I know bragazzis is pretty decent, but Tamper takes it to the next level.
Went to Tamper today; superb.
finally some decent coffee in Sheffield. Really good. Apparently they are opening another cafe somewhere else in Sheff too.
-
In case it's not yet widely known, you now have a really excellent coffee shop in Sheffield: Tamper (http://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
I know bragazzis is pretty decent, but Tamper takes it to the next level.
Went to Tamper today; superb.
finally some decent coffee in Sheffield. Really good. Apparently they are opening another cafe somewhere else in Sheff too.
Excellent, when & where?
-
Not sure if its come up before, but I've been looking for a decent manual grinder for a while and just ordered one of these...
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/v5.production.assets.fivesenses.com.au/products/398/logo/main/PorlexMiniGrinder_400.jpg?1375081383)
http://www.baristalab.com/porlex-mini-stainless-steel-coffee-grinder.html (http://www.baristalab.com/porlex-mini-stainless-steel-coffee-grinder.html)
Apparently its small enough to fit inside an aeropress, so good for travelling. Quite excited.
-
had the same one for a couple of years now, they are great and it's easy to adjust the size of the grind :)
-
+2 for Tamper.
Great coffee, nice place. REALLY good beans on toast. Killer flapjacks.
-
+3 for Tamper. Went to the newer place on Arundel Street for brunch, really good.
-
So, one for the knowledgeable coffee folk out there...
I need to get my missus a present soon. She drinks a fair bit of coffee (/has a full blown caffeine addiction :) ). I drink some coffee, although nowhere near as much. So I thought a nice surprise might be something to improve the coffee experience.
We currently have one of those metal stove top expresso makers, which gets used with the packet ground coffee from the supermarket, usually the Taylor's stuff or something like that. We had a cafetiere which I broke a little while ago, which mainly got used to do longer coffees when we had groups of friends over.
So, what to get? I am going to replace the cafetiere anyway I think, since its better than the stove top for larger amounts of coffee...
So aside from that (or instead if there's a way better option?) what would you get if you had say £10, £50 or £100 to spend on improving the coffee experience detailed above? (Unsure on whether its the only part of the present or just a component, hence the wide price range!). Very much looking at what gets best bang per buck rather than aiming for absolute perfection!
- I figure £10 there's not much, spread it out over a few packs of better coffee or something?
- £50 a hand grinder (probably want hand rather than electric so it can be taken in the van) so we can use beans rather than pre-ground?
- Heard a lot of mentions of aeropresses - worth upgrading from the stove top if the budget is bigger? Doesn't look like it has the volume to be a cafetiere replacement (is that right - a couple of expresso cups worth, similar to a medium size stove top?) though so would probably still want to get one of those as well.
-
Aeropress - essentially makes a "nearly" espresso - but for larger groups, you can make about 6 cups worth, decant into a pot and add more water (bascially a jug of Americano). I generally do this insted of using my cafetiere as the coffee just tastes nicer IMHO.
I've got a DeLonghi grinder (about £30?) which is pretty useful. Hand-grinders are good, but can be a bit of a faff first thing in the morning. If going electric, make sure it's a burr grinder, not a bladed one. You can pay quite a bit for a wide range of stuff.
Other options are one-off/subscriptions to something like hasbean.co.uk and get a load of specialist coffee.
-
So, one for the knowledgeable coffee folk out there...
I need to get my missus a present soon. She drinks a fair bit of coffee (/has a full blown caffeine addiction :) ). I drink some coffee, although nowhere near as much. So I thought a nice surprise might be something to improve the coffee experience.
We currently have one of those metal stove top expresso makers, which gets used with the packet ground coffee from the supermarket, usually the Taylor's stuff or something like that. We had a cafetiere which I broke a little while ago, which mainly got used to do longer coffees when we had groups of friends over.
So, what to get? I am going to replace the cafetiere anyway I think, since its better than the stove top for larger amounts of coffee...
So aside from that (or instead if there's a way better option?) what would you get if you had say £10, £50 or £100 to spend on improving the coffee experience detailed above? (Unsure on whether its the only part of the present or just a component, hence the wide price range!). Very much looking at what gets best bang per buck rather than aiming for absolute perfection!
- I figure £10 there's not much, spread it out over a few packs of better coffee or something?
- £50 a hand grinder (probably want hand rather than electric so it can be taken in the van) so we can use beans rather than pre-ground?
- Heard a lot of mentions of aeropresses - worth upgrading from the stove top if the budget is bigger? Doesn't look like it has the volume to be a cafetiere replacement (is that right - a couple of expresso cups worth, similar to a medium size stove top?) though so would probably still want to get one of those as well.
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/aerobie-aeropress (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/products/aerobie-aeropress)
get one of these and a grinder
http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/porlex-tall-hand-grinder (http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/porlex-tall-hand-grinder)
then get some nice beans, read descriptions and decide which you like the sound of, if you don't go for something totally weird you won't be disappointed - http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/america?page=2 (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/america?page=2)
-
Aeropress - essentially makes a "nearly" espresso - but for larger groups, you can make about 6 cups worth, decant into a pot and add more water (bascially a jug of Americano). I generally do this insted of using my cafetiere as the coffee just tastes nicer IMHO.
Ok, sounds good, so if I put the budget for a replacement cafetiere towards an aeropress and some sort of coffee pot that gives me the best of both worlds...
I've got a DeLonghi grinder (about £30?) which is pretty useful. Hand-grinders are good, but can be a bit of a faff first thing in the morning. If going electric, make sure it's a burr grinder, not a bladed one. You can pay quite a bit for a wide range of stuff.
I'd seen the burr being the recommended way before. We are spending most of next year in a van so its either got to be hand powered, battery powered or run off 12V!
Benpritch - cheers! Looks like a good set of kit.
Incidentally, I know the instructions on the ground coffee packs say to store in the fridge (which to be honest probaby isnt that likely given the size of the fridge in the van) use within 2 weeks of opening - are beans longer lasting or more perishable? We tend to go through a few big tablespoons of the ground stuff a day, basically a stove top load or two, just curious as to how beans would stack up on longevity...
-
With beans i think using them a week after they are roasted for three weeks is about right. keep them sealed in a cool place.
Coffee oxidises as soon as it is ground so essentially pre ground is already off so it doesn't matter where you keep it.
-
With beans i think using them a week after they are roasted for three weeks is about right. keep them sealed in a cool place.
Coffee oxidises as soon as it is ground so essentially pre ground is already off so it doesn't matter where you keep it.
Ok cheers!
-
battery powered or run off 12V!
Or you could use an inverter - something like this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/inverter-Converter-Automotive-Powersource-MRI2013U/dp/B00ALRM4RY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379343315&sr=8-2&keywords=12v+inverter). Handy to have in a van so you can run a laptop, etc. Just be careful the 12v supply is up to it.
-
Or you could use an inverter - something like this (http://www.amazon.co.uk/inverter-Converter-Automotive-Powersource-MRI2013U/dp/B00ALRM4RY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1379343315&sr=8-2&keywords=12v+inverter). Handy to have in a van so you can run a laptop, etc. Just be careful the 12v supply is up to it.
We thought about an inverter but we figured everything we might want would need a subsequent transform anyway so might as well just go from 12v to the voltage we actually need rather than putting an extra step to 240v in the middle. Anyway, what's done is done now...
-
+1 for Aeropress. Haven't used the stove top since I got mine. Better coffee and less mess/faff.
-
I am feeling such a n00b with a stove-top pot and pre-ground beans :( Gotta get an aeropress and grinder then :coffee:
-
I am feeling such a n00b with a stove-top pot and pre-ground beans :( Gotta get an aeropress and grinder then :coffee:
Not to mention a palm civet. De rigeur among the Sheffield coffee set, don't you know...
For coffee at home I have a Krups Burr Grinder (£40) and Kenwood filter machine (£70) which gives good daily coffee with very little effort. For camping pre-ground and a cafetiere/camping mug combo gives acceptable results (for me, may fall woefully short on others standards) without faff.
-
I am feeling such a n00b with a stove-top pot and pre-ground beans :( Gotta get an aeropress and grinder then :coffee:
+1 on that
-
Wasn't there a Panorama or some-such recently showing how un-humane the civet coffee was?
Kind of like battery chickens but possibly more fragrant.
-
I bought a Hario plastic filter cone a few weeks ago, despite having difficulty believing that a filter cone with a huge hole in the bottom would do anything other than let the water gush straight through, barely touching the coffee.
To my surprise it works really well and produces coffee that I find milder and more pleasant than aeropress output. The - very Japanese - pouring ritual is a bit of a faff though.
-
I am feeling such a n00b with a stove-top pot and pre-ground beans :( Gotta get an aeropress and grinder then :coffee:
Not to mention a palm civet. De rigeur among the Sheffield coffee set, don't you know...
For coffee at home I have a Krups Burr Grinder (£40) and Kenwood filter machine (£70) which gives good daily coffee with very little effort. For camping pre-ground and a cafetiere/camping mug combo gives acceptable results (for me, may fall woefully short on others standards) without faff.
Dear Chris J, why bother going on a coffee geeks thread just to be sneery about the level of geekery? Start your own thread maybe? Call it "acceptable coffee without any faff" or something?
-
Wasn't there a Panorama or some-such recently showing how un-humane the civet coffee was?
Kind of like battery chickens but possibly more fragrant.
Read this (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/sep/13/civet-coffee-cut-the-crap) recently. Interesting to read the person responsible reflecting on what's happened since.
Back to Tamper, has anyone tried their beans at home?
-
So, one for the knowledgeable coffee folk out there...
I need to get my missus a present soon. She drinks a fair bit of coffee (/has a full blown caffeine addiction :) ). I drink some coffee, although nowhere near as much. So I thought a nice surprise might be something to improve the coffee experience.
.....
Just a quick one to say thanks for all the helpful responses, the aeropress got its first (couple of) brews yesterday and the grinder got christened with some beans today.
Good coffee and good brownie points earns too!
Cheers :dance1:
-
Can anyone recommend a decent decaff coffee? I've been off caffeine for a couple of months now and am really struggling to find something I like. I tried the only decaff beans that http://www.hasbean.co.uk/ (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/) do and I wasn't too keen. Generally, when I have a decaff coffee 'out' it always seems pretty good.
-
My dad seems to like the beans from Beanshop.co.uk. Not tried them myself. Nice folks that run the place though so give it a shot but if it's crap I'm sorry...
(it's actually quite hard to strip the caffeine without stripping some flavour)
-
Can anyone recommend a decent decaff coffee? I've been off caffeine for a couple of months now and am really struggling to find something I like. I tried the only decaff beans that http://www.hasbean.co.uk/ (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/) do and I wasn't too keen. Generally, when I have a decaff coffee 'out' it always seems pretty good.
Decaf? Nearly puntered you for that, but hopefully you're just clearing out your receptors before dong some huge alpine push where you need all the advantage that caffeine can give you a la mark twight.
-
Decaf? Nearly puntered you for that, but hopefully you're just clearing out your receptors before dong some huge alpine push where you need all the advantage that caffeine can give you a la mark twight.
Aha! So I'm not the only person who reads Extreme Alpinism in order to feel proper gnarly before going out to do some tame puntering. Steve House's training book is due out soon too. I will also be studying that carefully, because the alpine stuff I do is totally like climbing directissimas on Nanga Parbat.
At the risk of appearing On Topic: I notice you're in Nottingham. I had some Sumatra from St Martin's in Leicester the other week that was well excellent.
-
Can anyone recommend a decent decaff coffee? I've been off caffeine for a couple of months now and am really struggling to find something I like. I tried the only decaff beans that http://www.hasbean.co.uk/ (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/) do and I wasn't too keen. Generally, when I have a decaff coffee 'out' it always seems pretty good.
Decaf? Nearly puntered you for that, but hopefully you're just clearing out your receptors before dong some huge alpine push where you need all the advantage that caffeine can give you a la mark twight.
I thought I might get that reaction. It's just a brief hiatus until I get to the bottom of a health issue. I've actually been drinking tons of coffee cos I'm also off the booze, so when I do switch back to caffeinated I'm gonna be wired if I'm not careful :bounce:
-
http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/ (http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/) :geek:
-
interesting read slackers.
In case no one clicks on the link to it in the coffee experiments blog this site is worth a browse, coffee machine pron for $11,000 :o
http://www.blossomcoffee.com/ (http://www.blossomcoffee.com/)
-
:lol: :clap2: Brilliant. Thank you Slackers!
'Dr Bunsen's' conclusion:
I’ve examined other coffee variables using a similar experimental approach and found only a few factors that had any measurable effect on coffee flavor in isolation. For example, variables like bean freshness or bean purveyor has little effect on flavor. As a result of these experiments, my brewing setup is simple, quick, and inexpensive. I buy the cheapest whole-bean shade-grown coffee I can find in my preferred roast. To brew a cup of coffee, I grind the beans with a blade grinder and brew with the Aeropress. The Aeropress and blade grinder can be found on Amazon for around $25. The entire brewing process takes about 5 minutes and produces great coffee. Until I obtain convincing evidence that support investing additional money in brewing accouterments, I see little reason to deviate from this system. In the words of Carl Sagan, extra-ordinary claims require extra-ordinary evidence.
I love the tale of Steve Job's 'reality distortion field' in action, and this quote:
In 2007, Richard E Quandt, a Princeton economics professor, published a paper entitled "On Wine Bullshit: Some New Software?" The study sought to describe the "unholy union" of "bullshit and bullshit artists who are impelled to comment on it", in this case wine and wine critics. Quandt compiled a "vocabulary of wine descriptors" containing 123 terms from "angular" to "violets" via other nonsense descriptions such as "fireplace" and "tannins, fine-grained".
Then, with the help of colleagues, he built an algorithm that generated wine reviews of hypothetical wines using his "vocabulary of bullshit". For instance: "Château L'Ordure Pomerol, 2004. Fine minerality, dried apricots and cedar characterise this sage-laden wine bursting with black fruit and toasty oak." He concluded that whether his reviews were "any more bullshit" than real ones was a "judgment call". Sadly, he didn't explore how long it would take a monkey to type a wine review.
-
I love the tale of Steve Job's 'reality distortion field' in action, and this quote:
In 2007, Richard E Quandt, a Princeton economics professor, published a paper entitled "On Wine Bullshit: Some New Software?" The study sought to describe the "unholy union" of "bullshit and bullshit artists who are impelled to comment on it", in this case wine and wine critics. Quandt compiled a "vocabulary of wine descriptors" containing 123 terms from "angular" to "violets" via other nonsense descriptions such as "fireplace" and "tannins, fine-grained".
Then, with the help of colleagues, he built an algorithm that generated wine reviews of hypothetical wines using his "vocabulary of bullshit". For instance: "Château L'Ordure Pomerol, 2004. Fine minerality, dried apricots and cedar characterise this sage-laden wine bursting with black fruit and toasty oak." He concluded that whether his reviews were "any more bullshit" than real ones was a "judgment call". Sadly, he didn't explore how long it would take a monkey to type a wine review.
There is the essay by Harry G Frankfurt On Bullshit (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/On_Bullshit) (great little book, well worth reading if you've time to kill) and the vaguely related Postmodernism Generator (http://www.elsewhere.org/pomo/). There are also other automated paper generators online.
-
Yeah I owned that little book when I lived in Canada but lost it on moving back to UK. I really should hunt down another copy it's a great guide.
-
Yeah I owned that little book when I lived in Canada but lost it on moving back to UK. I really should hunt down another copy it's a great guide.
Roughly two fuck-alls (and not from Amazon) (http://www.find-book.co.uk/book/On-Bullshit/0691122946.htm)
In a similar vein this is an interesting blog post (http://robinince.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/i-am-a-freethinker-my-guru-told-me-so/) by Robin Ince on "being a free-thinker".
-
I'm a step ahead.. arrived yesterday :)
Also got 'On Truth'.
-
http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/ (http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/) :geek:
I want to:
A. partly agree with the above and
B. partly call Bullshit on it.
There are massive variables between people. About a quarter of people are supertasters for starters. So that totally fucks with things like bitterness, which is a very big deal with coffee.
Then you've got to think about sense of smell. Apart from very basics tastes (sweet/sour/salt/bitter/umami), it comes down to your nose. I love the smell of Diesel. Some people hate it. Some people quite clearly have a far more sensitive sense of smell than others. Preferred smells change and preferred tastes change to.
Part of the fun of coffee or other fine foods or drinks can be trying to detect very subtle changes in flavour, be those based on the tongue, mouthfeel or smells. It can be an enjoyable hunt for flavours, smells and associations. The subtlety can be part of what makes it such a worthwhile exploration. The subjectivity is all part of that.
So,
A:
Those 'studies' at best show what the average idea of a decent coffee might be to the average person. For most people, a 'good' coffee is probably one that wasn't made by Nestle'. Or perhaps it's one that tastes most like a Nestle' product. I've got no problem with that. Fine.
B:
But to run a trial and claim to come to conclusive, somehow objective, results about what constitutes a good coffee is bullshit. To do it by trialling with subjects who aren't in fact interested connoisseurs is even worse bullshit.
A classic example of a scientist using empirical evidence, misapplying it and then over-generalising as if they get paid to.
My stomach is fucked. I can't drink coffee, alcohol, tea, anything acidic, eat spicy food or have dark chocolate. For someone with my tastes this is majorly majorly shit.
So about all I can drink is herbal teas. Most of which are shit. I've got one at the moment that isn't. I love it. It's a mix, among other things, of cinnamon, licorice root and cocoa beans. It makes me happy. I love the smell. I love the taste.
I asked my two housemates to try it. One said it just tasted of cinnamon. The other said it tasted of water. I suppose that means it's shit then? I'll stop enjoying it shall I? It's a waste of money and I should go for the cheaper option? Bullshit.
p.s. I audio-booked Frankfurt's 'On Bullshit' on the way back from Font at easter. Great stuff, but then I am a philosopher.
-
But to run a trial and claim to come to conclusive, somehow objective, results about what constitutes a good coffee is bullshit. To do it by trialling with subjects who aren't in fact interested connoisseurs is even worse bullshit.
One of his points (implied by the wine-tasting link) is that 'interested connoisseurs' can't tell the difference between supposed superior/inferior product and have kidded themselves and others that they can - the hilariously-labelled 'reality distortion field', whilst inventing a lexicon of bullshit to make their 'knowledge' sound legit.
He also says his guests/guinea pigs all own burr grinders - he had to borrow them for his experiment as he only owns a blade-grinder - implying the guinea-pigs are all pretty keen on their coffee (N.A. is still well ahead of the UK in terms of people being well into their coffee). Yet in the blind tests the guests didn't show any preference for burr-ground, instead showing a slight preference for blade-ground.
-
But to run a trial and claim to come to conclusive, somehow objective, results about what constitutes a good coffee is bullshit. To do it by trialling with subjects who aren't in fact interested connoisseurs is even worse bullshit.
One of his points (implied by the wine-tasting link) is that 'interested connoisseurs' can't tell the difference between supposed superior/inferior product and have kidded themselves and others that they can - the hilariously-labelled 'reality distortion field', whilst inventing a lexicon of bullshit to make their 'knowledge' sound legit.
He also says his guests/guinea pigs all own burr grinders - he had to borrow them for his experiment as he only owns a blade-grinder - implying the guinea-pigs are all pretty keen on their coffee (N.A. is still well ahead of the UK in terms of people being well into their coffee). Yet in the blind tests the guests didn't show any preference for burr-ground, instead showing a slight preference for blade-ground.
I highlighted the solid science in bold there. To me, it could equally be that they're middle class sheeple.
There's certainly BS in tasting notes, especially if you expect them to be object or transferrable as opposed to subjective and individually associative.
I've blind tasted coffees, wines and teas happily, identifying different products, different preparations and personal preferences.
Of those, personal preferences are probably the most subject to alteration, but I don't think that's surprising either.
-
I think you've over interpreted the aim of the work Sam.....I read it as a bit of fun with some formal numerical analysis to reassure himself that there is no need to buy an expensive coffee machine. The sample size is woefully inadequate to make any generalisations as you've noted.
But I bet you there are some people out there who will go out and spend $11000 and claim it makes the most amazing coffee in the world (because they have to justify their expenditure to themselves, and they are likely regurgitating the advertising blurb (http://robinince.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/i-am-a-freethinker-my-guru-told-me-so/)).
@Pete : You might also enjoy "Irrationality : Why we don't think straight" by Stuart Sutherland (not overly technical but then it is a popular science book, but has some great examples).
-
I think you've over interpreted the aim of the work Sam.....I read it as a bit of fun with some formal numerical analysis to reassure himself that there is no need to buy an expensive coffee machine. The sample size is woefully inadequate to make any generalisations as you've noted.
But I bet you there are some people out there who will go out and spend $11000 and claim it makes the most amazing coffee in the world (because they have to justify their expenditure to themselves, and they are likely regurgitating the advertising blurb (http://robinince.wordpress.com/2013/10/08/i-am-a-freethinker-my-guru-told-me-so/)).
@Pete : You might also enjoy "Irrationality : Why we don't think straight" by Stuart Sutherland (not overly technical but then it is a popular science book, but has some great examples).
"My experiment was designed to test what variables in the coffee brewing process produce a perceptible improvement in coffee flavor. A frequent assertion is that numerous variables must be carefully considered to brew a good cup of coffee. I wanted to know if this premise was true ... My main motivation for this experiment was to determine how I could brew the best coffee with minimal time and monetary investment. ... My main motivation for this experiment was to determine how I could brew the best coffee with minimal time and monetary investment....
I use the term experiments loosely throughout this post. I didn’t have the resources to setup a more thorough experimental design. Ideally, I would have liked to use better control conditions, larger sample sizes, more thorough subject randomization, and a more consistent testing environment"
Yes, he's up front about what he wants to do with the research but he still makes massive generalisation and even goes so far as to suggest that upscaling the experiment could reinforce these findings.
Yet my objections scale up perfectly well too. It appears you have misunderstood me slackers. Increasing the sample size wouldn't solve the fundamental problems with overly-general implications he is drawing from the data.
-
I highlighted the solid science in bold there. To me, it could equally be that they're middle class sheeple.
Presumably meaning that you think people who go out to buy burr-grinders on the recommendation of some guy telling them that 'blade grinders scorch the beans' are 'middle class sheeple'... :P
Again, I'm not sure how you can tell that his subjects aren't 'interested connoisseurs'. You can't.
And the point of his fun little experiment is not to be the 'conclusive' last word, but rather to help highlight how there's a lot of guff talked by 'connoisseurs' about what equipment and ingredients are required for great-tasting coffee (and wine). His advice - cheapest shade-grown beans, cheap blade grinder and an aeropress = excellent coffee which his guinea pigs found preferable to coffee made using more expensive grinders and beans.
Keep the good book pointers coming Slackers!
-
Increasing the sample size wouldn't solve the fundamental problems with overly-general implications he is drawing from the data.
Yes it does, with larger sample sizes you can then perform more robust and valid sub-group analysis of for example "What are the factors that influence coffee preference in hypersensitive tasters?" (the 'Psychomansam sub-group') and compare and contrast this with "What are the factors that influence coffee preference in hypo-sensitive tasters?" (the 'Psychomansam's heathen house-mates sub-group').
Chop the larger sample size up anyway you like as long as you pre-specify your intentions and don't dredge the data, as over-stating the claims of sub-group analysis can land you in serious trouble (http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-23/national/42314943_1_intermune-scott-harkonen-actimmune) (at least in the US).
Thats all rather :off: though, its only coffee and shouldn't be taken too seriously, regardless of the wording of the blog post.
-
I highlighted the solid science in bold there. To me, it could equally be that they're middle class sheeple.
Presumably meaning that you think people who go out to buy burr-grinders on the recommendation of some guy telling them that 'blade grinders scorch the beans' are 'middle class sheeple'... :P
Again, I'm not sure how you can tell that his subjects aren't 'interested connoisseurs'. You can't.
And the point of his fun little experiment is not to be the 'conclusive' last word, but rather to help highlight how there's a lot of guff talked by 'connoisseurs' about what equipment and ingredients are required for great-tasting coffee (and wine). His advice - cheapest shade-grown beans, cheap blade grinder and an aeropress = excellent coffee which his guinea pigs found preferable to coffee made using more expensive grinders and beans.
Keep the good book pointers coming Slackers!
I wouldn't be all that surprised if there's not much difference between burr and blade when using an aeropress but there's not a chance in hell I can pull a decent espresso from my machine with blade chopped beans. No way. I just had to modify my grinder again as I was getting shit coffee. Now it 's a little better. I've always got my eye out for a second hand shop machine in the local vides greniers but haven't spotted one yet.
Has anyone tried roasting their own? It's impossible to get good beans locally so I was thinking of trying. If I could get any good I'd think about trying to supply them here.
-
Chop the larger sample size up anyway you like as long as you pre-specify your intentions and don't dredge the data, as over-stating the claims of sub-group analysis can land you in serious trouble (http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-23/national/42314943_1_intermune-scott-harkonen-actimmune) (at least in the US).
He should have pointed out his research findings were probably false anyway...
-
He should have pointed out his research findings were probably false anyway...
When they did look in the highlighted subset there was no effect.
Keeping things :off: but on the subject of false findings...
Why Most Published Research Findings Are False (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/related/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020124) by John Ionnadis in PLoS One (open source access).
Related articles...
When Should Potentially False Research Findings Be Considered Acceptable? (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0040026)
Most Published Research Findings Are False—But a Little Replication Goes a Long Way (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0040028)
And a serious attempt to Estimate the science-wise False Discovery Rate (Type I Error/False Positive) (http://biostatistics.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/09/24/biostatistics.kxt007.full)
One of the authors blogs about it here (http://simplystatistics.org/2013/09/25/is-most-science-false-the-titans-weigh-in/) and indicates the paper should be open access, there is also some communication that was published in the journal in response to the article linked from it, including Ionnadis who wrote the first article linked above
-
Yeah that's what I was referring to (as a total know-nothing layman that is)... I remember coming across it a few years ago when I was trawling medical studies on treatment for nerve-root impingement in the back and wondering if any of the research I'd read could be trusted!
:coffee:
-
He should have pointed out his research findings were probably false anyway...
When they did look in the highlighted subset there was no effect.
Keeping things :off: but on the subject of false findings...
Why Most Published Research Findings Are False (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/related/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020124) by John Ionnadis in PLoS One (open source access).
Related articles...
When Should Potentially False Research Findings Be Considered Acceptable? (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0040026)
Most Published Research Findings Are False—But a Little Replication Goes a Long Way (http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0040028)
And a serious attempt to Estimate the science-wise False Discovery Rate (Type I Error/False Positive) (http://biostatistics.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2013/09/24/biostatistics.kxt007.full)
One of the authors blogs about it here (http://simplystatistics.org/2013/09/25/is-most-science-false-the-titans-weigh-in/) and indicates the paper should be open access, there is also some communication that was published in the journal in response to the article linked from it, including Ionnadis who wrote the first article linked above
I might read that at some point, but having taken part in about a dozen clinical trials, I'm not sure I even need to. (I have read a bit about the issues before and heard them from Dr friends). Us healthy subjects, we all lied. Loads of the controls were shit too.
For instance, trialling a drug where one of the major side-effects is going to be low blood sugar, they had us all on a controlled diet (as for most studies). This means everyone gets the same amount of food and must eat it. Some people on the trial weigh almost double other people on the trial. So some people are struggling not to be sick. Others, like me, collapsed from low blood sugar - a negative side effect they have to report.
Then consider that a lot of trials involve 3 day breaks where you go home. You're not allowed to drink or exercise as it'll fuck with the study findings. Yet almost everyone does at least one of the two. I actually almost got kicked off a trial once because I'd spent 3 hours at the works the day before, but I got away with it.
Then there's the multiple phase studies, where you get to stay longer and get more money only if you don't have bad side effects. So you don't report the side effects....
Tip of the iceberg.
-
Increasing the sample size wouldn't solve the fundamental problems with overly-general implications he is drawing from the data.
Yes it does, with larger sample sizes you can then perform more robust and valid sub-group analysis of for example "What are the factors that influence coffee preference in hypersensitive tasters?" (the 'Psychomansam sub-group') and compare and contrast this with "What are the factors that influence coffee preference in hypo-sensitive tasters?" (the 'Psychomansam's heathen house-mates sub-group').
Chop the larger sample size up anyway you like as long as you pre-specify your intentions and don't dredge the data, as over-stating the claims of sub-group analysis can land you in serious trouble (http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-09-23/national/42314943_1_intermune-scott-harkonen-actimmune) (at least in the US).
Thats all rather :off: though, its only coffee and shouldn't be taken too seriously, regardless of the wording of the blog post.
Indeed.
-
I might read that at some point, but having taken part in about a dozen clinical trials, I'm not sure I even need to. (I have read a bit about the issues before and heard them from Dr friends). Us healthy subjects, we all lied. Loads of the controls were shit too.
For instance, trialling a drug where one of the major side-effects is going to be low blood sugar, they had us all on a controlled diet (as for most studies). This means everyone gets the same amount of food and must eat it. Some people on the trial weigh almost double other people on the trial. So some people are struggling not to be sick. Others, like me, collapsed from low blood sugar - a negative side effect they have to report.
Then consider that a lot of trials involve 3 day breaks where you go home. You're not allowed to drink or exercise as it'll fuck with the study findings. Yet almost everyone does at least one of the two. I actually almost got kicked off a trial once because I'd spent 3 hours at the works the day before, but I got away with it.
Then there's the multiple phase studies, where you get to stay longer and get more money only if you don't have bad side effects. So you don't report the side effects....
Tip of the iceberg.
The papers aren't about what you describe which is actually good science, its called a controlled experiment.
Yes Adverse Events (AE) and Serious Adverse Events (SAE) have to be reported, regardless of whether they are related or unrelated to the study. We have people reporting having a cold in a study on bone mineral density! Clinical trials in the UK have to adhere to the MHRA's Good Clinical Practice (http://www.mhra.gov.uk/Howweregulate/Medicines/Inspectionandstandards/GoodClinicalPractice/) and if it involves a drug (as oppossed to a behavioural intervention) The International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (http://www.ich.org/) and a whole wealth of other regulatory factors. I have protocols to follow should I be the first to pass the fax machine or if I receive a phone call reporting AE/SAEs in any of the studies run where I work. Neither are likely though since the fax machine is in a different office and no one would call me to report such things, I produce the reports, summaries and analysis throughout and at the end of studies.
And there is no problem in having people of different weight in a study, you simply include their weight as a co-variate in the model that you apply to the data so that variation in blood-sugar that is attributable to differences in weight is accounted for when you analyse the data. You'd probably include age and sex as co-variates too as well as other factors that are thought to be relevant based on prior knowledge of the biology of the system. There will always be some uncontrolled or unmeasurable factors in any study though (human bodies are pretty complex after all).
If you have an adverse event it is perfectly reasonable for you to discontinue a study, so as to prevent the worsening of those side effects, not so that you don't report any more side effects! To suggest, as you seem to be, that you should continue on the treatment so that you can stay at the clinic and get more cash for participating is ludicrous. If you're prescribed a licensed medication for an ailment by your GP and after starting to take it develop one of the symptoms listed in the side-effects you go back to your doctor pronto who will seek alternative medication, you don't sit around and continue taking it ignoring the side effects!
Thats not to say there aren't bad practices by pharamaceutical companies in the reporting (or not) of their studies which is widely acknowledged to exist and covered by Goldacres "Bad Pharma". This is the "tip of iceberg" you should be more concerned with rather than well conducted clinical trials. And if you openly admit that you "lied about being healthy" or "didn't report side effects so you could stay longer" then you should look at and question your own motivations at that time as well as questioning the practices of pharmaceutical companies as they're probably not too far away from each other (i.e. money).
Anyway, I didn't think posting about someones fun coffee experiment would lead to such a derailment. I'll let this tangent die.
-
So, back to coffee!
Fresh beans and a tweaked grinder and I'm finally getting a good, slow, steady stream of espresso from my machine. I'm pretty sure the pump is slowly producing less pressure as when I get a good tasting coffee it literally dribbles out in a very thin stream.
Back to my last question: Anyone tried roasting their own?
-
No. It looks like there's some cheap - stove-top, and some not-so-cheap - Drum, kits out there: http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmarias/coffee-roasters/starter-kits.html?source=grid (http://www.sweetmarias.com/sweetmarias/coffee-roasters/starter-kits.html?source=grid)
I made my own bread for a few months. Tasted nice. Didn't last.
-
Why has it taken me so long to notice this thread? It delights me that grown men (and women) are carefully analysing and discussing the intricacies of coffee making; a good antidote to some of the madness around and there's some excellent reading recommendations and comment on scientific / research methods to boot. Only on UKB! (I've just purchased 'Irrationality', sounds very interesting).
Anyway, I digress. So, this Aeropress device, is it actually any good, worth the money? And should I really buy a grinder and is there any difference between the ones mentioned above (blade and burr)? I fear I am raising the potential for an unresolvable debate on taste and subjectivity etc but I hope we can respect each other's constructively intentioned viewpoints.
For what it's worth I drink coffee most days, I generally use a stove top (Bialetti) espresso maker but sometimes a cafetiere. I remain unsure about the weird deposits inside the Bialetti - are they the metal oxidising or what? - and I can't get my head round why the stove top maker is supposed to be good when you have to boil the water (I am right in stating that's what happens?) to get it to pass through into the upper chamber yet the received wisdom is that coffee should be brewed at lower temps (80oC ish)?
I prefer the coffee from the stove top maker as it seems stronger yet I sense I get less flavour compared to using a cafetiere where there's more time for flavour to come out.
By the way I had a lovely cappucino in the deli beside the Outside 'Square' shop in Hathersage last week. Can't remember the beans they advertised as what they were using but they sounded special (apologies for the vagueness). Only downside was the naff music (radio from what I recall) being played.
In short, should I bin my cafetiere and stove top maker, throw away the Cafe Direct / Taylors ground coffees and invest in re-invigorating my coffee life with an Aeropress, grinder and whole beans? :yes:
-
ksjs,
I have all three and no longer use the stove top. I use the aeropress and hand burr grinder at home and a cafetiere with pre-ground at work. The home set-up gives a lot better coffee in my opinion but I get enough hassle in the office for the cafetiere (it is powder blue so only myself to blame) so can't see myself sat at my desk grinding beans!
I'm no connoisseur though......
-
I've not tried the aeropress yet, I run a Gaggia Espresso Pure and a Duallit Burr grinder which, with a few years of tinkering can get a pretty decent espresso. That's about the cheapest setup you can get for espresso making. (£160 for the machine, £80 grinder). If you want to spend less than that stove top or aeropress are probably the way to go.
I use a stove top in the camper. Quite happy to use pre-ground coffee in that (Lavazza or whatever) - I don't think it makes a huge difference. What does make a difference is getting it off the heat and pouring when you hear the first bubble. Don't let it boil dry as the steam scorches the coffee.
The other cheap option is a chemex or similar: http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/products/classic.html (http://www.chemexcoffeemaker.com/products/classic.html)
Those hand burr grinders look great for 1 or 2 cups. Might hint for one for the camper ;-)
-
Hey keith
I find you always get a consistently good brew from the aeropress and its great for taking on trips as it won't be in danger of shattering/cracking in a bag, like a cafetiere Or pour through might.
I can heartily recommend this: http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/kalita/products/kalita-wave-ceramic (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/kalita/products/kalita-wave-ceramic) if you are after something which will extract even more flavour than the aeropress.
Both the kalita wave and aeropress are a good upgrade in terms of taste from cafetiere and stove tops.
I use on of these: http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/porlex-mini-grinder-with-ceramic-burrs.html (http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/porlex-mini-grinder-with-ceramic-burrs.html) to grind with and it is not too tricky to adjust the size of grind if switching between different brewers.
-
I've recently switched from an Aeropress to a Hario filter (similar to the Kalita) and I prefer the Hario. I find the results from an aeropress quite harsh, from the Hario much mellower but still full flavoured. The slow pouring ritual is a bit of a faff though.
-
If you have an adverse event it is perfectly reasonable for you to discontinue a study, so as to prevent the worsening of those side effects, not so that you don't report any more side effects! To suggest, as you seem to be, that you should continue on the treatment so that you can stay at the clinic and get more cash for participating is ludicrous. If you're prescribed a licensed medication for an ailment by your GP and after starting to take it develop one of the symptoms listed in the side-effects you go back to your doctor pronto who will seek alternative medication, you don't sit around and continue taking it ignoring the side effects!
Thats not to say there aren't bad practices by pharamaceutical companies in the reporting (or not) of their studies which is widely acknowledged to exist and covered by Goldacres "Bad Pharma". This is the "tip of iceberg" you should be more concerned with rather than well conducted clinical trials. And if you openly admit that you "lied about being healthy" or "didn't report side effects so you could stay longer" then you should look at and question your own motivations at that time as well as questioning the practices of pharmaceutical companies as they're probably not too far away from each other (i.e. money).
Yes, I lied about my drinking, among other things. I exercised when I shouldn't have, drank when I shouldn't have, had caffeine when I shouldn't have. We colluded to distribute food according to need when staff weren't watching. I hid negative side-effects.
Yes, I was in it entirely for the money, just like the clinical trial companies - and that showed too (e.g. technicians just used to make up breathing rates sometimes). But the point is that it wasn't just me - I've been on a dozen trials and I'm merely representative of the average participant. Some are worse, smuggling in alcohol or cigarettes, drinking the night before being admitted, and of course smoking weed or taking other drugs in between visits. All fairly standard. Clinical trials appeal to some of the poorest people around, along with students and people on gap years.
-
That isn't necessarily a bad thing though.
Very few people are completely honest with their GP when they are asked about their drinking/smoking/drug consumption/exercise. If a drug has been tested in a group who do the same and hide their habits that is a benefit as it has been tested against a representative sample of the target population, it might even flag up dangerous interactions.
-
Well, thanks to you guys I've just ordered a Aeropress and Porlex grinder. Seems my decade+ of stove-top brewing and Lavazza combo may have come to an end (way over due to be fair!).
So, the next objective is to get me some beans man! This is obviously a new journey I'm undertaking, so going to proclaim myself a mega punter;
- Which is the preferred country to look out for (does it matter)?
- Is online or local coffee shop / deli better?
- Are there different types of roasting to be considered?
I tend to like my coffees with quite a quite strong taste, but hopefully well rounded. Keen to start enjoying a brew without the bitterness of the Bialetti pot. I tend to have one brew first thing in the morning and maybe a couple at weekends, so not a heavy consumer but enjoy the process. I therefore assume pointless to buy bulk or the beans would go stale? Logically fridge stored once package opened?
Any tricks, tips or recommended first bean-to-burr greatly appreciated!
-
I'm not sure about the Aeropress, but I find recently roasted beans last me around 10 days to 2 weeks before the coffee is noticeably degrading. I would of thought it would be similar with an aeropress. If they come in a foil bag just take out what you need every day and then squish all the air out. Either that or keep them in a airtight container. I don't bother with putting them in the fridge or freezer, others do.
Search out an artisan type roaster nearby and if there's no such thing order locally. Not sure where you are based? www.beanshop.co.uk (http://www.beanshop.co.uk) are reliably good and nice people, also, http://www.algcoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.algcoffee.co.uk/) seem good. If you say where you're from I'm sure others can give you recommendations. House espresso blend is always a good place to start.
-
York Coffee Emporium (http://yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/) are good too and have friendly customer service.
-
If you say where you're from I'm sure others can give you recommendations. House espresso blend is always a good place to start.
Yes, might help. I'm based in Leek, Stafforshire. We do have a couple of deli's, and coffee shops, so manged to pick up some Monmouth Coffee espresso, so I at least have something to have a meddle with once the grinder arrives. Cheers for the links, I'll have abutchers once the first batch has disappered (which wunna take long!).
-
Why has it taken me so long to notice this thread? It delights me that grown men (and women) are carefully analysing and discussing the intricacies of coffee making; a good antidote to some of the madness around and there's some excellent reading recommendations and comment on scientific / research methods to boot. Only on UKB! (I've just purchased 'Irrationality', sounds very interesting).
Anyway, I digress. So, this Aeropress device, is it actually any good, worth the money? And should I really buy a grinder and is there any difference between the ones mentioned above (blade and burr)? I fear I am raising the potential for an unresolvable debate on taste and subjectivity etc but I hope we can respect each other's constructively intentioned viewpoints.
For what it's worth I drink coffee most days, I generally use a stove top (Bialetti) espresso maker but sometimes a cafetiere. I remain unsure about the weird deposits inside the Bialetti - are they the metal oxidising or what? - and I can't get my head round why the stove top maker is supposed to be good when you have to boil the water (I am right in stating that's what happens?) to get it to pass through into the upper chamber yet the received wisdom is that coffee should be brewed at lower temps (80oC ish)?
I prefer the coffee from the stove top maker as it seems stronger yet I sense I get less flavour compared to using a cafetiere where there's more time for flavour to come out.
By the way I had a lovely cappucino in the deli beside the Outside 'Square' shop in Hathersage last week. Can't remember the beans they advertised as what they were using but they sounded special (apologies for the vagueness). Only downside was the naff music (radio from what I recall) being played.
In short, should I bin my cafetiere and stove top maker, throw away the Cafe Direct / Taylors ground coffees and invest in re-invigorating my coffee life with an Aeropress, grinder and whole beans? :yes:
I used a stove-top for years, then I went to one of these: http://www.cuisinart.co.uk/grind-and-brew-plus.html (http://www.cuisinart.co.uk/grind-and-brew-plus.html) and recently got an aeropress for when away from home. The aeropress is tidier and easier to clean then a stovetop, and makes a better-tasting brew imo. The machine's good for setting the time and having it ready when you wake up, but the aeropress is so simple that I've started to just use that at home as well.. The machine has a burr grinder built in which I use to grind my own when at home, but I wouldn't buy one especially. I use a cheap blade grinder when away from home - I don't notice any taste difference between burr/blade.
I think ground coffee tastes good from a stove-top, and even better from an aeropress. Grinding your own gives it more flavor again but pre-ground still tastes good to me..
A cheapo thermometer might be good, I don't have one but I just experiment a little bit with heating the water until it starts to boil and letting it cool down for different times to see what difference it makes to taste. As someone else said you can try using the lowest heat when boiling your stove-top and take it off as soon as it's bubbling, that's how I was using mine.
You could do some blind tasting by getting someone else to make the coffee using supermarket beans versus more expensive fresh beans to see which you prefer.. Would be interested to hear what you think if you do - no cheating!
-
Having switched to a Hario filter cone at home, I took my Aeropress into the office today. Dangerous - this could lead to my caffeine consumption going throug the roof if I'm not careful.
-
Got a £15 Tefal blade grinder the other week. Definitely nicer through the stove-top than pre-ground, plus the smell of the beans grinding is :w00t:
-
For fellow Bristolians...
visited 'didn't you do well' a specialty coffee outlet on park row. It's all a bit highbrow but thought it might knock out a high class flat white. Anyway the boutique espresso tasted a bit funny (prob too complex for my pallet) and the milk was luke warm. Nice cups though.
Like a true Brit in the 21st century I smiled, left and then slagged it off on an internet forum.
God save the fucking queen.
-
On another note, does anyone know what makes espresso espresso? I know its a drink but is it a type of roast or the fine grind used to make the drink that gives the coffee this name? A lot of coffee is branded as espresso in supermarkets and also in posh coffee shops but then there are all the other types. Can you just grind them up finely and stick them through the machine? I'm confused.
-
On another note, does anyone know what makes espresso espresso? I know its a drink but is it a type of roast or the fine grind used to make the drink that gives the coffee this name? A lot of coffee is branded as espresso in supermarkets and also in posh coffee shops but then there are all the other types. Can you just grind them up finely and stick them through the machine? I'm confused.
I'm on the move, otherwise I'd commit to a essay to enlighten you.
Get yourself on youtube and see the plethora of different opinions, then experiment to your heart's content. Needless to say, most of the videos are not made by English coffee shops... :-\
-
Typically a darker roast, which makes for a little more bitterness (hopefully not overdone), plus espresso machines need a rather fine and very even grind to ensure the hot water goes through at the optimum speed to get the flavour out of the coffee without over-brewing it.
-
Typically a darker roast, which makes for a little more bitterness (hopefully not overdone), plus espresso machines need a rather fine and very even grind to ensure the hot water goes through at the optimum speed to get the flavour out of the coffee without over-brewing it.
So any bean can be termed espresso if it is roasted slightly darker?
I get the fine grind part. I've got a pretty good grinder (not slicer) and always have it set on the finest setting to go through the machine. I guess I'm intrigued by the terminology.
Andy: if you have the time I'd be interested to read that essay! Will check YouTube as well...
-
Strictly speaking espresso is the process, the distinctive thing about it being that the hot water is forced through the coffee by steam pressure instead of by gravity. In principle you could do it with any coffee, but darker roasts seem to be generally preferred and give the best results.
I suppose there must be varieties that lend themselves to darker roasting better than others, but I wouldn't claim to know which they are. Looking at the leaflets from my two local roasters, one says he uses mainly Guatemalan for his house espresso blend and the other doesn't specify.
-
Any advice on how to hide your coffee? Jacob keeps stealing mine and the stuff he buys tastes crap :coffee:
-
So any bean can be termed espresso if it is roasted slightly darker?
I get the fine grind part. I've got a pretty good grinder (not slicer) and always have it set on the finest setting to go through the machine. I guess I'm intrigued by the terminology.
A darker roast (meaning roasted for longer) has less sugar so adds to the bitterness. As it roasts, it caramelises the sugar, then the sugar burns off.
The pressure you put on to compact it down is key too. In an espresso, you want the crema (spelling?) on top. This is achieved as M' says by sending steam through, but without packing the coffee in, the pressure is reduced and less caffeine and flavour is released. I've read and experimented that you want to pack it down with roughly 30 lbs of pressure (just less than 2 stone).
-
I find the pressure one of the hardest things to get right at home as I always grind in batches as don't have time to grind before I make every coffee. As it dries out you have to adjust pressure to get it right. I suppose that's why coffee is great at a good place with a barista that's used to the grinder and machine and making coffee all day. I've heard that they adjust the grind slightly depending on the weather to keep the quality consistant! High tech...
-
The definition of 'espresso' is nothing to do with roasting. Light roast espressos are all the rage at some of the trendy London coffee shops at the moment. Any coffee beans can be used in an espresso machine to make an espresso. When beans are sold as 'espresso beans' it's generally just someone's opinion that those particular beans are best enjoyed that way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso
:google:
-
I'll be honest I did look at that page before posting but it seemed a bit vague in terms of the question I had which weirdly you've answered. That its basically someone's opinion that a bean can be used for espresso. I mean Wikipedia is good buts its not always gospel.
There's a lot of knowledge contained within the people on this board and you often get an answer with more depth by asking them rather than googling it. Anyway, peace.
-
I find the pressure one of the hardest things to get right at home as I always grind in batches as don't have time to grind before I make every coffee. As it dries out you have to adjust pressure to get it right. I suppose that's why coffee is great at a good place with a barista that's used to the grinder and machine and making coffee all day. I've heard that they adjust the grind slightly depending on the weather to keep the quality consistant! High tech...
Ok, let's start:
You do have time to grind before every coffee. In fact, you must grind just before. You should not adjust "tamp" pressure - i.e. the pressure you press the coffee down into the portafilter. If it comes out too fast and watery, you need a finer grind. Slow and overly strong, coarser grind. (unlikley)
Muenchener, I'm sorry but I have to disagree about the roast. A dark roast is not required for an espresso. Typically, Italian espresso would use a darker roast but it is no way necessary. I much prefer a medium (City+ / first Crack) roast. Each to their own...
Like Andy said, espresso is purely the process: - Finely ground coffee, tamped into the portafilter of a proper espresso machine, which provides water at ~96°C and 10+ bar pressure. It is the process of forcing the water through the fine grounds at pressure that extracts the coffee oils, which then emuslify in and provide that lovely, rich, creamy black nectar!
Espresso should not be bitter, or burnt tasting. A good espresso has a balance of bitterness, sweetness and acidity. If bitterness is the over-riding flavour it's not a good espresso.
-
The definition of 'espresso' is nothing to do with roasting. Light roast espressos are all the rage at some of the trendy London coffee shops at the moment. Any coffee beans can be used in an espresso machine to make an espresso. When beans are sold as 'espresso beans' it's generally just someone's opinion that those particular beans are best enjoyed that way.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Espresso
:google:
Although, to be fair, good coffee roasters will probably sell an "Espresso blend" which will make a fairly standard tasting espresso.
-
I find the pressure one of the hardest things to get right at home as I always grind in batches as don't have time to grind before I make every coffee. As it dries out you have to adjust pressure to get it right. I suppose that's why coffee is great at a good place with a barista that's used to the grinder and machine and making coffee all day. I've heard that they adjust the grind slightly depending on the weather to keep the quality consistant! High tech...
Ok, let's start:
You do have time to grind before every coffee. In fact, you must grind just before. You should not adjust "tamp" pressure - i.e. the pressure you press the coffee down into the portafilter. If it comes out too fast and watery, you need a finer grind. Slow and overly strong, coarser grind. (unlikley)
Tragically my machine is old and I am poor! I'm on finest grind and my tamping tool is the back of a spoon repeatedly turned to squish everything down. Many men couldn't work in these conditions but i muddle through. It's hard to get a consistent pressure using this method.
-
What the F man said.
I guess that in the absence of readily available good coffee from trained staff in passionate establishments, the British are a little (understandably) ignorant to the world of the black-gold. It's good to share the knowledge. Everyone knows what they like from what's available, but there's often better out there if you did deep.
Coffee in Britain has come a long way in the last ten years :2thumbsup:
Every day's a school day.
-
Muenchener, I'm sorry but I have to disagree about the roast. A dark roast is not required for an espresso.
And where, pray, did I say anything remotely like that? I responded to the original question that darker roast beans are most commonly used for espresso. Surely you can't possibly believe that that isn't the case?
Strictly speaking espresso is the process, the distinctive thing about it being that the hot water is forced through the coffee by steam pressure instead of by gravity. In principle you could do it with any coffee, but darker roasts seem to be generally preferred and give the best results.
-
I guess that in the absence of readily available good coffee from trained staff in passionate establishments, the British are a little (understandably) ignorant to the world of the black-gold.
I had an interesting coffee experience on my last trip to .uk
Visited at my parents in Leicester en route to Wales, and needed coffee for a week in a hut. As far as google could tell there's one roastery in Leicester, and I had had coffee there before and not been impressed. Sure enough, drank another coffee there; still not impressed. Very, very acid. But I still needed beans for Wales, beggars can't be choosers and the beans smelt ok. So I took some of their Sumatra with me to Wales and, to my surprise, run through a Hario filter it was excellent.
-
And where, pray, did I say anything remotely like that? I responded to the original question that darker roast beans are most commonly used for espresso. Surely you can't possibly believe that that isn't the case?
Fair point - apologies for misrepresenting you. I had actually started that sentence to disagree about it being steam pressure, but got sidetracked... Steam destroys the coffee. A good espresso machine uses a pump to create the pressure and the water should be just off the boil.
I've just got myself a hario too ... another skill to learn. :coffee:
-
I'm getting quite mixed results with the Hario so far, and no machine to blame. Very zen thing dependent one's own state of mind, steadiness of hand etc. But the results are never less than good and sometimes excellent.
Some coffees are tricky with the hario too: one of my local roasters is doing a lovely Antigua at the moment which, however, blooms to a frothy mass about double the size and is then tricky to pur until it has settled down a bit.
-
Further Hario experience report.
As was probably inevitable at some point, I ran out of Hario filter papers. And as will also be the case for most people in this situation, I also had a normal filter cone and papers at the back of the cupboard.
So: normal filter paper in Hario cone: doesn't sit neatly due to wrong shape, works ok if poured carefully and doesn't capsize.
Hario pouring technique applied to normal filter paper in normal cone (aka: is Hario equipment a scam?). No. Hole is too small to allow the proper rate of flow, one quickly gets the telltale pale froth of over-brewing. Result is not outright awful, but rather dull and flat.
Next steps: (a) order more Hario papers, (b) experiment with normal cone and drill
-
Hey M, which Hario filter have you got? just having a look on their website. I've heard good things about a Cemex too. Do you not use an espresso machine or dyou swing both ways?!
-
The plastic V60 Hario. Guy in the shop wanted me to buy glass or ceramic but I initially thought I wanted it mainly for trips away to huts & campsites. Then the results were so good I switched to it at home too.
No espresso machine. I leave that to professionals.
-
I just got the white ceramic one, size 1.
I read a bit about the difference between the Chemex and Hario ones and concluded that I might prefer the Hario. Can't actually remember why now; something about the flavour profile..blah blah...
I was hoping that it might be less reliant on coffee freshness than the espresso machine. I was wrong. That's me just finishing a 250g bag of ground coffee and it's noticably less ... erm ... tasty than it was on day 1. The coffee barely blooms and just tastes a bit dull.
Porlex grinder might be next...
-
:icon_beerchug:
I ...
I was hoping that it might be less reliant on coffee freshness than the espresso machine. I was wrong. That's me just finishing a 250g bag of ground coffee and it's noticably less ... erm ... tasty than it was on day 1. The coffee barely blooms and just tastes a bit dull.
Porlex grinder might be next...
Mate, if you like coffee enough to write about drinking it then you need to grind your own. Before long you'll notice the difference between coffee that was roasted today and three days ago. Then you'll get picky about how it was roasted and which coffee shops have well kept recently roasted coffee.
Different levels of coffee consciousness...
-
I have heard that it's pretty critical to get the right grinder. Any recommendations?
(not thishttp://grindr.com (http://grindr.com) one
-
You do have time to grind before every coffee. In fact, you must grind just before.
That's me just finishing a 250g bag of ground coffee
I'm confused??!
I have heard that it's pretty critical to get the right grinder. Any recommendations?
(not thishttp://grindr.com (http://grindr.com) one
They say a slicer (grinders with blades in) are not great. The ones that crush are better and a ceramic hand grinder better again something to do with heat from the machine. Can't give any recommendations although the Hario grinders I looked at on their site after hearing about their filters from this thread look good. Not cheap though..
-
I've got a porlex. lovely thing, probably wasted on me.
-
Sorry to confuse you all - I do have a grinder, just a duallit burr thing that does the job in the flat. I'm always on the look out for a nice second hand professional one. What I want the porlex for is when we're away in the T4, or camping etc.
I'm back in Glasgow to do some work and just picked up a Hario and a bag of coffee to keep me going in the office... It's that or the dreaded Flavia!!! Hence the pre-ground...
-
Am in Dublin with work at the moment and have picked up some Badger & Dodo Guatemala Finca San Francisco Tecuanburro on spec from the local Art of Coffee cafe I use every day - anyone tried Badger & Dodo? I have chance to get some more before I leave this week, just didn't want to waste my euros - main issue is I have no access to grinder or filter machine here to taste test
Thanks
-
Is this the one?
http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton (http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton)
-
The plastic V60 Hario. Guy in the shop wanted me to buy glass or ceramic but I initially thought I wanted it mainly for trips away to huts & campsites. Then the results were so good I switched to it at home too.
I'm intrigued. Is it much faff to use? Do you obsess much about water temperatures and the like or just boil a kettle and pour away?
-
DubDom said:
Is this the one?
http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton (http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton)
this is mine: http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/porlex-tall-hand-grinder (http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/porlex-tall-hand-grinder)
great, but too small for much more than travel use, unless you're the only coffee drinker in your house
-
The plastic V60 Hario.
I'm intrigued. Is it much faff to use? Do you obsess much about water temperatures and the like or just boil a kettle and pour away?
Yes, no, no, and no.
Yes it is a bit of a faff, especially on schooldays when I'm trying to get the sprog ready for school and self ready for work simultaneously. But I find the quality of the results worth it.
No I don't obsess about water temperature. Obsessives possess separate thermometers calibrated to tenths of a degree.
But, no I don't just boil a kettle either. I have a kettle that I can set in 5 degree increments and I set it to 90. True obsessives would laugh at my sloppiness.
No I don't just pour away. I do the proper ritual: pre-wet the filter and warm the pot, pre-wet the coffee and let it bloom for a bit, then a careful slow pour in a spiral from the middle to the edges, taking care not to go off the edge of the coffee and pour water directly onto the paper. All as detailed in the instructions that come with the cone and/or on youtube. I don't have one of those special teapots that Hario also make; I find anything with a reasonable spout on it, and a reasonably steady hand, suffices.
-
I do exactly the same technique as described by muenchener (using freshly hand ground beans too ofc) but can't adjust the boil temp of the kettle, so usually eave it for around 1 minute after boiling time and then pour it using a small gardening style watering can instead of spending stupid £££ on a posh connoisseur one. Wonder if the water I am using is too hot and may scorch the coffee?
-
Am in Dublin with work at the moment and have picked up some Badger & Dodo Guatemala Finca San Francisco Tecuanburro on spec from the local Art of Coffee cafe I use every day - anyone tried Badger & Dodo?
...
And the award for most metro-sounding post on UKB goes to...
:P
-
Interesting and all good stuff. I never knew there are kettles you can set the temperature on. The missus will die of shock when I ask for a kettle for Xmas...
-
Is this the one?
http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton (http://hario.co.uk/products/ceramic-grinder-skerton)
Well dubdom all the grinders look pretty good on the hario site. Dumas recommendation looks good too. I guess just fish around online and get what you can afford.
On the subject of kettles with an adjustable temp, they are good. Without wanting to change lanes mid thread green tea is a different drink at 70-80 degrees. Clearly good for the coffee connoisseur too.
-
shurt, do you know much about the finer side of tea? I expect psychomansam does also, as I'm interested in exploring beyond the Tetley and Twinings, especially if it's a kit / process lover's dream. There, started a thread (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,23280.0.html)
Having been really off coffee for 18 months now, a combination of switching to green tea fixing a bit of an acid indigestion problem I had and really not enjoying the Costa franchise's stuff at the office, and recently the pot for the cheapo filter machine (that I haven't been drinking the coffee from for ages) we own got smashed, so since the recent flurry of discussion in this thread of late, I've had a little splurge. (the filter machine has been brilliant for years, paid a tenner for it and felt sorry for the ebay seller who then had to pay £15 to post, loved it as a result, and have ordered a new pot, but my wife, the smashee, likes weak coffee and has recently stockpiled Sainsburys French Coffee and Chicory for £1.25 a bag and loves it. I might still use it for when we have a few people to deal with, but my love affair with it has now ended)
First to arrive has been (no pun intended) a Has Bean starter pack of filter roast beans, which I tried today (first pack to open is the Costa Rica Finca De Licho Yellow Honey Villa Sarchi) which I tried twice today in the Aeropress. Upside down method, weighed 14g of beans, ground them in a Krups GVX2 set to 2-3 notches off finest, and kettle off the boil for a minute or so, added 60-70g of water to wet, stirred, then topped up to 240g before plunging (wet the filter first too). I let a bit of air through this time, and unfortunately my wife also wanted a cup so we ended up with 1/3rd mug of coffee topped up with hot water. Weak, but still with promise.
Next attempt I had the whole serving just topped up, and it was really good. I'm sure the technique bears a lot of refinement and experimentation, but it was the best mug I've had in years probably. I kept thinking about it for the rest of the day.
Still on the way are some bargains; a Hario V60 2 cup plastic dripper and serving carafe (this was 19 quid delivered from Amazon from a Japanese import shop so it may be a while arriving but at the price it didn't seem worth paying loads of postage just to get the dripper for a few quid less, whether the carafe is need or not) and a Hario slim grinder (20 quid delivered). Being a kit fiend I couldn't resist a stainless pouring kettle for £30 either, I did wonder whether I should just go straight for an electric one but I have a digital probe thermometer in the kitchen anyway so I'll manage. Never mind whether I should just use the kettle we already have.
BUT there was a point to my post originally... after I ordered the grinder, I did a bit of looking at other sites selling those, and the Porlex ones, and saw some replacement burrs for the Porlex. Nothing for the Hario, and a few sites later there are a few people saying they dropped the Hrio burrs, broke them, and it's impossible to buy replacements (i.e. they are not supplied). There are some universal 'male' ones available on ebay that claim to do a much better grind, and not having seen how they are put together, they may not be the ones that can fall out and break.
I considered cancelling the order and going Porlex but it was too late to cancel, and at £20 I'll just be careful - but worth bearing in mind when making the decision to buy based on initial price.
-
drinking a pot of freshly ground hand poured coffee right now. Really brings out the natural flavor of the beans -- it's magnificent, and cheap too.
Grinding takes about a minute for one cup so not bad at all, boil the water at the same time and you have fresh coffee in about 3 minutes. I don't find the pour matters that much, i just use a regular tea kettle and pour slowly.
Since you really will taste the beans, having fresher stuff does make a difference(although I find a week after seems optimal, 3 weeks starts getting stale). burr grinder is a must. Oh yeah and a tip --the hario slim mill for some reason is supposed to give a more even grind than their other hand mills.
-
Just ordered 5 x 250 bags of unroasted coffee from these guys:
http://yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/green-coffee.html (http://yorkcoffeeemporium.co.uk/green-coffee.html)
And my pocorn-maker-come-coffee-roaster arrived from Ebay. Next week I shall be tasting my first ever home roasted coffee! :dance1:
-
Just ordered 5 x 250 bags of unroasted coffee from these guys:
750 bags, that's a lot of coffee!
-
Holy shit, that's why it cost £1875 - I thought that was a bit steep...
-
Please forgive me if either of these headsups have been mentioned previously here.
Firstly Pact coffee currently have a £1 offer for a 250g pack of delivered whole bean or ground coffee. Visit their site
here (https://www.pactcoffee.com/). On the home page, you have the option to enter a promo code. Enter 'POKE' (less quote marks obviously). Proceed with your order. You'll receive an email once this parcel has been dispatched and you can cancel any further payments instantly if you wish. I'm very impressed.
Secondly, my electric bean grinder has gone walkabout and I purchased a £7.50 (currently half price) Cookworks one from Argos in desperation of needing one. The build quality is decent, it'll pulverise ya beans and I'd classify this as a bargain. Available at your local Argos subject to stock levels (can check in advance online). Check it here (http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Product/partNumber/9098549.htm).
-
Have a wad point. £1 for coffee, much better than £1 fish.
-
Am in Dublin with work at the moment and have picked up some Badger & Dodo Guatemala Finca San Francisco Tecuanburro on spec from the local Art of Coffee cafe I use every day - anyone tried Badger & Dodo?
...
And the award for most metro-sounding post on UKB goes to...
:P
lol I'll get my coat
-
Both the kalita wave and aeropress are a good upgrade in terms of taste from cafetiere and stove tops.
I use on of these: http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/porlex-mini-grinder-with-ceramic-burrs.html (http://www.bellabarista.co.uk/porlex-mini-grinder-with-ceramic-burrs.html) to grind with and it is not too tricky to adjust the size of grind if switching between different brewers.
Hi Rich,
Thanks for that and apologies for the very delayed reply from me.
So, Christmas is coming and I thought I might suggest one of these (an aeropress or grinder) to family determined to get me a Christmas present. But I'm unconvinced. After your and others' posts I did a very unscientific experiment: basically I made coffee for about a week using different methods:
1. Stove top Bialetti coffee maker;
2. Cafetiere; and
3. Dripper (I have an Elfo coffee maker, info here http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/smartkitchen/item/10000361/ (http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/smartkitchen/item/10000361/)).
And I ended up coming back to the Stove Top, it just seems to give a stronger flavour. I also think I have to use more coffee in a cafetiere or the dripper methods to make a good cup. I just can't see how the Kalita Wave for example can be materially better than the Elfo dripper I have, but maybe it is?
The reviews for the Aeropress seem to be so unanimously good that it's hard to think that it isn't! But I can't really try before I buy. Then I think maybe it's all very subjective and all methods, give or take, are equivalent.
I wonder if the grinder might in fact be a more important factor in determining the quality of the finished product. Anyone any thoughts on that or indeed any of my wonderings above?
Cheers all!
-
http://www.homewares.co.uk/gaggiaspecialists/10082.html (http://www.homewares.co.uk/gaggiaspecialists/10082.html)
For what it's worth, if money was no object I'd have one of these Gaggia bean to cup guys. Pour the beans in the top, the machine grinds them and then instantly brews them and pours out the best espresso I've had in a domestic environment.
-
1. Stove top Bialetti coffee maker ...
And I ended up coming back to the Stove Top, it just seems to give a stronger flavour.
It's certainly possible to get decent results with a stove top device, but I find it rather hit and miss. Requires split second timing to remove it from the heat when the hot water has flowed through but before the steam gets to the coffee and ruins it. I've also found the qualitiy of individual examples very variable. Have basically given up on them because:
The reviews for the Aeropress seem to be so unanimously good that it's hard to think that it isn't! But I can't really try before I buy.
If you like consistent, repeatable "stronger flavour" aeropress is probably the way to go. I personally it a bit overwhelming, and have switched to the Hario filter because I find it gives a more mellow result that I prefer.
-
If you like consistent, repeatable "stronger flavour" aeropress is probably the way to go. I personally it a bit overwhelming, and have switched to the Hario filter because I find it gives a more mellow result that I prefer.
I wonder if this it: I have a notion that I like mellow coffee but the reality is I make what I think is reasonably strong coffee. Although I also know that when I have a coffee in a cafe i.e. Costa etc the taste is deep and round with what seems like more body so I don't think strength is the priority for me. Ideally I'd like something as close as possible to that style but made at home and not by buying a big machine.
I can't see that the Hario or Kalita filter set ups would be substantially better than the wee Elfo thing I have at the moment.
What about the grinder, any thoughts on its importance?
-
What about the grinder, any thoughts on its importance?
Not really. I've used an electric burr grinder at home for years and before that I had a hand burr grinder, so can no longer remember what the comparison with a blade grinder was like. The grinder I have (http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/detailed/solismaestro/conclusion) is low end and relatively cheap, but perfectly ok for all the above-mentioned brewing methods. Afaik only actual espresso machines need a very fine and precise grind that, in turn, requires an expensive grinder.
-
From what you have said Keith, I would go for the aeropress. A good flavour, hard to brew badly and a stronger taste than pour through requiring less beans to be ground.
-
An electric grinder with different adjustments could be agood idea for the fanatic. Depending on humidity one should vary the grind: finer on dry day, bigger on humid ones.
I'm too lazy though.
-
Hi Keith, you can borrow my aeropress for a week if you want to check it out before buying. Just not the week over xmas though, think I might be in need of it then!
-
Hi Keith, you can borrow my aeropress for a week if you want to check it out before buying. Just not the week over xmas though, think I might be in need of it then!
Great Pete - thanks! Thanks too everyone for the replies - I've convinced myself that a grinder might be the knowledge so have asked Santa to try and bring a Porlex Grinder. Will report back...
-
I'll +1 the aeropress recommendation if you want an intense coffee without too much faff. To my taste-buds, the Aeropress yields something midway between filter coffee and espresso / stove-top. It needs diluting down for a "long" drink like an americano, although I personally tend to add it neat to frothed milk for cappuccinos.
-
I still refuse to pay £25 for the new pot for my 1/2 used coffee machine. I got a Hario, and it's been brilliant when I want it to be - i.e. making a brew for me... Good for me and her also when we have nothing else to do and the kids are happy playing - in both cases when I can just concentrate on it. This has been the best cup so far when I've done it right. Easy to do wrong though - on Saturday I followed the method off a website, ground 48g of beans and then in making the shallow indentation in the middle, decided to shove my finger all over them really hard. Rubbish results.
Been using the cafetiere in the interim for the quick and easy big pots of coffee and its been ok. I always find with that one it's too easy to make a whole pot of OK coffee and 2 days later there's a quarter left cold in the bottom...
Anyway this is all just preamble to the Nespresso. My inlaws have a new Delonghi Latissima one, and I'm a sucker for gadgetry - but I thought the espressos from it were good. I don't / didn't like espresso but I liked theirs. My brother in law sold it to me on the basis of them leaving the house at 5.30 every morning and buying at the train station - instead have a supply of paper cups and lids at home and get a latte before they go out... I'm still thinking about the wrongs and rights of this but... since my wife always asks for a cappuccino or latte, and I never get a coffee in the morning and end up paying over the odds for it due to the flying kids / hair / dressing routine, I ordered one.
-
Happy new year caffeine junkies!
Since nobody got the hint and bought me one of these for Christmas, I just ordered one:
(http://homeloo.com/a/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/5218-500x640.jpg)
from the amusingly named HOMELOO (http://homeloo.com/a/product/pour-over-coffee-kettle-1200ml/) :lol:
No more unsteady pouring from the pot!
-
I got a coffee bean grinder from the wifey. Result! Does taste nicer, even with my poor quality lavaza beans and Delonghi set up.
-
:great: Order up some beans from Yorkcoffeee,porium or thebeanshop and get the most out your new machine :coffee:
-
Nice idea Fultonius, that's going to be my treat if I can do a week with no alcohol. (I'll need good coffee by then)
-
Can anyone recommend me a cheaper end of the scale grinder....?
-
Adam, just don't get one that slices the beans. The ones that crush (i think there is a different word that coffee bofs use - burr maybe?) are the ticket. The cheapest Krupps slicer is not a good move. What's your budget?
-
What is your brewing process? Aeropress, epsresso, filter etc?
For espresso you can just get away with a Krups GVX 2 - £40 (http://www.johnlewis.com/krups-gvx2-expert-coffee-grinder/p230843325?kpid=230843325&s_kenid=2e4993ca-0c33-0569-7af9-000023e0939b&s_kwcid=ppc_pla&tmad=c&tmcampid=73) or a This looks like the replacement for what I have - £73 (http://www.heals.co.uk/invt/483591?Source=119_74&gclid=CIyGnqyo4LsCFTHLtAodikoAzw)
If it's for French Press any old blade grinder should be fine. (the above should be ok too)
If it's for aeropress or a hario v60 etc. you could probably save some pennies and get a Porlex Hand Grinder - good for travelling too at around £23.
-
Cheers guys. I mainly use espresso. I have a gaggia classic. Occasionally use a french press too when in the van. So something suitable for both. Budget is hopefully sub 100. Ideally less!
-
I picked up one of these: http://www.pumphreys-coffee.co.uk/products/view/921/ (http://www.pumphreys-coffee.co.uk/products/view/921/) a few months back and it seems to be seeing me right. I'm using it with a chemex though, so I guess the fineness of grind is less of an issue for me. It is adjustable, a burr grinder, and under £100 so it's at least an option. It's not their cheapest either, I think they do a smaller option for a tenner or so less.
-
Adam, just don't get one that slices the beans. The ones that crush (i think there is a different word that coffee bofs use - burr maybe?) are the ticket. The cheapest Krupps slicer is not a good move. What's your budget?
http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/ (http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/)
I've got a burr grinder and a blade grinder. I don't notice any taste difference between the two on my aeropress.
-
Cheers guys. I mainly use espresso. I have a gaggia classic. Occasionally use a french press too when in the van. So something suitable for both. Budget is hopefully sub 100. Ideally less!
For the Classic (my dad has one), I'd say the two I listed would do you ok. Unfortunately the next price jump is a big one. I've been looking for an upgrade but even second hand on ebay it's hard to find something good (Baratza etc.) for under £200 which I just can't justify right now.
Both are burr grinders - I have the Krupps GVX2 as a spice grinder but I have never ground coffee to see if you can get it fine enough for a good espresso. The old dualit one was fine for a fey years, but then I had to modify it to get a fine enough grind. Hopefully the newer version is better. (it *was* a fairly easy mod but I don't know if you can do the same thing with the new one.)
-
Adam, just don't get one that slices the beans. The ones that crush (i think there is a different word that coffee bofs use - burr maybe?) are the ticket. The cheapest Krupps slicer is not a good move. What's your budget?
http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/ (http://www.drbunsen.org/coffee-experiments/)
I've got a burr grinder and a blade grinder. I don't notice any taste difference between the two on my aeropress.
Sounds like your taste buds are shot!
-
Does anyone make coffee at the crag? I can't stand the taste of coffee from our flask, so was wondering what set ups if any people use? It would be for me and the wife, (the kids can have hot chocolate out of the flask.)
-
Can you not take some boiling water in a flask and use an areopress? http://www.aeropresscoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.aeropresscoffee.co.uk/) makes a nice coffee on the quick.
Otherwise do the same thing but with a cafetiere, I have a good one from Bodum which also keep it warm, comes with to lids as well so you can press it, change lids and then drink it: http://www.poshrosh.co.uk/ProductsInfo.aspx?pId=67429&pType=Product&gclid=CMWb9dio7rsCFUbKtAod1FYAEA (http://www.poshrosh.co.uk/ProductsInfo.aspx?pId=67429&pType=Product&gclid=CMWb9dio7rsCFUbKtAod1FYAEA)
Hope that helps!
-
Cheers turnipturned, was thinking of getting a cafeteria/filter thing.
Went to http://www.thecoffeehouseofnottingham.co.uk/ (http://www.thecoffeehouseofnottingham.co.uk/) for a cuppa today. Great range of coffee, knowledgeable bloke serving it, and tasted bloody great. Think I've found my place for beans. If you're in Nottingham I'd recommend it.
-
DRM* Coffee (http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20140227/06521826371/keurig-will-use-drm-new-coffee-maker-to-lock-out-refill-market.shtml)
* Digital Rights Management
-
Can I once again canvas opinions on coffee machines (please).
I've been a bit spoilt in that where I've just ended my employment there was a very fancy coffee machine which I was allowed to play with (and drink the spoils). My home, stovetop Biacletti offering now seems...well...a bit sh*t in comparison (and yes, I did declare the opposite a number of years ago here (http://ukbouldering.com/board/index.php/topic,13408.25.html)).
I have some wedding vouchers left over for John Lewis so ideally it'd come from there and not cost the earth. Likely I'd need to consider grinding options too?
-
I won't comment on choice Paul (my Nespresso suits me fine for the balance between convenience and quality of coffee) but increasingly I'm choosing John Lewis over slightly cheaper purchase options when I can as they seem to be offering 2/3 year warranty on all their products as standard
-
So, I'm looking at taking my first steps into an electric grinder and home espresso machine set up. I've been informed that a 2/3 - 1/3 ratio of spending on grinder to machine is most sensical, given grind consistency has far more impact on the sort of shot you pull with a smaller machine (due to water tank size, and thus, inconsistent heating, pressurisation, etc.) and was wondering if anyone has any suggestions regard to one / both products. Whether this be what to aim for or what to avoid entirely. I've not really set a budget per se, but I'd guess a ball park £300-350? (Is that reasonable given I'm willing to buy second hand kit, and don't mind fiddling about replacing burrs, steam wands and the like?)
Cheers in advance, hopefully I've not been too vague, or my question hasn't been previously asked and answered.
-
Baratza Vario always comes up highly in reviews etc. I doubt there's anyone on here that's spent £350 on a grinder (mine was only £70) so I don't know if you'll get much help.
If you could find a second hand Mazzer Super Jolly that would also probably be good.
-
Sorry, it was £350 for the grinder and espresso machine, not per item. I've been looking at trying to get a Vario or a Rancilio Rocky second hand at present (with more Rockys coming up second hand on ebay). I'll try looking for a Mazzer Super Jolly, but it's a reasonably futile search on ebay.
Any suggestions on the espresso machine itself? I've been looking at the Gaggia classic at present, but with people complaining about the steam wand being a bit naff (I'm using it to develop my barista'ing at home along side working as a barista) I'm not entirely sure it's the machine for me, although I'm intrigued about putting the rancilio silvia's steam wand on one, as apparently it's a decent fix.
-
I've got a gaggia classic, for the price its reliable robust and tried and tested, can't fault it. I've got a bodum electric bur grinder, I spent much longer researching this and was more confused by the choice. The Bodum works fine and does all grind types ie it works as well as the commercial grinders I've used.
This combo should fit your budget. Worth noting that the gaggia these days often come with a shit basket and gimicky plastic thing, throw them away and buy a basket online.
-
Swapping the steamwand looks like childs play too.
-
If anyone's in Nottingham, found a new coffee place 200' C coffee, roasts it's own beans etc great tasting coffee. Just off market square - good alternative to the chains. (although a bit hipsterish inside)
-
If anyone's in Nottingham, found a new coffee place 200' C coffee, roasts it's own beans etc great tasting coffee. Just off market square - good alternative to the chains. (although a bit hipsterish inside)
Hipsterishness can often be warning sign of horrible barely-roasted, thin, acid coffee. Tho' apparently not in this case.
-
Considering a bean to espresso home gadget.
Some thing like this
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sage-Blumenthal-Barista-Express-Machine/dp/B00CI32S9I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sage-Blumenthal-Barista-Express-Machine/dp/B00CI32S9I/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)
Needs not to plumbing mandatory. Open to suggestions.
£500 would be my price point.
Cheers...
-
If I get my own grinder.. Which seems to be the best option... This is cheap, self cleans and generates a reasonable pressure?
http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-Stainless-Premium-EC860-M-Espresso/dp/B0091EJWWS/ref=sr_1_13?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1418587896&sr=1-13#customerReviews (http://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-Stainless-Premium-EC860-M-Espresso/dp/B0091EJWWS/ref=sr_1_13?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1418587896&sr=1-13#customerReviews)
-
That's not a bean to cup machine. It's a grinder, express thingy in one silver box.
Iirc at the budget end there is Delhongi, or Phillips/Saeco. Most of the machines I their ranges have the same grinder and water unt but with different displays/size tanks etc....
We've had three for work (two second hand) and at the moment we're on a Phillips which is fine - also I got from JLewis for two year warranty.
Can provide more advice if you have any specific models - spent a bit of time researching this over the years (but am no expert)
-
Cheers, I'll look some more.
-
They're all really good iirc (bean to cup machines). Ours was £400 but each cup works out at 20p (coffee and hardware: assuming the machine will break at some point) and saved us a mint over Costa over the road...
-
Hi John.
Hope you're well.
I was agonising over a new machine for a while recently. The brew head on my old Gran Gaggia (bottom of their range, but great) had cracked - after 20 years use.
I liked the look of the Heston.. machine, but some of the reviews highlighted problems with the grinder.
In the end I spent £20 on a second hand Breville machine that I knew had an excellent steam wand. I'll wait until I can afford something substantially better.
I found threads/discussion like this really helpful, if for no other reason than to inform me of what may be a good investment or not:
http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/rancilio_silvia/ardy2d (http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/consumer/rancilio_silvia/ardy2d)
If you're tempted by any of the Gaggia machines, there are some fantastic deals to be had on Ebay. Gaggia Classic for e.g.
For what it's worth, I was really impressed with their after sales service.
Dave.
-
Iirc at the budget end there is Delhongi, or Phillips/Saeco. Most of the machines I their ranges have the same grinder and water unt but with different displays/size tanks etc....
After my boss earlier in the year replaced hos £500 Delonghi bean to cup with a £900 version, I can confirm the coffee is exactly the same, you just get many more frothy milk options and digital displays telling you what it's doing on the expensive one...
-
I suppose the question is, do you want a bean to cup machine, or something a little less automatic, that may produce better coffee?
There's something rewarding about producing a great shot of espresso, then of course you can practice your barista skills with the milk!
If you were to buy a Gaggia Classic or similar, second hand, you could just flog it on if not for you. I've always found the coffee from the espresso machine - not bean to cup - far superior.
-
Epic UKB response.
Really grateful.
Cheers Dave.. I hear you... Time to proper consider.. But yes, I'm moving rapidly to a less automatic piece of kit.. With the optimal results.
-
For a fair bit less than that (£320 I think) I managed to pick up a gaggia classic and a rancillio rocky grinder second hand, nothing particularly high end but I can promise that I've had nothing but good tasting (provided my input is good) coffee from it.
I wound up purchasing a bottomless portafilter for it which I'd definitely recommend if you want to nerd out with how evenly you're tamping, and the crema I've been able to produce with it has been far less clumpy (hard to explain, easy to see in person). I can't see it costing much more time in a morning compared to a bean to cup machine, if I've switched the machine on pre-shower in the morning, I can have porridge, espresso and a packed lunch made and be out the door within 20 minutes easily.
-
Thanks, I hear you. More to this than meets the eye.
Pysched for some good home coffee!
-
Been looking into a new machine recently and am looking at getting a 2nd hand Gaggia Classic from somewhere (my budget is less than yours!!). Its highly recommended in lots of places but if you have more to spend you can of course get something better...
This was a decent read to understand what different types of machine do and their pros and cons
http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?9249-Choosing-a-Domestic-Espresso-Machine (http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?9249-Choosing-a-Domestic-Espresso-Machine)
-
Thanks for this.. Will read in detail
-
For what it's worth, what I use:
http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201243086906?nav=SEARCH (http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/201243086906?nav=SEARCH)
Currently listed at £5.50! Paid £20 for mine, delivered. The steam wand is really good. Also, steam is pump driven, so endless steam.
The steam wand is the down side with a lot of single boiler domestic machines. One day, I'll invest in something serious... There is a lot of rubbish out there, in the over priced middle ground. In my opinion.
Dave.
-
Yeah, I'm coming to the same conclusion.
-
we have a delonghi bean to cup affair in the office and it certainly cost a few notes and started leaking/making much less tasty coffee after not much time. it is nice and convenient, but would never be a good choice for at home.
have to agree that the budget machines are the way to go unless you have some serious money spare and can afford something more powerful, rather than more flashing lights
-
Yeah - they have a shelf life. Our one does about 15-20 shots a day and has lasted 6 months so far. Hence getting it from John Lewis - expect I'll be needing that 2 year warranty at some point!
Scale can kill them, so we run ours exclusively on purified water from the lab downstairs :)
-
I hear you on the scale...
Rad use of a lab!
-
Aw man. Being home at my parents has confirmed my coffee machine is past it's best.
I've got a Gaggia Espresso Pure, had it ~ 7 years, use it most days but it's struggling to force out enough pressure to make a decent espresso with a proper fine grind. My dad has a Gaggia Classic and my new (2nd hand) beast of a grinder is still here so I'm getting a fine enough, (still consistent) grind to even choke the classic, but when I get it just right it's a top cup thimbleful of crema-topped greatness.
Shame the grinder is a 7kg ugly brute, but man, it works!
Time to trawl ebay for a 2nd hand classic, or maybe I should go mental and just get one of these:
(http://biobug.org/coffee/giotto/giotto_from_ecm.jpg)
-
You could just replace the pump? In fact, I have a new pump in an old Gran Gaggia. Very easy to replace. Not using this now, as the brew head cracked after 20 years..
However, the other option must be very, beveragey.. tempting..
For what it's worth, I used a friend's classic a while ago, and found the temp really variable/too hot, though I'm sue that would have been an isolated fault. ?
-
Tried giving it s good de-scale? When pumps have struggled for me this has freed them up... Are you in a hard water spot?
-
It's only been used in Scotland and Chamonix, neither of which have hard water so not likely to be scale. Most likely the pump. Suppose I could have a fiddle with it and see what happens.
-
Grinder opinions: krups f203, any good - for use with a cafetiere/ aeropress?
-
Regarding the pump issues on the Gaggia machine, have you tried removing the back plate on the brew head? That's what I call it anyway. That can get blocked over time.
I'd say that if the pump is still working, it's probably effective enough, although I'm speculating on the basis of my own past experience. The pump on my machine simply stopped after many years of use/abuse.
I cannibalised an old Breville machine - the pumps are fairly ubiquitous items - and used the pump from that. Really easy job; everything was just plugged/clipped in.
I might check out cost of pumps on Ebay. Anyway, I have a spare. It's amazing how much money different manufacturers make by simply putting similar components in a fancy box!
Regarding Gaggia, I forgot to mention, and I think this is significant, if you have purchased a machine from them - via retailer - in the past, they will sell you a graded machine - typically one returned with no fault - for about two thirds the usual cost!
Also folks, consider this.
I sent my Gaggia machine off for a service over ten years ago - about £30 I think. When I got the machine back, there was still a fault with one of the indicators/LEDs. Rather than incur additional postage costs, Gaggia simply sent out a separate new/graded machine which I then used until earlier this year. I passed on the original machine to my brother, which he still uses now!
I think this is still the Gaggia number. Used to be called Homeware Brands:
01422 372554
They are really helpful.
I hope there's some good knowledge there ;D
-
Trade-in your old Gaggia and get up to £50 cash back. Only available on purchase value of £225 and over.
www.gaggia.uk.com/# (http://www.gaggia.uk.com/#)!/Manual-Machines-Grinders/c/3540309/offset=0&sort=normal
-
Need advice on a current reasonably priced domestic burr grinder.
The burrs on mine (Solis Maestro) are shot after ten years. You can get replacements, but I'm thinking it's had a good run and it's time for something new.
I mostly brew with Hario filters and/or aeropress, so don't need espresso-grade precision.
-
http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/grinders/products/baratza-encore (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/collections/grinders/products/baratza-encore)
That's just the latest version of the maestro really. Might be worth the upgrade. Else just get a new burr?
-
I expect you'll scoff and say no, but I did this once so I thought I'd suggest it....
You could buy a commercial coffee machine on Ebay. Decent (e.g Italian) ones go forever. You may need to replace the burrs, but it's worth it.
Quick search - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/majister-commercial-coffee-grinder-/181606517241?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item2a489789f9 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/majister-commercial-coffee-grinder-/181606517241?pt=UK_BOI_Restaurant_RL&hash=item2a489789f9) (£100)
Here it is new http://homebaristashop.co.nz/shop/m12-grinder/ (http://homebaristashop.co.nz/shop/m12-grinder/) (£450)
With mine, I just unscrewed the doser from the front, and used something smaller instead of the huge hopper.
-
I was indeed thinking about that, but have never used / removed a doser so wasn't sure how much hassle that might be.
-
Using a doser might well be annoying. The main issue would be keeping it clean and thus avoiding stale coffee grounds in your coffee. They're designed for high volume use. For home use, they're just a pain.
Removing the doser will probably be easy. Most probably 2-4 screws. This will then most likely result in a spout pointing straight out. That isn't a problem for grinding into an aeropress, filter, or another container. It's annoying if you want to grind straight into a portafilter for espresso, and in such cases, people tend to adapt a nozzle onto the end. (Tin foil or something more permanent!) Being a purist, I didn't want a nozzle, as without one you can more easily remove stale grounds from the grinder - a few normally sit in the flat bit of the grinder before the nozzle.
-
I got a Expobar semi commerical one of ebay for £70 and it's really finely tunable and consistent. Big ugly brute of a thing though ha!
-
The things that come up in conversation in the office; I'd never heard of this before!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak)
-
I heard an interview with the first British person to "introduce" the UK to that shite. At the time he thought he was pretty cool, but now he totally regrets it as they basically keep the civit cats in cages and force feed them coffee cherries.
I'd recommend never buying it.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/sep/13/civet-coffee-cut-the-crap (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/wordofmouth/2013/sep/13/civet-coffee-cut-the-crap)
-
Yeah that wiki references "free range" civet poo coffee vs "battery farmed" stuff. I wouldn't touch it regardless. Drinking something made from what's been eaten by something once already has limited appeal.
-
I'm either inspired, or having an early 30s "mid life crisis". I've been roasting my own beans for a while in a £10 popcorn popper. Sometimes it's great, other times not so but I'm keen to learn more and have some plans simmering away in the back of my mind about doing it semi or fully commercially in the future.
So, I've made an investment into this vague plan by getting myself some decent equipment. Firstly, a professional level espresso machine:
(http://www.talkcoffee.com.au/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/lelit_shooting.PL62_SN004025_23-500x500.jpg)
And, secondly a more consistent and controllable roaster:
(http://www.roastmasters.com/mm5/graphics/00000001/gene450_300x300.jpg)
If anyone wants my old Gaggia Espresso Pure I'll be parting with it for the going rate (minus UKB discount).
:bounce:
-
I got a Expobar semi commerical one of ebay for £70 and it's really finely tunable and consistent. Big ugly brute of a thing though ha!
On re-reading this I realised that it wasn't actually that informative! The grinder I have is actually a re-badged Cunill Tranquilo. It's semi commercial with 60mm burrs and a 270w motor and it's doserless. It has a spout that fires the coffee straight into the portafilter (or receptacle of choice). The only downsides so far are:
Ugliness / size
2-3g of coffee get stuck in in the chute - I clear this with a small brush at the last shot of a session
Lack of numbers on the grind dial (hard to remember which setting it was on if you switch between french press and espresso etc.
Otherwise, it makes a very consistent, fine and repeatable grind.
-
I considered going down the used commercial grinder road, but then found a decent deal on ebay for an Ascaso i1, which got decent reviews so I went for it.
Seems to work. There's more static than with my old grinder, and a bit of ground coffee gets stuck in the chute at the end of the grind and has to be brushed out later. And it took a bit of trial and error with the stepless adjustment to find a setting that wasn't so fine it clogged my filter.
-
Nice. It's a good feeling when you get past the learning curve and it all goes "aahhh". I can see why so many people dispense with all the faff and get a nespresso.
-
Ok, don't kill me here...
Instead of spending a fair few 100... If not more...
I bought an aero press.
Darn, for what it is.. It makes a fine coffee.. For a Luddite who just wants a quick shot before stumbling out of the house every morning. ( I only drink one coffee a day before going out every morning) its a marvel... Got to be careful though... If you put too much in it.. It's just toooo much. Spent one morning this week feeling off my tits..
-
+1 for the aero press..
I have a nespresso machine at home and a bean to cup machine at work - which both (on balance) make a better cup - but for £20 it's great - simple and not messy. (My tip is to draw the plunger back up a little after pressing - then you can undo the cap at the bottom and the filter and grounds have been drawn back into the syringe - as it where - then push it back through into the bin)
-
I used an aeropress for a while then switched to a Hario filter. I find both good and see no need to spend large amounts of money on impressive-looking machines (that I would then have to learn how to use properly)
-
Re the aeropress, I use the inverted method - not because of any flavour considerations but because you end up with less leaks or explosions of coffee if you make a mistake putting the plunger in. Details here (or in innumerable coffee nerd youtube vids):
http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutorial/ (http://ineedcoffee.com/upside-aeropress-coffee-brewing-tutorial/)
-
I'm over that, like a rash. Nice one.
-
Inverted is the way, coffee in press and let water temp drop to stop scolding and then let stand and boom into cup. beans, grinder, press and into to cup and out the door in less than 8 minutes!
-
Inverted is the way, coffee in press and let water temp drop to stop scolding and then let stand and boom into cup. beans, grinder, press and into to cup and out the door in less than 8 minutes!
F-me 8minutes!! What're you taking a toilet break midway. I guess the limiter is how long to get hot water.
I use mine at work and in 5 minutes I can make my coffee and a bagel egg sandwich.
Put water on(only amount needed), Dice onions and green peppers, bagel in toaster, microwave eggs with onions and peppers-2min, Grind coffee, put coffee in aeropress, slice avacado, bagel on plate, water in aeropress, eggs and avacado on bagel, Press coffee, and back at desk working at UKB site in under 5 minutes. ;D
If I hand grind it does take a bit longer...
I love my aeropress :wub:
-
Whoa, you had me until "microwave eggs".
-
Whoa, you had me until "microwave eggs".
Works great - try it when you get home - just pop one in whole.
;)
-
Fortunately I don't have a microwave so I won't be able to fall for your prank...
-
Fortunately I don't have a microwave so I won't be able to fall for your prank...
It's very quick and effective at scrambling...
-
You think I jest. I'd never think about it for anything other than a scramble with goodies (cheese, onions, salsa, etc.) or on a sandwich. But it's fast and it works.....
My preferred home method is eggs au cocotte, but that's a bit tough at work. I wonder if you could make them in a toaster oven :-\
-
Meunchener, I also have a Hario V60 and think it's great. I would never have bought those machines for home use - ludicrous! Sooo good though! :coffee:
-
Well I finally got hold of a second hand Gaggia Classic and after a bit of practice am getting really great coffee out of it. I would highly recommend it as an entry level machine. The person I got it from had upgraded to a Rancilio machine (the next rung up the ladder in effect) and he said he couldn't really tell a massive difference between the two.
Hopefully that wasn't sales chat.
The milk takes a bit of practice (I like a flat white sort of drink) but I'm starting to get a pretty amazing cup at home which is currently a big novelty to me.
-
I bought an aero press.
I have 4 or 5 different methods of making coffee at home, from the Rok Hand Press to a French press to a Bialetti stove top and others, and the Aeropress is the one I use every day.
-
A few recent bean purchases:
http://www.pilgrimscoffee.com/products/brazil (http://www.pilgrimscoffee.com/products/brazil) - are awesome thus far, espresso has been a highlight, with a weird orange peel aftertaste which I didn't expect, but did enjoy. Aeropress is a rather lighter affair in the flavour profile, fairly subtle with some sweetness to it.
http://www.foundrycoffeeroasters.com/shop/fresh-coffee-beans/rungeto-co-operative-ngairiama-kenya/ (http://www.foundrycoffeeroasters.com/shop/fresh-coffee-beans/rungeto-co-operative-ngairiama-kenya/) - messed around with for a while, got a very good espresso from them, light enough roast that you're not drowned by a really deep flavour, and not too much acidity either. Made a cracking pour over too, although I didn't play with the aeropress enough to get it quite to my liking, I think if I'd bought more in I might have got something pretty decent from it rather than just alright.
I've got a bag of pilgrim's Columbian sat in the cupboard waiting until I have space to open and seal it again properly so it doesn't get stale too quickly, which I'm rather looking forward to.
Had a kilo of http://www.northstarroast.com/product/czar-st-seasonal/ (http://www.northstarroast.com/product/czar-st-seasonal/) just before the Christmas, which was decent, met the guys at Cup North and would definitely get more from them in future, I just need to stop finding new roasters to buy from and try out!
-
I got me an aeropress and it's rapidly replaced the cafetiere for my breakfast brew. I'd class myself as a total coffee punter - love to drink it but don't know anything about what makes a 'good' brew.
So, my question: What are people's recommendations for a good entry level off-the-shelf ground coffee that makes a half-decent aeropress brew? Money/time etc generally means shopping is done rushing round Tesco on my lunchbreak, rather than ambling round the local farmers market, so I'm after the sort of thing they would stock. I'm tending towards the red Lavazza stuff at the moment and thoroughly enjoying it, but could I do better?
-
I'm tending towards the red Lavazza stuff at the moment and thoroughly enjoying it, but could I do better?
You could do better, but it would involve buying freshly roasted beans not from a supermarket and grinding them yourself with a halfway decent grinder. You could also do worse. Lavazza is ok as supermarket stuff goes.
-
We use Lavazza red in our bean to cup machine at work. Its a decent all rounder - though personally I find it a little sickly and prefer something a bit more bitter...
-
We use Lavazza red in our bean to cup machine at work. Its a decent all rounder - though personally I find it a little sickly and prefer something a bit more bitter...
You do WHAAATTTT :spank:
£1k+ on a machine and your using 4 week + old factory roasted crap??
Swing by your local roastery every week and get some of their espresso blend. No excuses!
-
Tom doesn't drink espresso, he drinks expresso......
(Sorry Tom, couldn't resist.......)
Tom, if you do fancy locally roasted coffee, ManCoCo Manchester Blend is my Aeropress bean of choice. If you like bitter, their espresso blend might be more up your street. There is also a toaster in Ancoats but it's all a bit fruity and Ethiopian for me.
-
Money/time etc generally means shopping is done rushing round Tesco on my lunchbreak, rather than ambling round the local farmers market, so I'm after the sort of thing they would stock.
Get yourself down the farmers market, they're great:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=afY4v0y4fL4
-
For online ordering, I've pretty much exclusively used Hasbean (http://www.hasbean.co.uk/) coffee. It's been a great place to find out how very different coffee can taste from different countries, and have great useful tasting guides so you know what your getting. And most orders are delivered next day using there standard service, ideal for when you get down to your last bean!!
-
I got bought a subscription to Kopi for my birthday which I am halfway through. Its not 'alf bad...
-
I got bought a subscription to Kopi for my birthday which I am halfway through. Its not 'alf bad...
I'm confused :shrug: what's "A subscription to Kopi"?
-
One would assume : http://www.kopi.co.uk/ (http://www.kopi.co.uk/)
-
yep you are right. sorry for lack of explanation. its a good thing and arrives by post every month. whats not to like?!
-
So, my question: What are people's recommendations for a good entry level off-the-shelf ground coffee that makes a half-decent aeropress brew?
I like the cafe direct macchu picchu blend (commonly seen in tesco and sainsbury). Used to be available as beans as well but sadly they discontinued that. Otherwise I just started a subscription to kopi and the first package was quite drinkable.
-
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8842/16701713243_0b974a3024_z.jpg)
YYFY
8)
Go on, put me to shame baristas.
-
So, it was my Birthday on Fri and Nat has obviously had enough of me whinging about the Nespresso (I have guilt with the aluminium pods, even if they do get recycled) and has thus sourced a factory recon'd Gaggia Classic (one of the older models as supposedly the new ones have gone a bit sh*t?).
The problem is now, ideally, I'd like a grinder. Reading about the subject you're advised to spend the same amount on the machine as the grinder and as the machine cost me 0FAs, that's not a fantastic budget.
Should I stick to hand grinders to get more bang for my buck or is there some hidden gem that's 'OK' to the coffee geeks of this world?
(Nice work Dave, I tried for ages at the Foundry and failed spectacularly, especially at hearts for Valentine's day).
-
I went for an Iberital MC2. I use an aeropress / filter cup so can't personally comment on the suitability for espresso makers but it gets pretty good reviews for that use from coffee geeks (which is why I bought it - in case I ever up-grade to a Gaggia). Looks a bit agricultural but seems pretty robust - kinda the Land Rover Defender of grinders.
Reviews:
http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?3380-Switching-grinders-from-a-Gaggia-MDF-to-a-Iberital-MC2 (http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?3380-Switching-grinders-from-a-Gaggia-MDF-to-a-Iberital-MC2)
https://ronsrants.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/iberital-mc2-auto-first-impressions-%E2%80%93-mark-2/ (https://ronsrants.wordpress.com/2010/07/10/iberital-mc2-auto-first-impressions-%E2%80%93-mark-2/)
http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/grinders/iberital_grinder/Schnorbitz (http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/grinders/iberital_grinder/Schnorbitz)
Dealer (seems a good bit pricier than I recall, but might still be good value):
http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/iberital-mc2-grinders/ (http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/iberital-mc2-grinders/)
-
Should I stick to hand grinders to get more bang for my buck or is there some hidden gem that's 'OK' to the coffee geeks of this world?
get a handgrinder, its free aerocap. I've got the slim Hario, it was twenty quid off amazon, and does a great job.
-
It depends how much you want to nerd out over coffee really.
I picked up a rancillio rocky (an older one) second hand on ebay for £120 or so I think. Thus far it's lasted me well, and I've had friends who use either hand grinders or the cheap kenwood electric say they can't get close to the flavour. Hand grinding for espresso is a massive pain in the arse if you're dosing correctly and getting a fine grind. If you've got company over it's even worse and you'll be there for a fair old while.
My caveat would be if you are buying an electric, try and go doserless to prevent build up of grinds. A doser is handy in a shop when you're making drink after drink, but at home you just get occasionally very stale tasting espresso (or zero crema at all!)
-
It depends how much you want to nerd out over coffee really.
Hopefully the whole idea of this thread is to geek out as much as you like without raised eyebrows or glazed expressions from friends and family! I mean I'm interested in some info about the ins and out of dosers...
-
No doser unless you brew LOADS of coffee - too much will sit there getting stale. If you really want to nerd out then doserless and a very accurate set of electric scales is what you need. :smartass:
-
Well seeing as you bought this up I'll ask a question. I've read that a fair few people weigh their coffee in an effort to keep another thing constant in addition to tamping pressure, machine pressure, grind etc.
So, why don't they do this at a coffee shop, even the independent ones who claim (rightly so) to serve the best coffee? I've never seen anyone do it.
-
Because they rely on their dosers being consistent enough. Just like I rely on the Aeropress scoop.
In fact, on a climbing trip I once went into a roastery wanting x days supply of coffee pre-ground. I told the guy I wanted three aeropress scoops per day for x days, and he knew - without hesitation and as it turned out correctly - what that was in grammes.
-
Because they rely on their dosers being consistent enough. Just like I rely on the Aeropress scoop.
But that measures volume so is dependant on the courseness of the grind as opposed to the weitgh of the coffee?
Irelaise this is knit-picking as personally, I know how full to fill my hario with beans for my Aeropress though I have been to quite a few coffee shops that have scales, they registered too high on my pretentious scale though.
-
They're using a doser to measure espresso ground which should have a fairly consistent grind size & therefore density. I'm using my scoop to measure beans, which vary somewhat in size and therefore pack density, but not all that much.
-
I'm using my scoop to measure beans, which vary somewhat in size and therefore pack density, but not all that much.
I always thought the scoop was for grounds, not beans?
-
Whilst I'm on this thread.....
Pact Coffee - Had two bags on an introductory offer (2 for 1).
Summary - Good coffee, great service
For someone who is enough of a coffee lover to have an aeropress and hand burr grinder but not enough for a full espresso machine and the owner of a somewhat basic palette the coffee was nice, first bag very good, second a little underwhelming (different beans each time) though neither matched my standard choice, ManCoCo Manchester Blend. The company feels a little bit "style over substance". Their website is great, ordering is really easy as is modifying, delaying your order etc but the wanky tasting notes, instagram guff and the fact, after a little research, I believe they don't actually roast their own beans means that I'll stick with what I know. Bah humbug......
-
They're using a doser to measure espresso ground which should have a fairly consistent grind size & therefore density. I'm using my scoop to measure beans, which vary somewhat in size and therefore pack density, but not all that much.
Doesn't a good coffee shop adjust the grind depending on air temp and humidity to try and keep the volume of a shot consistent? Therefore surely there is some mileage in weighing as it would vary between seasons etc. ?
This guy weighs the coffee...!
http://youtu.be/f40jLB85ps4
-
So, it was my Birthday on Fri ..and has thus sourced a factory recon'd Gaggia Classic (one of the older models as supposedly the new ones have gone a bit sh*t?).
The problem is now, ideally, I'd like a grinder. Reading about the subject you're advised to spend the same amount on the machine as the grinder and as the machine cost me 0FAs, that's not a fantastic budget.
Should I stick to hand grinders to get more bang for my buck or is there some hidden gem that's 'OK' to the coffee geeks of this world?
(Nice work Dave, I tried for ages at the Foundry and failed spectacularly, especially at hearts for Valentine's day).
Nice work on purchase of the recond Gaggia! Sounds like it's the way to go - or at least, a very good option. I was using a reconditioned machine for about 15 years!
I could really do with a decent grinder. Currently making do with an old Krups blade thing. £7 or so, but so difficult to get decent extraction, and hence decent crema. Still, some good bargains on Ebay/Gumtree.
I'll keep an eye out on what you decide. Would be great to hear how things go - and with the Classic too. Good luck!
And thanks for your kind comment on Leonard - my pet Rosetta. Ha ha!
-
Having just read through the posts, I'd suggest trying to get hold of one of the Gaggia burr grinders from Ebay etc.
I've tried several other cheaper variants - including the Krups model, but they tend to be fragile toys in my opinion.
To put this in perspective, I missed out on a "buy it now" for a Gaggia Classic + grinder for £100. Shit!
As with all these things, knowing what to do with what you've got, is key. Joy comes with each discovery of a new key to the puzzle!
But again, good luck!
-
I'm glad I'm heading out to live in a van, otherwise this thread would have me parting with my hard earned. It's an obsession, truly an obsession.
-
I'm glad I'm heading out to live in a van, otherwise this thread would have me parting with my hard earned. It's an obsession, truly an obsession.
Take an aeropress and a set of electric scales that reads to the nearest gram (preferably flat plate style so you can put the aeropress on and then zero them). My preferred dose for my morning cuppa is 18 grams of medium grind which is a little more than one scoopful...
Incidentally, on the grinder front for Paul, I have got on very well with a Krups GVX2 burr grinder for the last 3 or 4 years, though I notice the reviews fault it for being noisy (it does sound like a food blender) and the on button self-destructing once in a while (not experienced this one). My only doubt is a couple of reviews don't rate it for espresso grade grind, which worries me as I'm also hoping for a Classic for my birthday next week... :bounce:
-
Dave, add me to the list of leaf admirers. I can't get anything close to that.
I got a Morphy Richards burr grinder a while back. It isn't great but I found out you can mod it to get much finer grinds than its supposed to and that you'd normally only get on a more expensive model. Not sure if you can get hold of them anymore but its been invaluable since getting my Classic. I wouldn't have been able to get really good espresso without the finer grind from the mod. For this reason I'd try and get a more expensive grinder if you can afford it (and have a decent espresso machine).
I was really happy to get my 2nd hand Classic although the pump did break after about a month. It had kind of been recond but something like that just happens I guess. It was a good reminder of why they are a good one to go for. A new pump was about a fiver and it took about an hour to fix (I'm no electronics genius btw).
-
Well seeing as you bought this up I'll ask a question. I've read that a fair few people weigh their coffee in an effort to keep another thing constant in addition to tamping pressure, machine pressure, grind etc.
So, why don't they do this at a coffee shop, even the independent ones who claim (rightly so) to serve the best coffee? I've never seen anyone do it.
Strange, I've definitely seen about 3 or 4 shops in Sheffield go off weight of beans in. Most commonly for their soft brew (pour over, aeropress, syphon etc.) but I know of a few shops that weigh grounds out of the grinder (portafilter goes on a set of scales pre and post grind) and then shots weighed out to a certain mass of shot too for espresso shots.
I inherited a set of scales from an ex-dealer that have stood me well thus far for beans in, slightly more accurate than others use, but not quite the £80+ set for accurately weighing shots and pour overs (they max out at 50g as opposed to ~250g).
Oh. And most good shops dial in their grinder and espresso machines every morning to match the humidity that day, how long ago the beans have been roasted etc. Which makes things relatively easy to know how a shot is going to pull before you have customers in.
-
I just got one of the DeLonghi bean-to-cup machines for my birthday - this one https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/delonghi-magnifica-esam3300-superautomatic-espresso-machine (https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/delonghi-magnifica-esam3300-superautomatic-espresso-machine)
I'm a big fan (though I always liked the aeropress), the new machine is fantastically easy to use and makes great espresso shots - the only problem is my caffeine intake has gone through the roof... :bounce:
-
Dave, add me to the list of leaf admirers. I can't get anything close to that.
I got a Morphy Richards burr grinder a while back. It isn't great but I found out you can mod it to get much finer grinds than its supposed to and that you'd normally only get on a more expensive model. Not sure if you can get hold of them anymore but its been invaluable since getting my Classic. I wouldn't have been able to get really good espresso without the finer grind from the mod. For this reason I'd try and get a more expensive grinder if you can afford it (and have a decent espresso machine).
I was really happy to get my 2nd hand Classic although the pump did break after about a month. It had kind of been recond but something like that just happens I guess. It was a good reminder of why they are a good one to go for. A new pump was about a fiver and it took about an hour to fix (I'm no electronics genius btw).
That's great to hear - someone applying a bit of nouse, and not just showing off their purchase of the latest Blumen-whatever pretty box.
Good knowledge on the grinder too. I'm impressed. :yes:
Still learning the latte art. Good, consistent crema seems very useful. Hey, and thanks too. I might post the videos I found most useful, if anyone is interested.
Any good tips for wholesale beans? A mate of mine used to roast his own, extracting the thickest treacle from his Pavoni lever machine. Quite incredible flavour. I'm using Sainsbury Espresso beans. Good dark roast £2.30/227g but bought 7 packs yesterday with a voucher off = £13.85. Used to use Musetti which was wonderful, until my grinder broke..
Anyway enough of this..
for now. Until my morning shots ;D
-
Re my pretty box comments.
If you're happy with your's, then good on ya. I've just wanted to point out that there is a lot of rubbish out there, selling for many hundreds of pounds, so beware..
Lidl have a 15bar machine on sale this week for £46... Got to be worth a punt 8)
-
Well seeing as you bought this up I'll ask a question. I've read that a fair few people weigh their coffee in an effort to keep another thing constant in addition to tamping pressure, machine pressure, grind etc.
So, why don't they do this at a coffee shop, even the independent ones who claim (rightly so) to serve the best coffee? I've never seen anyone do it.
Strange, I've definitely seen about 3 or 4 shops in Sheffield go off weight of beans in. Most commonly for their soft brew (pour over, aeropress, syphon etc.) but I know of a few shops that weigh grounds out of the grinder (portafilter goes on a set of scales pre and post grind) and then shots weighed out to a certain mass of shot too for espresso shots.
I inherited a set of scales from an ex-dealer that have stood me well thus far for beans in, slightly more accurate than others use, but not quite the £80+ set for accurately weighing shots and pour overs (they max out at 50g as opposed to ~250g).
Oh. And most good shops dial in their grinder and espresso machines every morning to match the humidity that day, how long ago the beans have been roasted etc. Which makes things relatively easy to know how a shot is going to pull before you have customers in.
Seems like I'm not frequenting the right sorts of coffee shop!
I was aware of the constant grind adjustment in good places. It was said in responce to the idea that using a scoop was an accurate measuring system. It's all I use btw
-
Dave, add me to the list of leaf admirers. I can't get anything close to that.
I got a Morphy Richards burr grinder a while back. It isn't great but I found out you can mod it to get much finer grinds than its supposed to and that you'd normally only get on a more expensive model. Not sure if you can get hold of them anymore but its been invaluable since getting my Classic. I wouldn't have been able to get really good espresso without the finer grind from the mod. For this reason I'd try and get a more expensive grinder if you can afford it (and have a decent espresso machine).
I was really happy to get my 2nd hand Classic although the pump did break after about a month. It had kind of been recond but something like that just happens I guess. It was a good reminder of why they are a good one to go for. A new pump was about a fiver and it took about an hour to fix (I'm no electronics genius btw).
That's great to hear - someone applying a bit of nouse, and not just showing off their purchase of the latest Blumen-whatever pretty box.
Good knowledge on the grinder too. I'm impressed. :yes:
Still learning the latte art. Good, consistent crema seems very useful. Hey, and thanks too. I might post the videos I found most useful, if anyone is interested.
Any good tips for wholesale beans? A mate of mine used to roast his own, extracting the thickest treacle from his Pavoni lever machine. Quite incredible flavour. I'm using Sainsbury Espresso beans. Good dark roast £2.30/227g but bought 7 packs yesterday with a voucher off = £13.85. Used to use Musetti which was wonderful, until my grinder broke..
Anyway enough of this..
for now. Until my morning shots ;D
Creama good here I just cant get the milk right. Any tips gratefully received
-
There are some great videos on YouTube about milk frothing. I'll see if I can find them again.
The most important tip when using a domestic machine is to make sure you remove any extra plastic bits from the steam wand. They just make big bubbles! They're normally removable, for cleaning.
Also, make sure the steam pressure is really good before you start.
You want to start with the tip of the steam wand only just below the surface of the milk, so it makes a gentle hiss. If you've got sufficient steam, it should create a whirlpool effect in the pitcher too, and this should help blend the fine bubbles (micro foam) into the rest of the milk.
Don't overdo it. You want to create an emulsion that will pour OK. Too much foam is OK for cappuccino but not latte art.
Finish by pushing the steam wand down into the milk to heat it.
I might PM you. I'm in Sheffield. Easier to describe in person, but I wanted to reply to your post.
:)
Good luck!
-
Incidentally, on the grinder front for Paul, I have got on very well with a Krups GVX2 burr grinder for the last 3 or 4 years, though I notice the reviews fault it for being noisy (it does sound like a food blender) and the on button self-destructing once in a while (not experienced this one). My only doubt is a couple of reviews don't rate it for espresso grade grind, which worries me as I'm also hoping for a Classic for my birthday next week... :bounce:
Following on from this, current state of play is I'm almost there but not quite with the gaggia, getting a bit too much flow through the portafilter - ~100ml of coffee in a 20 second shot rather than 60ish ml in a 25-30 second shot. I presume this means I need a finer grind which means the old Krupps isn't up to the job for espresso as I'm running it on the finest setting.
Time for a second grinder then...
Struggling with the milk frothing, currently ending up with a split between largish bubbled froth and watery milk. Need more practice...
-
.. the old Krupps isn't up to the job for espresso as I'm running it on the finest setting.
Time for a second grinder then...
Struggling with the milk frothing, currently ending up with a split between largish bubbled froth and watery milk. Need more practice...
On the grinder front, have you tried a basic blade grinder? Probably get one for a tenner. Burr grinders are superior.. IF .. they have the right settings/sensitivity, but a complete waste of time/money if not.
I've used an old Krups blade grinder for years. Want a decent burr grinder again, but at least I do get the right ground 50% of the time. Will do, until I spot a bargain..
Re milk frothing, have a good trawl through the YouTube videos for frothing milk. If you're using a Classic with the basic steam wand, and it also has a plastic tube/frothing device attached - ditch it (the plastic bit). It's OK for cappuccino, but otherwise is designed for brainless production of big bubbles. You want to produce good "micro-foam", which you do, by placing the tip of the steam wand only just below the surface of the milk.
Can PM you, but think I need to find some decent videos, and post them up.
:)
-
Incidentally, on the grinder front for Paul, I have got on very well with a Krups GVX2 burr grinder for the last 3 or 4 years, though I notice the reviews fault it for being noisy (it does sound like a food blender) and the on button self-destructing once in a while (not experienced this one). My only doubt is a couple of reviews don't rate it for espresso grade grind, which worries me as I'm also hoping for a Classic for my birthday next week... :bounce:
Following on from this, current state of play is I'm almost there but not quite with the gaggia, getting a bit too much flow through the portafilter - ~100ml of coffee in a 20 second shot rather than 60ish ml in a 25-30 second shot. I presume this means I need a finer grind which means the old Krupps isn't up to the job for espresso as I'm running it on the finest setting.
Time for a second grinder then...
Struggling with the milk frothing, currently ending up with a split between largish bubbled froth and watery milk. Need more practice...
Sounds like you need a finer grind. As Dave says burr grinders are better. If you are limited by cost a hand grinder is a really good option (plenty of suggestions earlier in this thread I think, Hario get almost universally good feedback) otherwise you are looking at at least £100 maybe more depending on whether or not you're looking at 2nd hand stuff.
I've managed to fiddle with a cheap burr grinder which I use with a Classic to get fine grinds but find I get stuck between settings sometimes - either too fine or too coarse. So if you are going to shell out make sure it has a wide range of steps on the grind adjustment thing.
The milk frothing is a dark art. I've got microfoam twice and been at it for months now!!!
-
Ta for the replies. Figure I'll go for one of the Hario hand grinders (I read you can take the pain out of grinding by attaching an electric drill...). Really only need it to work with the Gaggia, I can't fault my Krupps for any other size of grind but it just doesn't go fine enough.
-
Finally got round to buying an aeropress after the reviews they got on here, and my god, the first cup was excellent.
Before the upgrade, my penis size was a Zassenhaus 151BU hand grinder with a Bialetti moka express at home and a cafetiere in the office. I was never satisfied with my coffees in the office, hence buying the aeropress, but I'm now thinking of buying another one to replace the moka.
So much for cutting back on the caffeine :devangel:
-
Any pro-tips on using a bog standard stove-top? Generally I find mine is too bitter.
I have a small stove-top, electric grinder, and get decent beans. On the "don't scorch the beans / boil the coffee" principle, I used to go for a fine grind and a strong heat, thinking the quicker the hot water / steam was pushed through the beans, the better (to avoid boiling the coffee). However my coffee snob mate (who usually uses a proper home set-up that makes very nice coffee), says it should be a coarser grind and a slower heat (to avoid scorching the ground beans). I've tried that a few times and TBH it tastes no better.
In contrast, my mum always uses a stove-top, doesn't seem to pay much attention to grind size nor over-heating, and her coffee, like her, rocks. The only difference I can see is she has a much larger stove-top.
So, errr, yeah. Ideas? For using the stove-top, not replacing it. Ta.
-
Do you take it off the boil before it finishes or let it boil dry? Someone recommended turning the heat down when halfway full, and taking it off the heat before it finishes. I found it's less bitter that way.
-
Agree with Drew. You really have to watch it like a hawk and take it off the heat as soon as it starts to flow. Bitterness is caused by overheating.
-
I have a small (sold as 3 (espresso) cup) stove top, used for my morning hit.
Grind wise I go just coarse enough to stop significant residue getting through somewhere between espresso and cafetiere blend and about the same as I use for aeropress. I was told not to 'pack' the coffee reservoir as this makes it harder for the water to pass through making for a bitterer brew so I tend to go for a loose fill a few mm off the top I have the stove (gas) on the lowest heat and aim to remove from heat as soon as you hear any noise of it being 'done' leaving it on after it has boiled through definitely (to me) makes a bitterer coffee.
Also as I think stove tops give a 'strong' tasting coffee anyway maybe try experimenting with lighter roasted beans, particularly if you are grinding yourself, it's certainly noticeable the difference of taste between stove top and aeropress.
-
I take it off the boil just before the bubbling out of the top pipe finishes. I do tend to pack the grind down so I can avoid that in future.
-
I take it off the boil just before the bubbling out of the top pipe finishes.
That's too late, needs to be as soon as it's in full flow. The residual heat/pressure in the chamber should be enough to take care of the rest.
And if it's all flowing through in one instantaneous burst, then that's a sure sign of over-packing.
-
Have you tried a different bean blend, darker is typically more bitter?
Sent from my XT1039 using Tapatalk
-
Medium-fine grind would be my suggestion, roughly what you'd use for an aeropress (just slightly more fine than for a v60/kalita wave), pack it in relatively well, so there's a level about a mil or two off the top, flatten gently rather than press down hard. And like the folks above state, once you hear it beginning to bubble over, give it a few seconds more until it's on the edge of being full flow, and remove from the heat. Residual heat / pressure do their stuff to send it over and you shouldn't be scorching the grounds. Take your time too, you could start from pre-warmed water if you don't want to wait as long, but heating excessively fast is pretty much a no go.
-
pack it in relatively well, so there's a level about a mil or two off the top, flatten gently rather than press down hard. And like the folks above state, once you hear it beginning to bubble over, give it a few seconds more until it's on the edge of being full flow, and remove from the heat.
I haven't used a stove top in years, but I was pretty sure that packing was discouraged as it's more likely to increase the resistance and therefore the temperature at which the water gets to before steam is made (i.e. the brew water will pass through the coffee at a higher temperature and higher temperature = more bitterness.)
Try to get to the grind of Lavazza Red (no joke, pretty spot on for stove tops...) Fill the basket, level off, no tamping. Medium flame (too low takes too long, to high makes it difficult to get it off the stove a the right time.
Basically, listen to your snob mate ;-)
-
P.S. I much prefer a cone filter to a stove top - for the reasons you give. (bitterness/burnt)
On that subject, Meunchener - I know you use a Hario. Do you often have pour over in a café? I've had a few around glasgow and they are invariable waaay to lightly extracted for my taste. Basically watery, thin, no body. It seems to be all the rage, but when I make it at home I go for a much richer, deeper flavour (finer grind I expect). To my taste it's much better and my favourite method of getting a nice big cuppa, which can make a nice change from an espresso.
My GF surprised me with a trip to the Edinburgh coffee festival a few weeks ago. The trend seems to be for super-fruity, high acidity espresso just now. Can't say I'm on board that bandwagon. I'm all for a slightly lighter roast to bring out some more subtle characteristics, but some of it was pretty undrinkable.
Surprisingly the most trendy/modernistic looking roaster, Round Square Coffee from Ayr, had an amazing blend - really complex blend of sweetness and just a touch of fruity acidity, with no bitterness, great body and mouthfeel. Try and grab a bag if you can.
-
you could start from pre-warmed water if you don't want to wait as long..
What I generally do with stove-tops.
I'm afraid, despite the pearls of wisdom people have offered, some stove-tops are poorly designed, and conduct heat too easily to the upper chamber, resulting in scorching of the coffee. I've tended to experience this with stainless STs rather than the moulded alloy ones, and a hunch I have, is that there can be a problem with the way the little cap is pressed onto the delivery tube, so that it chokes too easily.
The best stove-top I've used, was one with a porcelain top pot, which always seemed to produce a good brew - almost regardless of grind/heating etc.
That said, following some of the advice given ought to help; it may just not address the problem.
Good luck.
-
The trend seems to be for super-fruity, high acidity espresso just now. Can't say I'm on board that bandwagon. I'm all for a slightly lighter roast to bring out some more subtle characteristics, but some of it was pretty undrinkable.
I totally agree and have had a similar conversation with erm, sam. It might make me a coffee philistine but the whole citric fruity coffee thing that seem to be happening at the moment doesn't do anything for me at all.
-
On that subject, Meunchener - I know you use a Hario. Do you often have pour over in a café?
No, never. And tbh at home I generally use pretty dark roasts too. Can't abide that barely-beige acidic hipster crap.
-
Can't abide that barely-beige acidic hipster crap.
I tend to avoid anyone's crap, regardless of colour or ph levels.
-
Really stove tops, my 2p...
This is from memory and from the instructions I got with a Bialetti stove top I bought over 10 years ago, never pack the coffee in, just pour in and level off, only use cold water, never overfill with water there is usually a ring on the inside giving the correct level, low heat. Take off heat when it's just got going.
The reason I remember this so well is because I did the total opposite! Boiling water, packing it in, over filling water etc. I noticed an improvement after following instructions. I'm currently back on stove top as machine is bust.
I agree with the lavazza red grind comment, it's about spot on.
-
The trend seems to be for super-fruity, high acidity espresso just now. Can't say I'm on board that bandwagon. I'm all for a slightly lighter roast to bring out some more subtle characteristics, but some of it was pretty undrinkable.
I totally agree and have had a similar conversation with erm, sam. It might make me a coffee philistine but the whole citric fruity coffee thing that seem to be happening at the moment doesn't do anything for me at all.
I wonder if it's some kind of overshoot - i.e. we've progressed from old school Italian roasts, and shot right past the "sweet spot". Maybe it'll bounce back towards the classic end? Who knows.
-
Anyone tried this idea https://www.chefsteps.com/activities/tips-tricks-this-is-not-a-latte ?
I am wondering if it is worth it?
That chefsteps site is great, some really good ideas, and all of the recipes I have tried have been a winner
-
That's too late, needs to be as soon as it's in full flow. The residual heat/pressure in the chamber should be enough to take care of the rest.
Okay so I tried this - keeping a close eye on it and taking it off when it was in full flow rather than bubbling and spluttering out of the top, along with a slightly coarser grind and not packing it down.
And what do you know, it worked, it definitely tastes better. Thanks guys :strongbench:
-
And what do you know, it worked, it definitely tastes better.
It was bound to, expectation bias, more effort = must be better ;)
-
And what do you know, it worked, it definitely tastes better.
It was bound to, expectation bias, more effort = must be better ;)
Sorry fiend, no coffee improvement tick there- double blind placebo controlled randomised taste test required. Back around. :wave:
-
FFS slackbots, enough of that drivel >:(
-
[fuck I've been infiltrated]
Must have happened during my W10 upgrade.
-
Must have happened during my W10 upgrade.
With a new penguin logo?
-
Aldi have got some nice roasted beans from different sources in at the moment - they're on the aisle with the special buys and not with the rest of the coffee
can't find an internet link
-
Must have happened during my W10 upgrade.
With a new penguin logo?
Yeah, the new penguin is nice, I like it. Why did they change the name to Linux, strange name choice by Microsoft?
Sent from my XT1039 using Tapatalk
-
Really stove tops, my 2p...
This is from memory and from the instructions I got with a Bialetti stove top I bought over 10 years ago, never pack the coffee in, just pour in and level off, only use cold water, never overfill with water there is usually a ring on the inside giving the correct level, low heat. Take off heat when it's just got going.
The reason I remember this so well is because I did the total opposite! Boiling water, packing it in, over filling water etc. I noticed an improvement after following instructions. I'm currently back on stove top as machine is bust.
I agree with the lavazza red grind comment, it's about spot on.
I appreciate this is a little late in the day on this particular point.
My point was that it isn't always down to "pilot error" - "we're doing something right/you're doing something wrong.." etc! There maybe a fault with the stove-top.
FWIW, I don't think anyone has suggested boiling water beforehand. I have one ST that I've never been able to use without the coffee tasting a little burnt. The cap and aperture at the top of the delivery tube seem too restrictive, and too much heat/preassure is needed to get the coffee to flow. It sometimes gets blocked. I've not had this problem with any of the traditional aluminium "Bialetti" type pots.
Fiend, if you were in Sheffield, I'd say borrow one of mine to see if you get the same problem. BTW what type of stove-top is it that you have?
Dave.
PS. Aldi are also selling a bumper pack of meatballs, if you're into that sort of thing:
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thu-29-oct/product-detail/ps/p/british-beef-meatballs-bumper-pack-2/
-
PS. Aldi are also selling a bumper pack of meatballs, if you're into that sort of thing:
https://www.aldi.co.uk/en/specialbuys/thu-29-oct/product-detail/ps/p/british-beef-meatballs-bumper-pack-2/
For some reason that has me LOLing :lol: kinda offtopic and in direct contravenance of the currently ferocious Diet thread....
I can't remember the make of my ST. I think it might be an alloy one? It's a hexagonal one so might be a Bialetti?
I think basically I've been making it wrong. I'd been packing in fine grounds and doing it on a fairly high heat to get the water pushed through as quickly as possible, like a proper espresso machine, which obviously it isn't! And I thought the coffee came out the top as bubbling spluttering steam, when I watched it today I could see it peacefully trickling out as a liquid before any spluttering started (when I took it off asap).
#noob #sticktonescafe etc etc.
-
Cool, job done :boxing:
;D
-
http://www.seriouseats.com/2015/10/the-case-for-bad-coffee.html
-
Burn the heretic! Burn!
-
Burn Roast the heretic! Roast Burn!
-
I found it very difficult forcing one of those meatballs through my Aeropress
do people cook them first?
-
The reason I remember this so well is because I did the total opposite! Boiling water, packing it in, over filling water etc. I noticed an improvement after following instructions. I'm currently back on stove top as machine is bust.
FWIW, I don't think anyone has suggested boiling water beforehand.
Hey Dave, I wasn't suggesting anyone was advocating using boiling water, just pointing out one of my previous stove top errors that went unnoticed for years. There was talk by someone about using pre warmed water and as far as I understood, that was a no no.
-
The Alpine Start blog has review of lightweight portable coffee making equipment (http://www.thealpinestart.com/2016/06/coffee-maker-face-). I'm intrigued by the concept of a hand-pumped 16 bar portable espresso machine (http://www.handpresso.com/en/espresso-machines/).
My normal camping rig is a Rhinowares grinder (http://rhinowares.com/rhinowares-hand-grinder.html) and either a plastic Hario filter cone or an Aeropress. For single overnighters where weight is an issue I'll sometimes dispense with the grinder and take pre-ground :no:
-
The Alpine Start blog has review of lightweight portable coffee making equipment (http://www.thealpinestart.com/2016/06/coffee-maker-face-). I'm intrigued by the concept of a hand-pumped 16 bar portable espresso machine (http://www.handpresso.com/en/espresso-machines/).
Good article that.
-
Has anyone actually tried the "Handpresso"? I'm keen for anything that'll make a "travel espresso". I love my aeropress but would love to be able to make a half decent espresso in the van of a morning.
-
Has anyone actually tried the "Handpresso"? I'm keen for anything that'll make a "travel espresso". I love my aeropress but would love to be able to make a half decent espresso in the van of a morning.
Nope... Give it a punt?
Or read this and go back to Nescafe Gold... http://www.eater.com/2016/6/8/11883828/dont-drink-coffee-single-origin-beans-aeropress-starbucks
-
:lol:
-
A few weeks ago I had a bag of Lavazza Red coffee beans which I ground up and used in my Aeropress. It created this foam on top which I can only describe as being like soap suds. Not like crema. Quite big bubbles. Anyone else ever experienced this?
-
Moroney et al. Asymptotic Analysis of the Dominant Mechanisms in the Coffee Extraction Process. SIAM J. Appl. Math., 76(6), 2196–2217 (http://epubs.siam.org/doi/abs/10.1137/15M1036658)
-
I'm late to this thread. A good one and I have some reading to do.
Several years ago I cut down heavily on coffee (at work) due to massive post lunch energy crashes. Then I bought an Aeropress and my intake steadily increased again. I would recommend the Aeropress for anyone interested in getting a smoother (read: less bitter) tasting coffee, compared against many and varied low-tech coffee making implements I own: stove top espresso, french press/cafetiere, american stove top percolator.
When my employer was recently acquired by a danish engineering consultancy my office had a close call with a "pouch" style coffee maker; I put my foot down and managed to get a De'Longhi bean to cup machine. It's probably not the best, and required fairly regular TLC but better than pre-ground, pre packaged stale old coffee in pouches!
I use an old school Salter counter mounted hand burr grinder at home bought about twelve years ago from a car boot sale. It was about £20 and my other half was horrified at the price (typical yorkshirewoman). it's probably not as consistent in the grind as expensive equipment but it's "good enough for me".
I would recommend anyone who enjoys drinking coffee and has more than a passing interest in the "process" to investigate home roasting green coffee beans. I bought an electric popcorn maker for £12 off ebay and it does a reasonable job once timings are worked out and with a keen eye kept on it. Be prepared for chaff, smoke and bean shrapnel! Pennine tea and coffee are a good alternative supplier to hasbean for northerners. http://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk/ (http://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk/)
Again my home roasting would probably be considered sub par by the snobs, but it's "good enough for me" and a fun/interesting exercise.
Further to early comments about Leeds coffee places, Sam from Opposite is now working at Bloomfield Square in Otley (co-owned by the front man of 90's pop sensations Terrorvision I believe), which is a good place for a pre/post Caley shot of espresso.
There are well regarded spots in Leeds which may have opened since the early postings (2011?) such as Laynes and Mrs Atha's if you're interested in hipster trendy/swank coffee shops. I don't actually like Laynes' espresso though; too bitter for me.
and apologies if this has all been covered earlier.
-
I don't actually like Laynes' espresso though; too bitter for me.
Glad I've found someone else who thinks this - I find their stuff way too astringent, really don't get why people rave about them so much.
My love for La Bottega Milanese in Leeds is well documented. As they put on their own chalkboard - "Real Italians: Real Coffee"...
-
Again: Probably covered elsewhere (lots of catching up to do) but one decent coffee place in Sheffield i discovered on my way to a couple of conferences is Tamper on Westfield Terrace (Uni district) https://tampercoffee.co.uk/ (https://tampercoffee.co.uk/)
Tommy; agreed on that, the Laynes' is well overrated. Bean and Bud in Harrogate (near new-ish North bar, Theatre district) is good and they are more willing than most to listen to how you would like your coffee made.
I lost that Milanese place when it left the calls and only discovered it's relocation in The Light last year. I find it a bit too formal but the coffee quality is hard to criticise.
-
How do people rate Cielo near the corn exchange in Leeds?
-
Not been myself but I gather from a colleague that they have other outlets in the 'burbs (Garforth i think? Leastways it's eastwards) and he rates them highly. Apparently they roast their own and are some kind of community supported/supporting org?
-
Yeah, not for profit and they do other charity work too. I had an espresso in there the other day that tasted bizarre, but have had very good longer coffees in there.
-
What sort of bizarre?
-
I really can't place the flavour. Almost sour or even a bit umami.
-
I'm hardly impartial - but a mate has started up a coffee roasting business in Leeds. I rate his wares over the likes of Has Bean and he'll even tailor the roast to your request.
Check out www.shilohroasters.com (http://www.shilohroasters.com)
He provides coffee to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm - give it a go if you're out that way.
-
Good tip; I will log this for when I've run through my several kilos of green. Ta
-
I would recommend anyone who enjoys drinking coffee and has more than a passing interest in the "process" to investigate home roasting green coffee beans. I bought an electric popcorn maker for £12 off ebay and it does a reasonable job once timings are worked out and with a keen eye kept on it.
That's a slippery slope. I started with a popcorn popper. When that died I got a GeneCafé home roaster. Now I spend time wondering if I should drop £15k on a 5kg roaster and become "yet another" local roaster....
-
I really can't place the flavour. Almost sour or even a bit umami.
That's almost put me off ever visiting! Umami isn't something i seek out in coffee!
-
I would recommend anyone who enjoys drinking coffee and has more than a passing interest in the "process" to investigate home roasting green coffee beans. I bought an electric popcorn maker for £12 off ebay and it does a reasonable job once timings are worked out and with a keen eye kept on it.
That's a slippery slope. I started with a popcorn popper. When that died I got a GeneCafé home roaster. Now I spend time wondering if I should drop £15k on a 5kg roaster and become "yet another" local roaster....
I'm (I hope) immune to that slope with expensive BBQ's, surfboards and a house that's falling down/renovations to spend my expendable income on!
-
I've going a bit off piste lately, with interesting results.
Two weeks ago on a visit to family in Norfolk I discovered the excellent Grey Seal Coffee (http://www.greysealcoffee.co.uk/) in Wells and bought a bag of Thai coffee. It was very pleasant - more lightly roasted than I usually go for, but with flavour and depth to it and without any of the biting sourness that so many "third wave" hipster roasters mistakenly think is a good idea. I didn't know they grew coffee in Thailand.
I didn't know they grew coffee in Australia either, but yesterday I was wandering around an area of Munich I lived in a while ago but don't go to much lately, and found a new roastery where they did know. The guy told me it tastes "woody", so clearly I had to buy me a bag of that. Just ground the first batch - looks & smells reasonably normal ...
-
Coffee grinders...
ukB opinion on these two please:
https://www.johnlewis.com/krups-gvx2-expert-coffee-grinder/p230843325
https://www.johnlewis.com/de-longhi-kg79-coffee-grinder/p507144
For use mainly with an aeropress. I have a krupps blade grinder at the moment moment, which is OK but I wonder if I'll really notice the difference between it and a burr grinder?
-
I have the Krups one. It does a fine job grinding for the aeropress. It's noisy and a little fiddly to clean but no other complaints. One thing to note if you change from the aeropress in the future is it didn't seem to grind quite finely enough to work well with an espresso machine. I eventually stopped using it and moved to a hario hand grinder to reduce my coffee intake...
-
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B003WT15TQ/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&psc=1
I ordered this today for the missus. No idea if it's any good, but the reviews look O.K. and the price is right. Maybe try the hario hand grinder to get an idea of the difference (if any) from the blade grinder.
-
By way of contrast I have the de longhi one and have exactly the same comments. Just slightly too course a grind for a good espresso.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Coffee grinders...
ukB opinion on these two please:
https://www.johnlewis.com/krups-gvx2-expert-coffee-grinder/p230843325
https://www.johnlewis.com/de-longhi-kg79-coffee-grinder/p507144
For use mainly with an aeropress. I have a krupps blade grinder at the moment moment, which is OK but I wonder if I'll really notice the difference between it and a burr grinder?
I have the Krups but just use it as a spice grinder. Echo other's comments that it'll be fine for Aeropress but probably not up to the job for espresso.
Could you get some of your normal beans ground by one of the UKB team and see if you taste the difference? Taste is king!
-
Coffee grinders...
ukB opinion on these two please:
https://www.johnlewis.com/krups-gvx2-expert-coffee-grinder/p230843325
https://www.johnlewis.com/de-longhi-kg79-coffee-grinder/p507144
For use mainly with an aeropress. I have a krupps blade grinder at the moment moment, which is OK but I wonder if I'll really notice the difference between it and a burr grinder?
I have the Krups but just use it as a spice grinder. Echo other's comments that it'll be fine for Aeropress but probably not up to the job for espresso.
Could you get some of your normal beans ground by one of the UKB team and see if you taste the difference? Taste is king!
Full disclosure: I have a burr grinder but a hand operated hario one. I'm a bit lazy, especially before work! I think there is a noticeable difference but it's not huge with an aeropress. Basically wondering if a sub £50 burr electric grinder is worth it, or whether I'd have to spend more to get a noticeable difference. It's sounding like I may as well stick with what I have for the moment, or just buy decent ready ground for before work.
-
Just whap a cordless drill on the hario. Bearings won't last long though ;-)
-
Toby, I bought a Bodum bistro (perhaps I've mentioned it above in this thread somewhere), and so did Peewee. His was fairly inconsistent right from the start (and has been sidelined) and mine requires re-building regularly; I wish I'd just spent a bit more up-front (it was circa £50).
-
I don't actually like Laynes' espresso though; too bitter for me.
Glad I've found someone else who thinks this - I find their stuff way too astringent, really don't get why people rave about them so much.
I actually exclaimed out loud (to myself...) "this is disgusting" drinking a Laynes' long black for the first time the other day. Horribly bitter and completely overpowering any coffee flavour.
-
This is worth sharing.
I picked up a Hitachi burr grinder the other day - £2.49 from my local Barnardo's charity shop :2thumbsup:
However, this sort of grinder generally doesn't deliver the fine espresso "dust" required, even on the finest grind setting.
I found an easy hack, to adjust the gap between the burrs. Seemed well worth risking my £2.49 for.
https://youtu.be/nduEn3j9WEg
Easy, and works a treat. Took me four shims of slightly higher gauge tin foil. There are plenty of typical domestic grinders out there for not a lot of money, which are easily adjustable in this way. There are other hacks possible, but typically involve taking the machine apart.
Would add pics, but haven't sussed the new flickr set up yet.
-
Bit of a long shot.
Does anyone in Sheffield use a Gaggia Classic or Baby?
I found this yesterday:
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/886/42395959641_9eee20bf49_h.jpg)
Latest in a long line of ubiquitous discarded electric homeware items :2thumbsup:
Plugged it in and it seems to be working fine.
Unfortunately it's missing the portafilter. Wondering if anyone has one that I could borrow for an afternoon, to make sure it's fully functioning before I splash out (as in actually part with cash) on a new one.
Dave.
-
Well, I took a punt on a new portafilter for the Gaggia Classic (above). Also bought the Rancilio Silvia steam arm, which is a great improvement, if anyone is interested.
I think I'll sell the Delonghi:
(https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4794/25996773977_4e72baf789_c.jpg)
It's in great condition and produces pretty good results. The actual coffee basket is from another compatible machine, and works perfectly.
£15 if anyone is interested. Sheffield.
:2thumbsup:
PM me I guess. I'll keep an eye out for any replies too.
-
Sale agreed.
Great stuff Andy
:2thumbsup:
-
This is my old Breville machine. Free to a good home.
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1902/44454442625_1737dbdd97_k.jpg)
I was using this to make really good milk for latte art. The machine is branded "Hitachi" but it was made by Breville. It uses the same steam system as that on the Breville/Sage Barista Express.
The ring holding the portafilter in place has cracked, so will need to be replaced if you want to make coffee with it too - which it does very well. That will be a really easy and cheap fix, if you have a friend in the States who could post over the part - minus the £35 postal fee! I have some spare seals for the portafilter.
Would be good to see it used. Owt for Nowt ;D
Dave.
-
On a similarly value orientated note, I'm a Hario V6 advocate now, but not when it comes to paying £6 for a box of 60 filters.
If anyone's got one, and also lives near a Morrison's, the branch near me at least was clearing out their own-brand paper coffee filters, which with a bit of origami fit the V6 fine.
I got two boxes of 80 for the princely sum of 8p a box!
-
Hi guys, I'm tentatively back on the proper coffee as it seems my innards can handle it in moderation. I've been mixing normal and de-caf grounds for half-caf which seems sensible.
I have an Aeropress, and two questions:
1. The boiling water seems to seep through the bottom filter quickly before I start pressing - is this normal? Any brewing tips related to this?
2. One seems to have to press down with rather a lot of force. How many people explode mugs using an Aeropress?
Ta :icon_beerchug:
-
Load the aeropress the other way up as per vid below, no leakage whilst it's steeping this way.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ay5O5s4obAE
Not broken any mugs yet, maybe your grind is a bit fine if you're struggling to press the plunger?
-
I generally use an 'inverted method' described in this article (https://www.moustachecoffeeclub.com/aeropress-inverted-method-how-to-brew)
-
2. One seems to have to press down with rather a lot of force. How many people explode mugs using an Aeropress?
Ta :icon_beerchug:
Are you using paper of a metal filter? If paper then you're just weak as a kitten.
-
2. One seems to have to press down with rather a lot of force.
In my experience this is totally dependent on the Aeropress itself. Mine is comparatively easy to press down but when I use others it feels desperate. The coffee that emerges seems fine either way to my uneducated taste! As others have said the inverted method should fix the seepage issue.
-
For mine removing the filter cap/head etc.. whilst it’s hot (just used) is really hard/stiff. But if I leave it for 5 min to cool it’s easy.
Much neater than a cafetière you’re left with a puck of coffee for the recycling bin.
I’ve also never had any leakage going from inverted to pressing position (no need for cup over the top when flipping).
As spider monkey said - it all seems to taste the same no matter what method I use :)
I also use regular pre ground filter coffee (Tesco french toast is my favourite - aldi/Lidl french is very similar.
-
In my experience this is totally dependent on the Aeropress itself. Mine is comparatively easy to press down but when I use others it feels desperate.
Force needed to depress the plunger depends on grind, filter type and most importantly how worn the rubber seal is. First time I wore the seal out completely the coffee rushed up past the bung making quite a mess. I drink 3 cups a day and find I need to buy a new seal every 1-2 years.
-
In my experience this is totally dependent on the Aeropress itself. Mine is comparatively easy to press down but when I use others it feels desperate.
Force needed to depress the plunger depends on grind, filter type and most importantly how worn the rubber seal is. First time I wore the seal out completely the coffee rushed up past the bung making quite a mess. I drink 3 cups a day and find I need to buy a new seal every 1-2 years.
Mine only seem to last about 2 years too.
With regards to the inverted method, it's too much faff for my liking. You can just insert the plunger as soon as possible and it will hold the water in place till you're ready to plunge.
-
With regards to the inverted method, it's too much faff for my liking. You can just insert the plunger as soon as possible and it will hold the water in place till you're ready to plunge.
Turning over something weighing a few grams being too much faff suggests that you are drinking coffee before your fine motor skills are working :lol:
-
With regards to the inverted method, it's too much faff for my liking. You can just insert the plunger as soon as possible and it will hold the water in place till you're ready to plunge.
Turning over something weighing a few grams being too much faff suggests that you are drinking coffee before your fine motor skills are working :lol:
It's too many degrees of freedom for me to handle at the best of times.
-
With regards to the inverted method, it's too much faff for my liking. You can just insert the plunger as soon as possible and it will hold the water in place till you're ready to plunge.
Turning over something weighing a few grams being too much faff suggests that you are drinking coffee before your fine motor skills are working :lol:
That is indeed the problem. You need to go through these complicated procedures to make a nice coffee, but you need that coffee before coping with those procedures!!
-
I have a strong cup of tea first 😃
-
I have a strong cup of tea first 😃
This is like when I need to have a snack before I can think about what to make for dinner.
-
I have a strong cup of tea first 😃
This is like when I need to have a snack before I can think about what to make for dinner.
😂
-
This is like when I need to have a snack before I can think about what to make for dinner.
or before I go to the supermarket, to make sure I don't just end up with a trolley of carbs and steak!
-
My issues / concerns seem to have all derived from not putting the plunger in straight away, and then pushing it down too soon once I did. Seems to be resolved :dance1:
-
It's Alex the Barista, going solo on YouTube!
https://youtu.be/6YMgB61WyvE
Not the career move we expected after your success at the Oscars, but good froth dude!
We'll take a couple of Yosemite Whites :thumbsup:
-
Some ingenious ways of practicing latte art!
https://youtu.be/a1nrAPQ6qI4
-
For those wanting to make sure they get their coffee fix, my local roastery is still doing deliveries!
https://www.northstarroast.com/
Really great coffee. If there’s a new fancy cafe opened near you in the last few years there’s a chance they will have been involved in the set up of it in some way. They also have grinders (hand and electric - I’ve got the Wilfa Svart which is great) and all the equipment you could need to keep getting ace coffee when everywhere is shut.
Free deliveries over £15 I think.
-
I recently discovered (and purchased) a new Aeropress - which is portable - a little bit shorter) and collapses into its own mug. Nice bit of kit for making a brew outdoors...
Oh....
-
Coffee deal at Lidl. :dance1:
Espresso Magnifico 1Kg bags @ £4.99 each :great:
Starts tomorrow, but stock on shelves tonight. I picked up 5 bags, which for me is like going to Lidl to pick £20 off the floor. Maybe not up there with the very best, but the last discount was to £7.99, and I used all the stock that I bought then. Worth checking out, but be quick! BBE date is June 2022.
That mini Aeropress sounds worth checking out TomTom - a good present for someone, perhaps. I've found a couple of A/Ps in skips recently (seriously), so reasonably well sorted for a quick brew - now that I've got all this coffee!
-
I've just 'moved on' my Gaggia Classic to another UKBer and replaced it with a Sage Barista Express, I'm impressed but the pressure gauge quickly shows up the quality (or variability of) store bought beans!
-
I've just 'moved on' my Gaggia Classic to another UKBer and replaced it with a Sage Barista Express, I'm impressed but the pressure gauge quickly shows up the quality (or variability of) store bought beans!
Another Sage Barista Express owner! Took me ages to get consistent pressure from mine. I have to tamp it pretty hard to get consistent results. Very good results when it works. Down side is that it discourages changing bean type as it takes 250g to get it dialled in!
-
I have to admit to being lazy and buying Lavazza (four people in the house and we seem to rip through beans) and the first batch went through in the middle of the grind setting, whereas the second is on the finest (like you I went through 250g getting to that point) and barely getting pressure outside of the pre-infusion range!
-
Coffee deal at Lidl. :dance1:
Espresso Magnifico 1Kg bags @ £4.99 each :great:
Starts tomorrow, but stock on shelves tonight. I picked up 5 bags, which for me is like going to Lidl to pick £20 off the floor. Maybe not up there with the very best, but the last discount was to £7.99, and I used all the stock that I bought then. Worth checking out, but be quick! BBE date is June 2022.
That mini Aeropress sounds worth checking out TomTom - a good present for someone, perhaps. I've found a couple of A/Ps in skips recently (seriously), so reasonably well sorted for a quick brew - now that I've got all this coffee!
Is it any good Dave? I've tried some of the cheaper espresso packs from Lidlyaldi before, and some have been absolutely disgusting.
-
Hi Ged.
I feel dirty. It's been something I've considered talking about for a while, but found difficult.
I have milk in my coffee too. Two lattes first thing - or in the middle of the night, obviously.
I don't have a burr grinder
My Gaggia Classic is one I found chucked in a hedge (seriously! ;D )
(although I made the typical mod of fitting a Rancilio steam wand)
It's alright. It's a darker roast than Lavazza - I'm going to have one now (1 a.m.) just to make sure ;)
At £4.99 - or even £7.99 - it's better than a Barleycup and a brown bun at Stoney caf when I could afford nowt else.
Feel the shame, and buy some. Consider it aversion therapy - and a saving of £45, over fifty minutes with your counsellor.
It's not £15/227g single estate from your independent boutique rotisserie, but great if you want something for cheap/cheerful latte/Americano, and want to save some money.
I'd also recommend Sainsbury's espresso beans at £9/Kg.
I fancy another one now, but it is 1.30am .. fingerboard and handstands ;D
-
I got a Hario hand grinder for xmas (thanks Santa/my wife) and am still experimenting with different beans from supermarkets so thanks for the heads up DT!
Not at all impressed by the Lavazza Rosso, which is nothing like the ground version you buy (and I actually don't mind).
-
Any opinions on choosing between Krups Expert GVX231 or De’Longhi KG79 Burr Grinder?
-
Milk in coffee. It’s a tricky one isn’t it. I used to shun it, but am quite fond of a flat white/strong latte every now and then....
-
If you’ve got a costco membership I’d recommend the San Francisco Bay beans (organic rainforest are my faves)
Actually from a roastary in S Wales. Dark and full but not bitter. Easily as good as Waitrose Italian blend.
Something a bit more reminded are Pellini blends in the darker roasts, but seem to be expensive everywhere
Just checked and 20% off Pellini at Ocado ATM
-
Milk in coffee. It’s a tricky one isn’t it. I used to shun it, but am quite fond of a flat white/strong latte every now and then....
I really don't like milk in general (was vomit-inducingly intolerant as a kid). But, when I was doing a barista training course that I got given as a birthday present one year, I was forced to try the micro-foamed milk (where's my beard oil???) to see the difference between "spot on" and "too hot" - I can see why flat white's are popular! Lovely creamy velvetiness but still nice strong coffee.
Those on supermarket beans - you might be better buying proper Italian espresso in bigger bags - those beans are *actually* intended to be somewhat "stale", and yet will still perform ok in a machine. Whereas, supermarket stuff. Hmm...
If you're using an aeropress, or pourover and you have a grinder, you really should try to get a blend from a local roastery. Fresh beans make a world of difference!
-
Milk in coffee. It’s a tricky one isn’t it. I used to shun it, but am quite fond of a flat white/strong latte every now and then....
I'm not opposed to a bit. Have you tried Oat Milk? https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/292990463 This is great in a frother. Lovely head, but not as milky as milk :)
Worth keep an eye on it, sometimes on special for a pound if you want to try it out.
-
Any opinions on choosing between Krups Expert GVX231 or De’Longhi KG79 Burr Grinder?
If at all possible, I would up the budget slightly and get a Wilfa Svart. You can usually get one for a bit less than £100 but covid has reduced supplies so prices might have gone up slightly.
The Svart and the Baratza Encore are a huge step up from all of the other electric grinders at or below their price point. The Encore is usually more expensive than the Svart in the UK.
The black Svart is the newer model than the silver one and has a slower motor for a more even grind but the difference is minimal.
I presume this is for Aeropress/pour over/filter/Moka pot. There isn't an electric grinder anywhere close to that budget that is capable of doing even a passable job for espresso.
-
If you're using an aeropress, or pourover and you have a grinder, you really should try to get a blend from a local roastery. Fresh beans make a world of difference!
Yeah. I've got a monthly subscription from Blue Coffee Box which always makes much nicer coffee, but at 2 cups a day they don't last long and I've got to use something else to tide me over between deliveries so currently just buy stuff in lidl or tesco. Will explore other options though.
-
Any opinions on choosing between Krups Expert GVX231 or De’Longhi KG79 Burr Grinder?
If at all possible, I would up the budget slightly and get a Wilfa Svart. You can usually get one for a bit less than £100 but covid has reduced supplies so prices might have gone up slightly.
The Svart and the Baratza Encore are a huge step up from all of the other electric grinders at or below their price point. The Encore is usually more expensive than the Svart in the UK.
The black Svart is the newer model than the silver one and has a slower motor for a more even grind but the difference is minimal.
I presume this is for Aeropress/pour over/filter/Moka pot. There isn't an electric grinder anywhere close to that budget that is capable of doing even a passable job for espresso.
I'd agree with this - not that I'm an expert in any way. The Wilfa comes accredited with various things due to it's quality. My (old) local cafe also fit out other cafes and are one of the big (but independent) companies fitting out other independents.
They're very picky about what they sell and this is the only home electric grinder they recommended.
-
If you're using an aeropress, or pourover and you have a grinder, you really should try to get a blend from a local roastery. Fresh beans make a world of difference!
Yeah. I've got a monthly subscription from Blue Coffee Box which always makes much nicer coffee, but at 2 cups a day they don't last long and I've got to use something else to tide me over between deliveries so currently just buy stuff in lidl or tesco. Will explore other options though.
If you're after some good roasters without breaking the bank, checkout Black Cat Coffee, Rave, James Gourmet and Coffee Compass. And Extract regularly do a good deal on one of their kilogram bags.
Some other roasters that I like that are worth trying include Crankhouse, Coffee by the Casuals, Carvetti, Steampunk, Foundry, North Star, White Star, Square Mile, Assembly, Crafthouse, Yellow Bourbon, Django, Kiss the Hippo, Origin, Vagabond, Decadent Decaf.
-
When I was last in the market for a grinder, these Iberital grinders were highly regarded.
https://www.happydonkey.co.uk/product/iberital-mc2-auto-domestic-coffee-grinder/
They're pretty large and industrial but robust. Mine has been doing the business for years, though i'll admit I'm not an exacting user (flat whites with an aeropress or moka pot). Review here:
https://coffeeblog.co.uk/iberital-mc2-coffee-grinder-review/ (https://coffeeblog.co.uk/iberital-mc2-coffee-grinder-review/)
-
Any opinions on choosing between Krups Expert GVX231 or De’Longhi KG79 Burr Grinder?
If at all possible, I would up the budget slightly and get a Wilfa Svart. You can usually get one for a bit less than £100 but covid has reduced supplies so prices might have gone up slightly.
The Svart and the Baratza Encore are a huge step up from all of the other electric grinders at or below their price point. The Encore is usually more expensive than the Svart in the UK.
The black Svart is the newer model than the silver one and has a slower motor for a more even grind but the difference is minimal.
I presume this is for Aeropress/pour over/filter/Moka pot. There isn't an electric grinder anywhere close to that budget that is capable of doing even a passable job for espresso.
Hi thanks for the advice, it is largely for an aeropress, moka or cafetiere. The ones you suggest are tempting, but over twice the price of the delonghi or krups; is the difference between them that great?
I have a hand burr grinder, (Hario I think) but it is a bit time consuming, although it effectively moderates coffee consumption by demanding more time and effort!
-
Those on supermarket beans - you might be better buying proper Italian espresso in bigger bags - those beans are *actually* intended to be somewhat "stale", and yet will still perform ok in a machine. Whereas, supermarket stuff. Hmm...
If you're using an aeropress, or pourover and you have a grinder, you really should try to get a blend from a local roastery. Fresh beans make a world of difference!
You've got me questioning my expensive coffee machine and my cheap taste for dark roasted supermarket beans ;D
-
I’ll give a shout out for the neighbourhood coffee company in Liverpool. Had a few bags of their beans over the lockdowns.
I would wholeheartedly recommend their decaf espresso beans. Decaf is a weird one - heresay for many - but really hard to find one that’s got a normal/great taste. This has.
-
I’ll give a shout out for the neighbourhood coffee company in Liverpool. Had a few bags of their beans over the lockdowns.
I would wholeheartedly recommend their decaf espresso beans. Decaf is a weird one - heresay for many - but really hard to find one that’s got a normal/great taste. This has.
Another really good one in this area is Crosby Coffee. Quite a bit more expensive than supermarket beans but very highly recommended. I get a monthly delivery from them. They also sell amazing coffee in the shop.
https://www.crosbycoffee.co.uk/
-
Those on supermarket beans - you might be better buying proper Italian espresso in bigger bags - those beans are *actually* intended to be somewhat "stale", and yet will still perform ok in a machine. Whereas, supermarket stuff. Hmm...
If you're using an aeropress, or pourover and you have a grinder, you really should try to get a blend from a local roastery. Fresh beans make a world of difference!
You've got me questioning my expensive coffee machine and my cheap taste for dark roasted supermarket beans ;D
I've not actually done this myself, and my espresso machine has been out of action for a while, so mainly just been doing aeroporess or v60 but I came across this thread which I found quite interesting in a technical / sciency type way:
https://www.home-barista.com/coffees/thoughts-on-italian-espresso-blend-t15360.html
-
If you're after some good roasters without breaking the bank, checkout Black Cat Coffee, Rave, James Gourmet and Coffee Compass. And Extract regularly do a good deal on one of their kilogram bags.
Thanks. I've given Rave a go for now. If anyone else is keen there's a referal option which gives people £5 off.
-
I got a Hario hand grinder for xmas (thanks Santa/my wife) and am still experimenting with different beans from supermarkets so thanks for the heads up DT!
Not at all impressed by the Lavazza Rosso, which is nothing like the ground version you buy (and I actually don't mind).
Gaz, would be great to know how you find the Hario. Great present :2thumbsup:
I've considered buying one, or similar.
Have a go with Sainsbury's. Darker roast than many, so good through a machine. Otherwise, great to get some good tips here for alternative brands :thumbsup:
Re grinders. The typical Krups, Delonghi are fine for Aeropress, cafetiere etc, but only deliver a grind for espresso machine on their finest couple of settings, so lack any meaningful adjustment.
I had been wondering of everyone had stopped drinking coffee. Apparently not! ;D
-
I have a hand burr grinder, (Hario I think) but it is a bit time consuming, although it effectively moderates coffee consumption by demanding more time and effort!
You could also consider a better hand grinder. I bought one from 1ZPresso last year that was getting good reviews to replace a Rhinowares that I had before as a travel grinder. I was expecting an improvement in grind quality - what I didn't expect was that it's also so much faster that doing the morning grind is no chore at all, and I use it home now more than my electric grinder.
(Being milled out of solid aluminium instead of pressed out of thin sheet steel, it also makes a considerably bigger dent in the baggage allowance when used for its intended purpose as a travel grinder)
Basically what you're not spending on a big powerful motor you can spend instead on the quality of the burrs and the precision of the alignment & adjustment. Meaning that a really good hand grinder can offer grind quality as good as basically anything out there, whilst costing in the same ballpark as the cheapest halfway decent electrics.
-
Gaz, would be great to know how you find the Hario. Great present :2thumbsup:
I've considered buying one, or similar.
Well, I really like it but it's the first time I've had a grinder so have nothing to compare it to. Reading this thread I clearly have a much less refined appreciation of the finer (or any) points of coffee making and enjoying so can't really comment on whether it's making me a 'better' brew. I certainly enjoy the additional ritual of grinding the beans.
I only grind 1 aeropress-worth at a time but can imagine that if I needed to grind a larger amount on a regular basis it would be a bit of a pain.
-
Hi Ged.
I feel dirty. It's been something I've considered talking about for a while, but found difficult.
I have milk in my coffee too. Two lattes first thing - or in the middle of the night, obviously.
I don't have a burr grinder
My Gaggia Classic is one I found chucked in a hedge (seriously! ;D )
(although I made the typical mod of fitting a Rancilio steam wand)
It's alright. It's a darker roast than Lavazza - I'm going to have one now (1 a.m.) just to make sure ;)
At £4.99 - or even £7.99 - it's better than a Barleycup and a brown bun at Stoney caf when I could afford nowt else.
Feel the shame, and buy some. Consider it aversion therapy - and a saving of £45, over fifty minutes with your counsellor.
It's not £15/227g single estate from your independent boutique rotisserie, but great if you want something for cheap/cheerful latte/Americano, and want to save some money.
I'd also recommend Sainsbury's espresso beans at £9/Kg.
I fancy another one now, but it is 1.30am .. fingerboard and handstands ;D
I love coffee.
But I can’t be arsed with too much fuss.
I have an Exelvan pressured maker, that gives me exactly four shots, that get poured into 200ml of hot milk, every morning. It’s just kinder on my aging stomach. I tend to prefer Lavazza red, though like to have some differing, smaller brands for a bag or two, just to switch things up. There’s a Delonghi pod machine for quick access to a double shot, three of four times a day if I’m home. If I’m at the Bunker, I have access to the coffee making stuff there and the grinder, but, in truth, I’m fine with preground vacuum packed Lavazza and Costa or Starbucks pods (three very different flavours already).
I actually think it makes the odd “new” bean more of a treat.
-
In the "shout out for local roasters" vibe:
Manchester - ManCoCo, I particularly like the Manchester Blend (you should be all over this tomtom, stop buying your beans from scousers)
Yorkshire - Darkwoods, I particularly like the Good Morning Sunshine, my wallet suffers though....
-
I have been drinking New Ground coffee pretty much exclusively for ages now, it's the only thing I will ever put in my machine and what made me transition to strictly black coffee. It was started by my brother and his mate a few years back, as a social enterprise where they both import and roast their own coffee, and employ people who have been recently released from prison to give them an opportunity to get back on their feet. I can honestly say that pretty much all the best coffees I have ever drank have been from them, he knows his shit I will give him that (and being my brother, any compliment needs to be doubly earned).
And yes, although he did once give me a code for money off, I don't use it since it was something like "arthurisatwat" :lol:
They are based in Oxford, where they have a cafe in their roastery. Not been there yet, but intend to when these things become possible again.
-
Some great info about the hand grinders. Thank you. Definitely worth exploring.
I've just been recommended the standard Waitrose espresso beans, so I'll give them a go. Anyone tried them? I quite like the darker roast of the Sainsbury's beans. Absolutely fine as a "go to" regular.
Lidl have more of the bargain Italian espresso beans - I've just taken 4 bags back :lol:
They're OK, but too much of an economisation even for me ;D
-
I have been drinking New Ground coffee pretty much exclusively for ages now, it's the only thing I will ever put in my machine and what made me transition to strictly black coffee.
Just had my first cup after ordering a bag of the house beans. I've been drinking my way found various roasteries and these are probably the best I've had (or on par with the San Fermin from Origin which they sadly don't seem to do any more). Thanks for the recommendation!
-
Horsham's Brazil Inhame doing it for me at the minute, not cheap but I'm a one big morning cup a day guy anyway. Might look into getting a hand grinder, I had one years ago and liked the zen of it.
-
Horsham's Brazil Inhame doing it for me at the minute, not cheap but I'm a one big morning cup a day guy anyway. Might look into getting a hand grinder, I had one years ago and liked the zen of it.
Met these guys at an event a couple of years ago. Nice hand grinders that fit into an aeropress, so pretty handy for camping etc.
https://www.madebyknock.com/
-
The Rave beans recommendation in this thread is going down a treat here.
-
(or on par with the San Fermin from Origin which they sadly don't seem to do any more).
Specialty coffee is seasonal. Very few single origin coffees are available all year round.
When a particular blend is available all year round, they usually change the beans throughout the year but try to maintain a similar flavour.
San Fermin is a regular at Origin, it will probably return in a few months.
-
Of course, that makes sense, thanks!
-
I was pretty chuffed to have secured the coffee machine from work when we left the office for good due to Covid.
I helped choose it in the first place, so knew it makes excellent coffee - the Jura X8.
Looks good, is pretty big for just me and the wife, but also includes the chilled milk container, and makes a great espresso, euro-length coffee and flat whites.
Got it for £75 (plus a £300 service...), RRP of £3,000+
https://uk.jura.com/en/professional/machines/X8-Platin-INT-15191
(Still have a minor grumble there's no separate ground-coffee chute for the occasional decaf)
Also shout-out to Chimney Fire Coffee who are my local roasters over in Dorking:
https://www.chimneyfirecoffee.com/
-
Just in case anyone is in the market for a new way to look like a bellend whilst drinking your coffee
https://briping.com/?fbclid=IwAR0NKqewIk_LSxd9oIhIiXjhbQGazwkVUx17cnnIdhuSr-s5QXCPr0RPqvo (https://briping.com/?fbclid=IwAR0NKqewIk_LSxd9oIhIiXjhbQGazwkVUx17cnnIdhuSr-s5QXCPr0RPqvo)
and a review
https://youtu.be/tltBHjmIUJ0
Watching this chap heat up a crack pipe full of coffee with a blowtorch gave me a good chuckle. I look forward to seeing people walking around Stanage sipping at their pipe packed full of the finest Colombian export.
-
I thoroughly recommend watching that video. Its genius :D
It walks the delicate balance of taking it seriously and rampantly taking the piss perfectly...
-
I thoroughly recommend watching that video. Its genius :D
It walks the delicate balance of taking it seriously and rampantly taking the piss perfectly...
Yeah I did enjoy it haha. Looking closer, it seems like the company originally made them as a bit of fun, but then got a load of orders because of this video. At least the coffee wanker brigade (which I am a proud card carrying member of) can take the piss out of itself nowdays :lol:
-
That is jokes, almost want one...
-
I haven't seen this guy's stuff before but I started on my lunch break and I couldn't stop. About 6 minutes into this and I was absolutely howling.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuFQbiIVUkw
His IKEA review is also very funny.
-
I'd recommend the coffee recycling one, "tastes like cardboard, BAD cardboard" :lol:
-
The series on clear coffee drinks is also entertaining, although he took some of them down.
Hoffman's channel treads a good line between expert opinion and mass appeal entertainment. His more serious equipment reviews are useful: he goes out of his way to be impartial and doesn't shy away from criticising where it's due.
For the people who were considering buying hand grinders, he did some comparison videos of the budget and more expensive options that are worth watching. And he's done videos covering a lot of individual grinders.
For those who don't know him, he runs the Square Mile roaster in London. Not the cheapest, but good if you like sweet, fruit forward coffees.
-
I keep thinking he looks like Steve Buschemi
-
I look forward to seeing people walking around Stanage sipping at their pipe packed full of the finest Colombian export.
I was at the plantation one time and a hipstery bloke was drinking maté from one of those things with a metal straw. Pretty much the same thing.
If you don’t drink coffee and don’t even really understand how it’s made that Michael Gove bloke’s videos are a pretty wild watch.
-
I was pretty chuffed to have secured the coffee machine from work when we left the office for good due to Covid.
I helped choose it in the first place, so knew it makes excellent coffee - the Jura X8.
Looks good, is pretty big for just me and the wife, but also includes the chilled milk container, and makes a great espresso, euro-length coffee and flat whites.
Got it for £75 (plus a £300 service...), RRP of £3,000+
https://uk.jura.com/en/professional/machines/X8-Platin-INT-15191
(Still have a minor grumble there's no separate ground-coffee chute for the occasional decaf
We had one of these in the office at my previous employer - can vouch for it being excellent. £75 is a bargain!
-
I have been drinking New Ground coffee ...
Thanks for the recommendation. Really good coffee & great company ethos.
-
I've just taken delivery of a Gaggia Classic Pro which seems awesome so far especially after the previous 2015 model got panned... I had the 2009 a few years ago and the quality then was excellent so I'm expecting more of the same.
I'm sure it's been done to death but I'm in the market for a decent grinder and thought I'd consult the UKB Massive for the latest knowledge.. if anyone has recommendations?
Also, I used to get coffee from PACT but got a bit jaded with their offering, so if anyone has info on the best quality suppliers, Based in the North West ideally that would be great. I've not got sophisticated taste, the darker and muddier the better...?
Cheers :coffee:
-
I like the beans I’ve had from neighbourhood coffee in Liverpool.
Their decaf espresso roast is excellent...
-
I've just taken delivery of a Gaggia Classic Pro which seems awesome so far especially after the previous 2015 model got panned... I had the 2009 a few years ago and the quality then was excellent so I'm expecting more of the same.
I'm sure it's been done to death but I'm in the market for a decent grinder and thought I'd consult the UKB Massive for the latest knowledge.. if anyone has recommendations?
Also, I used to get coffee from PACT but got a bit jaded with their offering, so if anyone has info on the best quality suppliers, Based in the North West ideally that would be great. I've not got sophisticated taste, the darker and muddier the better...?
Cheers :coffee:
I just picked up a Lelit PL033 (catchy name) which, for purely espesso is a great choice. It's basically a repackaged Iberital MC2, which is pretty renowned as the best mid-range pure espresso grinder. My thoughts are - it's not as visually brutal in the flesh, it's not quiet, there's not quite enough space to move the portafilter round while grinding to distirbute....but....it's really nicely adjustable, small and (for what you get) quite good value.
I used to have a Cunill grinder, which was sturdy, huge, noisy and messy. Got it for £70 off ebay, and was pretty good, but the stepped adjustment always meant I was fighting to get dialled in (one notch could make the difference between an ok 30 second shot, and a watery 20 second one.)
The nice thing about the Lelit is that its conical burrs, so you can process a single dose of beans - flat burrs need some bean mass above to push down to get a consistent grind.
The Breville/Sage smart grinder is meant to be decent too.
I'm probably going to sell my mum's old Gaggia Classic if anyone wants a bargain, I could keep it off ebay and give it at a slightly below market rate?
-
My tastes are more light, fruity and boozey than dark and roasty but I've had good beans from all of these. Most places will do an espresso blend that is on the darker side.
Mancoco - Manchester. They roast darker than some.
Neighborhood - Liverpool
Carvetti - Keswick
Django - Southport
Atkinsons - Lancaster
Exchange - Clitheroe, Blackburn and Skipton. They also roast a bit darker.
-
I'm sure it's been done to death but I'm in the market for a decent grinder and thought I'd consult the UKB Massive for the latest knowledge.. if anyone has recommendations?
I have the ROK manual grinder: https://www.rok.coffee/ as part of my manual espresso making process and I really like it. Easy to grind quality espresso grounds and satisfying to use, also Hoffman rated it highly in his video too!
-
I just picked up a Lelit PL033 (catchy name) which, for purely espesso is a great choice. It's basically a repackaged Iberital MC2, which is pretty renowned as the best mid-range pure espresso grinder. My thoughts are - it's not as visually brutal in the flesh, it's not quiet, there's not quite enough space to move the portafilter round while grinding to distirbute....but....it's really nicely adjustable, small and (for what you get) quite good value.
I used to have a Cunill grinder, which was sturdy, huge, noisy and messy. Got it for £70 off ebay, and was pretty good, but the stepped adjustment always meant I was fighting to get dialled in (one notch could make the difference between an ok 30 second shot, and a watery 20 second one.)
The nice thing about the Lelit is that its conical burrs, so you can process a single dose of beans - flat burrs need some bean mass above to push down to get a consistent grind.
The Breville/Sage smart grinder is meant to be decent too.
I'm probably going to sell my mum's old Gaggia Classic if anyone wants a bargain, I could keep it off ebay and give it at a slightly below market rate?
Nice! Thanks for the heads up!
Do you mean the PL043? If so it seems to get mixed reviews! Much happier to go with recommendations from people with personal experience though... The Breville seems to get universally good reviews, so definitely a contender.
Hope you shift the Gaggia, even the older machines give good value I reckon.
My tastes are more light, fruity and boozey than dark and roasty but I've had good beans from all of these. Most places will do an espresso blend that is on the darker side.
Mancoco - Manchester. They roast darker than some.
Neighborhood - Liverpool
Carvetti - Keswick
Django - Southport
Atkinsons - Lancaster
Exchange - Clitheroe, Blackburn and Skipton. They also roast a bit darker.
Great stuff, I'll give them a look - With Tomtom's shout that's two recommendations for Neighborhood , so will definitely be worth a look especially as they're down the road.
I have the ROK manual grinder: https://www.rok.coffee/ as part of my manual espresso making process and I really like it. Easy to grind quality espresso grounds and satisfying to use, also Hoffman rated it highly in his video too!
I hadn't considered a manual... :-\ I bet it's nice as part of the process if you have the time and I can imagine it being satisfying but running out of the door with three kids in tow to drop off at school it might slow me down! :-\ food for thought though! :)
-
This one: https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/lelit-grinder-fred-pl043mmi.html
I saw a few mixed reviews too, but the bad ones seemed to be generally outweighed by the good ones. I was just keen on the micro-adjustment, as my old one was always hit and miss. I really wanted a Niche Zero but $$$$
-
I hadn't considered a manual... :-\ I bet it's nice as part of the process if you have the time and I can imagine it being satisfying but running out of the door with three kids in tow to drop off at school it might slow me down! :-\ food for thought though! :)
Top of the line metal burr hand grinders are way faster than cheaper ones with ceramic burrs. But it's still a valid concern - pretty much the only time I fire up my electric grinder since I bought my 1zpresso (https://1zpresso.coffee) is first thing in the morning on school days
-
Time for some SCIENCE.
Time to grind one industry-standard aeropress scoop of beans, all on an approximately similar grind size suitable for a Hario V60 filter:
Electric (Ascaso i-Steel): 00:20
Posh hand grinder (1ZPresso): 00:35
Basic hand grinder (Rhinowares): 01:40
A significant chunk of the time on the Rhinowares being taken up shaking the thing to persuade the last few beans to actually drop down into the burrs.
-
All this chat of hand grinders is making me tempted to get one for camping trips etc...
-
Some great, quality discussion on the grinders here folks.
Thanks Muenchener for timing the hand grinder. Good to know.
Grind quality/£ must pit them very well against the electrics. Great idea for a present :thumbsup:
I'll probably hold out for a decent electric grinder, but I'm aware of the shortcomings of the stepped grinders.
As I found my Gaggia Classic dumped in a hedge :2thumbsup:
I've continued to dance along, shaking my Krups blade grinder for 40s. Investment here will improve things significantly, so keeping a keen eye out.
-
More from the Hoff. The Bripe!
Warning. This is very funny ;D
https://youtu.be/tltBHjmIUJ0
-
This should amuse most of you?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EHQ_a1334c
-
More from the Hoff. The Bripe!
Repost, but yes, very funny
-
For those with a Makita fan - or cordless tool batteries - here’s £75 to spend on crag brewing!
https://www.toolstop.co.uk/makita-dcm501z-12v-18v-cordless-coffee-maker/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwppSEBhCGARIsANIs4p5MbtDm_GPaCtWtnZC2gkePqnbGS-Xh4yUH-OiengUwLhJPUjZPwMUaAkOCEALw_wcB
Though a charged 3ah battery will only make you two cups :-/
https://www.protoolreviews.com/tools/power/cordless/makita-coffee-maker/44337/
-
https://www.wacaco.com/
Anyone tried any of these? Looks like quite a neat piece of kit.
-
https://www.wacaco.com/
Anyone tried any of these? Looks like quite a neat piece of kit.
I'm sure it'll be fine, so long as you don't need to use W3W to find your brew spot. ;)
I can't really see the benefit over just taking an aeropress or a flask of filter cofffee.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4t7UDCz9Sk
-
Looks similar to the Handpresso I used before I quit my coffee habit. These hand pump gizmos brew a reasonable espresso if you don't mind drinking it cold or wearing oven gloves to use the things after you've preheated in hot water.
-
This was recommended on the Serious Eats site, it looks pretty good to me, has anyone tried it?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellow-Prismo-AeroPress-Coffee-Attachment/dp/B079YBT2LJ
-
Heads up for anyone interested in reasonable supermarket espresso beans.
On offer at Lidl at the moment (Sheffield) is their designated espresso bean, large bags @ £7.99 for 1.2kgs.
This isn't the crappy stuff I tried earlier in the year. Good dark roast, and at the price, very good value indeed.
I picked up three bags tonight, and I'll be going back for more tomorrow - early in the morning, because I probably won't get to sleep now!
-
This was recommended on the Serious Eats site, it looks pretty good to me, has anyone tried it?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellow-Prismo-AeroPress-Coffee-Attachment/dp/B079YBT2LJ
Toby, did you try this or get any feedback?
I got an Aeropress Go for my birthday this summer and fancy getting the camping coffee paraphernalia down to just the Aeropress Go and a grinder (was previously Aeropress, Brikka and grinder) but would miss the first coffee being a thicker short drink that I can't, currently, achieve with the Aeropress. Hoping this would be the answer.......
-
This was recommended on the Serious Eats site, it looks pretty good to me, has anyone tried it?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellow-Prismo-AeroPress-Coffee-Attachment/dp/B079YBT2LJ
Toby, did you try this or get any feedback?
I got an Aeropress Go for my birthday this summer and fancy getting the camping coffee paraphernalia down to just the Aeropress Go and a grinder (was previously Aeropress, Brikka and grinder) but would miss the first coffee being a thicker short drink that I can't, currently, achieve with the Aeropress. Hoping this would be the answer.......
I’ve used my friends and like it. Definitely gives a more espresso-like coffee (vs. Standard filter). No er compared it to a stove-top but from memory it would like somewhere in between. I liked it but never got around to ordering one myself.
-
This was recommended on the Serious Eats site, it looks pretty good to me, has anyone tried it?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellow-Prismo-AeroPress-Coffee-Attachment/dp/B079YBT2LJ
Toby, did you try this or get any feedback?
I got an Aeropress Go for my birthday this summer and fancy getting the camping coffee paraphernalia down to just the Aeropress Go and a grinder (was previously Aeropress, Brikka and grinder) but would miss the first coffee being a thicker short drink that I can't, currently, achieve with the Aeropress. Hoping this would be the answer.......
I haven't yet Nick, but now you've reminded me I may well do. Got a new grinder a few months ago which is brilliant and it might be time for a new gadget.
-
It runs slightly contrary to this thread but does anyone have decaf recommendations?
My Dad recently had an(other) issue with his heart and ended up in Arterial Fibrillation (sp?); he's been told to stay away from booze and caffeine or risk it happening again until he's had some other (brutal) sounding procedure. When he was living with us about 6 months ago I was a bit aghast at how much coffee he was drinking daily (mainly because I was paying).
-
It runs slightly contrary to this thread but does anyone have decaf recommendations?
Not something I personally know much about, but James Hoffmann runs the ultimate coffee geek youtube channel, and he mentioned recently that he's going to be doing a piece on decaf soon. Worth looking out for.
-
Thanks. I'm already subscribed to his channel just for amusement value.
-
It runs slightly contrary to this thread but does anyone have decaf recommendations?
Been ages since I had any but I think I had some of the Lavazza decaff and that was acceptable, which is probably good really, considering that I think the vast majority of decaff coffee tastes horrible. Weirdly enough I find decaff tea almost indistinguishable from normal tea.
-
Got one of these for an aeropress: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fellow-Prismo-AeroPress-Coffee-Attachment/dp/B079YBT2LJ/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1NEJ9XETX8OC4&keywords=fellow+prismo&qid=1639038132&smid=ANJGX817ALGAC&sprefix=fellow+p%2Caps%2C2234&sr=8-1
Its worth getting, it certainly doesn't make espresso, but it does make a slightly punchier coffee than the standard setup. It also means that you don't use filter papers.
-
That's prompted me to ask a question: what do people reckon the lifespan of an Aeropress is?
-
I bought one in 2017 and its fine despite regular use. Reckon at least 5 years, probably more.
-
I got around 7 or 8 years regular use from mine before the seal failed.
-
I bought one in 2017 and its fine despite regular use. Reckon at least 5 years, probably more.
Mine isn’t that old, but it gets used 2x a day and it’s been going strong for 3-4 years. I did replace the rubber on it once but that only cost a couple of quid for a replacement.
I take it apart to clean which I guess means there’s and extra in/out per use. My friends just give it a rinse once pressed through which stops this extra wear.
-
My partners one is at least 6 years old, used at least 3 times a day. Starting to die though, there's some stress fractures building up in the plastic presumably from the thermal shock of pouring the boiling water in.
-
Mine's nearly 5 years old and going strong despite at least twice daily use. I've replaced the rubber bung once.
I use metal filters. Can't be doing with faffing with paper ones.
-
As per others, used since ~2016 with one bung replacement this year. I use paper filters, as I have asuspicion the embedded carbon in the production of metal filters is greater than using paper filters, but have no data to back that up, and also paper filters are finer than the metal ones.
-
Had my Aeropress since 2015 and it's still going fine. No signs of plastic cracking, but I have replaced the gasket once.
-
Thanks! Ours is six years old, and used 2-4 times a day (three coffee drinkers in the household) with paper filters. I think I need to look at replacing the gasket/seal (which I hadn't realised you could do). No cracking but the inside of the sleeve/barrel feels abraded in places.
-
As per others, used since ~2016 with one bung replacement this year. I use paper filters, as I have asuspicion the embedded carbon in the production of metal filters is greater than using paper filters, but have no data to back that up, and also paper filters are finer than the metal ones.
Metal one infinitely more convenient when in the van though, allows you to just eject the grounds into the nearest ditch!
You're probably right on the carbon based on production, but perhaps once you factor in the logistics costs of transporting repeated batches of paper filters (over many years) maybe its about the same? I concluded reusing was better than buying new filters all the time.
-
Leave no trace Jim! I just pop mine out into food waste bags and chuck them in the compost when I get home...
I do wonder at what point the crossover is in embedded emissions, but a lot of the filters I used were a charitable donation from someone of this parish, thereby stopping them going to waste...
-
An AeroPress filter weighs about 0.2g so I am not sure this is a particularly high value area to focus on for those worried about their emissions.
-
Both of my 'presses came from skips, so I can sleeply soundly at night.. unless I use my other machine, and have an espresso at 3am. Still need to do something with the two group commercial machine I recovered. ;D
I find it hard to believe it isn't better to use the metal filter, but more than that, it's hard to believe anyone is so worried about that, while possibly ignoring the offset against maybe one less car trip to the crag, or anything else similar. ;)
-
An AeroPress filter weighs about 0.2g so I am not sure this is a particularly high value area to focus on for those worried about their emissions.
I expect that any positive difference made getting the metal vs paper filters (if there is any) is pissed away after you've used the internet bandwidth necessary to research the issue and then posted about it here...
Still, Jim/Andy will be able to give himself a pat on the back for Doing His Bit as he hurls his Ecuadorian grounds from his diesel van.
(I'm deliberately shitposting. No need to defend yourselves. I get it.)
-
It's more about the principle of thinking about everything and reducing everything I do to make as minimal an impact as possible on the planet. Of course I know it's an infinitessimally-small amount of carbon. Doesn't make it not worth thinking about.
-
An AeroPress filter weighs about 0.2g so I am not sure this is a particularly high value area to focus on for those worried about their emissions.
I expect that any positive difference made getting the metal vs paper filters (if there is any) is pissed away after you've used the internet bandwidth necessary to research the issue and then posted about it here...
Still, Jim/Andy will be able to give himself a pat on the back for Doing His Bit as he hurls his Ecuadorian grounds from his diesel van.
(I'm deliberately shitposting. No need to defend yourselves. I get it.)
Something like 1g CO2 per gram of paper (https://ideas.repec.org/a/eee/rensus/v92y2018icp823-833.html) and about 7g CO2 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ethicallivingblog/2009/jan/12/carbon-emissions-google) for Google search :whistle:
-
1g CO2 per gram of paper[/url] and about 7g CO2 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ethicallivingblog/2009/jan/12/carbon-emissions-google) for Google search :whistle:
Very old link there, talked about 200m to 500m searches per day which sounded low, a quick google (!!) says it's more like 5.6 billion per day. And a google search of 'how much co2 per google search' (!!!) says 0.2 grams.
-
1g CO2 per gram of paper[/url] and about 7g CO2 (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/ethicallivingblog/2009/jan/12/carbon-emissions-google) for Google search :whistle:
Very old link there, talked about 200m to 500m searches per day which sounded low, a quick google (!!) says it's more like 5.6 billion per day. And a google search of 'how much co2 per google search' (!!!) says 0.2 grams.
Yeah wouldn't shock me if it's wrong, was just the first couple of sources I found! Google has done a bunch of cool work using AI to help improve data center efficiency which has apparently been very effective.
I'm certainly not going to lose any sleep over what coffee filters I'm using or how many searches I'm doing.
-
Surely this is all pretty irrelevant, if anyone really wanted to deal with climate change, noone would drink any tea or coffee, unless it's nettle tea.
-
I grow my own chamomile organically in the garden, it's the only way.
-
Unnecessarily heating up water is the devils work. People should be having cold brew nettle tea, and be glad of it.
-
using rainwater obv.
-
It's all only a matter of time before the only option is drinking your own recycled urine like Kevin Costner in Waterworld.
-
or your own sweat like Dune.
Not there yet Baldrick.
-
You'll all be glad of cold brew nettle urine tea when the Climate Wars have disrupted global supply chains. You'll sit there with your fellow refugees, keeping warm around a burning bundle of now-useless £50 notes, taking it in turns to swap stories and rumours.
"I've seen things you people wouldn't believe. A mile-wide flotilla of Javan coffee barges torpedoed by a Montenegrin U-boat off the shoulder of Oman."
-
A friend is looking for a home espresso machine. He would like to use his own beans but i suspect he isn't too bothered if it’s bean to cup, or a manual machine.
Budget is up to around £500 but he’s a fancy man so I’m sure than can be increased a bit if needed.
He’s moved out into the sticks but wants to ensure he can still get good espresso now he's not close to any cafes.
Anything in particular to look out for when deciding what to buy?
-
I'd advise watching the James Hoffman videos on this.
If he doesn't want a new hobby I'd suggest the Sage Barista Express. It's the right level of messing about for me. Otherwise you're looking at a Gaggia Pro and something like the Iberital (sp?) grinder (£1:£1). There are others at a similar price point but not many.
-
The grinder is as important as the machine, and electric grinders capable of producing a consistent espresso grind don't come cheap.
if your mate does't already have a good grinder, it might be worth considering a hand grinder. I have a 1zpresso, which was pretty much state of the art when I bought it a couple of years back, and I don't find the under 30 seconds it takes me to grind a shot's worth of beans onerous.
Second the recommendation to check out what James Hoffmann has to say.
-
Thanks for the advice. Ive pointed him in the direction of James’ videos. And also a good point on the grinder - i guess for espresso you’ll need something high quality.
It’s making me want a home espresso setup now - if only we had a bigger kitchen…
-
+1 for sage and in terms of a grinder I always recommend people pick up a Timemore C3, around 70 quid and does a grand job for the price.
-
+1 for sage and in terms of a grinder I always recommend people pick up a Timemore C3, around 70 quid and does a grand job for the price.
It's really hard work to get an espresso grind with my Timemore C2 - and not very adjustable in the espresso fine settings either. Personally wouldn't recommend it if espresso was the goal, absolutely love mine for making pourovers and aeropress though.
-
It’s making me want a home espresso setup now - if only we had a bigger kitchen…
The Sage Bambino from what I understand is just the Express with the grinder removed and it's a fairly small footprint. If you can fit it, and a hand grinder in your cupboard then the footprint could be pretty small?
We also went for the Express as it actually fits (just) underneath the overhead cabinets where other grinders were quite a lot taller (or significantly more £££ - Niche).
I'm still really enjoying Rave Coffee which was recommended to me on here too.
-
1zpresso are generally the go to for a good quality, budget friendly hand grinder.
Commandante with redclix is another good option.
It's worth noting that some people find hand grinding for espresso to be quite a chore, especially with light roasted beans which are denser and more work than darker roasted beans. Some people are fine with it.
To get a similar quality in an electric grinder is going to cost a few hundred quid extra unless you get a good second hand deal. There's been quite a lot of good quality, budget friendly grinders released in recent months, which James Hoffman's channel hasn't reviewed (yet?). Other channels like Lance Hedrick, Kyle Rowsel and RealSprometheus (if you can tolerate the editing) have covered reviews of pretty much everything out there.
Bean to cup is for someone who wants reasonable espresso at home with minimal effort (i.e. not looking for a new hobby). You don't get the same control over all of the variables of brewing. A well dialed in espresso machine and grinder will always lead to better results than if you spend the same amount on a bean to cup machine. If the goal is something that beats Starbucks / Costa, then decent beans in a bean to cup will achieve that. If the goal is to match/exceed the espresso of a good specialty coffee shop, then a bean to cup won't cut it.
Bean to cup also aren't upgradeable if you end up going further down the fancy coffee rabbit hole.
If you aren't interested in steamed milk drinks, then you can get excellent quality espresso at a reasonable price from manual lever espresso machines like the Flair or the Cafelat Robot.