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Best Coffee Maker
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Photography posing as something akin to coffee pornography .how did that Chemex feel, striking that confident pose on top of the GS/3?
But mobilehaathi is absolutely right, as usual. An inspiration, no less, and thank you for taking the time and going to the trouble of posting this.
In any case, it is looking increasingly as though I will be resuming my travels in the next few weeks, so extravagant purchases are best deferred until I am in a position to appreciate them. However, that still does indeed leave room for a Chemex and suitable and relevant accessories.
And, to weakly repeat, I was absolutely bowled over by the quality of the coffee that I drank from the Chemex. Simply superb. This means that we can take it as given that a Chemex and kettle purchase is being actively contemplated as I write.
Your photos are an inspiration, as always.
Agreed, as always my friend. A serious source of inspiration .
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Yes!! On further examination, (and I had to look to find it) I can see it, too. Many months ago, I ordered that precise model of grinder (on the advice of Denizens Dwelling On The Other Thread).
As it is handmade to order, (and, as I was away at the time), it took months before it was made and more time before it was sent to me and I received it.
I have examined it, admired it (it is very solidly made, beautifully constructed, and elegant looking) but haven't yet used it; a treat which awaits me, no doubt when I have finished my reground supplies and graduate to ordering whole beans.
However, reading SBG's post, an idea occurred - something on the lines of a challenge on The Other Thread with this photo to name perhaps ten coffee based objects in the thread; or to try to guess how many coffee related objects can be found therein?
(And, upon yet further examination - I wear glasses and frequently, quite literally - overlook things, but, on further examination, I also espy with my bespectacled eyes a raspberry coloured Le Creuset French Press, a twin to the one which is sitting close to the kitchen sink as I write…..
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I do. Currently, and for no reason other than I find it pleasing to do so, I use the Lido 2 hand grinder with Ehiopiques or Liquid Amber (whichever I happen to be using at that moment)....you can see a few lingering Liquid Amber beans in it from my cups this morning; I use one Mazzer (the one in the picture) for Sweet Maria's Donkey Blend (my decaf of choice) or whatever drip I happen to want to make (and relying on the visible removable bin); and the other Mazzer (not pictured) for my go to New Classic Espresso.
Ah, well I feel like I am cheating as I have an unfair advantage....but, I will name two items: sitting up on the GS/3, a Pallo group head cleaning brush and behind the Lido 2 is a 64 oz Airscape storage container currently full of Liquid Amber.
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Your photos are an inspiration, as always.
Spend, spend, spend!
I do. Currently, and for no reason other than I find it pleasing to do so, I use the Lido 2 hand grinder with Ehiopiques or Liquid Amber (whichever I happen to be using at that moment)....you can see a few lingering Liquid Amber beans in it from my cups this morning; I use one Mazzer (the one in the picture) for Sweet Maria's Donkey Blend (my decaf of choice) or whatever drip I happen to want to make (and relying on the visible removable bin); and the other Mazzer (not pictured) for my go to New Classic Espresso.
Ah, well I feel like I am cheating as I have an unfair advantage....but, I will name two items: sitting up on the GS/3, a Pallo group head cleaning brush and behind the Lido 2 is a 64 oz Airscape storage container currently full of Liquid Amber.
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Spend, spend, spend!
Does the Lido 2 grind coarse enough for French Press?
Absolutely. In fact, it does better on drip/pour over/French Press than it does on espresso (but it is no slouch on espresso). The thing is engineered and built like a tank. There are some coffees I would not want to grind in it, simply because small, hard beans would be a pain in the neck (or arm) to grind up, but it is highly versatile. Espresso or turkish would be better on Shrink's hand grinder, but I'm a huge Lido 2 fan.
That's good to know. I'm still considering making a personal brewing station in my office. The electric kettle you previously recommended to me, and have purchased, and use multiple times each day, at home, would be another purchase I'd make. Then the Lido 2 for grinding, a Friis container for bean storage and a French Press for the brewing process, would make up my office equipment. I just need to budget for the expenses.
As we have discussed Over There, an office kit is challenging.
If you want drip, it's hard for me to imagine a better bang-for-the-buck kit than what you described.....the kettle with good water, a FP or Chemex or AP, and the Lido. I used a Porlex at work for many years, but the Lido 2 is much, much better.
The Lido 2 is fantastic, and, as Kurwenal has already observed is built like a tank.
The only reason I have not used it yet is that - having spent a veritable fortune in ordering and transporting coffee ( as in pre-ground coffee) which I ordered from Intelligentsia, I really cannot justify not consuming most of it 1) before my next trip abroad, and 2) before ordering a selection of beans.
Other than that, it looks as though one will not need to be Mr Universe to work it, and that it should satisfy the (impossibly high standards or the/my grinding needs as stipulated by the denizens of this thread). It is beautifully engineered, and I imagine that it will last forever.
Nevertheless, I have no doubt whatsoever, that, occasional needs such as convenience apart, (and inevitable compromises when abroad, apart, too,) once I get into the grinding process at home, I will not wish to revert to buying pre-ground coffee.
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Yeah, I think, and you've described previously, an office espresso kit is the real challenge. Doing brew or pour-over isn't nearly as challenging, at least, from my perspective.
I can very easily do an office kit in my situation. The only real challenge would be getting the cleanest water to use. I have plenty of room to keep and use all the gear I would need and I wouldn't be disturbing anyone either, even if I used a small electric grinder.
A decent Burr Grinder and a french press. With a French Press you get the oils and more flavor from pressing the grounds, plus less bitter, than with a drip coffee maker. I know you don't get a lot of bitter coffee from all drip makers, but french press is a different league and method that gets all of the flavor and oils from the grounds. It's not just dripped through. It's also a lot cheaper, that through's some off as many equate better with higher price.
I'm sure it's mentioned, but it's also in the beans. It's harder here in mexico as by far most drink instant coffee and coffee made from grounds is called cafe americano in restaurants, but in the us for example it's normally possible to find a local place that roasts their own beans and will sell them. Not starbucks, but a good place. Individual owned.
I'm sure it's mentioned, but it's also in the beans. It's harder here in mexico as by far most drink instant coffee and coffee made from grounds is called cafe americano in restaurants, but in the us for example it's normally possible to find a local place that roasts their own beans and will sell them. Not starbucks, but a good place. Individual owned.
I agree with this post!
Anything to do with something that has flavor will always be somewhat subjective to the person ingesting it. Beans are #1 and #2 (Could even be tied for #1) is the water you use. Any acidic water ruins the taste. Tap or distilled are the common acidic types. Spring water is my minimum, but at home I will always use Alkaline water. The coffee is so much more flavourful and refreshing.
Ah, that's great that you have the space (both physical and aural) to do that. Water....you can always use bottled.
On the off chance that someone will come along and suggest K-cup or Nespresso (which, of course, are perfectly fine if that is what someone enjoys......heh heh), I was wandering around Zurich a few weeks ago and ran into a Nespresso store. OK, I understand that. But, when I ventured inside, I found, to my absolute and undying horror, a "Nespresso bar." You saddle up to the bar and order your "pod" and the "barrista" puts your pod-of-death into a Nespresso and makes you a coffee.
To wit, the evidence, taken by yours truly as I tried to hide a camera in my jacket.
I said 10 Hail Shrinks and repeated Shrink's Law, but holy you know what, I don't think I have ever seen such an absurd homage to staleness. Not even SB.
Hello. Yes, most of us frequent posters roast our own beans, and those who don't are fairly fanatical about finding fresh roasted beans.
And, yes, I love the FP. My own preference is for the ceramic Le Creuset version, which heats up and retains heat very nicely.
Starbucks.....well, if that is what someone likes...../shrug.
Oh my, I assume you didn't partake, because if you did you certainly have not completed your penace. I believe self flagellation with a coffee branch off of a bush from the Cocola Cooperative is appropriate.
I'll second the recommendation of the Le Creuset French Press; it looks gorgeous, is solidly and sturdily constructed, is easy to use and a doddle to clean, and retains heat wonderfully, which means that the coffee is kept properly hot.
Re photographs, yes, tonight you have furnished us with two which - between them - range from offering us a veritable coffee cornucopia to a vision of Coffee hell, (Dr Shrink's Law notwithstanding)…...
Or a compulsory visit to a local branch of SB, and an assigned task, which is complete an assignment, or essay, comparing and contrasting these two visions of caffeine hell, with a conclusion letting us know which is worse…...
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Perhaps the essay could be based on the nine most popular drinks at SB with a structure modeled after Dante's Inferno....
What an absolutely excellent idea! Very well done!
I shall volunteer my services as one of a number of entirely objective individuals who shall grade this paper, all recruited from Our Thread, naturally enough. Indeed, it makes me almost regret quitting the Groves of Academe ...
Well, then, I can suggest that - as an exercise in comparative analysis - that the Nine Most Popular Drinks in SB on a series of descending circles, be set alongside a matching - parallel hell - of the Nine Most Popular Nespresso offerings and wondering which reflects caffeine hell more accurately, or faithfully.
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Hello. I would have mentioned roasting one's own beans but I wasn't sure if it really fit into the thread at this point. It's an absolutely wonderful option though and well worth it.
Options are really slim on coffee or espresso out and about here in mexico, but I will pick these guys over starbucks.
http://www.italiancoffee.com/
Still not like what you can do at home or a really good independent place in the us but better than starbucks (not saying much).
Options are really slim on coffee or espresso out and about here in mexico, but I will pick these guys over starbucks.
http://www.italiancoffee.com/
Still not like what you can do at home or a really good independent place in the us but better than starbucks (not saying much).
Wow, really? A place where they put a pod in a machine, press a button and give you the dross that comes out? Where is the art of the craft of coffee making? The personal touch and uniqueness given by local brewer and roasters?
Mobilehaathi (to whom I give full credit for creative inspiration) and I have come up with an apt solution to this vision of the Hell Hall of the Caffeine Damned.
But yes, I agree with you; it is both sad, and unnerving ...
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It was a close call, but I resisted. I have, as you know, a real weak spot for stale agricultural products and, it was all I could do not to tear open a few dozen pods and suck out the innards...like a watermelon on a hot summer's day. But, then I remembered The Thread.....
Oh....great idea....and this one has legs. I can tell.
Well, to be honest, I prefer this:
It is bold, yet smooth.
These other folks are sort of fanatical about the whole thing, as you can tell, but, really, coffee is coffee.
Well, it would be hard to be worse (or more stale) than Starbucks. I take it mail order from the US would be too expensive?
Yep. Pretty much. I was horrified on your behalf, trust me.
Here it is, just in case you want to visit.
Can I be that dude (whose name I forgot) who stands around and gives out wrong directions to hell?
It was a close call, but I resisted. I have, as you know, a real weak spot for stale agricultural products and, it was all I could do not to tear open a few dozen pods and suck out the innards...like a watermelon on a hot summer's day. But, then I remembered The Thread.....
Oh....great idea....and this one has legs. I can tell.
Well, to be honest, I prefer this:
Image
It is bold, yet smooth.
These other folks are sort of fanatical about the whole thing, as you can tell, but, really, coffee is coffee.
Well, it would be hard to be worse (or more stale) than Starbucks. I take it mail order from the US would be too expensive?
Yep. Pretty much. I was horrified on your behalf, trust me.
Here it is, just in case you want to visit.
Can I be that dude (whose name I forgot) who stands around and gives out wrong directions to hell?
Yes, you can. An audition will have to be arranged, however .
This morning, I sampled another offering from Intelligentsia - their 'Yirgacheffe Limited Release' which was excellent, with a bright, clean, smooth, full taste.
Re kettles, is it imperative (in your humble, but exceedingly well informed and vastly experienced opinion) to obtain the kettle you linked in your post which comes equipped with a built-in thermometer at its electric base? In other words, is the temperature the sort of variable which must be adhered to when contemplating the purchase of a Chemex?
My hand had been hovering over a Chemex and elegant goose-necked kettle (but with no accompanying electronics) from Intelligentsia earlier yesterday, but your post stayed my hand (and silenced credit card).
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No, that kettle or one like it is not required, but I find it convenient.
For the Chemex, I like to brew at 205f, and I can taste the difference between 195 and 205. Plus, that particular kettle has a setting that maintains the temperature, so, for example, when I pull the kettle from its base and use the water to pre-heat the Chemex, and then I put the kettle back on the base, the appropriate water temperature is maintained, and the kettle is ready when I go to make the coffee.
Obviously, all of the above can be accomplished with a decent pot and a thermometer.
SandboxGeneral has one as well, and may have a view.