Coffee makers...

[fwhh]

Some weeks ago we had a nice discussion about coffee and coffee makers here in this forum, with some nice info:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1433872/

I like the coffee (see other discussion) from my WMF automatic coffee maker ;-)

 

[Jon-Luke]

I love my Breville...

It has a built in conical burr grinder, pressurized and non pressurized baskets for getting that perfect espresso extraction and all for a reasonable price... It even lets you know when it needs a clean so it intelligent like your apple.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Since I roast my own coffee, I no longer buy pre-roasted beans. (Notice how I casually slipped that "roast my own coffee" thing in there ). When I was buying pre-roasted, I was very partial to illy dark roast whole bean, or any illy coffee. It's 100% Arabica, no Robusta, as some Lavazza has. Some people like a small percentage of Robusta in their espresso blends because it pumps up the crema...I highly recommend illy brand.

As for a grinder:

Under no circumstances, on penalty of death, but one of those chopper things. Never, ever.

Go for a BURR grinder, preferably a conical burr grinder.

Get one with at least 25-30 settings...it allows some fine changes that make a lot of difference. Also allows for very coarse (french press) to very fine (espresso) grind. I have a Rancilio Rocky Grinder which has 55 settings. I'm very pleased with it.

As for tamping...that depends on you espresso machine. My Gaggia is best with a very gentle tamp, while other machines recommend 30-50 pounds tamp pressure. It all depends on your machine.

Finally,IMO, the gold standard of all coffee information websites: www.sweetmarias.com
It has a Library and is a gold mine of information.

Not sure I'd ever get to the stage of roasting my own beans (though I wouldn't rule it out......I do like my coffee, and the rituals which surround making it).

Thanks for the welcome advice on grinders - now that I'm back (for the moment) in civilisation, that is something I need to look at buying.

The ultimate burr grinder, the 'HG one'.

Designed, and manufactured by a friend of mine.

That is sickeningly stylish; exquisite, beautiful (undoubtedly functional) and simply gorgeous. Not sure I could justify the price tag......but I have made worse excuses for other extravagant purchases of equally beautiful objects.

Image

Some of you already know I'm pretty serious about my coffee, that's my coffee machine in the image above. It's the best thing ever. I've become quite good at using it over time as well, though it was daunting at first.

This thing is a professional grade machine, and has performance like it. So texturing milk as I might have done on a home style coffee machine just didn't work at all. Once I got the hang of it and adjusted to how powerful the machine is, no problems.


I grind coffee beans at home using a Gino Rossi CC45A, but don't roast them. I tend to use Illy beans because they are properly sealed in a tin, rather than those hopeless vacuum packs that the others use.

Admittedly, that is a beautiful machine - a fusion of form and function. Classy.

I checked out the HG-One.

What an incredibly gorgeous machine!! Both mechanically and esthetically it is the most beautiful machine I've ever seen.

BUT...$850!!!!

Unfortunately, waaaayyyy out of my price range.

Agree completely. But, you know, persuading oneself that certain purchases are necessary to further enhance the one's quality of life is less difficult than it might seem........I usually end up losing such debates with myself. Not always. But usually.

Coffee makers supposedly doesn't heat the water enough. I read somewhere (I think it was on Lifehacker) that it was only about 85 to 90°C, and that running with no coffee, and pouring it back into the reservoir (as a form of "pre-heating) actually improved the taste.

That is quite true in my experience, and few things are as annoying as a cup of lukewarm coffee first thing in the morning. Actually, it is one of the main reasons I don't have a coffee machine, but rely on my Bialetti espresso pot, or a French press instead.

I've been using this machine for ages... Jura Capresso Z5. It makes every kind of coffee beverage to your taste. It was a big investment, but we use it every day, all day and it works flawlessly.

View attachment 370125

Looks beautiful. Long may you enjoy it.

OK, here's the psycho part...if I had the $$$$$, I'd buy the thing.

That's what happens when you're as big a coffee freak as I am!

So, talk to your friend and tell him to give me a HUGE discount!

As would I. Sigh. I know that feeling, all too well.

I have hand crafted copper saucepans and casserole dishes (bought in Italy and France) - exquisite things, (outrageously expensive, but lovely) which I use regularly - why buy such things just to admire them? - they are designed for usage.....frequent usage.

When I find myself in such a crucial situation, I'd estmate (generously of course) what I'd save up with my home roasted coffee over the next x years, add a little bonus and tell myself that it would make perfectly sense to invest into such a beauty with those 'savings'.

I like your logic, I must say.

Actually, for coffee aficionados, this thread is dangerous. And offers the sort of temptation that is dangerously close to some sort of coffee pornography......but it is brilliant. And offers much food for thought (and wallet-raiding opportunities, too).

 

[MacLadybug]

"too pricey" nah... just takes some planning...

Sadly, I am at "that age", where I can actually speak from experience. One major thing I've learned along the way... if something is important to you don't be concerned about the price. Take the time to save up and buy the very best because you will save money in the long run. I've noticed if I cheap out, you always have to replace stuff and in the end, many times you would spend about the same amount of money anyway.

 

[twietee]

That is quite true in my experience, and few things are as annoying as a cup of lukewarm coffee first thing in the morning. Actually, it is one of the main reasons I don't have a coffee machine, but rely on my Bialetti espresso pot, or a French press instead.

Bialetti rules! - for the moment. But since I'm moving apartment (?), I have to buy another grinder....shouldn't have started that flawed logic thing, maybe we all can get a mega-discount, as Shrink already suggested.

Actually, for coffee aficionados, this thread is dangerous. (...) And offers much food for thought .

Food for thought is very well said.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Bialetti rules! - for the moment. But since I'm moving apartment (?), I have to buy another grinder....shouldn't have started that flawed logic thing, maybe we all can get a mega-discount, as Shrink already suggested.



Food for thought is very well said.

Thank you.

Indeed, this thread is a guilty source of pleasure (and valuable information)....

How simply wonderful that the world contains so many coffee aficionados who are happy to devote time and care to sharing stories and advice about our shared interest. Fantastic and a very enjoyable (and informative) thread.

 

[Shrink]

Not sure I'd ever get to the stage of roasting my own beans (though I wouldn't rule it out......I do like my coffee, and the rituals which surround making it).

Thanks for the welcome advice on grinders - now that I'm back (for the moment) in civilisation, that is something I need to look at buying.



That is sickeningly stylish; exquisite, beautiful (undoubtedly functional) and simply gorgeous. Not sure I could justify the price tag......but I have made worse excuses for other extravagant purchases of equally beautiful objects.





Admittedly, that is a beautiful machine - a fusion of form and function. Classy.



Agree completely. But, you know, persuading oneself that certain purchases are necessary to further enhance the one's quality of life is less difficult than it might seem........I usually end up losing such debates with myself. Not always. But usually.



That is quite true in my experience, and few things are as annoying as a cup of lukewarm coffee first thing in the morning. Actually, it is one of the main reasons I don't have a coffee machine, but rely on my Bialetti espresso pot, or a French press instead.



Looks beautiful. Long may you enjoy it.



As would I. Sigh. I know that feeling, all to well.

I have hand crafted copper saucepans and casserole dishes (bought in Italy and France) - exquisite things, (outrageously expensive, but lovely) which I use regularly - why buy such things just to admire them? - they are designed for usage.....frequent usage.



I like your logic, I must say.

Actually, for coffee aficionados, this thread is dangerous. And offers the sort of temptation that is dangerously close to some sort of coffee pornography......but it is brilliant. And offers much food for thought (and wallet-raiding opportunities, too).

Convincing myself that I need, deserve, can't live without, have a right to, blah, blah is so easy...but $850 for the world's most beautiful grinder is a stretch...but not enough of a stretch

I totally agree, and admire the word selection, that this thread is coffee pornography.

 

[twietee]

re coffee-porn: I'm too young to say such things but totally agree! scepticalscribe, if you haven't already done that: there was/is another equally exquisite coffee-thread floating around here somewhere. It was mentioned before by fwhh.

Such a shame there are ' important meetings' going on in our little bureau-kitchen for more than two hours.

 

[Shrink]

I know you're all waiting with baited breath and extreme concern regarding how I'm going to find a way to convince myself I can buy the HG-One grinder.

I think I have it worked out. The plan includes not paying any bills, giving up food, and walking to work instead of driving. With those minor sacrifices, the grinder can be mine.

Small inconveniences to own a unique item...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I know you're all waiting with baited breath and extreme concern regarding how I'm going to find a way to convince myself I can buy the HG-One grinder.

I think I have it worked out. The plan includes not paying any bills, giving up food, and walking to work instead of driving. With those minor sacrifices, the grinder can be mine.

Small inconveniences to own a unique item...

Ah yes. I remember similar battles with (ahem) similar outcomes.

Cough. Blush. Oh dear. I well recall the brief battle with myself before succumbing to purchase a few rather exquisite but also rather expensive handmade Baluchistan carpets which I bought in the Caucasus over two years ago......Then, there was a Leica camera (and Leica lenses) which I somehow convinced myself had to replace a NikonF100 that got stolen en route to the Caucasus.......the aforementioned copper saucepans (okay, that was Italy)....and er, yes.

My late grandmother had a wonderful saying (well, she had several, but only one is apposite for the topic currently under discussion) which was:"Buying dear is buying cheap in the long run." Even as a child, this made so, so much sense to me.....

But yes, Shrink: I am watching your ferocious struggle with empathy and heartfelt sympathy. My own economic contortions and moral dilemmas are equally absorbing, and no less diverting, believe me.

 

[Menel]

Tried a few filter/drip machines. Flavor was always off.

I go with Italian roast whole bean, usually Starbucks brand though sometimes others.

Grind and use a french press.

 

[twietee]

The thing is, such personal logics are only sound and reasonable to oneself...well, and some strangers on the internet.

[insert long anecdote]

Sorry for OT, and keep us updated Shrink. May the force be with you

 

[waloshin]

Is new grounded coffee supposed to be oily tasting?

 

[mobilehaathi]

Is new grounded coffee supposed to be oily tasting?

Just add rum. You'll forget about how bad your coffee tastes.

 

[Shrink]

Ah yes. I remember similar battles with (ahem) similar outcomes.

Cough. Blush. Oh dear. I well recall the brief battle with myself before succumbing to purchase a few rather exquisite but also rather expensive handmade Baluchistan carpets which I bought in the Caucasus over two years ago......Then, there was a Leica camera (and Leica lenses) which I somehow convinced myself had to replace a NikonF100 that got stolen en route to the Caucasus.......the aforementioned copper saucepans (okay, that was Italy)....and er, yes.

My late grandmother had a wonderful saying (well, she had several, but only one is apposite for the topic currently under discussion) which was:"Buying dear is buying cheap in the long run." Even as a child, this made so, so much sense to me.....

But yes, Shrink: I am watching your ferocious struggle with empathy and heartfelt sympathy. My own economic contortions and moral dilemmas are equally absorbing, and no less diverting, believe me.

Can't eat...wasting away...

Can't sleep...dark circles under eyes...

Uncontrollable bouts of weeping...

Torn and tortured by this decision...


Of course, we all know how this is going to turn out...but I'll hold out as long as I can...

 

[Huntn]

I prefer a good basic drip coffee maker, "Mr Coffee" like. I don't care about having programmed coffee waiting for me when I get up in the morning. I usually get laughed at when I say I brew up a double pot of coffee drink my fill, and stick the rest in the fridge to heat up and drink later. Go ahead... I admit that the fresh coffee tastes better than the refrigerated and microwaved coffee. I just don't want to mess with brewing new coffee every day.

My son has one of these Keurig individual coffee brewers, but the individual cups are small. My impression is that coffee bought for this gadget (little sealed brewing containers) is much more expensive.

.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Is new grounded coffee supposed to be oily tasting?

Ah........no. Ground coffee should taste.....sublime.

Just add rum. You'll forget about how bad your coffee tastes.

Snorts into coffee.......

Can't eat...wasting away...

Can't sleep...dark circles under eyes...

Uncontrollable bouts of weeping...

Torn and tortured by this decision...


Of course, we all know how this is going to turn out...but I'll hold out as long as I can...

Some philosophical schools hold that self-denial (and the concomitant suffering are a necessary part of the human condition....or ought to be). Not sure I quite agree, though.

I prefer a good basic drip coffee maker,

I admit that the fresh coffee tastes better than the refrigerated and microwaved coffee. I just don't want to mess with brewing new coffee every day.



Image.

Splutters in disbelief.....seriously, huntn, you don't know what you are missing. While some on this thread may be considered to run the risk of turning the act of making a cup of coffee into an art form verging on veneration and a ritual worthy of worship.

Really, there are few pleasures in life to equal the sheer sensual satisfaction of the first cup of coffee of the day (although, the second cup of coffee of the day runs it close). Don't skimp on pleasures that don't necessarily have to cost the earth (although, as it becoming all too clear from some of us on this thread, that, too, might not always be the case......some of us are more than quite capable of bank-rupting ourselves in pursuit of the ideal of a pot of caffeine perfection.....)

 

[twietee]

Can't eat...wasting away...

Can't sleep...dark circles under eyes...

Uncontrollable bouts of weeping...

Torn and tortured by this decision...

Some philosophical schools hold that self-denial (and the concomitant suffering are a necessary part of the human condition....or ought to be). Not sure I quite agree, though.

I agree with ss's uncertain disagreement and have to add that all this ... comes across perfectly integral from someone represented by Karloff's Frankenstein.

Back to topic: does anyone have experience with Greek coffee? Received some as a gift but...that...is...really...really....hard to swallow. Not kidding. Any hints, does it need to be treated like some Turkish coffee or so? Don't think actually that this is just cheap stuff - though coming from my intern so who knows

And while I'm at it, during my short trip to Barcelona I now verified my suspicion that they don't sell any serious coffee at all in the supermarkets. Bonka anyone? Or Nestlé? Terrible experience.

 

[Shrink]

Some philosophical schools hold that self-denial (and the concomitant suffering are a necessary part of the human condition....or ought to be). Not sure I quite agree, though

And some schools of thought think that self flagellation and scourging are also nifty ideas.

But, in the name of self denial, if I order the sucker I'll give up my daily cigar...for one day.

All this in the name of philosophical purity...

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Is new grounded coffee supposed to be oily tasting?

How new is your grinder? Some vendors oil the internals to prevent rust. I'd hope they would use vegetable or other food-grade oil for this... Then again...

Dark roast coffees can be VERY oily, but this oil is full of flavor, and should NOT taste like motor oil.

I'd say run some cheapie swill / decaf through your grinder to soak up any oils that may have shipped with it... THEN put in your good stuff.

P.S. If you've recently moved away from paper filters and moved to a gold filter, or a French press, it's quite normal for oils in the coffee to be quite visible and will enhance the flavor of the coffee. Paper filters tend to suck up this oil, and being lighter than water, it usually rests on top of the grounds in a drip maker. The French press has no paper, and the grounds get pushed down, causing the oils to rise.... Damn, it's near bed time, and I want some coffee now!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I agree with ss's uncertain disagreement and have to add that all this ... comes across perfectly integral from someone represented by Karloff's Frankenstein.

Back to topic: does anyone have experience with Greek coffee? Received some as a gift but...that...is...really...really....hard to swallow. Not kidding. Any hints, does it need to be treated like some Turkish coffee or so? Don't think actually that this is just cheap stuff - though coming from my intern so who knows

And while I'm at it, during my short trip to Barcelona I now verified my suspicion that they don't sell any serious coffee at all in the supermarkets. Bonka anyone? Or Nestlé? Terrible experience.

Thank you for your agreement with my 'uncertain disagreement'....

Greek coffee strikes me as similar to Turkish coffee (not that they would welcome such a comparison); so, you sip until you meet a half cup of muddy grounds. It's all 'cooked' together, and the grounds are boiled in with the water, the lot poured (usually from a very elegant pot) into your cup.

Your experience in Barcelona sounds a bit like mine in the former Soviet Union - trying to track down real coffee (outside of capital cities) is a real challenge, made more challenging by the fact that most people don't know what you are actually talking about, and labour under the delusion that Nescafe ranks as 'real coffee'.

And some schools of thought think that self flagellation and scourging are also nifty ideas.

But, in the name of self denial, if I order the sucker I'll give up my daily cigar...for one day.

All this in the name of philosophical purity...

Ah, the whips and the hair-shirts. Happy days, indeed. Well, I had a Catholic upbringing, so I well remember those particular philosophical schools. And disagreed - and disagree - with them profoundly.

How new is your grinder? Some vendors oil the internals to prevent rust. I'd hope they would use vegetable or other food-grade oil for this... Then again...

Dark roast coffees can be VERY oily, but this oil is full of flavor, and should NOT taste like motor oil.

I'd say run some cheapie swill / decaf through your grinder to soak up any oils that may have shipped with it... THEN put in your good stuff.

P.S. If you've recently moved away from paper filters and moved to a gold filter, or a French press, it's quite normal for oils in the coffee to be quite visible and will enhance the flavor of the coffee. Paper filters tend to suck up this oil, and being lighter than water, it usually rests on top of the grounds in a drip maker. The French press has no paper, and the grounds get pushed down, causing the oils to rise.... Damn, it's near bed time, and I want some coffee now!

Philosophy, and philosophical schools of thought, the chemistry of coffee and caffeine when heat is applied and certain materials and metals are encountered by the oils in different coffee beans......why, all human life is here in this thread; it is a veritable education......and a feast for the senses.

 

[Italianblend]

Image

When you guys are talking about drip coffee, I hope you're refering to this... No need for any machines when you can just boil water and pour it.

Can you really do this? Why didn't I think of this? Does it taste good? Is it a waste of too many beans? I want answers people.

 

[twietee]

Can you really do this? Why didn't I think of this? Does it taste good? Is it a waste of too many beans? I want answers people.

Of course you can. My mother is doing her coffee like that since I was born and most probably even longer. I did it in my early days too, but switched completely to espresso - and there is no going back anymore. I was always accused of wasting too much grounded coffee though but one can be economical, I've seen that. One has to be cautious about cheap filter though.

I used to drink Eilles Gourmet Café with that kind.

 

[Big-TDI-Guy]

Some even just dump the coffee grounds directly into the coffee cup, which catches you off guard when you take that final swig! Discovered this when I was in Tel Aviv, and it sure woke me up!

 

[iJohnHenry]

Some even just dump the coffee grounds directly into the coffee cup, which catches you off guard when you take that final swig! Discovered this when I was in Tel Aviv, and it sure woke me up!

Roughage. Good for your colon.