Espresso Enthusiasts

[S.B.G]

Just found this topic after someone mentioned it in the MacBook Air forum.

Advertising does pay off! We have a new recruit now! Muahahahaha!

Seriously, welcome aboard. There are plenty of experts in various fields of coffee science here that can answer just about any question you could possibly have. 🙂

 

[57004]

Welcome to the home of the deeply demented coffee lovers!😀

The general attitude around here is that if you like it, and it works for you...it's all good. I can certainly understand using the Nespresso...my rather involved espresso routine at 5:00AM is, fortunately, a fairly automatic, pre-programmed behavior, generally devoid of conscious thought. But I can see where the simplicity of the Nespresso is a real advantage.

That being said, I can pretty much guarantee that when you do get your Gaggia (I had a Baby Class before my current machine) and a good burr grinder...you WILL notice the difference...in bother...in mess.. .in clean up...but mostly in the wonderful espresso you will make.

I don't know your level of information about espresso...feel free to either sak questions, offer instruction and advice...or both!😀

We're a friendly lot, although clearly some of us are so far around the bend, we can't see the bend any more!

Welcome to the looney bin...it's a nice place!😀

Thanks (also to SandboxGeneral)! And thanks for being so nice about it 🙂 Most espresso enthusiasts hate the Nespresso 🙂 I can see the point though. I agree it doesn't taste as good as a real machine.

But it suits me for my morning coffee and it's infinitely better than the "Senseo" pod machine I had before (which could only do weak, lukewarm swill).

Before I bought this machine I'd been reading a lot about it and I was actually thinking of getting the Gaggia Classic. I was stuck deciding between going all-out manual with a Classic or full auto with the Nespresso. What mainly swung the balance for me was the 6-minute warmup time on the Gaggia. I tend to rush out the door in 15 minutes, it just wouldn't work.

I'm not a morning person, and on the Pixie I just press a button and go. I still don't feel quite satisfied with it though. It's hard to describe but the coffee doesn't have the same full flavour of a real Americano. When I get to work I still end up going to the coffee shop next door for my second cup because theirs is so much better. I've tried them side by side and it's no comparison. I expected a bit more from the Nespresso but I have a feeling that the double shot they're giving me in the coffee shop is a lot more than 2 nespresso pods. Even 3 of the the highest strength pods doesn't give the same full taste as a real large Americano. And I think I'm doing it right (extracting them at 20ml, then filling up with hot water). Maybe I need 4 but that would be more than half the price of a takeaway 🙂

So yes, in my opinion the Nespresso totally can't beat a decent machine. I have a feeling it won't be long before I'll have a Gaggia 🙂 Maybe not for the mornings but for when I come home..

 

[Shrink]

Thanks (also to SandboxGeneral)! And thanks for being so nice about it 🙂 Most espresso enthusiasts hate the Nespresso 🙂 I can see the point though. I agree it doesn't taste as good as a real machine.

But it suits me for my morning coffee and it's infinitely better than the "Senseo" pod machine I had before (which could only do weak, lukewarm swill).

Before I bought this machine I'd been reading a lot about it and I was actually thinking of getting the Gaggia Classic. I was stuck deciding between going all-out manual with a Classic or full auto with the Nespresso. What mainly swung the balance for me was the 6-minute warmup time on the Gaggia. I tend to rush out the door in 15 minutes, it just wouldn't work.

I'm not a morning person, and on the Pixie I just press a button and go. I still don't feel quite satisfied with it though. It's hard to describe but the coffee doesn't have the same full flavour of a real Americano. When I get to work I still end up going to the coffee shop next door for my second cup because theirs is so much better. I've tried them side by side and it's no comparison. I expected a bit more from the Nespresso but I have a feeling that the double shot they're giving me in the coffee shop is a lot more than 2 nespresso pods. Even 3 of the the highest strength pods doesn't give the same full taste as a real large Americano. And I think I'm doing it right (extracting them at 20ml, then filling up with hot water). Maybe I need 4 but that would be more than half the price of a takeaway 🙂

So yes, in my opinion the Nespresso totally can't beat a decent machine. I have a feeling it won't be long before I'll have a Gaggia 🙂 Maybe not for the mornings but for when I come home..

One of the really nice thing about this thread is that no one is going to dump on any one else's choices. What works for you is right. For the most part, advice is given when it's requested.

So having said all the nice stuff, I'm going to make a suggestion....even though you never asked!

You have mentioned warm up time for the espresso machine. First, my machine takes 25 minutes for warm up. But a simple timer solves the problem of the machine being ready for me when I get up. Set the timer for 4:30AM, and at 5:00AM, when I come downstairs, it's all set. Whatever your choice regarding machines, don't let the warm up time put you off. A good $10-$15 timer solves that problem.

You have not mentioned a grinder along with your (maybe someday) Gaggia. First, no rule says you must grind your own beans, but it is my bias that espresso is best when beans are freshly ground. Have you thought about, or researched, grinders? The general consensus is that the grinder is more important than the espresso machine...so budgeting for the grinder is most important...if you plan on grinding your own.

 

[Kissaragi]

Thanks (also to SandboxGeneral)! And thanks for being so nice about it 🙂 Most espresso enthusiasts hate the Nespresso 🙂 I can see the point though. I agree it doesn't taste as good as a real machine.

But it suits me for my morning coffee and it's infinitely better than the "Senseo" pod machine I had before (which could only do weak, lukewarm swill).

Before I bought this machine I'd been reading a lot about it and I was actually thinking of getting the Gaggia Classic. I was stuck deciding between going all-out manual with a Classic or full auto with the Nespresso. What mainly swung the balance for me was the 6-minute warmup time on the Gaggia. I tend to rush out the door in 15 minutes, it just wouldn't work.

I'm not a morning person, and on the Pixie I just press a button and go. I still don't feel quite satisfied with it though. It's hard to describe but the coffee doesn't have the same full flavour of a real Americano. When I get to work I still end up going to the coffee shop next door for my second cup because theirs is so much better. I've tried them side by side and it's no comparison. I expected a bit more from the Nespresso but I have a feeling that the double shot they're giving me in the coffee shop is a lot more than 2 nespresso pods. Even 3 of the the highest strength pods doesn't give the same full taste as a real large Americano. And I think I'm doing it right (extracting them at 20ml, then filling up with hot water). Maybe I need 4 but that would be more than half the price of a takeaway 🙂

So yes, in my opinion the Nespresso totally can't beat a decent machine. I have a feeling it won't be long before I'll have a Gaggia 🙂 Maybe not for the mornings but for when I come home..

Nespresso and pod coffee in general is a good compromise between convenience and quality if you want espresso based drinks with no fuss at all. Its never going to be any where near as good as a decent quality espresso machine used by a good barista, but a nespresso isnt going to require months of practice either. You could go and spend £6000 on a top machine and you'll be producing shots far worse than the nespresso for a good few weeks.

Depending on what you like to drink there way be other options to consider like moka pots, aeropress or filter coffee. Jura super automatic machines can be good too but they aren't cheap.

 

[S.B.G]

Bought a different blend of drip today from the supermarket, though I forget the name of it now. 😱 I think its some type of dark roast that starts with an 'M'. Its brewing now and will try it out shortly.

 

[Shrink]

Bought a different blend of drip today from the supermarket, though I forget the name of it now. 😱 I think its some type of dark roast that starts with an 'M'. Its brewing now and will try it out shortly.

Interested to know how the dark roast "M" coffee came out!😛😉

 

[S.B.G]

Interested to know how the dark roast "M" coffee came out!😛😉

I finished the French Roast this morning and after work stopped in to get more, and I must have been tired and groggy when I read the label.

 

[Shrink]

I finished the French Roast this morning and after work stopped in to get more, and I must have been tired and groggy when I read the label.

Take care! Buying coffee while groggy can lead to buying TEA!😱

 

[S.B.G]

Take care! Buying coffee while groggy can lead to buying TEA!😱

I wasn't that groggy! However, I like tea too.

 

[S.B.G]

Okay, I'm trying again with a double-wall glass travel mug. The last one I bought I didn't get. The description said it was what I wanted, but when I received it, it was plastic. I sent it back for a refund. I don't blame Amazon because it was sold through and shipped via a third-party company. Strange thing was, it was the company who made it that goofed up the order.

This time I found a different brand to try. I should have it on Monday.

Smart Planet EC-46 Double-Wall Glass Coffee Travel Mug, Black

 

[Shrink]

Okay, I'm trying again with a double-wall glass travel mug. The last one I bought I didn't get. The description said it was what I wanted, but when I received it, it was plastic. I sent it back for a refund. I don't blame Amazon because it was sold through and shipped via a third-party company. Strange thing was, it was the company who made it that goofed up the order.

This time I found a different brand to try. I should have it on Monday.

Smart Planet EC-46 Double-Wall Glass Coffee Travel Mug, Black

Image

Looks great, and the reviews were good. Since you have the Bistro cups, you know how to handle the glass walled cups. One of the reviews complained about the delicacy of the glass...my guess is that they didn't know how to handle glass cups as you do.

Cool looking travel mug...enjoy, Mate!😀

 

[S.B.G]

Looks great, and the reviews were good. Since you have the Bistro cups, you know how to handle the glass walled cups. One of the reviews complained about the delicacy of the glass...my guess is that they didn't know how to handle glass cups as you do.

Cool looking travel mug...enjoy, Mate!😀

Yeah, glass is delicate. Who'd have thunk that? 🙄 pfffttt. haha

BTW, the 'M' mystery coffee I just bought tastes like **** and I'm trying to wash it out with a glass of lemonade. I don't know if its the blend or the probable fact that people grinding that flavored coffee in the grinder designated for non-flavored coffee as I suspect happens, or a combination of both. It has a horrible aftertaste and I swear there is some kind of flavoring in it.

I'll be heading to Tim Horton's tomorrow to grind another bag of their stuff. At least I know they have only one kind of coffee, unflavored and there is no chance of their grinder being contaminated with anything else and I like the coffee too.

 

[S.B.G]

I just arrived home from work for the day, but not before I stopped at Tim Horton's to get a proper bag of their coffee and run it through their grinder. There, at least, I know that I like their coffee and that they only have one kind that goes through the grinder so no 'flavored' coffee gets run through it to muck it all up.

I took my coffee maker and gave it an extra good scrub down including the permanent gold filter. I wanted to be sure there wasn't any residue of the garbage I got yesterday.

Also, I took the opportunity to change the CO2 filter on the Friis stainless steel coffee containers.

In a short while, I will be enjoying good tasting coffee again!

 

[S.B.G]

The new travel mug just arrived (see post above) and I understand why the reviewers on Amazon said they broke their a lot. It's certainly fragile and its not tempered glass. I hope I don't brake it!

I'll take it home later, wash it up and give it a try.

 

[Shrink]

The new travel mug just arrived (see post above) and I understand why the reviewers on Amazon said they broke their a lot. It's certainly fragile and its not tempered glass. I hope I don't brake it!

I'll take it home later, wash it up and give it a try.

I take it that the mug is not as solid as the Bistro glassware that you have.

The life expectancy of the travel mug if I were the one handling it would be measured in minutes!

I'm sure you will be more successful with it than I would.😀

 

[S.B.G]

I take it that the mug is not as solid as the Bistro glassware that you have.

The life expectancy of the travel mug if I were the one handling it would be measured in minutes!

I'm sure you will be more successful with it than I would.😀

Yeah, the glass feels like it may be thinner than the Bodum glasses. Just tapping my fingernail on it, I can tell its thin. Time will tell if I can keep it from breaking!

 

[Kissaragi]

Wonder if its possible to make gorilla glass cups.

 

[Shrink]

Wonder if its possible to make gorilla glass cups.

I don't know about you, but I'd break those, too.

I always have spares of the Bistro cups I use in full knowledge that I will break them at some point.

BTW: I actually checked...no Gorilla Glass cups or mugs. 😛

 

[GoCubsGo]

Yeah, the glass feels like it may be thinner than the Bodum glasses. Just tapping my fingernail on it, I can tell its thin. Time will tell if I can keep it from breaking!

If you can find this glass water bottle in Target, compare it to your mug.
http://elloproducts.com/hydration-percy/

I haven't dropped it, but it has survived being lugged in baggage on planes for when I travel for work and such. It's not terrible, though I do think one drop and it'll be out.

 

[Kissaragi]

I don't know about you, but I'd break those, too.

I always have spares of the Bistro cups I use in full knowledge that I will break them at some point.

BTW: I actually checked...no Gorilla Glass cups or mugs. 😛

Oh me too, I'm not safe with glassware, however strong.

 

[decafjava]

I don't know about you, but I'd break those, too.

I always have spares of the Bistro cups I use in full knowledge that I will break them at some point.

BTW: I actually checked...no Gorilla Glass cups or mugs. 😛

Oh me too, I'm not safe with glassware, however strong.

This is why I'm glad I got a stainless steel travel mug for my birthday! 😀

 

[S.B.G]

If you can find this glass water bottle in Target, compare it to your mug.
http://elloproducts.com/hydration-percy/

I haven't dropped it, but it has survived being lugged in baggage on planes for when I travel for work and such. It's not terrible, though I do think one drop and it'll be out.

Have you tried it with hot liquids or coffee in it?

This is why I'm glad I got a stainless steel travel mug for my birthday! 😀

I wanted glass because the stainless steel, aluminum and plastic ones alter the taste of the coffee just enough to where I can notice it and, to me, ruins it.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Have you tried it with hot liquids or coffee in it?



I wanted glass because the stainless steel, aluminum and plastic ones alter the taste of the coffee just enough to where I can notice it and, to me, ruins it.

Nope. I don't even know if I could/should.
I think people are too over-sensitive nowadays. A good old stainless steel travel mug was fine just a few years ago.

 

[Kissaragi]

Nope. I don't even know if I could/should.
I think people are too over-sensitive nowadays. A good old stainless steel travel mug was fine just a few years ago.

Everyone is different. Someone with a sensitive palette can notice differences from things like the material of the container. Coffee tasters tend to use silver plated spoons when cupping because stainless steel can interfere with the cupping.

 

[S.B.G]

Everyone is different. Someone with a sensitive palette can notice differences from things like the material of the container. Coffee tasters tend to use silver plated spoons when cupping because stainless steel can interfere with the cupping.

I finished my first cup of coffee in the new double-wall glass mug and it was great! No metal or plastic taste tainted the coffee and the silicon top made no adverse affect on it either.

Now to be sure I don't break it!