View Full Version : New Espresso Machine
Ammonite Audio
06-05-2016, 09:45
My venerable Nuova Simonelli Oscar espresso machine has served me very well, particularly with some internal tweaks from www.elektros.it . For coffee obsessives, the Oscar is the smallest and least expensive espresso machine with a true water boiler and heat exchanger system, just like the large commercial machines. This does make a difference to the end result, and the boiler means plenty of steam for quality milk frothing/texturing. The Oscar hides its considerable abilities inside a very plain ABS case:
http://i155.photobucket.com/albums/s301/hugocass/IMG-20160506-00357_zpsxmnomkg8.jpg
But, Nuova Simonelli have now brought out a new version of the Oscar, which shares its internals with the old one, but it's a great deal prettier, so I have bought one!
http://www.elektros.it/image.php?width=1000&height=1000&image=%2Fmedia%2Fproduct%2F534%2FOscar+2+blu+profi lo+2.jpg
There are definitely parallels between HiFi and coffee obsessions (and obsessives). In the case of coffee, it is possible to make a perfect coffee with the most unpromising equipment, given the right raw materials and technique. But, spend money on a really good machine like the Oscar, and that perfect coffee becomes much more accessible, and even a pleasure to make. That applies to HiFi as well, although the minimum spend is possibly at a greater level, but the end result is all about making the most of what's available, whatever its cost.
Just like good coffee.
The Rancilio Silvia has been about for 15 or 20 years. Copper boiler, fittings and other bits and pieces. I've had two of these, home and office, for years.
It's silly cheap for the quality, £355, probably because they sell 1000's of them.
Widely available in UK.
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=RANCILIO_SILVIA_VE_2016
Best to get a package with a grinder if you don't have one.
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=set-ranc-2uk
Remember the original oscar..didnt know they had a 2 out... Not bad for money. I use my delonghi which gives sterling service. Makes great latte. Ive an orphan espresso lido 3 hand grinder, and get my beans from climpsons.
Ammonite Audio
06-05-2016, 18:16
Remember the original oscar..didnt know they had a 2 out... Not bad for money. I use my delonghi which gives sterling service. Makes great latte. Ive an orphan espresso lido 3 hand grinder, and get my beans from climpsons.
I get my beans from Paddy & Scott's in Suffolk - easily the best that I've tried, at very reasonable cost, but most importantly not 'hipster' light-roasted coffee beans that I find unpleasantly acidic ( and usually cost a fortne too). I have used Climpsons, but prefer Paddy & Scott's.
I get my beans from Paddy & Scott's in Suffolk - easily the best that I've tried, at very reasonable cost, but most importantly not 'hipster' light-roasted coffee beans that I find unpleasantly acidic ( and usually cost a fortne too). I have used Climpsons, but prefer Paddy & Scott's.
got a link for them and any recommendations Hugo?
you selling the old Oscar?
Use one of these in the office with a very nice coffee grinder. I always use fresh ground beans. Nice perk to have and soon we are upgrading to a much larger machine.
http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k424/Spendorsp2/image_zpseeccicln.jpeg (http://s326.photobucket.com/user/Spendorsp2/media/image_zpseeccicln.jpeg.html)
nice machine Jimbo. Great perk of being in an office environment . I spent much of my time on the road or on site, where you were safer with a can of juice and water you brought with you lol
Yes Grant I am quite fortunate with facilities at work but there again I do develop beverages including drinks for the Coffee shops so I do have access to some nice stuff :eyebrows:
We also have a nice bean to cup machine but I use the above machine mainly.
To be honest though I use a Nespresso machine at home and it is very good indeed. I read somewhere up to 600 Michelin star restaurants now use one. However we use mainly decaf pods in the evening which are nearly as good as the caffeinated pods.
I get my beans from Paddy & Scott's in Suffolk - easily the best that I've tried, at very reasonable cost
Good to know that. They're on my doorstep so I'll give them a try :D
Nothing like firing up my Saeco Minuto bean to cup of a morning for a brain damagingly strong cup :eek:
Ammonite Audio
06-05-2016, 21:12
got a link for them and any recommendations Hugo?
you selling the old Oscar?
http://www.paddyandscotts.co.uk/ the only beans that they sell are the Pure Shot, which is not quite as dark as a traditional Italian roast, but not so light that it's overly acidic.
Yes, I will be selling the old Oscar.
http://www.paddyandscotts.co.uk/ the only beans that they sell are the Pure Shot, which is not quite as dark as a traditional Italian roast, but not so light that it's overly acidic.
Yes, I will be selling the old Oscar.
thanks..now bookmarked... Ive just had a delivery, but next time I may get a couple of bags... price is a lot cheaper than my usual. 1/3 of the price.lol.
Virtual-Symmetry
06-05-2016, 21:30
Does it not bother coffee drinks that you have yellow tongues, off white teeth & breath no better than a smokers breath?
:vomfest:
Ammonite Audio
07-05-2016, 06:39
I know someone who has a Silvia, and it's clear that it's probably the best of the single boiler machines, but the Gaggia Classic is similarly excellent (and bomb-proof). There was a chassis rust problem with some Silvias, but I think that's been solved. Some coffee obsessives favour the Silvia because it's easy to fit very precise electronic regulation of the brew temperature, with digital temperature display (PID). The Oscar relies on passive heat conduction from its big 2 litre boiler through a Mamod Steam Engine style bunch of copper tubes and fittings to the brew head - it achieves the correct, and stable brew temperature after around 40 minutes, so you don't turn this thing on and expect to make coffee within 5 minutes! Because my daily coffee (singular) is a flat white type of thing, the Oscar's big boiler and truly powerful steam output means that I can foam and texture milk very quickly, and very effectively. I don't tend to buy coffee from cafes any more, so the cost of the Oscar was pretty much recovered in one year.
Just like good coffee.
The Rancilio Silvia has been about for 15 or 20 years. Copper boiler, fittings and other bits and pieces. I've had two of these, home and office, for years.
It's silly cheap for the quality, £355, probably because they sell 1000's of them.
Widely available in UK.
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=RANCILIO_SILVIA_VE_2016
Best to get a package with a grinder if you don't have one.
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=set-ranc-2uk
Does it not bother coffee drinks that you have yellow tongues, off white teeth & breath no better than a smokers breath?
:vomfest:
Mr negative!
Oldpinkman
07-05-2016, 07:28
Both the Gaggia (which I have) and the Silvia (which I have used) are good machines. The revelation for me was the difference a really good grinder makes. Partly (tiny part) a convenience issue - but the quality of espresso achieved by a good grinder is very satisfying :)
If you have a coffee grinder and you have the ability to adjust the fineness of the grind then you need to calibrate it as follows:
The finished grind weight should be 14 grams.
This should then produce 30ml of coffee through your machine in 20 seconds. If not adjust the grind accordingly.
Both the Gaggia (which I have) and the Silvia (which I have used) are good machines. The revelation for me was the difference a really good grinder makes. Partly (tiny part) a convenience issue - but the quality of espresso achieved by a good grinder is very satisfying :)
Agree with you there Richard. Also grinding fresh beans for each brew and keeping opened beans well wrapped in cling frozen in small parcels. Coffee beans once opened loose essential compounds through evaporation and will go stale in 2 weeks.
Total philistine when it comes to coffee. All sounds like a frightful carry on. I did buy Mrs B a proper 'brown betty' teapot though. She can't cook for love nor money and she'd be the first to admit it, but her brews are first class.
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01077_zpsfdihbdgh.jpg
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http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01098_zpsnegtoqqi.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01100_zpsr5sz1zim.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01101_zpswrrthqzs.jpg
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http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01103_zps2ypftpkj.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01104_zpsu9x9bpow.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01105_zpsymron4pg.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01106_zpsq2k9ubpv.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01108_zpshspbzpxt.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01109_zpsltmirtij.jpg
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/User_211/Rocket/DSC01110_zpseddt02ig.jpg
A Gaggia Classic is actually a lot more practical.
If you genuinely like Espresso, the Rocket makes much better Espresso (to the taste buds). If, however, you like latte and cappuccino, the Gaggia seemed to do better with a stronger tasting extraction that cuts through milk better.
Having an external group head looks cool and gives better access. However, you have to wait for it to get hot, so the machine's PID is a bit irrelevant until this has happened. About 20 minutes. Rubbish, really, if in a hurry. A Gaggia is usable within about 5 minutes.
I'd recommend a Gaggia Classic bought from ebay used. Massive spares supply, upgrades and super huge user base. It'll last for years. Built like a tank for very little money.
Aye but the rocket is way prettier....:ner:
Thats a very pretty machine justin.
As for storing my beans then i keep mine in kilner jars and filled with nitrogen. Beans wont spoil with no oxygen..store jars in dark cool cupboard till i need one.. They are in 250 ml jars so when opened to use they dont take too long to get through.
Aye but the rocket is way prettier....:ner:
Thats a very pretty machine justin.
As for storing my beans then i keep mine in kilner jars and filled with nitrogen. Beans wont spoil with no oxygen..store jars in dark cool cupboard till i need one.. They are in 250 ml jars so when opened to use they dont take too long to get through.
The ultimate storage there Grant. We use nitrogen on a large scale in packing just for that long shelf life.
Looks like you got it totally sussed.:)
At the end of the day don't matter how pretty your machine is its all down to the quality of the coffee and good crema extraction.
In my experience the Italians do it the best.
Aye Jim but the tins of nitro are damned expensive. It is surprising how well it keeps them though. Still get that lovely smell when you grind them by hand. Its hard work grinding away :D
Aye Jim but the tins of nitro are damned expensive. It is surprising how well it keeps them though. Still get that lovely smell when you grind them by hand. Its hard work grinding away :D
Yes it is knackering grinding by hand and good machines are expensive. The Vario I use is £350!:eek:
The Rocket could do with a high quality in-built class D amp module.
Don"t get me wrong it is good. The innards are very nice too with loads of copper piping etc.
A lot to go wrong but it has been fine for 2 years so finger's crossed.
Oldpinkman
07-05-2016, 09:03
Yes it is knackering grinding by hand and good machines are expensive. The Vario I use is £350!:eek:
I have the vario - astonishingly, though I would never have believed this till I bought one, I think its worth £350 :cool:
Yes it is knackering grinding by hand and good machines are expensive. The Vario I use is £350!:eek:
The lido3 i use is about 150.. They are the best hand grinders you can get,especially for espresso grind. Need to get a few lbs through it for it to loosen up a bit .... Always preferred hand done as its slower, and doesnt hurt the oils, but its only practical if you are only making one or 2 at a time, unless your built like Arnie Schwarzenegger.
The lido3 i use is about 150.. They are the best hand grinders you can get,especially for espresso grind. Need to get a few lbs through it for it to loosen up a bit .... Always preferred hand done as its slower, and doesnt hurt the oils, but its only practical if you are only making one or 2 at a time, unless your built like Arnie Schwarzenegger.
Keeps the wrist nice subtle :lol:
Ammonite Audio
07-05-2016, 09:12
I'd recommend a Gaggia Classic bought from ebay used. Massive spares supply, upgrades and super huge user base. It'll last for years. Built like a tank for very little money.
Indeed. The other great thing about the Classic is that it has a built-in (but well hidden) overpressure regulation valve. That means the pump pressure at the brew head can be reduced from the ridiculously high 18 Bar to a lower level (such as 9-10 Bar) that gives a much more consistent extraction. The difference in taste and texture is not trivial - any Gaggia Classic owner should make this totally free adjustment. Most people think that high pump pressure is a good thing, but for a variety of reasons, it is not.
At the end of the day don't matter how pretty your machine is its all down to the quality of the coffee and good crema extraction.
In my experience the Italians do it the best.
Hm it matters a bit. Pride of ownership and a nice object in the kitchen etc.
But as far as coffee quality is concerned some really cheap machines are amazingly good.
There just aren't that many parameters to get right. Water temp and pressure are the two main things.
Of course the grinding matters a very great deal too. As do the beans. But that is outside the scope of the extractor.
Another thing re espresso grind is that its so fine it can clog the portafilter. I put a very thin layer of rougher ground coffee in the bottom and make sure you leave room for expansion at top or coffee can interfere with the top grid ..you can see this after you remove the portafilter and you get an impression of the central screw.. Then your using too much. Even lowly machines like my 200 pound delonghi can give superb results once you master its short comings and its good points. A lot of folk by classics and especially Sylvias and find them initially hopeless and sell them..being then put off for life. What they need to understand is a machine can take a lot of getting to know and making good microfoam is an art form
Hm it matters a bit. Pride of ownership and a nice object in the kitchen etc.
But as far as coffee quality is concerned some really cheap machines are amazingly good.
There just aren't that many parameters to get right. Water temp and pressure are the two main things.
Of course the grinding matters a very great deal too. As do the beans. But that is outside the scope of the extractor.
And don't forget if you add milk it should be 140oF max.
Indeed. The other great thing about the Classic is that it has a built-in (but well hidden) overpressure regulation valve. That means the pump pressure at the brew head can be reduced from the ridiculously high 18 Bar to a lower level (such as 9-10 Bar) that gives a much more consistent extraction. The difference in taste and texture is not trivial - any Gaggia Classic owner should make this totally free adjustment. Most people think that high pump pressure is a good thing, but for a variety of reasons, it is not.
You
However pump pressure should be enough to extract the crema.
Most people think that high pump pressure is a good thing, but for a variety of reasons, it is not.
If you like Espresso, it is dire, as I was trying to say. However, if you like Espresso with really thick hot Jersey milk on top, it cuts through well. I used to really enjoy that after a few beers. Kind of helps you to wake up a bit, LOL.
Even lowly machines like my 200 pound delonghi can give superb results once you master its short comings and its good points. A lot of folk by classics and especially Sylvias and find them initially hopeless and sell them..being then put off for life. What they need to understand is a machine can take a lot of getting to know and making good microfoam is an art form
£200? Luxury. When I was working away from home I had a £60 (new) DeLonghi. It was good. Really - it was. Made of cheap materials, looked vile and prolly won't last, but the extraction was good. I still have it.
Not my exact model, but it does show what basically makes mine tick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KJwq4wR8vds
Ooh. Pipes.
This is mine. Seen better days I guess but still works and a pic of my little storage jars
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160507/ad8e6e91118ba6b4788595b88ebb77b8.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160507/ae534f635cc89b210bb3315cb3ff75ea.jpg
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Ammonite Audio
07-05-2016, 10:13
If you like Espresso, it is dire, as I was trying to say. However, if you like Espresso with really thick hot Jersey milk on top, it cuts through well. I used to really enjoy that after a few beers. Kind of helps you to wake up a bit, LOL.
Excessive pump pressure is pretty much confined to smaller, cheaper machines that use vibrating pumps, which includes my Oscar (but mine has the Elektros OPV mod fitted to reduce pressure). Commercial machines using rotary pumps are usually set to around half the pressure of an untamed vibrating pump. The key is that the pressure should be high enough to push the water consistently through the ground coffee, but not so high that channels of water simply bore through the coffee, finding the fastest and easiest way through. If I may use an automotive analogy, the key is torque, not power - gentle, consistent force is required. IME 10 Bar is the maximum desirable pressure for good espresso extraction with a luxurious crema.
Mine's set to 9.5 bar via the PID, essentially.
Audio Al
07-05-2016, 12:47
I have a ECM Barista and a bean grinder
one of these
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/ecm-barista.html
:)
Ammonite Audio
07-05-2016, 12:49
I see that the Rocket has a rotary pump, which is a nice touch, given its relatively sensible price. Nice to see that pump pressure is factory set a 9 Bar.
Virtual-Symmetry
07-05-2016, 13:21
Mr negative!
& why is that then?
I have a ECM Barista and a bean grinder
one of these
https://www.bellabarista.co.uk/ecm-barista.html
:)
another lovery machine Al. :D Love those semi pro/ pro machines looks. Too rich for my blood though.
Audio Al
08-05-2016, 01:35
another lovery machine Al. :D Love those semi pro/ pro machines looks. Too rich for my blood though.
It does produce the results Grant , I use Rave beans , Only use it at weekends as a treat :)
Where did you get the Gerbata from Grant and how would you describe it?
Where did you get the Gerbata from Grant and how would you describe it?
Tis a lovely coffee justin.... Slight choc and fruit a little.very smooth and satisfying... Got it from Climpson. Beans are hard to grind too.
Its what i served up to Marco. and Snapper when they were up... Its about £8 a 250gm bag though when its in town. Didnt have it on last order so got some rwandan stuff... Im a hipster apparently
I just bought Climpson's 5 bag starter pack. Just finishing up a Has Bean one. I don't use them as much now but I still think it's good.
Also bought a milk frother. I'm not that keen on steamed milk - adds too much water to the milk as it condenses. Microwaved milk actually tastes better for that reason, I think.
Vonsheff Premium (https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonShef-Premium-Stainless-Function-Electric/dp/B00HR61X4W/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1462705237&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=vonsheff+premium)
BTW if on the move these are freakin' amazing. They last years and they NEVER leak. Ever. Great for the early morning drive to work armed with a latte. Worth the money. Dishwasher proof but the coloured ones turn to stainless if you do that as they are "wrapped" in a plastic. Look lovely but handwash only if you must get a coloured.
Avex Autoseal (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avex-Autoseal-Leakproof-Insulated-Stainless/dp/B00NJ0TYLO/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1462705296&sr=1-3&keywords=avex+contigo+autoseal)
All the milk frothers i tried were just that. Frothers not micro foamers...also most burned milk lol... Be interesting to see how you find it... Still like steaming as it sweetens the milk. It you clear the pipes first it shouldnt get watery. I find a small plastic clear measure is better for solo micro foam than steel ones. Maybe just what suits me sir :eyebrows:
If Climpsons get gerbata in again i will let you know. The rwanda one is supposedly better...ive got it in storage till needed
A steam wand works a lot better on large quantities of milk. For a single cup's worth - nah - comes out tasting bad. Just my opinion.
I just bought Climpson's 5 bag starter pack. Just finishing up a Has Bean one. I don't use them as much now but I still think it's good.
Also bought a milk frother. I'm not that keen on steamed milk - adds too much water to the milk as it condenses. Microwaved milk actually tastes better for that reason, I think.
Vonsheff Premium (https://www.amazon.co.uk/VonShef-Premium-Stainless-Function-Electric/dp/B00HR61X4W/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1462705237&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=vonsheff+premium)
BTW if on the move these are freakin' amazing. They last years and they NEVER leak. Ever. Great for the early morning drive to work armed with a latte. Worth the money. Dishwasher proof but the coloured ones turn to stainless if you do that as they are "wrapped" in a plastic. Look lovely but handwash only if you must get a coloured.
Avex Autoseal (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Avex-Autoseal-Leakproof-Insulated-Stainless/dp/B00NJ0TYLO/ref=sr_1_3?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1462705296&sr=1-3&keywords=avex+contigo+autoseal)
I like The Fields from Climpsons.. Its remarkably good...the baron takes a while to like but it does grow on you..
Re milk...yes i use a bit more than i need to keep it cold enough long enough..about 150ml.
Just listened to Bach's Canata BWV 211, which is is mandatory for anyone contributing to this thread.
My local is W. Martyn, which has been trading for well over 100 years and the shop has hardly changed since it opened. Besides dozens of different home-roasted and flavoured coffees, it sells a vast range of teas, marmalades, dried fruits, seeds, biscuits, chutneys and sauces, many home-made.
Latest purchase was Yemeni Matari, an acquired taste. Unsurprisingly, rather expensive.
http://www.wmartyn.co.uk
http://www.wmartyn.co.uk/easter-photos/
Genuinely, and just to throw a damp flannel over the proceedings...
Anything a £500 coffee machine will put in your cup over a good quality cafetiere with pre ground beans from a proper coffee shop?
Not asking to be funny, but as a genuine coffee lover not wanting to get caught up in coffee "foo".
TBH I'd rather spend my hard earned on something worthwhile...after enjoying a good cup 'o pre ground cafetiere coffee at home.
Unless home made Starbucks is genuinely better than what you pay £4 for outside?
Genuinely, and just to a damp flannel over the proceedings...
Anything a £500 coffee machine will put in your cup over a good quality cafetiere with pre ground beans from a proper coffee shop?
Not asking to be funny, but as a genuine coffee lover not wanting to get caught up in coffee "foo".
TBH I'd rather spend my hard earned on something worthwhile...after enjoying a good cup 'o pre ground cafetiere coffee at home.
Unless home made Starbucks is genuinely better than what you pay £4 for outside?
Firstly, home made coffee is a lot cheaper. Probably get well over 100 double shots from a 1kg bag of coffee that cost me £18.
You can get good coffee on the high street - I think Pret a Manger coffee is delicious. Half the problem is that Starbucks use half-fat milk, which is a good way to ruin good coffee. It is also sometimes difficult to get watery milk to the right consistency at or below 65 degrees, which should not be exceeded as above that temperature the sugars in the milk start to break down and the taste goes off, as well as burning your mouth. Milk boils at around 80 degrees.
Expresso machines force the coffee out using steam under pressure. That is why people use the OP's machine or the Rancilio Silvia - because they have copper or brass boilers that can be operated to a higher pressure. These units cost £100's whereas most such units cost £1,000's. Most cheap machines, and some expensive ones, use plastic.
This, for example, explains.
https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/learn/coffee-101/articles/what-is-crema
Depends on how you like your coffee I guess. I like mine full range ;) be lost without my machine
Not sure how you listen to music without a decent coffee. Fortunately there's a Pret a Manger on the corner a few yards from the Wigmore Hall.
Depends on how you like your coffee I guess. I like mine full range ;) be lost without my machine
Just drinking the Climpson's Columbian blend now. Good - refreshingly different from Has Bean blends. Tongue tingly fruity acidity on this one.
Audio Advent
13-05-2016, 17:21
not 'hipster' light-roasted coffee beans that I find unpleasantly acidic ( and usually cost a fortne too).
People have been light roasting coffee beans for a particular taste for decades, if not since the beginning of coffee making. Not sure how it could be called a "hipster" idea, especially in a presumably disparaging way (cos hipster seems to be always a negative for something being that wierd mix of both non-mainstream yet seen popping up everywhere). I prefer a lighter roast myself, love those really twangy black coffees they make - only black for me!
I shall check out the bean recommendations - I found a 70s/80s home coffee roaster a while ago at a bootsale. Works fine so need to experiment with some green beans...
Just drinking the Climpson's Columbian blend now. Good - refreshingly different from Has Bean blends. Tongue tingly fruity acidity on this one.
Got a couple of Columbian one this time but not tried yet...tomorrow I think
Ammonite Audio
14-05-2016, 07:46
People have been light roasting coffee beans for a particular taste for decades, if not since the beginning of coffee making. Not sure how it could be called a "hipster" idea, especially in a presumably disparaging way (cos hipster seems to be always a negative for something being that wierd mix of both non-mainstream yet seen popping up everywhere). I prefer a lighter roast myself, love those really twangy black coffees they make - only black for me!
I shall check out the bean recommendations - I found a 70s/80s home coffee roaster a while ago at a bootsale. Works fine so need to experiment with some green beans...
Sorry, but I do mean to be disparaging here, because every new coffee roaster seems to fit the 'hipster' mould; and with that comes a single-minded obsession to produce light, fragrant, acidic coffees with a tea-like drinking experience (I'll carry on with tea for that). I do accept your point that people have been producing light roasts for years, but there's light, and nastily acidic light. My feelings on this were nicely put by Jay Rayner in the Grauniad some time back http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2014/jun/08/the-coffee-revolution-jay-rayner
I would be happy if these new-age coffee roasters accepted that there are people like me who actually prefer their coffee with milk, and who prefer a more traditional Italian roast. Raising the ethical and quality bar in respect of the beans and farmers is laudable and can go hand-in hand with catering for all markets. Fortunately, I have Paddy & Scott's coffee that is ethically sourced, very sensibly priced, and nicely traditional.
Have to say I don't find them acidic and I also like milk in mine. I also like powerful dark coffee roasts sometimes but this is strong enough for old men like me lol. Hipster. I wish [emoji3]
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Sore hips-ster...? :)
:D nice one! Yes very sore hip sir... I cant walk at moment...hope i dont need a piss in near future or things my get slightly acidic;)
Got a couple of Columbian one this time but not tried yet...tomorrow I think
There were two Collies in the 5 bag starter. The one I am drinking does have an acidic tingle. Not all lighter roasts do by any means. The Has Bean starter pack ones (must have bought the start pack 10 times LOL) ones shows no signs of it.
If anyone is feeling insane I can really recommend the ESPRO calibrated tamper. It will last ages as build quality is superb and it really does work well, ensuring a pretty consistent 'tamp'.
Just did an Amazon search and found loads of them at complete rip-off prices. Hm. Around £90 does it.
90 quid. Shock horror... I just use a plastic one..does the job and no im not tight; just rather spend it on summat like the coffee :) i dont tamp hard anyways
Saw one that was callibrated to give exact amount of pressure each time...must have a mech to tell you i guess
Gonna try that best cup columbian now
Yup I used to use a plastic one. The ESPRO is a lot nicer and you do get a more consistent result. At a price. Mine was an Xmas present.
90 quid. Shock horror... I just use a plastic one..does the job and no im not tight; just rather spend it on summat like the coffee :) i dont tamp hard anyways
Saw one that was callibrated to give exact amount of pressure each time...must have a mech to tell you i guess
Gonna try that best cup columbian now
Columbian coffee always seems good Grant. I am going to try and find out in Italy where they get there coffee from as it always seems so good and they seem to have access to the best stuff but that is probably because they have been drinking decent stuff a lot longer than we have!:)
Twas .... cauca-best-cup-8-benito-rosero-colombia.. one of their best, and all sold out alas, but I managed to get a bag.... it was very nice indeed... still some in bag and I have 2jars nitrogen filled of it too. It will last like that for some time without degrading.
just ordered a bag of this new one as I fancy it... only one as Ive got a fair amount in stock
http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/800x600q90/921/kpYQEF.png
You certainly take your coffee seriously Grant.:)
If I get anything exceptional at work I will send some up to you. Would you prefer ground or beans?
I get loads of free stuff sent in as I develop stuff for the coffee shops.
You certainly take your coffee seriously Grant.:)
If I get anything exceptional at work I will send some up to you. Would you prefer ground or beans?
I get loads of free stuff sent in as I develop stuff for the coffee shops.
very kind Jim... Beans please as easy to store, and I do like grinding them cup at a time.....part of the fun me thinks; like cleaning records etc lol
very kind Jim... Beans please as easy to store, and I do like grinding them cup at a time.....part of the fun me thinks; like cleaning records etc lol
Ok I will look some out and PM you for your address.
Yup the whole thing is a ritual reserved only for the righteous prepared to go the limits for the best tasting coffee.
The milk frother really is good for £25 notes and one cup of cappuccino only. The Amazon reviews were right enough.
The vast majority of my coffee drinking is done out of the Avex's I recommended, though. Sort of Costa large size latte usually but in a vastly superior container with much better coffee.
LoL! I like nice lattes etc and shots etc and I make em better(to me) than shops do and a damn site cheaper. plus I don’t have to go out to get them, which now is handy as I cant go out much unless im feeling good. like this afternoon when i went out to shed and made a cd wall unit out of scrap. Didn’t half hurt but achievement sometimes is worth it.
PS thanks again Jim.. nice of you..
I have been reading this thread, with a little coffee machine envy.
When I moved to France 9 years ago, my wife bought me a MagiMix L'Espresso Automatic like this:
https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/414wmg4YWDL._SY300_QL70_.jpg
For 9 years I have been waiting for it to break, so that I can buy the machine I want!
It came with the 1 & 2 cup filters consisting of a plastic insert. It worked for a while, then the coffee started dropping off in Quality.
I bought some stainless filters and everything went back to good coffee.
I use an Isomac Granmacinino grinder like this:
http://www.coffeeitalia.co.uk/prodimages/isomac021.jpg
It is usually fed with Illy medium roast beans. I find the Illy nicely balanced, and consistent. I have never had any complaints.
Once my coffee is opened, I store it in one of these:
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/619Jcza3DCL._SX522_.jpg
I only have enough coffee for a week in the grinder at any one time.
Frothing duties are taken care of by a Senseo Milk Twister:
http://www.appliancist.com/philips-senseo-milk-twister-frother-ca6500-60.jpg
This is more convenient, as my machine is only a single boiler. If doing multiple coffees, you need to plan carefully if using the steam wand on the machine.
Some of the machine posted on here look superb, and it is the kind of thing I would like to see in my kitchen, but the MagiMix just keeps on working faultlessly.
Some subtle form of wife concealed sabotage and you're surely sorted...:D
I have no complaints about the coffee it produces, so I need to get the timing right financially - I have to replace my roof tiles soon! :eek:
Got some coffee through post today. Took me a while to decide what it was tbh. Was thinking my enemies had found me and it was an explosive device lol
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160523/5fa06050833c5f1e7dac57d0445eafb4.jpg
So a jars worth has been nitro ed and rest for using now.
Firstly they must be the darkest shiniest beans in Christendom grind easily and good crema. Nicely mixed colours etc. Tastes very good and smooth
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160523/6ce7e9b7a704749d1eb4b4cacd7d76c8.jpg
So thanks to James for the pressie. Your a gent
It reminds me of a tesco one i had once actually.. Fery dark on its own yet not super strong
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Oooh - that looks lurvely... I can almost taste it from here! :)
Snapper says he's passing by your place, to sample one on the way home! ;)
Marco.
Oooh - that looks lurvely... I can almost taste it from here! :)
Snapper says he's passing by your place, to sample one on the way home! ;)
Marco.
Lol...i will be in
Lol - as nice as that'd be, I think he was kidding :)
Marco.
I know but nice to call him out:D
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160526/28a06f6e8141c6e6692c1926391c1a98.jpg
This is nice stuff Slurp
Needs a bit of strength to grind it mind..very hard beans
I'm on another Climpson's now. They do seem to specialise in fruity tasting coffees. That said, they are very good, even if fruity isn't 100% my bag I am having no trouble drinking them.
I'm on another Climpson's now. They do seem to specialise in fruity tasting coffees. That said, they are very good, even if fruity isn't 100% my bag I am having no trouble drinking them.
Aye, a fair few are...i like fruity though so im in luck.. This ones so tough ive started crushing them first in one of my spong wall grinders set to roughest possible. They come out like choco chips lol... Then hand grind them down to espresso. Saves my bad shoulder...
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160527/e421f3b8b47dcb427a3e7e20b2bc610a.jpg
Just in i think..this is very good.. Ive ordered a pack as it wont be around long i guess
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160527/e421f3b8b47dcb427a3e7e20b2bc610a.jpg
Just in i think..this is very good.. Ive ordered a pack as it wont be around long i guess
Arrived today after the long weekend. Will try it soon but need to get a jar for it
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Does it not bother coffee drinks that you have yellow tongues, off white teeth & breath no better than a smokers breath?
:vomfest:
Nope, I don't give a stuff. :D
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