The Coffeehouse.... Baristi, Barista, Bariste

The grind is an essential part of good coffee along with water temperature, but these elements are often overlooked, especially the grind. Those blade grinders cannot produce an even grind and if they heat the beans up too much, taint the flavour. They are great for spices though, so worth a tenner for that, but not for grinding beans.

I use a Zassenhaus hand grinder, I really like the process of doing it all manually, bit like a Chinese tea ceremony and not much to go wrong or clean up. Less counter space too.

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lidl do a preground espresso grind I think and Tesco does too. Nowt wrong with them, but obviously cannot compare to fresh unless you get lucky and they have just been done. Most of the big coffee internet sellers will grind it for you to the level you want as well.

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Originally Posted by struth

Electric is a lot less work mate. quicker too, but the manual gives u a bit more connection. Ive a lot of nice beans at moment so having fun.

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No doubt you are, and the results you're producing (from the pics taken of the coffee you've made) speak for themselves! :)

The thing for me is that I'm a total and utter novice with coffee beans and machines (I know next to hee-haw), so this is possibly the beginning of a new journey for me, and why I'm reluctant to spend significant sums of money on something I may or may not get into seriously.

That's why I think it makes sense to have play first with something basic, just to see if I'm into it or not. After all, if it was hi-fi, you wouldn't recommend a newbie to go out and buy a Goldmund turntable, Kondo amps and a pair of Tannoy Westminsters, for their first system! ;)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Marco

No doubt you are, and the results you're producing (from the pics taken of the coffee you've made) speak for themselves! :)

The thing for me is that I'm a total and utter novice with coffee beans and machines (I know next to hee-haw), so this is possibly the beginning of a new journey for me, and why I'm reluctant to spend significant sums of money on something I may or may not get into seriously.

That's why I think it makes sense to have play first with something basic, just to see if I'm into it or not. After all, if it was hi-fi, you wouldn't recommend a newbie to go out and buy a Goldmund turntable, Kondo amps and a pair of Tannoy Westminsters, for their first system! ;)

Marco.

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Agree totally. My machine nowt fancy. but with care you can just about get a decent drink out of it. Getting old tho now. Another tip is to make sure the head and the portafilter edges are clean from coffee grinds. even 1 bit can damage the seal. Flush the head before each pour and rub your finger over the portafilter end and you will feel if there is anything there.

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Originally Posted by User211

Just be sure to buy some pre ground coffee to realise just what a hopeless effort the grinder really is.

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Yup, that was already part of the plan :)

Marco.

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Originally Posted by Tim

The grind is an essential part of good coffee along with water temperature, but these elements are often overlooked, especially the grind. Those blade grinders cannot produce an even grind and if they heat the beans up too much, taint the flavour.

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I hear ya, dude. If it's no use for coffee beans, then it'll do for something else :)

Marco.

Got the necessary items from Lidl, including the milk frother: https://www.lidl.co.uk/en/Non-Food-O...articleId=7564

Will have a play later and report back! :cool:

Marco.

Also picked up these coffee beans, while I was there, so these are what I'll be trying first:

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/xq90/923/8eumnD.jpg

Marco.

lidl got those in again?

You mean the coffee? If so, yes. All three types (as shown in picture). Have you tried those beans before - if so what are they like? :)

I don't like anything too bitter tasting.

Marco.