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[Glitchfire]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EYZVWWW/?tag=neogaf0e-20

This looks pretty good, but the 10oz reservoir is the biggest concern for me. Getting up and walking downstairs for every cup of coffee would be pretty lame, compared to just having it at my desk.

But this model supports K-Cups and grounds, so it covers the economy side of things while still being versatile.

 

[super-famicom]

Best solution for a frugal college student?

Has to meet the crossroads of economy - size - convenience

I know a Keurig isn't that economical. But there are always k-cups on slickdeals at a good price. I think I am going to bite the bullet and get one. It seems very convenient.

Convenient sure, but also not as delicious as other options and K-cups are bad for the environment. French press/Hario V60/Aeropress are better options.

A plastic Hario V60 is under $7.00 on Amazon. Assuming 1 cup a day, a year's worth of filters is ~$20.00. The V60 goes on top of your coffee mug, so space wise it's great.

If you want cheap, decent coffee, Trader Joes has beans; you can grind them in store for free as well. They aren't as good as buying freshly roasted beans at a coffee shop and grinding them yourself at home (a grinder will cost you a bit more, $20-30 for a cheap one), but it is a cheap option and better than Folgers or other instant brands. And they definitely taste better than Keurig in my opinion.

 

[purg3]

Anyone have a good cold brew method (ratios etc)? It's going to be like 90 degrees here coming up and I want to try making a batch of cold brew coffee.

 

[InfiniteBento]

Anyone have a good cold brew method (ratios etc)? It's going to be like 90 degrees here coming up and I want to try making a batch of cold brew coffee.

What will you be using to make your cold brew?

 

[purg3]

What will you be using to make your cold brew?

Equipment or Coffee?

I have some stumptown hair bender on the way and I saw either a french press or mason jar works, both of which I have.

 

[thespot84]

Equipment or Coffee?

I have some stumptown hair bender on the way and I saw either a french press or mason jar works, both of which I have.

My mom is the ultimate tester and tried everything but ended up with a large mason jar. She's traveling otherwise I'd ask for the proportions she uses.

 

[fireside]

I was reading Roast magazine a month or so ago and they had an article on Keurigs and the like. I thought the article was interesting given all the negativity towards capsule coffee makers. You can read it here. I'm not sure anyone is going to run out and buy a capsule coffee maker after reading it, but it's probably not as bad as people say it is (as long as you buy the right coffee, the right machine, and use it right).

Equipment or Coffee?

I have some stumptown hair bender on the way and I saw either a french press or mason jar works, both of which I have.

Stumptown themselves recommend a 1:4.667 coffee to water ratio. A 1:4 ratio is pretty common. Cold brew doesn't make a whole lot of coffee (well, coffee concentrate).

 

[sharkmuncher]

Equipment or Coffee?

I have some stumptown hair bender on the way and I saw either a french press or mason jar works, both of which I have.

I just dump about 1 - 1&1/4 cups cheap ground coffee into my french press, fill it with water, put the lid on and throw it in the fridge for 24 hours or on the counter overnight. Makes a pretty good coffee concentrate that's great on ice with either water or milk. I generally drink my coffee black, but there's just something about ice cold milk on some nice strong ice coffee. This is also why I use cheap coffee for iced, it's pretty inefficient and I don't notice a huge difference between something like Trader Joe's breakfast and the fresh locally roasted stuff.

 

[Trotski7]

Can anyone give me a reccomendation of where to get some great coffee/espresso in NYC? I'm going to be going their this weekend (6/13-/14) and really want to get something good to drink and also some great beans to buy.

I was thinking of heading over to Everyman Espresso (I think that's it's name) as I've read some nice reviews of it. Anyone else have an opinion?

A PM, or a message here, would be much appreciated!

 

[Haly]

If you find yourself on the upper east side around 75th street, I can personally recommend Oslo for espresso and espresso based drinks. Never bought their beans before, though.

 

[InfiniteBento]

Equipment or Coffee?

I have some stumptown hair bender on the way and I saw either a french press or mason jar works, both of which I have.

Equipment. Will you be using your French press to make your cold brew then?

Can anyone give me a reccomendation of where to get some great coffee/espresso in NYC? I'm going to be going their this weekend (6/13-/14) and really want to get something good to drink and also some great beans to buy.

I was thinking of heading over to Everyman Espresso (I think that's it's name) as I've read some nice reviews of it. Anyone else have an opinion?

A PM, or a message here, would be much appreciated!

Check out Intelligentsia. I currently work for them and their new seasonal espresso, titled Fruit Bat, is pretty great. We also just got some Honduras espresso which is great. Go check out Blue Bottle also. I can give other recommendations if you'd like to go on an elaborate adventure.

 

[purg3]

Equipment. Will you be using your French press to make your cold brew then?

Seems like the easiest option given what I have. I don't really need to make a huge quantity either since it's just going to by for myself.

My French press is 1.2qt or close to 40 oz I believe.

 

[Trotski7]

Check out Intelligentsia. I currently work for them and their new seasonal espresso, titled Fruit Bat, is pretty great. We also just got some Honduras espresso which is great. Go check out Blue Bottle also. I can give other recommendations if you'd like to go on an elaborate adventure.

What do you mean exactly by seasonal espresso? I'm a pretty lame guy when it comes to my coffee. I don't like syrups and junk like that. Black; on rare occasion with a dash of cream and some sugar (usually brown sugar, or even honey). If it's some kind of "weird" drink, I probably wouldn't like it.

Though if you work there, maybe I could pop in and get more of a recommendation; if you're there on saturday that is.

 

[Haly]

Seasonal, as in they change the beans on a season-by-season basis to keep them fresh.

 

[Trotski7]

Damn.. I should have been able to think of that on my own..

For some reason I thought seasonal, as in like.. "pumpkin spice" or things like that.

 

[Haly]

That's seasoned

 

[MathUser]

I used to think Folgers vanilla smelled and tasted good. I ain't had it in a while tho.

 

[GiJoccin]

Can anyone give me a reccomendation of where to get some great coffee/espresso in NYC? I'm going to be going their this weekend (6/13-/14) and really want to get something good to drink and also some great beans to buy.

I was thinking of heading over to Everyman Espresso (I think that's it's name) as I've read some nice reviews of it. Anyone else have an opinion?

A PM, or a message here, would be much appreciated!

Everyman is OK, i think they use stumptown, which you can find at many places

my favorite coffee spot is Box Kite, they put out some awesome espresso and espresso drinks, and their 1 + 1 (shot split into small macchiatto and espresso) is pretty swell. Abraco is an experience, and their olive oil loaf + espresso goes pretty godly together.

Other swell places I frequent include Joe (their pro shop is their best location - they have their own beans + random 'guest' espresso, and frequently feature small roasters i've never heard of), 9th st espresso, toby's estate, intelligentsia

 

[InfiniteBento]

What do you mean exactly by seasonal espresso? I'm a pretty lame guy when it comes to my coffee. I don't like syrups and junk like that. Black; on rare occasion with a dash of cream and some sugar (usually brown sugar, or even honey). If it's some kind of "weird" drink, I probably wouldn't like it.

Though if you work there, maybe I could pop in and get more of a recommendation; if you're there on saturday that is.

Haly answered your question. We switch our seasonal espresso 4 times a year depending on lots and whats available/freshest. I dont work at the Intelligentsia in NYC. I work at one of them in Chicago but I can provide a ton of coffee information if you ever need it or are curious.

Intelligentsia doesn't serve flavored coffee. We offer only 2 syrups made in house btw. You will find we change our menus on a daily basis too so if you go in there one day then come back the next, the menu and whats featured will always be different

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

Can anyone give me a reccomendation of where to get some great coffee/espresso in NYC? I'm going to be going their this weekend (6/13-/14) and really want to get something good to drink and also some great beans to buy.

I was thinking of heading over to Everyman Espresso (I think that's it's name) as I've read some nice reviews of it. Anyone else have an opinion?

A PM, or a message here, would be much appreciated!

Box Kite
Third Rail
Bluestone Lane
Culture & Culture 36
Everyman Espresso
Pushcart Coffee
Happy Bones

You can skip Stumptown, Intelligentsia and Blue Bottle unless you'll have no other way of getting coffee from them.

 

[purg3]

my hario grinder and drip kettle came in yesterday evening so I was finally able to use my chemex this morning. Won't lie, took a few tries to get a proper consistency grind to get the timing down. First attempt was a bit too coarse so the water ran through it real quick. Second attempt was much better and the timing was pretty close to the instructions I was following.

I used ethical bean classic roast and damn this turned out pretty good. Super smooth and clean. I'm sure over the next few days I use it I'll get it dialed in. But for now I'd say it turned out pretty good. Coming from mainly using a French press there's definitely a noticeable difference, but a good one. Glad I bought this.

on a side note, the Hario Skerton hand grinder is what I was using and while it's great for now, I might need to upgrade my grinder game in the future.

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

The Hario, and Kyocera, hand grinders have real issues with consistency. The center rod moves around when grinding and is the cause of this. One way to account for it without modding is to just put it on a flat surface and grind in a controlled manner. Spinning wildly will only promote the inconsistency with it. And to be honest I've found my grind is quicker when I'm not spinning like a mad man. If you really get fed up with it supposedly the Porlex grinders are better and if you can get one the Knock grinder is supposed to be really good as well. The Lido 2 & 3 are exceptional, but cost upwards of $200 and are best suited for finer grinds.

 

[Haly]

I'm looking for a gift for my dad. He has a very frugal attitude toward beans but he is very enthusiastic about the equipment so we already have a french press, two moka pots, a chemex, multiple grinders, and aeropress (mine) a Nespresso, an ordinary drip machine and whatnot.

Does anyone know of some cool coffee-related gadget that would appeal to someone like him?

 

[The One Who Knocks]

I just was given a two litre Nescafe Algeria A510. The person I got it from bought it cheaply in work after somebody returned it opened but unused, and gave it to me thinking I'd get use out of it, but if I don't want it will bring it back into work and sell it. I don't know much about coffee machines, but at home I currently have a DeLonghi EC270 which uses filtered coffee, and a Nespresso machine which uses pods. This machine allegedly 'only' uses some sort of Nescafe capsule which are very expensive. The manual states only these capsules are acceptable, but does anybody know if it's okay to use the filter coffee that would be used in the DeLonghi instead of the Nescafé capsules? I can't test it out because it's unused currently and I don't want to be stuck with it if it won't make a good cup of coffee.

If not, is it worth taking the machine to try and sell it? It seems to be worth a bit judging by the retail pric but I imagine it'd be a difficult sell so don't know if I should even try as finding a buyer might be a challenge.

 

[AstroLad]

I know this is probably sacrilicious for this thread, but what is the best cup/pod-based machine to get today? (Cost not an issue.) Our old Keurig is breaking down...ready to move to something better.

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

I know this is probably sacrilicious for this thread, but what is the best cup/pod-based machine to get today? (Cost not an issue.) Our old Keurig is breaking down...ready to move to something better.

Nespresso's get pretty good reviews in both quality and taste

 

[Apt101]

I have discovered that Dunkin Donuts coffee is really swell.

 

[terrisus]

So...
Umm...
Apparently mold can form in a pot of coffee...
Like, actual mold...
That you can see floating there...
Mold in coffee...
I know this because... reasons...
>.>

 

[QP3]

I have discovered that Dunkin Donuts coffee is really swell.

I grew up in the northeast, so DD were everywhere. I always made my own through college, but at times, DD was very convenient and never seemed to disappoint.

 

[malfcn]

I always love the smell of coffee, but can't seem to enjoy the taste. The cold Fraps from Starbucks in the glass bottles are good. But then my stomach is unhappy afterwards.

 

[Haly]

A lot of coffee is overbrewed so that's "normal" I think. Applies to tea as well.

And if you also have stomach problems with plain milk then you might be lactose intolerant (or just have a sensitive stomach).

 

[31GhostsIV]

Hi folks,

Inspired by the hottest July day since records began here in the currently-melting UK, I want to make cold brew for iced lattes at home (and to stop frequently throwing £3 at a time at the nearest Costa/Starbucks/etc).

I don't want to break the bank, and I currently own an Aeropress, a Bodum french press and a Hario hand grinder (burr). A modest set-up, but one that yields great results.

What's the general opinion on this piece of kit? http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I7JKAQ0/

I like the idea of a bottle that I can store in the fridge (after making more than one cup's worth of brew at a time) - so is the above what I think it is or do I need something different?

 

[Union Carbine]

I actually really like the taste of aeropress brewed straight over ice. Sipping on some iced Ethiopian Ardi from La Colombe as I write this.

 

[31GhostsIV]

I actually really like the taste of aeropress brewed straight over ice. Sipping on some iced Ethiopian Ardi from La Colombe as I write this.

So normal method (including boiled water) but into a glass of ice? I'll give it a go when I get up in the morning, thanks for the tip!

 

[Haly]

I've heard cold brew is generally better than iced hot coffee because blah blah black magic.

I will try this aeropress over ice thing.

 

[31GhostsIV]

I've heard cold brew is generally better than iced hot coffee because blah blah black magic.

I will try this aeropress over ice thing.

I'm just about to give it a go now, will report back!

Was hoping my Hario cold brew bottles would turn up, but as Amazon logistics are one of the most ironically-named companies in existence, my delivery is delayed.

Edit: Wasn't very pleasant - the fresh, boiled what just made it taste bitter and a little off when cooled down with the cubes. Hopefully the cold brew will be more enjoyable. (it could also be the coffee I used, some of the shelf Whittard's ground blend).

 

[InfiniteBento]

Cold brew is always the way to go.

Invest in a filtron or toddy brewer ! It's totally worth it especially considering you can keep cold brew concentrate for up to two weeks before you cut it with water.

 

[mrklaw]

Just tried my first cold press from a local coffee shop. They sell it in little bottles. Just drinking it diluted over ice - tastes a little like ice tea - slightly bitter but really nice. Makes a change from big glasses of iced coffee that you glut down.

Is it my imagination or does it have more caffeine than normal coffee? Getting quite a buzz from it.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

So I picked up the Bonavita BV1900TS:

And a Capresso 560.01 Infinity Burr Grinder:

Previously, I came from the Pour Over world...Where I *gulp* grinded my beans like a caveman.

So this is a big step up for me.

I've been doing some tests to figure out the best grind and weight ratio.

The Bonavita manual suggests 60g's for 6 cups (1 cup = 5oz). It brews a max of 8 cups, so I'm assuming that's 80g's of coffee.

That to me is kinda bonkers for two reasons:

1. That's a lot of coffee
2. I've been brewing 60g's for 8 cups in the Bonavita at a medium grind setting and it's pretty dag-on strong...I just haven't had the gall to use 80g's in one batch.

Anyone have any weight/grind ratios they enjoy?

 

[fireside]

I've been doing some tests to figure out the best grind and weight ratio.

The Bonavita manual suggests 60g's for 6 cups (1 cup = 5oz). It brews a max of 8 cups, so I'm assuming that's 80g's of coffee.

That to me is kinda bonkers for two reasons:

1. That's a lot of coffee
2. I've been brewing 60g's for 8 cups in the Bonavita at a medium grind setting and it's pretty dag-on strong...I just haven't had the gall to use 80g's in one batch.

Anyone have any weight/grind ratios they enjoy?

What does the coffee taste like? You just say "strong", which could mean a lot of things. Is it bitter, is it sour, is it dry, is it lacking sweetness? What kind of coffee are you using?

A good reference coffee to water ratio is 1:16. The Bonavita's instructions of 60g coffee to 6 cups water is a 1:14 ratio, while what you are currently doing (60g coffee to 8 cups water) is a 1:19 ratio. You are over extracting the coffee, which leads to off flavors. Good coffee requires a lot more coffee than you might think!

So I would recommend trying the manufacturer's recommended ratio. You can't control all the variables that go into making coffee since it is a machine, so all you can really do is just change the amount of coffee you are using or the grind of the coffee. If that still tastes "strong" then you would have to start adjusting the fineness or coarseness of the grind. But stick to one ratio, then adjust the grind setting. Otherwise you'll probably go crazy.

 

[Lord_Balkan]

Does anyone know where I can get a not-to-expensive electric coffee grinder where it can do Turkish fine well?

Also, Turkish Coffee is the best coffee.

 

[Barkley's Justice]

What does the coffee taste like? You just say "strong", which could mean a lot of things. Is it bitter, is it sour, is it dry, is it lacking sweetness? What kind of coffee are you using?

A good reference coffee to water ratio is 1:16. The Bonavita's instructions of 60g coffee to 6 cups water is a 1:14 ratio, while what you are currently doing (60g coffee to 8 cups water) is a 1:19 ratio. You are over extracting the coffee, which leads to off flavors. Good coffee requires a lot more coffee than you might think!

So I would recommend trying the manufacturer's recommended ratio. You can't control all the variables that go into making coffee since it is a machine, so all you can really do is just change the amount of coffee you are using or the grind of the coffee. If that still tastes "strong" then you would have to start adjusting the fineness or coarseness of the grind. But stick to one ratio, then adjust the grind setting. Otherwise you'll probably go crazy.

Thanks for the "stick to one ratio" tip. Yea, I was starting to lose my mind a bit.

How did you calculate the ratios by the way? What's the formula?

As to what I meant by "strong", I meant to say it felt over-powering...Off balance.

 

[fireside]

Thanks for the "stick to one ratio" tip. Yea, I was starting to lose my mind a bit.

How did you calculate the ratios by the way? What's the formula?

I just realized that I was using the ounce as a weight when converting when I probably should have been using the ounce as a volume when converting. Oops. Luckily 1 ounce of water by volume is approximately 30 milliliters, and since water has a density of about 1 gram per milliliter, that's 30 grams. So the recommended ratio is 1:14.8 and what you're using is 1:19.7... approximately.

Anyway, to find ratios just convert the "cup" measurement to grams and divide by the amount of coffee (in grams) you are using. In this instance, one "cup" of water is really 5 fluid ounces, so that's 148 grams. Since the ratio is 10 grams of ground coffee per 5-ounce cup, that's a 1:14.8 ratio.

If you want to be very dorky you can measure out 887 grams of water (or whatever) to put in the coffee machine instead of using the volume lines on the machine.

As to what I meant by "strong", I meant to say it felt over-powering...Off balance.

You gotta be more descriptive than that...

 

[andycapps]

Does anyone know where I can get a not-to-expensive electric coffee grinder where it can do Turkish fine well?

Also, Turkish Coffee is the best coffee.

You'll need a burr grinder of some sort, I use a Bodum one, but it was around $100. I'm not sure if that falls in your "not-too expensive" range or not.

 

[Lord_Balkan]

You'll need a burr grinder of some sort, I use a Bodum one, but it was around $100. I'm not sure if that falls in your "not-too expensive" range or not.

$100 dollars is fine. The ones I was looking at were over 300/400. I can do something up to 150 or 200 at most.

 

[andycapps]

$100 dollars is fine. The ones I was looking at were over 300/400. I can do something up to 150 or 200 at most.

I think this one will do it. Someone else please chime in if you disagree. I use mine for a Moka Pot and for French press so it's able to go between those zones easily. It's supposed to grind as finely as for espresso.

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

$100 https://www.baratza.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=485R

 

[andycapps]

What do you guys do to clean your burr grinder? I'm probably due for that.

 

[NewFresh]

$100 https://www.baratza.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?preadd=action&key=485R

That's a pretty sweet deal

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

What do you guys do to clean your burr grinder? I'm probably due for that.

The baratza models are pretty good with regards to disassembling. I'll take the burr out and the housing off. Get some canned air and spray out any left over grinds. The hoppers will get soaked and washed to remove oils. I use a wire brush to clean the burrs. Optionally you can use something called Grindz which is more or less puffed rice that you run through the machine.