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[thespot84]

Have a few coffee related postings. The first one is a small rant

The 2nd posting is about brewing. I'm making an error.

3 months ago I switched from Folgers coffee to premium coffee. I'm noticing it in my wallet! A 64oz tub of Folgers would last me nearly a month for $8. Now I'm paying $11 for 12ounces. It's costly! I'm not sure if I can keep this going.

Might have to go middle ground. Somewhere in between Folgers and premium beans.

Coffee-GAF: What do you think? Are you "breaking the bank" for your premium beans?

Is "self serve" at the bulk aisle of the grocery store a better choice to save money? Kind of worried about the freshness of the bulk aisle. What if those beans have been sitting around for 3 weeks? The coffee I buy has a roasting date on it. Today, the coffee I bought was roasted 4 days ago!

are you near a costco?

 

[Easystride]

are you near a costco?

Gotta second Costco. My Costco has locally roasted coffee beans for $10 for a 2 pound bag. I've tried a number of artisan coffee beans that cost more than that for a 12 Oz bag that don't compare in taste. I'll stick with Costco.

 

[Dice]

There is no reason to pay $11 for 12 ounces. There are various ways you can buy 2-5lbs at a time for significantly better price, but if you can't clear that in the time you consider it fresh enough and that is why you're going small batch, it could be time for you to start roasting your own and get fabulous value and much higher quality after some up-front cost and some extra work. I mean, we all weigh the money vs what we want our everyday standard to be, but if the quality is that important to you but the inconvenience of extra process isn't too much of a bother, self-roasting for that high freshness will save you a lot in the long run and even step up the quality quite a bit since same-day roasted is sublime.

 

[Joe]

Any opinions on the Hario Skerton manual grinder?

I only use 1 tablespoon of coffee ground a day and I don't want to grind beans every day so I think I would just grind 7 tablespoons at the same time once per week and keep the remains in the little storage container.

Or do I just bite the bullet and get a Baratza Virtuoso and grind daily?

I want better taste than pre-packaged coffee ground from the store but I don't want to get crazy or spend a bunch of money if I don't have to.

 

[TheExodu5]

The Hario is great. You're not going to see much benefit from the high end grinders unless you're doing real espresso.

I had the Virtuoso and while it was a nice piece of gear, it's unnecessary for low volume grinding.

 

[Dachande]

I only use 1 tablespoon of coffee ground a day and I don't want to grind beans every day so I think I would just grind 7 tablespoons at the same time once per week and keep the remains in the little storage container.

Or do I just bite the bullet and get a Baratza Virtuoso and grind daily?

Grind every day. Drink fresh. What're you brewing with? You don't need a Virtuoso - you could get by with a far cheaper burr grinder off of Amazon or something if you're not doing high-end espresso.

 

[Izayoi]

Just got a new french press for work... It's perfect, makes just as much as I need for the entire day.

Wish it was easier to clean, though... (We don't have a dishwasher, so it's by hand only...)

 

[Joe]

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Thanks for the replies. I brew with a pour-over setup, I make a small 6oz cup in the morning and that's it.

Manual grinding every day seems like it would be a drag over time but maybe I'd get used to it.

 

[TheExodu5]

Thanks for the replies. I brew with a pour-over setup, I make a small 6oz cup in the morning and that's it.

Manual grinding every day seems like it would be a drag over time but maybe I'd get used to it.

For that much coffee, it'll take you probably 30 seconds to grind it out yourself. Sure, it'll be a bit of a hassle, but if you don't want to dish out $200 for an electric grinder I think it'll be a really reasonable option for you.

edit: whoa, you can get $35 electric burr grinders now? Damn, things have changed.

 

[Dachande]

Thanks for the replies. I brew with a pour-over setup, I make a small 6oz cup in the morning and that's it.

Manual grinding every day seems like it would be a drag over time but maybe I'd get used to it.

I use a Cuisinart grinder at work for Aeropress and it's great, and only $35. It's not the best but it'll do you fine, and you can upgrade later on down the line if you feel like it.

If you're willing to spend a little more, people also seem to like the Capresso Infinity, and you don't need a Virtuoso if you're interested in a Baratza grinder - the Encore would be perfect for anything except espresso. You just entered the three-figure range there, but it will last you years and years and you won't regret it.

I couldn't imagine manually grinding every morning in order to have my wakeup coffee without wanting to die, and grinding anything more than 2 hours in advance is a waste of good beans. I understand not wanting to spend loads, but at the very least consider the Cuisinart.

 

[NewFresh]

Does anyone have issues with pour-overs clogging the filters? I am going to try a less fine grind to try and remedy it, but I'm wondering if it's a problem with the device.

I use it at work, it's the following:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CFLCT/?tag=neogaf0e-20

 

[Joe]

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Thanks for the tips and info! I'm going to read some reviews and order either the manual grinder or one of the cheapy burr grinders.

Does anyone have issues with pour-overs clogging the filters? I am going to try a less fine grind to try and remedy it, but I'm wondering if it's a problem with the device.

I use it at work, it's the following:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000CFLCT/?tag=neogaf0e-20

I have the same issue sometimes and I'm 99% sure it's due to the coffee ground being too fine.

 

[Random Painted HIghway]

Anyone roast their own beans? I'm thinking of getting a fresh roast sr500 r sr700. Can't justify one of the spaceship looking genecafe deals. https://www.sweetmarias.com/product/gene-cafe-roaster-black

 

[Patrick Bateman]

Just got a new french press for work... It's perfect, makes just as much as I need for the entire day.

Wish it was easier to clean, though... (We don't have a dishwasher, so it's by hand only...)

I recently bought my first french press. And I actually like the whole manual thing. Even the cleaning. I'm totally sure that it's completely clean when I do it by hand.
I also had one of those cup espresso/coffee machines before and I'm really glad that this wasting plastic thing is over. Also the better taste.

 

[Glix]

I fucking LOVE COFFEE.

From garbage beans all the way up to the fancy stuff.

But it MUST be hot. Cold coffee is an affront to God

 

[Rootbeer]

I fucking LOVE COFFEE.

From garbage beans all the way up to the fancy stuff.

But it MUST be hot. Cold coffee is an affront to God

I was with you... until you had to go and dis cold brew.

I'll drink most coffee, even diner coffee which is often low-grade is pleasing to me. But there is a place for cold brew coffee. It can be incredibly refreshing on a really hot day.

 

[bigJP]

So getting a nespresso machine for dirt cheap ($30). anyone know if it's more worth while to get the original line or virtuoline?

 

[Random Painted HIghway]

I recently bought my first french press. And I actually like the whole manual thing. Even the cleaning. I'm totally sure that it's completely clean when I do it by hand.
I also had one of those cup espresso/coffee machines before and I'm really glad that this wasting plastic thing is over. Also the better taste.

I went French press after I found roaches in my Keurg! Yuck. Easy to clean completely. Texas so never going to get rid of the roaches.

 

[StMeph]

Hello Coffee-GAF.

I've been making cold brew regularly using a Primula, but feel like its capacity is too small to produce the volume I consume normally for even 2 or 3 days. I've heard great things about Toddys, but have no interest in sidegrading to a similar capacity. I know there's a commercial version, but that is definitely too big. Are there any good steps up in size? Or are cold brews all single pitcher or 10-gallon drums only?

 

[whatsinaname]

All you espresso people, how do you make a cocoa latte? (I don't really like just adding a glob of chocolate syrup).

Chocolate in the pitcher while steaming?

Chocolate milk?

Spoiler

Triple filter and grind cocoa beans with your coffee...

 

[CrudeDiatribe]

Much prefer chocolate syrup mixed with coffee before adding milk than adding chocolate to milk first.

Try it and see.

 

[fabricated backlash]

All you espresso people, how do you make a cocoa latte? (I don't really like just adding a glob of chocolate syrup).

Chocolate in the pitcher while steaming?

Chocolate milk?

Spoiler

Triple filter and grind cocoa beans with your coffee...

I put a piece of dark chocolate in the cup before drawing a double shot into it from my trusty LaPavoni. once it's melted, i stir it, and pour it into the foamed milk.

 

[mobilesworking]

Manual grinding every day seems like it would be a drag over time but maybe I'd get used to it.

You might even say it's a grind.

.
..
...

Anyhow, I was worried about the same thing, but you quickly get used to it. Sometimes it's even pleasant, but only on the weekends when you can take your sweet time. I use a Lido 2 and recommend it without reservation. The cost is high, but I use it every damn day and the job it does is so important.

 

[Vanillalite]

I feel like my old cheapie drip machine makes bad coffee. I've cleaned it with the vinegar method before, but I do wonder if I should just get a new fresh one.

Anyways do I really need a fucking burr grinder? I'm not some super hipster coffee douchebag aficionado, and I feel like my blade grinder is fine?

 

[thespot84]

I feel like my old cheapie drip machine makes bad coffee. I've cleaned it with the vinegar method before, but I do wonder if I should just get a new fresh one.

Anyways do I really need a fucking burr grinder? I'm not some super hipster coffee douchebag aficionado, and I feel like my blade grinder is fine?

You don't have to be a hipster douche to like consistency. Taking your aeropress and hand grinder in your messenger bag to a job interview is being a hipster douche. Dialing in and consistently grinding your coffee for whatever method your using just means you have taste buds.

 

[Haly]

Doing things with a v60 and I'm having fun. Definitely prefer it to my Aeropress, which I never managed to get right in the years I've used it.

 

[Vanillalite]

You don't have to be a hipster douche to like consistency. Taking your aeropress and hand grinder in your messenger bag to a job interview is being a hipster douche. Dialing in and consistently grinding your coffee for whatever method your using just means you have taste buds.

Does it really matter so long as you pulse though considering I'm just using a drip machine?

Every article I've seen says burr is better for espresso or press but nobody says shit about drip machines. Nor has anyone posted they actually did a double blind taste test to see if they could really tell the difference in a drip machine between grinding methods.

 

[thespot84]

Does it really matter so long as you pulse though considering I'm just using a drip machine?

Every article I've seen says burr is better for espresso or press but nobody says shit about drip machines. Nor has anyone posted they actually did a double blind taste test to see if they could really tell the difference in a drip machine between grinding methods.

The happy middle ground would be something akin to using a timer with your blade grinder. If you're really just keeping to drop and not splurging for a really good machine then the grind won't be your biggest problem anyways. At the end of the day do what tastes good.

 

[Splash Wave]

Any other Kalita Wave "users" on GAF? I've had mine for years, and I'm *still* trying to dial in my technique. I'm wondering about everyone's coffee/water ratio and pour methods.

 

[overcast]

I use my aero press mainly but am starting to use French press more often and my gf just got me a cold brew pitcher. My grinder just crapped out but it wasn't particularly useful (Krups)

Can somebody recommend your favorite grinder? I could just rebuy the same one but was looking around.

 

[super-famicom]

I use my aero press mainly but am starting to use French press more often and my gf just got me a cold brew pitcher. My grinder just crapped out but it wasn't particularly useful (Krups)

Can somebody recommend your favorite grinder? I could just rebuy the same one but was looking around.

I love my Baratza Encore.

 

[snacknuts]

I love my Baratza Encore.

Me too. Buy a refurb.

 

[whatsinaname]

Hit up a few coffee shops in NYC when I was there. Stumptown was actually pretty good. Expensive beans though...

 

[Joe]

Where do you go coffee bean reviews?

The sites I'm looking at come across as affiliate-scams.

 

[Cyanity]

I've been buying my coffee from a local chain in Massachusetts called Mary Lou's. Seems a cut above the rest. They'll grind it for you on the spot as well, which is nice, since I currently use an electric percolator to brew my coffee, and the normal grind is too fine for it.

edit - I have a barista friend who swears by cold brew and wants me to try it. Is it really that much better?

 

[thespot84]

I've been buying my coffee from a local chain in Massachusetts called Mary Lou's. Seems a cut above the rest. They'll grind it for you on the spot as well, which is nice, since I currently use an electric percolator to brew my coffee, and the normal grind is too fine for it.

edit - I have a barista friend who swears by cold brew and wants me to try it. Is it really that much better?

It'd different, can be better if that's what you're looking for. Certain coffees take really well to it since it's fairly low acid.

 

[overcast]

Where do you go coffee bean reviews?

The sites I'm looking at come across as affiliate-scams.

I would be curious about this as well

 

[nintendork666]

Am I a plebian if I use k-cups in an off branded keurig?

 

[thespot84]

Am I a plebian if I use k-cups in an off branded keurig?

Only if you've never given yourself a chance to try anything else.

 

[Joe]

I would be curious about this as well

I ended up just Google'ing for coffee roasters in my area and reading reviews from there. Closer is probably better anyway.

 

[Dice]

Would it be a mistake to buy just any ol normal $50 burr grinder?

 

[Joe]

Any ideas why my pour over keeps flooding/clogging?

I'm using a basic Melitta cone

I've never had it happen before but it keeps happening constantly now. I even bought a grinder and use it on nearly the coarsest grind but it hasn't helped.

Will a better cone reduce clogging?

 

[Joe]

Upgraded my entire setup:

Capresso Infinity burr grinder
V60 ceramic
Hario scale + timer
Fresh roasted beans

I thought I was able to fine-tune my brew before but I was obviously naive because this setup is definitely the way to go. The actual brew process is way, way better but my coffee is tasting pretty crappy right now as I'm still figuring out the timing and grind consistency.

Do Hario V60 "natural" paper filters always taste like paper? I rinse the filter a lot with boiling water from the kettle before adding the coffee but I still get a faint paper taste.

 

[super-famicom]

Upgraded my entire setup:

Capresso Infinity burr grinder
V60 ceramic
Hario scale + timer
Fresh roasted beans

I thought I was able to fine-tune my brew before but I was naive because this setup is way better. The brew process is way, way better but my coffee is kind of crappy right now because I'm still figuring out the timing and grind consistency.

Do Hario V60 "natural" paper filters always taste like paper? I rinse the filter a lot with boiling water from the kettle before adding the coffee but I still get a faint paper taste.

I just made a cup with my V60. I have never pre-rinsed my filters (though I do with my Chemex for some reason), but don't notice any paper taste. Maybe I'm just used to it.

 

[Alcotholic]

Most coffee makers I've seen brew cups for the whole family. Is there one thats small, but decent for just 2 people. We currently use a small chemex, but we both hate it since its a glorified pour-over. My GF doesnt want something that requires too much prep in the morning.

 

[super-famicom]

Most coffee makers I've seen brew cups for the whole family. Is there one thats small, but decent for just 2 people. We currently use a small chemex, but we both hate it since its a glorified pour-over. My GF doesnt want something that requires too much prep in the morning.

French press. Heat water, grind beans while waiting for water to boil, pour the freshly ground beans into the French press, then add water (make sure it's at the temperature you want), then wait like 4-5 mminutes and then push plunger down.

 

[Joe]

I just made a cup with my V60. I have never pre-rinsed my filters (though I do with my Chemex for some reason), but don't notice any paper taste. Maybe I'm just used to it.

Do you use the white/bleached filters or the brown'ish/natural filters? I've read that the naturals have a paper taste but I'm not sure if it can be eliminated.

Most coffee makers I've seen brew cups for the whole family. Is there one thats small, but decent for just 2 people. We currently use a small chemex, but we both hate it since its a glorified pour-over. My GF doesnt want something that requires too much prep in the morning.

If you're still OK with pour-overs then the Hario V60-01 is for 1-2 cups and V60-02 is for 1-4 cups. (fyi: if you go this route, you may want the white paper filters to avoid paper taste).

 

[super-famicom]

Do you use the white/bleached filters or the brown'ish/natural filters? I've read that the naturals have a paper taste but I'm not sure if it can be eliminated.


If you're still OK with pour-overs then the Hario V60-01 is for 1-2 cups and V60-02 is for 1-4 cups. (fyi: if you go this route, you may want the white paper filters to avoid paper taste).

I've used the natural ones for about 2 years. I just started using the white ones last week since they were cheaper on Amazon.

 

[Joe]

I've used the natural ones for about 2 years. I just started using the white ones last week since they were cheaper on Amazon.

Interesting. Yeah maybe you're just used to it, or I'm doing something wrong.

 

[Saya]

Most coffee makers I've seen brew cups for the whole family. Is there one thats small, but decent for just 2 people. We currently use a small chemex, but we both hate it since its a glorified pour-over. My GF doesnt want something that requires too much prep in the morning.

I use these in the morning. It's quite fast. Just pour water in the bottom. Fill the filter with ground coffee. Put it on a stovetop on a low to medium flame and wait for it to bubble out. Makes good strong coffee. They have these in different sizes as well.