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[macfoshizzle]

So i've been on this ice coffee kick. I don't have a french press so I've just poured some coffee grounds into a mason jar, fill it up with water and let it sit in the fridge for 16 hours. Then filer it into another jar and you'll have some tasty cold brew ice coffee.

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

i'm giving up with aeropress, been 9 months and i still can't seem to nail it properly after tons of tweaking. not sure whether to try a chemex or french press next.

edit: hario buono definitely can rust, stainless steel or not. interestingly they also have both made in japan and made in china versions now.

What are your parameters? Grind size? etc

 

[Haly]

I see Stumptown exchanged their perfectly serviceable website for some infinite scroll monstrosity.

 

[Jake.]

i've posted my issues a few pages back: tried tons of beans, grind settings (porlex mini), water temps, brewing times etc and can't get it right. i give up.

 

[JumpCancel]

Nothing tops an Espresso Machine with milk steamer.

Had my Gaggia Classic for around 5 years now. Fucking ace. You can get refurbs for as little as £150 from the right sellers. Highly recommended as long as you buy decent ground coffee.

 

[giga]

i'm giving up with aeropress, been 9 months and i still can't seem to nail it properly after tons of tweaking. not sure whether to try a chemex or french press next.

edit: hario buono definitely can rust, stainless steel or not. interestingly they also have both made in japan and made in china versions now.

What are you trying to "nail" exactly?

 

[Union Carbine]

Hi Coffee gaf, I have a question about 2 particular burr grinders. Is the Capresso Infinity 560 burr grinder a better choice for grinding espresso and drip coffee than the Delonghi KG89 grinder? I ask because those are the two burr grinders that have decent reviews and are sold on best buy's website. Plus, I have $40 in best buy reward certificates I can use to subsidize my purchase.
I'm also open to suggestions for other burr grinders under $100, I'm positive that any burr grinder is better than my mother and I's current method of using a Nutri Bullet to grind coffee lol.

I think I've heard better things about the Capresso. Neither is really suitable for espresso by YMMV based on your setup.

 

[Easy_G]

i'm giving up with aeropress, been 9 months and i still can't seem to nail it properly after tons of tweaking. not sure whether to try a chemex or french press next.

edit: hario buono definitely can rust, stainless steel or not. interestingly they also have both made in japan and made in china versions now.

Have you experienced stainless steel appliances rusting in general? I've never come across that and use several. One thing I can imagine is using a stainless steel appliance on a plain steel surface/tool so that some of the plain steel rubs off and can then rust on top of the stainless steel

 

[senahorse]

After the old Gaggia giving up a few years ago we moved on to using an aeropress for pulling our coffee shots, and it wasn't terrible but I longed for something a bit better. Yesterday we introduced this baby into our lives:

It's a Breville (or branded Sage in Europe) Oracle semi automatic coffee machine. It does the grinding and even the tamping pressure and polishing, it's really quite amazing. It's a dual boiler so you can pull shots and steam milk at the same time and the milk you can set to a desired temp and froth limit.

We went out this morning and bought some fresh beans from a local roaster and the results are amazing, I have made a long black, cappuccino, flat white and a caramel latte and all have been fantastic café quality coffee, expensive bit of kit but damn does it make a nice coffee.

 

[jet1911]

After the old Gaggia giving up a few years ago we moved on to using an aeropress for pulling our coffee shots, and it wasn't terrible but I longed for something a bit better. Yesterday we introduced this baby into our lives:

It's a Breville (or branded Sage in Europe) Oracle semi automatic coffee machine. It does the grinding and even the tamping pressure and polishing, it's really quite amazing. It's a dual boiler so you can pull shots and steam milk at the same time and the milk you can set to a desired temp and froth limit.

We went out this morning and bought some fresh beans from a local roaster and the results are amazing, I have made a long black, cappuccino, flat white and a caramel latte and all have been fantastic café quality coffee, expensive bit of kit but damn does it make a nice coffee.

I'm extremely jealous right now! Looks like an amazing machine.

Edit: 2500$ CAD. Ouch lol

 

[senahorse]

Yeah don't say that too loud, the other half is still reeling from the invoice haha, after I gave her a coffee she started coming around but there is still some ptsd related to the experience

 

[kennah]

Marvelling at that machine, makes me want to replace our Aeropress. What's a good machine in the $200 price point?

 

[CrudeDiatribe]

What's a good machine in the $200 price point?

Machines (only a couple) that I have tried in that price range don't outdo my Aeropress (about the same), though the milk frothing is fun.

 

[kennah]

Machines (only a couple) that I have tried in that price range don't outdo my Aeropress (about the same), though the milk frothing is fun.

What kind of price range am I looking for a good start then? I'm open to options.

 

[CrudeDiatribe]

What kind of price range am I looking for a good start then? I'm open to options.

No idea, sorry-- but I just wanted to share my experience of using others' inexpensive espresso (ish) machines and not finding it a lot better than my aeropress.

Do you have a burr grinder? If not that's a much better use of $200 (according to the Internet).

 

[kennah]

No idea, sorry-- but I just wanted to share my experience of using others' inexpensive espresso (ish) machines and not finding it a lot better than my aeropress.

Do you have a burr grinder? If not that's a much better use of $200 (according to the Internet).

I have an Aeropress (two actually, the other is our Spareopress. get it?), a Burr Grinder, and an older Krupps espresso machine on loan from a friend. It does an ok job, but I think I'm nearing being ready for my own big boy machine (just not $2500 worth)

 

[Boogie9IGN]

Hey everyone!

Was thinking of maybe upgrading my mother's coffee setup and wanted to get some opinions. All she ever drinks is a no-frills Bustelo espresso with a bit of sugar, and she uses the same style moka pot she's used since she was a girl in Cuba. With that said, do you guys think an Aeropress is really worth it over the moka pot? Or going a step further, perhaps getting her an actual entry-level espresso machine (it would have to be sub-$150 or so as I'm pretty low on funds this holiday season)?

 

[TarpitCarnivore]

Hey everyone!

Was thinking of maybe upgrading my mother's coffee setup and wanted to get some opinions. All she ever drinks is a no-frills Bustelo espresso with a bit of sugar, and she uses the same style moka pot she's used since she was a girl in Cuba. With that said, do you guys think an Aeropress is really worth it over the moka pot? Or going a step further, perhaps getting her an actual entry-level espresso machine (it would have to be sub-$150 or so as I'm pretty low on funds this holiday season)?

This is going to come of as an attack, but it's not being meant to be directed at you. When people ask about giving their parents an Aeropress I cringe a little. Even though it's very simple to use it can feel very cumbersome. Think about what she has to do for making her moka pot versus using the Aeropress. The Aeropress can be a lot more steps depending on how you tell her to use it. My suggestion would be to make coffee for her with the Aeropress and see what she says while you make it. If she shows a passing interest in it then consider it, but if she is just going about her business then don't even bother.

Marvelling at that machine, makes me want to replace our Aeropress. What's a good machine in the $200 price point?

None, seriously. Your cheapest way of getting into espresso is finding a used Gaggia Classic and then putting Rancilio Silvia wand on it. You will need, at a bare minimum, a grinder similar to the Baratza Precisio, but preferably something alone the lines of a Baratza Vario. You may be able to find a used Mazzer.

The big problem with cheapo espresso machines is two things: pressure and boiler. Even on machines like Rancilio Silvia and Crossland CC1 there is going to be some warmup time in between pulling your shot and steaming your milk. Dual-boilers allow you to heat water for espresso and milk at the same time, but those get into the 1500 range. The CC1 is around $700, but uses a thermoblock to make up for lack of a dual boiler. Either of these machines still require a solid grinder.

 

[kennah]

Thanks for the advice! Gives me stuff to look for and save up for.

 

[Union Carbine]

Hey everyone!

Was thinking of maybe upgrading my mother's coffee setup and wanted to get some opinions. All she ever drinks is a no-frills Bustelo espresso with a bit of sugar, and she uses the same style moka pot she's used since she was a girl in Cuba. With that said, do you guys think an Aeropress is really worth it over the moka pot? Or going a step further, perhaps getting her an actual entry-level espresso machine (it would have to be sub-$150 or so as I'm pretty low on funds this holiday season)?

Nothing wrong with a moka pot! Any machine branded an espresso machine in that price range is going to be junk.

If your mom likes the moka pot, you could try getting her a grinder and start her off with some beans so she can try different flavors.

 

[Boogie9IGN]

This is going to come of as an attack, but it's not being meant to be directed at you. When people ask about giving their parents an Aeropress I cringe a little. Even though it's very simple to use it can feel very cumbersome. Think about what she has to do for making her moka pot versus using the Aeropress. The Aeropress can be a lot more steps depending on how you tell her to use it. My suggestion would be to make coffee for her with the Aeropress and see what she says while you make it. If she shows a passing interest in it then consider it, but if she is just going about her business then don't even bother.

Nothing wrong with a moka pot! Any machine branded an espresso machine in that price range is going to be junk.

If your mom likes the moka pot, you could try getting her a grinder and start her off with some beans so she can try different flavors.

Thanks for the input guys! I think I will just get her a grinder for Christmas and get myself the Aeropress to test the waters.

 

[InfiniteBento]

Hey everyone!

Was thinking of maybe upgrading my mother's coffee setup and wanted to get some opinions. All she ever drinks is a no-frills Bustelo espresso with a bit of sugar, and she uses the same style moka pot she's used since she was a girl in Cuba. With that said, do you guys think an Aeropress is really worth it over the moka pot? Or going a step further, perhaps getting her an actual entry-level espresso machine (it would have to be sub-$150 or so as I'm pretty low on funds this holiday season)?

Stick with the moka pot if she loves espresso. An Aeropress wouldn't give that same quality or consistency. And you'd be wasting money buying a cheap espresso machine. In that price range, they aren't very good. I think the best gift would be to upgrade her moka pot and maybe throw in some Bustelo merch with it They sell pins + shirts and stuff like that now so that would be an awesome fun present to bundle up for her. Maybe throw in some new espresso mugs or a container for her sugar. Little things go a long way for presents with moms.

 

[Prez]

I need some advice on coffee grinders. What's a good affordable electric grinder? I definitely want a manual one but I think I want an electric one as well because otherwise I have to turn the grinder hundreds of times a day to get my many cups of coffee.

Also I'm using a small Bodum french press but I want a bigger one. What's a recommended brand for French presses?

 

[super-famicom]

I need some advice on coffee grinders. What's a good affordable electric grinder? I definitely want a manual one but I think I want an electric one as well because otherwise I have to turn the grinder hundreds of times a day to get my many cups of coffee.

Also I'm using a small Bodum french press but I want a bigger one. What's a recommended brand for French presses?

What is your budget? Electric burr grinders are the way to go. A refurbished Baratza Encore goes for $99.99 and are good quality. Another decent grinder is the Bodum Bistro, which is $87.75 on Amazon. I think some people prefer the Baratza, here's a Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/comments/1msz18/baratza_encore_vs_bodum_bistro/

Here's a buying guide that may be helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/wiki/gear_by_price

 

[Prez]

What is your budget? Electric burr grinders are the way to go. A refurbished Baratza Encore goes for $99.99 and are good quality. Another decent grinder is the Bodum Bistro, which is $87.75 on Amazon. I think some people prefer the Baratza, here's a Reddit discussion: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/comments/1msz18/baratza_encore_vs_bodum_bistro/

Here's a buying guide that may be helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/Coffee/wiki/gear_by_price

I was thinking less than $50 but that would only get me a crappy one that won't last long? In that case I'll stick with a good manual grinder and buy both ground coffee and beans.

 

[Union Carbine]

I was thinking less than $50 but that would only get me a crappy one that won't last long? In that case I'll stick with a good manual grinder and buy both ground coffee and beans.

Nothing wrong with manual grinders. They're pretty much all I use. If you get a grinder and can swing grinding yourself, skip the pre-ground stuff. Fresh ground is worlds better.

 

[Prez]

Nothing wrong with manual grinders. They're pretty much all I use. If you get a grinder and can swing grinding yourself, skip the pre-ground stuff. Fresh ground is worlds better.

I go through 750 grams to 1kg of coffee a month, so manual only wouldn't be very practical. I think it would be better to use pre-ground on week days and freshly ground on weekends and Friday night. That way I can also limit my coffee budget since I can't find coffee beans for less than 20€/kg.

Then again since I drink so much coffee, maybe I need to invest in a Baratza Encore. Any idea how durable they are? I don't want to buy anything that breaks down after less than 5 years of use.

edit: apparently the Baratza and Bodum Bistro both have the issue of a plastic gear breaking after less than a year for some people. Now it wouldn't be an issue if I could replace it but they don't even offer any replacement parts. I don't really feel like taking that risk.

 

[Kwixotik]

I just started drinking coffee this semester, mostly from Starbucks because I don't have stuff to make it. I'd like to try an aeropress and all of that but as far as my routine morning goes...

I am dysfunctional. I can't drag myself out of bed until absolutely necessary. My breakfast is usually a CLIF bar I grab out of the pantry on my way to class. I'm lucky if I can prepare a shower, let alone coffee.

Is there a way to prepare coffee and refrigerate it so that I can make all of it for the week at once? I'm fine with drinking it cold, but would prefer it not be heavy on calories or taste like ass.

 

[rokkerkory]

Mmm vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is the best

 

[thespot84]

Mmm vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is the best

I like it but it always tastes burnt. I asked the owner at a pho place and he took pride in the fact that he got the water as hot as possible and brewed it immediately. Is it traditional to use boiling water to brew it?

 

[InfiniteBento]

I just started drinking coffee this semester, mostly from Starbucks because I don't have stuff to make it. I'd like to try an aeropress and all of that but as far as my routine morning goes...

I am dysfunctional. I can't drag myself out of bed until absolutely necessary. My breakfast is usually a CLIF bar I grab out of the pantry on my way to class. I'm lucky if I can prepare a shower, let alone coffee.

Is there a way to prepare coffee and refrigerate it so that I can make all of it for the week at once? I'm fine with drinking it cold, but would prefer it not be heavy on calories or taste like ass.

Cold brew ! You can buy a toddy maker, prepare it, and the condensed coffee can last up to 2 weeks in your fridge. You can pour what you want into your thermos and cut it with water (if youd like, its pretty potent). Its fantastic

 

[andycapps]

I go through 750 grams to 1kg of coffee a month, so manual only wouldn't be very practical. I think it would be better to use pre-ground on week days and freshly ground on weekends and Friday night. That way I can also limit my coffee budget since I can't find coffee beans for less than 20€/kg.

Then again since I drink so much coffee, maybe I need to invest in a Baratza Encore. Any idea how durable they are? I don't want to buy anything that breaks down after less than 5 years of use.

edit: apparently the Baratza and Bodum Bistro both have the issue of a plastic gear breaking after less than a year for some people. Now it wouldn't be an issue if I could replace it but they don't even offer any replacement parts. I don't really feel like taking that risk.

My Bodum broke with less than a year of use, but I called them up within the warranty period and they sent me a new one no questions asked. That was 2-3 years ago and still going strong. I'm wondering if the coffee I was grinding at the time the gear broke had a rock or something crazy in it.

 

[zbarron]

Would someone be able to recommend a coffee for my wife? I just picked up a manual burr grinder and would like to get some good coffee beans for her. She is pregnant and giving birth probably in February and is going to need coffee in the morning after. She hasn't had any since getting pregnant but her favorite one before was a Huehuetenango if that helps. We're getting a coffee maker for christmas and have a french press.

Thanks.

 

[h3ro]

Just brewed some Stumptown Holler Mountain on my Bonavita 1900. <3

 

[InfiniteBento]

Would someone be able to recommend a coffee for my wife? I just picked up a manual burr grinder and would like to get some good coffee beans for her. She is pregnant and giving birth probably in February and is going to need coffee in the morning after. She hasn't had any since getting pregnant but her favorite one before was a Huehuetenango if that helps. We're getting a coffee maker for christmas and have a french press.

Thanks.

Does she primarily prefer central and south american coffees? I can recommend a good bunch depending on her preferences.

 

[zbarron]

Does she primarily prefer central and south american coffees? I can recommend a good bunch depending on her preferences.

I asked her. Her response was:

Lol I have no idea
Probably though

She only started drinking decent coffee for a few months before she had to stop. We drank it together and if I recall we liked several from those regions. Our favorite one almost had a nutty taste to it.

 

[InfiniteBento]

I asked her. Her response was:

She only started drinking decent coffee for a few months before she had to stop. We drank it together and if I recall we liked several from those regions. Our favorite one almost had a nutty taste to it.

Stumptown right now is selling a Latin America trio which is really solid.

Hair Bender is also a solid blend they offer which is a mix of Latin American and African coffees, it tastes like toffee nut and fudge. Holler Mountain is great if you want less chocolate notes and more nut notes, it is also a blend.

Blue Bottle has Huehuetenango is you want to try a different roast of a similar coffee you mentioned as well.

 

[zbarron]

Stumptown right now is selling a Latin America trio which is really solid.

Hair Bender is also a solid blend they offer which is a mix of Latin American and African coffees, it tastes like toffee nut and fudge. Holler Mountain is great if you want less chocolate notes and more nut notes, it is also a blend.

Blue Bottle has Huehuetenango is you want to try a different roast of a similar coffee you mentioned as well.

Those sound tasty. She loves chocoloate and toffee

Thank you. Are any of these limited availability? I'd like to get them closer to the due date since I hear even in the package you want it as fresh as possible. Should I follow that advice or just pick some up and they'll be fine?

 

[InfiniteBento]

Those sound tasty. She loves chocoloate and toffee

Thank you. Are any of these limited availability? I'd like to get them closer to the due date since I hear even in the package you want it as fresh as possible. Should I follow that advice or just pick some up and they'll be fine?

The Latin American Trio might be limited for the holidays. Huehuetenango will be depending on how much of that lot Blue Bottle has. It's hard to tell. Is she far out from her due date?

Its always best to get coffee close to when you will brew it. In a dark, air tight container, it can last up to 3 weeks if freshly roasted. It won't bloom as much after the first 10 days, however.

 

[internetwolf]

started making my own peppermint mochas,(DELISH) I avoid regular milk and was wondering which milk substitute is best for this? (currently using cashew milk)

 

[zbarron]

The Latin American Trio might be limited for the holidays. Huehuetenango will be depending on how much of that lot Blue Bottle has. It's hard to tell. Is she far out from her due date?

Its always best to get coffee close to when you will brew it. In a dark, air tight container, it can last up to 3 weeks if freshly roasted. It won't bloom as much after the first 10 days, however.

Her due date is mid February but she has signs of preterm labor. I'll probably hold off then and pick these up either if she gives birth early or the week of her due date I'll order them.

Thanks.

 

[InfiniteBento]

started making my own peppermint mochas,(DELISH) I avoid regular milk and was wondering which milk substitute is best for this? (currently using cashew milk)

Use gin instead.

 

[internetwolf]

Use gin instead.

yikes that sounds like a horrible suggestion.

 

[Vanillalite]

started making my own peppermint mochas,(DELISH) I avoid regular milk and was wondering which milk substitute is best for this? (currently using cashew milk)

People seem to like silk almond milk.

My house always has 2% regular and 2% lactaid. The lactaid is expensive though.

 

[internetwolf]

People seem to like silk almond milk.

My house always has 2% regular and 2% lactaid. The lactaid is expensive though.

Thanks for the help.

I'll pick up some of the almond and a thing of lactaid and see how they compare to the cashew milk. I'm thinking the almond might give it a pretty good taste.

 

[Union Carbine]

...apparently the Baratza and Bodum Bistro both have the issue of a plastic gear breaking after less than a year for some people. Now it wouldn't be an issue if I could replace it but they don't even offer any replacement parts. I don't really feel like taking that risk.

Baratza has amazing customer service-- if anything like that breaks, they will help get it fixed and sorted.

 

[senahorse]

One week with the oracle, amazing machine, takes me (after the machine has been turned on for about 3 minutes) 1 minute to make a café tasting coffee sogood.gif.

Just cracked open a new bag of beans this morning from the local roaster.

It's a special Christmas blend, they have been storing beans of different types throughout the year and roast this special blend at Christmas, it's amazing tasting

 

[Bacon]

started making my own peppermint mochas,(DELISH) I avoid regular milk and was wondering which milk substitute is best for this? (currently using cashew milk)

Soy is my favorite non dairy milk

 

[Prez]

Baratza has amazing customer service-- if anything like that breaks, they will help get it fixed and sorted.

Would it have to happen through the store I bought it at or can I go to Baratza directly? Still not sure though, if the gear breaks after 1 year and they replace it, then breaks again a year later after the warranty has expired, I'm pretty sure they won't fix it for free?

My Hario Skerton will arrive on Monday so I'll play with that a bit first

 

[Union Carbine]

Would it have to happen through the store I bought it at or can I go to Baratza directly? Still not sure though, if the gear breaks after 1 year and they replace it, then breaks again a year later after the warranty has expired, I'm pretty sure they won't fix it for free?

My Hario Skerton will arrive on Monday so I'll play with that a bit first

When I had one, I bought it through an online merchant and still went to Baratza for help. I'm not sure that gear is that fragile-- there are tons of those grinders out in the world and they're not all falling apart.

I've got a Skerton. It's a good starter. Be aware that there is a wobble inherent in the design that will cause inconsistency in coarser settings (i.e. French Press).