Coffee |OT| Taste as good as it smells
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AbsoluteZero
Banned
So I've scratched the Keurig coffee maker for now but I've recently become addicted to my little french press I bought a few months back.
I think I'm gonna go the extra mile and start grinding my coffee. Gonna stop by Target on the way home and see what they have in the dept. of coffee gadgets.
I think I'm gonna go the extra mile and start grinding my coffee. Gonna stop by Target on the way home and see what they have in the dept. of coffee gadgets.
Darkmakaimura
Can You Imagine What SureAI Is Going To Do With Garfield?
I'm sitting here right now at Starbucks listening to Amy Winehouse and sipping on a decaf Americano with mocha flavoring. Yums.
Edit: All that's missing is an old fashioned style coffee house environment.
Edit: All that's missing is an old fashioned style coffee house environment.
AbsoluteZero
Banned
warthog said:
Sorry to quote something from back on page 3 (Page 2 for you 100-posters)
I noticed that Think Geek carries this coffee.
http://www.thinkgeek.com/caffeine/drinks/d60c/
Is it crazy that I kind of want to give it a try?
Darkmakaimura
Can You Imagine What SureAI Is Going To Do With Garfield?
If I ask for decaf iced coffee, they always tell me they can make a decaf americano and I just agree to it.mac said:
I make lattes every morning with my old Seaco workhorse, but it does take quite a bit of time. My buddy was trying to sell me on the Nepresseo because of how quick and easy it is. I finally got to try it, and the lattes it makes are utterly flavorless. I even used the "10" strength cups.
I do not recommend it if you enjoy tasting your coffee. The little milk frother doesn't get hot enough either. It was around a cool 140 at best.
I'll stick with my Saeco.
I do not recommend it if you enjoy tasting your coffee. The little milk frother doesn't get hot enough either. It was around a cool 140 at best.
I'll stick with my Saeco.
lawlohwhat
Banned
Straight black coffee addict here. I've got a burr grinder and french press that are two of my most loved posessions.
What do you guys think about putting a tiny pinch of salt in the grind before steeping to counter any mild bitterness? I've been trying it for a couple weeks and am still undecided as to whether it makes a significant difference.
What do you guys think about putting a tiny pinch of salt in the grind before steeping to counter any mild bitterness? I've been trying it for a couple weeks and am still undecided as to whether it makes a significant difference.
deadbeef said:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001802PIQ/?tag=neogaf0e-20
i only paid 30 for mine (dated a barista, so got at cost for her store) - like the reviews say, it's pretty inconsistent at bigger grinds for french press, but it's money for drip coffee and pour-overs (yummmm)
http://www.squidoo.com/doddcoffee-coffee-roaster-for-espresso-and-french-press
is a nice guide for grind sizes, i tend to go for a bit finer than a medium grind for the pour over
Alright, GAF...what's my best option for good coffee here? I'm considering an Aeropress, or a higher quality coffee/espresso maker. I'd like to be able to make regular coffee, and possibly espresso, cappuccino, and cafe late.
So, what are my options?
Aeropress + kettle + milk steamer?
Are there any moderately priced machines that will do a good job as well? A lot of the espresso machines I'm seeing are upwards of $2k...I want to be spending less than $200.
Also, once I have my setup, what kind of coffee do I buy? Do I need to buy special coffee for European coffee beverages?
So, what are my options?
Aeropress + kettle + milk steamer?
Are there any moderately priced machines that will do a good job as well? A lot of the espresso machines I'm seeing are upwards of $2k...I want to be spending less than $200.
Also, once I have my setup, what kind of coffee do I buy? Do I need to buy special coffee for European coffee beverages?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IUX5
I just got this and tried it out. Works alright for what you pay. Doesn't quite blend them perfectly but it does it well enough for the price.
I just got this and tried it out. Works alright for what you pay. Doesn't quite blend them perfectly but it does it well enough for the price.
Well, no thanks to GAF (you're slow today, GAF!), I ordered the Aeropress. I also ordered a Cuisinart digital scale so that I can properly measure my coffee amount to keep it mostly consistent. I figured that for that amount of money, it probably couldn't be beat.
I have a cheapish Braun grinder at home ($30). Probably pretty terribly by coffee aficionado standards, but it has a cup number + grind setting which should hopefully give me a moderate amount of consistency.
Hopefully I did good. I'm going to see if I can find some decent coffee around town (Ottawa...doubtful).
I have a near boiling water setting on my water machine at home...I'm hoping it's going to be the right temp for the Aeropress...would make for some extremely convenient coffee.
I have a cheapish Braun grinder at home ($30). Probably pretty terribly by coffee aficionado standards, but it has a cup number + grind setting which should hopefully give me a moderate amount of consistency.
Hopefully I did good. I'm going to see if I can find some decent coffee around town (Ottawa...doubtful).
I have a near boiling water setting on my water machine at home...I'm hoping it's going to be the right temp for the Aeropress...would make for some extremely convenient coffee.
TheExodu5 said:
no idea if this is near you, but http://www.yelp.ca/biz/grace-in-the-kitchen-ottawa is carrying 49th parallel coffee now http://www.49thparallelroasters.com/
and they're legit
*edit* now that i looked a bit more, i found this thread http://coffeegeek.com/forums/worldregional/canadaeast/521968
Aeropress is a good buy so don't be too mad at gaf
As for cheap milk frother, I have a really cheap one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VEDNJU/?tag=neogaf0e-20
It gets the job done but I wouldn't say it is great. I would recommend the Froth au Lait Automatic Hot Milk Frother. I have seen the white one below $50 in the past
As for cheap milk frother, I have a really cheap one
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VEDNJU/?tag=neogaf0e-20
It gets the job done but I wouldn't say it is great. I would recommend the Froth au Lait Automatic Hot Milk Frother. I have seen the white one below $50 in the past
EmmanuelMunoz said:
I ended up getting this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LXY2HA/?tag=neogaf0e-20
These girls have some good videos, and the machine looked great from the demo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RiUHg99134
TheExodu5 said:
I have watched their videos before, they are pretty good.
I had no idea that one was <$50, I might pick it up since I want one that also heats
Keurig has better variety of coffees and their k-cups are regularly on sale online (Amazon and such) but the brewers are rarely bellow $80. Tassimo brewers are better but often more expensive in my opinion, and they lack the variety.
I would look at places like Khols to find a Keurig on the cheap, they often have 20-30% off your entire purchase bringing down a $99 to $70
Well, I tried a few coffees to test out the Aeropress. Started with a simple Nabob Columbian coffee...wow was I ever disappointed. Bitter, and very sour. Then, I tried a bag of Equita (free trade) Columbian coffee I had picked up. Damn! No bitterness or sourness to it at all! Just pure, roasted coffee flavor. Awesome!
I seriously think I'm going to throw that Nabob out. What terrible coffee.
I seriously think I'm going to throw that Nabob out. What terrible coffee.
AbsoluteZero
Banned
Here's the brand/flavor I'm trying for the week, though I also bought a bag of Eight 'o Clock French Vanilla Whole Bean for next week.
Tastes pretty good, though I believe I made it a bit too strong this morning. Usually I grind three tablespoons of beans for my travel mug. Since this stuff was ground I think more coffee fit per tablespoon so it was a bit too much.
Works okay in the french press though, thankfully. I had some concerns originally that it was ground too finely for it.
Triple Oceans
Member
xxjuicesxx said:
I seriously lol'ed. Coffee-GAF let me get your thoughts on this: I was recently at a training and there were a couple of guys talking about how it's kinda feminine for men to drink flavor coffee and/or use any flavored creamer besides hazelnut. I spoke up and expressed what's the big deal? They mentioned that having coffee that's flavored just seemed "weak". I disagreed with them and told them it was about taste preference. I mentioned how I drink my coffee with vanilla creamer and didn't think it was that big of a deal. I felt it just boiled down to "you like what you like". They just kinda looked at me and sarcastically expressed how for me they wouldn't hold it against me. Didn't think guys thought this way about coffee. Does anyone else agree with this?
AbsoluteZero
Banned
Triple Oceans said:
Sounds like some guys that are uncomfortable with their masculinity.
nakedsushi
Member
Triple Oceans said:
Not a man here, but I never, ever put cream in my coffee. I guess if it's really terrible stuff and I *have* to drink it, I'll put in some cream. But in that case, I just usually skip the coffee. I just don't get the point of putting cream in coffee. Then it just tastes like milk, no?*
* I do like that super sweet condensed milk in strong brewed coffee a la cafe sua da (viet-style coffee) but I don't really consider that "coffee" anymore. Just a refreshing hot-summer day beverage.
I use cream and sugar only for my morning coffee because it allows me to chug it down in 3 minutes before I start my lectures. 
Oh, I'm using a myPressi Twist and it is absolutely phenomenal. I'm also thinking of getting the Nespresso Aeroccino Plus/Aeroccino 3 as my milk frother since the other ones on Amazon have cleaning/quality control issues.
As an aside, does anyone have any recommendations on good Easy Serve Espresso pods?
Oh, I'm using a myPressi Twist and it is absolutely phenomenal. I'm also thinking of getting the Nespresso Aeroccino Plus/Aeroccino 3 as my milk frother since the other ones on Amazon have cleaning/quality control issues.
As an aside, does anyone have any recommendations on good Easy Serve Espresso pods?
LyleLanley
Banned
Have any of you used the Capresso MT600? Any impressions? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002RWJDHA/?tag=neogaf0e-20
I discovered something interesting today: some milks won't froth. I tried 1% Sealtest milk in my Capresso FrothPro, and I could not get it to froth at all. I thought my machine was now broken. I went out and picked up some Nielson milk and it frothed perfectly.
Not all milks are equal, I guess. I have no idea why that milk wouldn't froth.
The machine isn't very well reviewed on Amazon, so I'd probably steer clear. Read the reviews for more info.
Not all milks are equal, I guess. I have no idea why that milk wouldn't froth.
LyleLanley said:
The machine isn't very well reviewed on Amazon, so I'd probably steer clear. Read the reviews for more info.
Pixel Pete
Member
This is the coffee machine at work, where I drink 90% of my coffee. Coupled with fresh, amazing beans, it makes it hard to enjoy a lot of retail coffee =\
I wish I worked there. 
I've never had a proper cup of espresso. I'd really love to try a top notch cup sometime.
I ordered an espresso at Timothy's, but I don't think it was very good coffee, and I don't think it was very well made either. In fact, my Aeropress with my local roast makes far better 'espresso' (yeah, not really espresso, but better than Timothy's anyways).
I've never had a proper cup of espresso. I'd really love to try a top notch cup sometime.
I ordered an espresso at Timothy's, but I don't think it was very good coffee, and I don't think it was very well made either. In fact, my Aeropress with my local roast makes far better 'espresso' (yeah, not really espresso, but better than Timothy's anyways).
Pixel Pete
Member
My boss owns a coffee company that produces beans out of Kenya (digital media company, it's his side thing) so he knows a good deal about coffee, and teaches us all how to use the machine fairly well.
the machine itself is about $1000AUD and the grinder is about $1200AUD, so not cheap. But bloody robust. The espresso machine itself has gone through several days at trade shows constantly making coffee. It's nigh indestructible.
the machine itself is about $1000AUD and the grinder is about $1200AUD, so not cheap. But bloody robust. The espresso machine itself has gone through several days at trade shows constantly making coffee. It's nigh indestructible.
The Take Out Bandit
Member
Hey guys, did you see the Community Coffee offer on Amazon? I'm going to give it a spin.
Anybody have any feedback on the coffee itself? Reviews are pretty solid.
Anybody have any feedback on the coffee itself? Reviews are pretty solid.
Gary Whitta
Member
Any Nespresso fans in here? I figured I'd try it out so I picked up a Pixie, which is their new model and very small. I just made my first cappuccino with it (picked up a milk frother too) and it's pretty darn good for one-touch home-made.
Gary Whitta said:
We had a pretty big discussion about this in another thread. Basically, vendors are having a format war between different capsule types. K-cups and T-discs are still the forerunners, but nespresso (and now even Bialetti) are joining the game.
That said, I'm not a big fan of nespresso since the number of companies supporting it seem rather low.
Gary Whitta
Member
Well from what I understand Nespresso has a patent monopoly on the pods so no-one else can make them. Different companies make the machines though.SRG01 said:
I made the following post in another thread, but figure it may be useful here since some have brought up the AeroPress.
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Me and CrankyJay are kind of lucky. Our work has a Keurig setup with free k-cups - a few teas, cider, and maybe 8 or 10 coffees. Definitely a convenient bonus, and better than what you'd get from a typical industrial coffee maker given the sorts of coffees typically offered for such machines.
That said, I've now gotten my AreoPress usage down to a science. So I'll typically have some of that before going in (or bring a tumbler with me). I then hit up the Keurig if need be later on. Here's my 'science'.
First off, the only prep work I do is grinding some coffee. I have a little airtight container that I grind into maybe twice a week at night. This seems to be a good balance of effort and freshness - and avoids unnecessary work in the morning.
Now for the actual coffee ... which in the morning, usually means I make a Latte:
Clean up simply rinsing two mugs and throwing them in the dishwasher, unscrewing the AeroPress and pushing the grounds into the garbage, and rinsing it off (if the AeroPress filter has any grounds stuck in it, you just screw it back on and press a few rounds of water through it).
All in all, this takes me 10 minutes at most.
If I just want espresso, I skip the other steps (though sometimes I'll froth a tiny bit of 'milk' to spoon atop the shot) ... if I just want a traditional coffee, I'll make a Caffè Americano. All that means is you cut the espresso shots with your remaining hot water in the tumbler.
Whichever way I go, 10 minutes - and the results are fantastic.
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Me and CrankyJay are kind of lucky. Our work has a Keurig setup with free k-cups - a few teas, cider, and maybe 8 or 10 coffees. Definitely a convenient bonus, and better than what you'd get from a typical industrial coffee maker given the sorts of coffees typically offered for such machines.
That said, I've now gotten my AreoPress usage down to a science. So I'll typically have some of that before going in (or bring a tumbler with me). I then hit up the Keurig if need be later on. Here's my 'science'.
First off, the only prep work I do is grinding some coffee. I have a little airtight container that I grind into maybe twice a week at night. This seems to be a good balance of effort and freshness - and avoids unnecessary work in the morning.
Now for the actual coffee ... which in the morning, usually means I make a Latte:
- I start up a kettle of water on the stove.
- While it's heating, I microwave a nice mug of milk (I personally use almond milk - not dairy - ymmv).
- Once the 'milk' is done heating I hit it up with my battery powered frother, and pour most of it into my tumbler. I leave a little bit of milk in the mug to top things off at the final step.
- If I want something a little sweeter, I'll place a rock of sugar at the bottom of the mug I'm using the AeroPress with (I have some tasty German rock sugar I purchased from Teavana).
- At this point the kettle is boiling so I use the AreoPress.
- I then pour the 'espresso' into the tumbler of 'milk' and stir. If I'm in the mood, I'll add some flavor - I have some tasty Italian syrups (good for coffees, Italian ice, etc), or I use some vanilla or almond extract.
- Finally I re-froth that last bit of 'milk', spoon it on top ... and if I'm so inclined, shave some chocolate, cinnamon, or nutmeg onto the froth. Done.
Clean up simply rinsing two mugs and throwing them in the dishwasher, unscrewing the AeroPress and pushing the grounds into the garbage, and rinsing it off (if the AeroPress filter has any grounds stuck in it, you just screw it back on and press a few rounds of water through it).
All in all, this takes me 10 minutes at most.
If I just want espresso, I skip the other steps (though sometimes I'll froth a tiny bit of 'milk' to spoon atop the shot) ... if I just want a traditional coffee, I'll make a Caffè Americano. All that means is you cut the espresso shots with your remaining hot water in the tumbler.
Whichever way I go, 10 minutes - and the results are fantastic.
