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Daerc posted:I just did some quick searching, and while Hasbean doesn't seem to sell them, it looked like most people in the few UK coffee forums I could find were picking them up off CoffeeHit (or a few other sites that don't even ship to the entirety of the UK). I usually don't even bother with UK shops since they almost never ship outside the country, but I can't believe I didn't try Amazon  Well, thanks a lot! Just ordered one from there, as you said shipping was much cheaper. With this dripper I should be able to remove myself from the equation, at least when it comes to brewing... I can still screw up in other areas  Any recommendation for filters? Are supermarket ones good enough or should I rely only on trusted brands?
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Dec 23, 2011 07:54
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seravid posted:Wait, what? After reading the OP I was set on the CCD, but couldn't find it here in Europe. I just re-checked and Hasbean doesn't sell it...? Sorry my bad, it's not Hasbean but Square Mile that stocks them for 20 quid.......they have good beans as well. Tell us how the Brazilian went, I tend to your avoid typical coffee countries i.e. Brazil, Colombia etc but should give them a shot really. The Kenyan I'm having now (Tegu AA on CCD) is good but am noticing some cups are better than others, very bright but it ends on a lovely buttery, caramelized sugar note. If I do it on Aeropress, it gets a bit too strong with a cloudy look (tends to happen for Aeropress African coffee for some reason)
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Dec 23, 2011 08:55
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seravid posted:I usually don't even bother with UK shops since they almost never ship outside the country, but I can't believe I didn't try Amazon Yes, the beauty of the CCD is you can set everything else (i.e. brew time, volume and coffee) on constant with the only variable being the grind size which makes it easier to adjust and get right. Any filter brand should be OK, I use cheap, unbleached Japanese Daiso filters, just make sure they're not too thick and that you rinse them off, paper tastes nasty.
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Dec 23, 2011 09:09
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Finally found one at a decent price: 
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Dec 24, 2011 17:42
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So, I just got my sweet sweet Baratza maestro for Christmas! Anyone else here use one with a chemex filter? If so, got a grind setting you can recommend me?
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Dec 25, 2011 04:30
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Whisker Biscuit posted:So, I just got my sweet sweet Baratza maestro for Christmas! Anyone else here use one with a chemex filter? If so, got a grind setting you can recommend me?
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Dec 25, 2011 06:50
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that Vai sound posted:I have a Chemex and the new Virtuoso, which also has 40 settings. I have limited experience right now, but 28 seemed a good coarseness for 48g of coffee (with a ratio of 2g per 1 fl oz). I'm going to try 30 next. But if I were to use 21g of coffee, I'd try a setting of 20. The setting seems dependent on how much coffee you make. I had a great cup of Tanzania AA Ruvuma this morning - 5 tablespoons ground coffee to 25 oz water. Molasses on the nose and a zippy, lemony finish. Merry Christmas to me!
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Dec 25, 2011 17:47
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Can you guys detect these aromas from the beans or do they only come out after brewing?
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Dec 25, 2011 18:15
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Hooray I got an aeropress for Christmas! No grinder though. Even with a blade grinder its a pretty big improvement over crappy drip coffee anyway. Been making iced drinks all morning for everyone.
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Dec 25, 2011 18:21
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seravid posted:Can you guys detect these aromas from the beans or do they only come out after brewing? First, I was a Barista for a long time so I have had shiploads of cupping/tasting practice. As for the question, I definitely got the lemons in the smell of the ground beans, but the darker, molasses and chocolate flavors were way more pronounced in the finished product.
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Dec 25, 2011 18:49
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Whisker Biscuit posted:I had a great cup of Tanzania AA Ruvuma this morning - 5 tablespoons ground coffee to 25 oz water. Molasses on the nose and a zippy, lemony finish. Merry Christmas to me!
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Dec 25, 2011 18:50
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 Got a roaster for Christmas (old Popcorn popper). First batch came out a little too dark, I think! Next one will be less time, I'm thinking 45 seconds less. Do I really have to wait a day to try it out?
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Dec 25, 2011 20:51
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I was given a hario skerton for Xmas. I plan to use it with a clever coffee dripper. Is there any gain to be had on the fine end of the grind spectrum from modification?
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Dec 25, 2011 21:21
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Also, I was given an air popper. Does anyone have any suggestions for good "beginner beans?" (quote is not edit)
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Dec 25, 2011 21:23
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Doh004 posted:
Congrats! Welcome to roasting. You don't have to wait. I do it all the time. Just grind and allow for more degassing time when you prewet, it will be pretty voluminous. Loucks posted:Also, I was given an air popper. Does anyone have any suggestions for good "beginner beans?" Congrats, too! "Peaberry" type beans are nice because of their shape. They roll easily and roast evenly because of this. Also wet process coffees have a tendency to roast more evenly because of the nature of the process. The size sorting is usually more consistent and there are fewer "quakers." Coffees that can take a large swath of roasts and still taste good are good as well, as your roast control will not be optimal at first. GrAviTy84 fucked around with this message at 22:01 on Dec 25, 2011 |
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Dec 25, 2011 21:58
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I just got an aeropress for Christmas and I'm looking at burr grinders. The Maestro is up on the refurb store for $95. Any reason to get it over a Capresso Infinity or Bodum Bistro (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Bistro-Electric-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0043095WW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324849088&sr=8-3)? I've got $40 in amazon gift certificates burning a hole in my wallet so I'd prefer one of the later two but I'll go for the Maestro if it's significantly better. Or should I just grind my coffee at the store and use it a week at a time?
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Dec 25, 2011 22:40
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Loucks posted:I was given a hario skerton for Xmas. I plan to use it with a clever coffee dripper. Is there any gain to be had on the fine end of the grind spectrum from modification? They say fine, but that is really because most people are used to the giant grids for french press, but really fine, it will over extract.,
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Dec 25, 2011 22:42
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Residency Evil posted:I just got an aeropress for Christmas and I'm looking at burr grinders. The Maestro is up on the refurb store for $95. Any reason to get it over a Capresso Infinity or Bodum Bistro (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-Bistro-Electric-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0043095WW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1324849088&sr=8-3)? I've got $40 in amazon gift certificates burning a hole in my wallet so I'd prefer one of the later two but I'll go for the Maestro if it's significantly better. The Maestro is significantly better. Better burrs, more grind steps, anti static container. It is worth it. quote:Or should I just grind my coffee at the store and use it a week at a time? If you can afford a grinder, don't do this.
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Dec 25, 2011 23:34
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Is there a point at which grinding your coffee right before you use it isn't going to do much to save it? My parents got like 10 pounds of coffee from Costco, and immediately put it all in the freezer. I am not going to be able to convince them to get better coffee, or put in a modicum more effort than it takes to dump grounds into the top of a Mr. Coffee in the morning. Are they going to see any benefit from using fresh-ground-correct-fineness coffee, or is that a waste of effort at this point?
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Dec 25, 2011 23:56
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Gravity Pike posted:Is there a point at which grinding your coffee right before you use it isn't going to do much to save it? My parents got like 10 pounds of coffee from Costco, and immediately put it all in the freezer. I am not going to be able to convince them to get better coffee, or put in a modicum more effort than it takes to dump grounds into the top of a Mr. Coffee in the morning. Are they going to see any benefit from using fresh-ground-correct-fineness coffee, or is that a waste of effort at this point? Depends on the coffee at costco. The used to sell these fresh roasted 2 lb bags, single origin (SO). It was pretty decent coffee. I stopped buying roasted coffee though when I started roasting  . I'm kind of unsure of what you're asking though. I think you're asking if the quality of the coffee is so bad and all other brew variables are bad, is optimizing grind worth it? I think it depends on who's drinking it. If you are on a crusade to get your parents into good coffee but they couldn't care less, I think you're destined to fail and I wouldn't even bother. If you think they could be swayed, I wouldn't even bother with baby steps. I'd show up with a modded skerton or mini mill, some fresh roasted coffee, and a CCD and do a good coffee full assault on the senses. Then when they  at the enlightening experience of a proper cup of coffee, getting them to get a 100bux grinder is a lot easier.Edit: even if you get the cheap Costco "Jose's" brand, this coffee is still miles better than preground folgers/maxwell/yuban/whatever. I think proper grind treatment will still be noticeable. GrAviTy84 fucked around with this message at 00:11 on Dec 26, 2011 |
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Dec 26, 2011 00:09
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I've spent the last few hours with a disassembled Hario mini. My conclusion: I hate it. I also hate everyone in this thread, the world in general and any existing extra-terrestrial life. Myself, too. Let's see: - Unsecured shaft? Check. Tape the area where the bushings are supposed to secure it. Boom, it's rock-solid. - Unsecured outer burr? Check. The four plastic housings are pathetic, the burr moves freely in there. Half a mile of tape later, the drat thing is now bulletproof. - Unsecured inner burr's clamp? Check. I'm starting to see a pattern here. Tape everywhere until there's no more gap. - Unsecured inner burr? Check. Holy christ, this is ridiculous... Anyway, you guessed it, tape tape tape, inner burr stabilized. Last check, everything looks good. Job well done, seravid, give it a whirl. Wait, that... that doesn't look centered at all! - Slightly bent shaft causing an eccentric rotation and nullifying hours of work? RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH  According to a thread back on CoffeeGeek, this appears to be pretty common. Nice going, Hario, I'm sure I'll buy more of your quality products in the future.
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Dec 26, 2011 01:09
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Any strong opinions on reusable filters? Sometimes I feel guilty about all the disposable ones I go through.
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Dec 26, 2011 02:03
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HardCorey posted:Any strong opinions on reusable filters? Sometimes I feel guilty about all the disposable ones I go through. What type/size filter?
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Dec 26, 2011 02:56
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seravid posted:According to a thread back on CoffeeGeek, this appears to be pretty common. Nice going, Hario, I'm sure I'll buy more of your quality products in the future. To be fair, you're expecting 300bux of grinder out of a 40bux hand grinder. This is one reason many of us recommend buying the best grinder you can up front. HardCorey posted:Any strong opinions on reusable filters? Sometimes I feel guilty about all the disposable ones I go through. I like a clean cup and I compost. So I have no qualms with using paper filters.
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Dec 26, 2011 03:01
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So after passing on the Breville machine, I'm back on the hunt for a good combo for daily high-quality espresso. Would this be a good bet? Under a grand, no tax free shipping. Brand new also: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Espresso-Maker-Rancilio-Silvia-Rocky-doser-Grinder-/370387820909 Edit: Rancilio Silvia and Rocky grinder combo. $978 shipped. I could even use the "make offer" and see what happens. Any suggested realistic offers I should send the seller's way?
hotsauce fucked around with this message at 03:22 on Dec 26, 2011 |
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Dec 26, 2011 03:14
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The Vario is a better espresso grinder.
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Dec 26, 2011 03:23
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Bob_McBob posted:The Vario is a better espresso grinder. Oh, you again....  All kidding aside, I really appreciate your advice. I'll search around for a Vario. Hey, I'm a cheapskate and am looking to do this with a "wife approved" budget, which I'm currently over..... Edit: Any difference between the Vario and the Vario W? hotsauce fucked around with this message at 03:31 on Dec 26, 2011 |
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Dec 26, 2011 03:27
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Whisker Biscuit posted:So, I just got my sweet sweet Baratza maestro for Christmas! Anyone else here use one with a chemex filter? If so, got a grind setting you can recommend me? The numbers on grinders are only meaningful for that particular grinder. They're just to give you a scale to make adjustments. The actual grind size at a specific setting depends on how the burrs are calibrated, which isn't exactly the same for every Maestro. The Virtuoso and Maestro don't even have the same burr set, so number comparisons are particularly meaningless. GrAviTy84 posted:I like a clean cup and I compost. So I have no qualms with using paper filters. Ditto.
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Dec 26, 2011 03:34
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GrAviTy84 posted:To be fair, you're expecting 300bux of grinder out of a 40bux hand grinder. This is one reason many of us recommend buying the best grinder you can up front. I expected brands to cheap out on materials, capacity, ease of use... not on the one thing it's actually supposed to do. Which, now that I think about it, was pretty naïve of me. Still, can't help but find it amusing/depressing that to get a grinder that is actually good at grinding, I'll need to spend at least three times more cash than I paid for the Hario. Since we're here, any European alternative to the Baratza Maestro? It's a rip-off here compared to the US. At 95$ (refurb) I would have jumped straight to it instead of the wonder mill I have.
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Dec 26, 2011 03:37
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hotsauce posted:Oh, you again.... A refurb Vario is $360 here. The difference between the Vario and Vario-W is that the W grinds by weight into a bin (which you then transfer to the portafilter basket), while the Vario grinds by time directly into the basket. The W is a bit more expensive. Read the descriptions on Baratza's site.
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Dec 26, 2011 03:38
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Bob_McBob posted:A refurb Vario is $360 here. The difference between the Vario and Vario-W is that the W grinds by weight into a bin (which you then transfer to the portafilter basket), while the Vario grinds by time directly into the basket. The W is a bit more expensive. Read the descriptions on Baratza's site. Thanks. They are currently out of stock on the refurbs, so I'll keep checking. So it's safe to say the regular Vario is probably the best bet?
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Dec 26, 2011 03:44
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DragonWC99 posted:What type/size filter?
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Dec 26, 2011 04:57
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GrAviTy84 posted:I'd show up with a modded skerton or mini mill, some fresh roasted coffee, and a CCD Would modding my skerton produce better coffee with the CCD? I've got it set to about the middle of the adjustment range. So far the coffee has been pretty drat good, but if there is room for improvement I'll go hunt down some rubber washers and a spring.
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Dec 26, 2011 16:41
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I bought a french press and I'm not really looking to drop 100 bucks on a good grinder yet, but I have a cheap electric blade one that gives a pretty inconsistent grind. Is it better to still buy whole beans and grind them using the lovely grinder, or am I better off getting my beans ground when I buy them?
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Dec 26, 2011 19:54
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Count me as an aeropress convert. I had my first cup this morning and I've never tasted so much of the coffee as today. It was so smooth I didn't even miss the usual milk that I add. Can't wait to try it out with a burr grinder once it gets here.
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Dec 26, 2011 20:34
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Starks posted:I bought a french press and I'm not really looking to drop 100 bucks on a good grinder yet, but I have a cheap electric blade one that gives a pretty inconsistent grind. Is it better to still buy whole beans and grind them using the lovely grinder, or am I better off getting my beans ground when I buy them? I had a blade grinder for about half of a year until I got my burr grinder. I definitely tasted improved flavor with the grinder over store bought, pre-ground coffee. Yeah it was sometimes inconsistent, but once you get the hang of it, it'll still be miles better.
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Dec 26, 2011 22:06
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Starks posted:I bought a french press and I'm not really looking to drop 100 bucks on a good grinder yet, but I have a cheap electric blade one that gives a pretty inconsistent grind. Is it better to still buy whole beans and grind them using the lovely grinder, or am I better off getting my beans ground when I buy them? If you can afford a $20 burr grinder from Black & Decker, I'd recommend that as kind of an "entry grinder." You're going to get a much more consistent grind than from a blade grinder, even from a crappy burr grinder. If you don't want to drop $20 on that, I'd still stick with your blade mill over pre-ground coffee.
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Dec 26, 2011 22:32
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Made a really nice tasting cup of press pot coffee. Ended up with what seemed a fair amount of sediment, though, but I'm not sure how much is normal. Anyone tried pouring through another additional filter to catch the rest?
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Dec 27, 2011 18:54
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that Vai sound posted:Made a really nice tasting cup of press pot coffee. Ended up with what seemed a fair amount of sediment, though, but I'm not sure how much is normal. Anyone tried pouring through another additional filter to catch the rest? You can, but it's also probably going to get rid of some of the body that french press coffee is known for. I personally just don't drink the last sip. I did however just get a vac pot for Christmas which produces somewhat similar coffee, but without the sediment. Really excited to fire this thing up, but I need to pick up some denatured alcohol for the burner.
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Dec 27, 2011 19:55
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What's the recommended grind setting for a Virtuoso / Aeropress combination?
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Dec 27, 2011 19:59
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