coffee gadgets...

[mrwinick]

The Professional Barista's Handbook by Scott Rao: Expert's Guide to Preparing Espresso, Coffee and Tea

Great new book. Full disclosure--I've known the author for almost 20 years. We met on our first day on campus at UCLA. He has made (roasted and brewed) easily the best coffee I've ever had. He is a perfectionist. In other words, he'd fit in with this crowd.

[hugz]

I run a Rancilio Silvia and Rocky (doserless)


(not my photo. i dont own a camera, and even if i did i couldn't take a nicer photo than this one! photo rehosted but taken from here)

In time I'll PID it to make it a little easier to use, but frankly i can make a better coffee with it than i've ever had from a cafe (and i've been to a lot of good cafes)

i'll also update the grinder someday, but i'm in no huge hurry

[Daveze]

Hugz, any chance you're a snob as well?

Nice setup though, those two machines are a solid combo. Have you considered the bottomless (with La Marzocco triple basket) direction before the PID? They're a half step up in awkwardness but worth it for the taste and that little bit more romance factor...

[dspargo]

Keurig rocks!

[n0ll4k]

Because as a student I am on a budget but I love good coffee so i Got myself a Bialetti Moka Express which makes great coffee

[jules650]

I've been experimenting with coffee for the past few months. Started with the supermarket pre-ground stuff and worked my way round to the not-so-freshly roasted Whittards beans.

I bought a Solis Maestro grinder and started ordering freshly roasted beans from Hasbean here in the UK. I also recently acquired an Aeropress, which is great for a quick small fix of coffee when I'm too lazy to clean out my french press.

Grinding freshly roasted beans just before brewing makes such a difference. I don't think I can go back to drinking Nescafe Gold Blend or even any of the pre-ground supermarket stuff. Next: home roasting and espresso.

[kugino]

Originally Posted by jules650

I've been experimenting with coffee for the past few months. Started with the supermarket pre-ground stuff and worked my way round to the not-so-freshly roasted Whittards beans.

I bought a Solis Maestro grinder and started ordering freshly roasted beans from Hasbean here in the UK. I also recently acquired an Aeropress, which is great for a quick small fix of coffee when I'm too lazy to clean out my french press.

Grinding freshly roasted beans just before brewing makes such a difference. I don't think I can go back to drinking Nescafe Gold Blend or even any of the pre-ground supermarket stuff. Next: home roasting and espresso.

nice progression! you'll really love it when you start home roasting...it's the DIY of the coffee world with all the DIY perks - cheaper, more variety, experimentation, and high on the cool-factor.

too bad you're in the UK b/c there's a great online coffee buying club here in the states at greencoffeebuyinglub.com, where it's cheap enough to experiment with a lot of different origins. let us know how it goes!

[Edwood]

Anyone with experience with the Zassenhaus Hand Coffee Grinders?

Espresso Zone - Hand Coffee Mills

Which is better, the counter top one or the knee one?

Was wondering if they would be worthwhile. I tend to only drink a cup or so of coffee at a time. I'm more of a casual coffee drinker.

Or should I go with the Solis?

-Ed

[meat01]

I have a countertop model and I used it successfully for a while. They make a nice grind, I just got tired of hand grinding. I finally broke down and got a Capricio (sp?) burr grinder. Costco has them for a decent price.

[Edwood]

Yeah, I might go for the Costco one. At least they have a good return policy if it breaks down.

-Ed