Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

[Sinny]

Hey guys,

Just been diverted here from GD as I'm looking for some coffee advice.

I'm stuck between getting an aeropress or a Bialetti moka xpress (open to other options)

Relatively new to good coffee but after tasting a friends pod coffee then going back to instant I want to invest in a better taste!

Also looking into a burr grinder but bit strapped on cash as I want to get the actual coffee well ).

 

[Ducky89]

This'll get moved there anyway (LC), but as has been said - aeropress (£20), grinder (£25-30) and beans from Hasbean or similar (£4-6 a pack) is bang on for a massive improvement.

 

[Sinny]

Cheers guys, didn't realise there was a cuisine sub to be fair!

 

[Raymond Lin]

I much prefer a Chemex, you can make more with 1 filter. It is easier to use if you get your ground "wrong" and it does not look like some sex toy (aeropress)...

 

[nin9abadga]

Never used the sex toy (above ) but can recommend the Aeropress. I take it to work and use it there, million times better than instant and tbh you can use any ground coffee in it for reasons of economy. I've been meaning to subscribe to a coffee delivery kinda place but I've always been put off by the price.

 

[kiteloopy]

Bialetti moka express

Just got one of these...(the smooth sided one which works on induction) and a set of tour de France espresso cups.

Im going full European. Love it.

Im just enjoying the varience in pre-ground coffee atm. I have a nespresso machine but only get the tesco pods as im a cheapskate and dont want to order directly from Nesspresso. There isnt much choice if you dont go the nespresso route. Was getting a little bored of them tbh so opening up to other forms of coffee.

 

[Sinny]

Just got one of these...(the smooth sided one which works on induction) and a set of tour de France espresso cups.

Im going full European. Love it.

Im just enjoying the varience in pre-ground coffee atm. I have a nespresso machine but only get the tesco pods as im a cheapskate and dont want to order directly from Nesspresso. There isnt much choice if you dont go the nespresso route. Was getting a little bored of them tbh so opening up to other forms of coffee.

I was converted by a friends POD Machine, but due to me moving back and forth between the rents and my house share, leaving a £60 machine and loads of pods in a house share is a big no no considering they'd use them!

I'd just have fresh ground coffee at my parents and grind some more for the week that's a bit more fresh than the normal freeze dried instant stuff I drink.

After spending £7 at Starbucks a few days ago, I realised I needed a more practical solution!

Considering the aeropress, after my Dad mentioned his bialetti went a bit 'funny' after leaving it for a bit, which I'd most likely do.

 

[molinari]

Another "yes" for the Aeropress. I use mine every morning at work, along with a hand grinder and beans from Has Bean, it only takes a couple of minutes to make a superb cup of coffee. I also have a Chemex which I use at weekends, which also makes great coffee, so can also recommend that.
I'd go Aeropress if you're making just for yourself (although you can make 2 cups from one brew), and Chemex if you're making more than 2 cups in one brew.

 

[SpeedFreak]

Just watching a documentary on expensive food. Some blaggers are selling Kopi Luwak to socialites in London at £325 a cup. I'm still laughing now.

 

[Cookeh]

What kind of grind should I be aiming for with a stovetop espresso maker? Oh, and can anyone recommend me some coffee? At the moment I have some Dark Indonesian something from Whittards - I want to explore more beans/roasts - though I am partial to some full bodied, dark and strong (I know, phrasing)

 

[Raymond Lin]

What kind of grind should I be aiming for with a stovetop espresso maker? Oh, and can anyone recommend me some coffee? At the moment I have some Dark Indonesian something from Whittards - I want to explore more beans/roasts - though I am partial to some full bodied, dark and strong (I know, phrasing)

I would say filter grade, as opposed to espresso, as you are not pushing it with 15 bar of pressure and you don't want it to explode ! Okay, it probably won't but it don't want to to choke either.

 

[molinari]

What kind of grind should I be aiming for with a stovetop coffee maker?

This brew guide from Has Bean should help you .

Oh, and can anyone recommend me some coffee? At the moment I have some Dark Indonesian something from Whittards - I want to explore more beans/roasts - though I am partial to some full bodied, dark and strong (I know, phrasing)

Have a look at the selection that Has Bean offer, they have some very nice coffee beans.

 

[Cookeh]

Thanks guys, I'll take a look

 

[NickK]

Cleaning the MCAL..

The piston and spring.. no pump here just spring loaded coffee extraction!


With the bottom water spreader off that sits above the portafilter, the bottom of the piston..

 

[JoeF1]

Afternoon guys.

Anyone tried Kopi before?

I have only ever ordered from hasbean and was thinking of subscribing so i get a random bag every month. Any of you guys done this?

 

[Ducky89]

Kopi is supposedly awful and overpriced.

Not done the hasbean IMM, but their beans have always been lovely every time I've bought from there so wouldn't hesitate to try it.

 

[OCdude]

I'm looking to sell my entire (barely used) modded Gaggia setup (got the upgrade itch). I'm assuming this isn't suitable for the MM, so.. can i post the details in here?

 

[Edinho]

Question. If it's barely used why sell it? You'll just have a bigger machine still barely used.

 

[OCdude]

Because I'll then have a regularly used semi-automatic machine.

 

[Grimley]

http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/1kg-lavazza-coffee-beans-9-99-lidl-medium-dark-roast-options-2215695

If you like these sort of beans.