Coffee

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 15:52

Unsure where to put this, my sister has got a coffee machine, not a great one or anything too expensive but it's a good change over using instant and a kettle.

This: Gaggia Espresso Cubika Plus RI8151/60 Coffee Machine

I was wondering if getting a coffee grinder/mill would be worth getting or a waste.

Also, can anyone recommend any beans/ground coffee that is nice.

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 16:51

So I could use coffee beans and a grinder with just hot water and milk without needing to use the machine?

At the moment we use ground coffee that is bought from a store but I though it may be worth getting a grinder and some beans as I've heard it makes a difference?

If so, what coffee is nice and what grinder is good.

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 16:55

Russinating said:
No, you put the ground beans in an espresso machine (or cafetiere), a la the ones you see in every coffee shop (just smaller).

So grind, put in the machine and make the espresso, then add milk/water to make the different types of coffee?

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 17:30

Raymond Lin said:
Nespresso machines can only use "pods", you buy pods to make coffee.

With a grinder and espresso machine you buy coffee beans.

Nespresso machines is neater, less mess, quicker and convenient. However running cost are higher and you can only buy the flavours nespresso makes. But I think you can make your own pods with some gadget...which for me, defeat the point of the point of this in the first place.

Grinder and espresso machine you grind coffee beans as and when you make a coffee. Each cup will be freshly ground coffee, not something grounded weeks if not months ago then vacuum packed. You can buy any coffee beans you like. When you read about those coffee beans that some animal (kopi luwak) crapped out and cost a fortune, you can try these if you are so inclined. The world is your oyster when it comes to choice and not limited by the manufacturer. Down side is there is a little more prep work but I think it's worth it.

So with the above machine I mentioned my sister has, we currently use pre-ground coffee in it. I'm correct in thinking I can get a hand grinder and some beans and grind them as I want a coffee instead of buying pre-ground?

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 17:34

Raymond Lin said:
Yup, make sure it's a burr grinder, not a blade, it's to do with how a bean is broken down. Burr is more even and thus better flavours.

Recommend me one? No point in me looking myself as I don't have a clue.

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 17:41

Wonderful.

Any recommendations on beans?

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 17:50

Yeah, I noticed the starter pack and thought that may be worth a go?

Never any harm in getting recommendations for something.

Thanks a lot for the help and info.

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 17:55

Raymond Lin said:
From the description on their site, I normally get something that is "chocolate-ty" as opposed to "citrus".

I've just noticed one that is meant to taste of Kit-Kat, must buy some of that stuff.

Is there a guide anywhere that's good. Feel like a right moron but wouldn't mind learning to make a nice coffee. Heard you have to get the ratio right and stuff?

Antony101 · 25 Apr 2013 at 18:18

I'll only be having Americano really. Maybe the odd Latte.