Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

Went a wandering in town today and went past a new cafe that's opened. Spotted some red bags on the wall...

They does Hasbean! :eek:

A pokey little place like Hitchin has somewhere that stocks Hasbean! 80% markup on the bag prices though. Not so much steep, more vertical!
 
80% markup seems crazy. Cafe in York that sells some Hasbean beans doesn't seem to mark them up much at all, and obviously not having to pay ~£2 postage it's a pretty good deal.
 
Nice guide in the OP, when we eventually move house I'm hoping to have room for a decent coffee setup :)

Siliconslave said:
Enjoy your espresso in two min before it starts to deteriorate so enjoy now!
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My wife does my head in when I make her an expresso (just from a nespresso machine), she just leaves it for ages! "It get cold quick you know" usually reminds her to get it drunk :D
 
right all.

Not sure if anyone will be interested but my mate and I will be heading to London in January to do a photoshoot possibly in lj coffee. Still need to sort out details. So if you fancy having your photo taken and appearing in his book then pop down. I will give further details closer to the time with confirmed location and times but thought i would give you a heads up.
 
Big of a bargain headsup...

Best Buy is closing down *as I'm sure most of you know...*
Using the code BBY allows you to get a Gaggia Classic for £172

Sadly, you'll have to cope with Yodel as the delivery company. They make the rail network seem well organised and efficient...

But it's a great price...
 
As discussed a week ago, Amazon are doing it for £167 currently. Although I think they're also starting to use Yodel too.
 
It seems a good reduction either way, particularly for this time of year. Was very tempted but I think I'll stick with my aeropress for it's portability.

Pity, first time Amazon have sent something to me using Yodel just this week. I'd much rather use RM for most things where I am, far less hassle.
 
Seriously thinking about getting the Gaggia classic at this price as my first espresso machine.

Being single boiler, how much of a pain is it if I want to make a few cappucino/latte drinks one after another?
 
Hamster said:
Seriously thinking about getting the Gaggia classic at this price as my first espresso machine.

Being single boiler, how much of a pain is it if I want to make a few cappucino/latte drinks one after another?
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It's not ideal, but it does work. If I had to I made 2 5oz drinks at a time using this method.

Fill milk jug
Grind coffee and load portafilter
Steam milk
Purge and clean steam wand with the water pump on to get water not steam out.
Run water through the grouphead to flush that.
Insert portafilter and brew.
While thats running, give the milk a swirl or two to keep it silky.
Pour.

It's not the most water efficient, but it;s easy enough to refill the classic. It's also best if you use bottled water with low dry residue. I still use only Tesco's Ashbeck spring water in my machine.
 
just a little reminder for people to clean their machines! I've just de scaled my machine and noticed the water flow from shower holding plate was very lopsided - should have realised that was why my pours were hanging to the left a bit...

Anyhows took off the shower screen, removed the holding plate (2 5mm allen bolts) and mother of god was it filthy - its taken me about 20min of scrubbing (with a non-scratch cloth) to get most of the scale off the machine, the holding plate is still soaking in de-scaler.

So - get your screw driver & allen keys out and give you machine a good clean - i de-scale mine fairly regularly but not nearly enough, this has given me the kick up the rear to do it more often!

edit: useful guide here http://www.bluebox.com.au/jcrayon/gaggia/
 
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Flibster said:
It's not ideal, but it does work. If I had to I made 2 5oz drinks at a time using this method.

Fill milk jug
Grind coffee and load portafilter
Steam milk
Purge and clean steam wand with the water pump on to get water not steam out.
Run water through the grouphead to flush that.
Insert portafilter and brew.
While thats running, give the milk a swirl or two to keep it silky.
Pour.

It's not the most water efficient, but it;s easy enough to refill the classic. It's also best if you use bottled water with low dry residue. I still use only Tesco's Ashbeck spring water in my machine.
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Thanks Flibster :) Doesn't seem like too much of a pain to make a couple of milk drinks.

I was thinking of going straight for a dual boiler but that's a lot of expense for me at the moment. Although I'm still not 100% decided, I think I may kick myself if I don't pick up the Classic at this price.
 
Hamster said:
Thanks Flibster :) Doesn't seem like too much of a pain to make a couple of milk drinks.

I was thinking of going straight for a dual boiler but that's a lot of expense for me at the moment. Although I'm still not 100% decided, I think I may kick myself if I don't pick up the Classic at this price.
Click to expand...

they do seem to keep dipping down to this sort of price, chances are they will again at some point however when is the question.

Having said that as an Italian company you never know what'll happen to them, the Euro etc.

oh, and just had a second, post cleaning, coffee and its reduced the bitterness and brought out a much richer flavour - I do really like Square Mile's Red Brick espresso :)
 
Anyone have many dealings with flavoured coffee? I purchased some amaretto flavoured beans recently, quite enjoyed it but wasn't a very strong coffee like I'm used to.
 
Aeropress, porlex grinder and beans all pointed out to the misses on hasbean.co.uk... here's hoping for christmas!
 
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