I've got both, but I've found that using the 1 cup on my normal mug is a pain in the bum as it's a huge mug.
If I'm trying smaller coffee quantities I'll use the 1 cup, but I normally use the 2 cup.
Haven't noticed any difference in taste though.
Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread
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I've got both, but I've found that using the 1 cup on my normal mug is a pain in the bum as it's a huge mug.
If I'm trying smaller coffee quantities I'll use the 1 cup, but I normally use the 2 cup.
Haven't noticed any difference in taste though.
I've got both, but I've found that using the 1 cup on my normal mug is a pain in the bum as it's a huge mug.
If I'm trying smaller coffee quantities I'll use the 1 cup, but I normally use the 2 cup.
Haven't noticed any difference in taste though.
Thanks. I've ordered the one cup version and it's too late to change it. I'll probably send it back and get the two cup as it would be nice to fill up a travel mug all in one go.
Ceramic. Have found that plastic ones can leave a taste from time to time. The ceramic also holds the heat longer.
*I've got something that I'm playing with to keep the ceramic V60 at the correct temperature - hacked up USB cup warmer
*
*I've got something that I'm playing with to keep the ceramic V60 at the correct temperature - hacked up USB cup warmer
*Chemex. Not a huge fan of fabric filters - not having great experieces with them. Got them for the siphon and the V60 and tend to use the paper filters instead.
If you get a Chemex, remember that the best way to use it is either full or half full, Not just any old amount.
1-3 cup holds 500g
3-6 cup holds 1000g
10 cup holds 1600g
I'd also get the one with the glass handle too. The wood and leather one is great, but it's easier to keep the glass handled one clean.
Great stuff. I do like the style of the Chemex with the wood and leather though the 3-6 cup would be the ideal size for me and that's the glass handled one.
On another note, I'm seriously considering a decent grinder now and the reviews for the Vario are rather good in general but there's a lot to choose from. The Eureka Mignon gets a great review and is favoured by the Bella Baritsa reviewer though. Then there's the Macap MC4......so much choice!!!!
On another note, I'm seriously considering a decent grinder now and the reviews for the Vario are rather good in general but there's a lot to choose from. The Eureka Mignon gets a great review and is favoured by the Bella Baritsa reviewer though. Then there's the Macap MC4......so much choice!!!!
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I'm also looking for a new grinder soon... They seem to be great for filter, or great for espresso... Only ever acceptable for both...
How hard can it be?
Anyway - starting at 9:30am is the UK Barista Championship semi finals. I'll be there - cheering on John Gordon *UKBC Champion 2009 and lovely chap* , Hayley Draper *lovely lady and owner of my favourite coffee shop - The Window* and Callum Thomson *who isn't actually allowed to compete as he's only 15... and should be in school!*
Starts at 9:30 - doors to the IFE '11 at the ExCeL open at...
10am! GENIUS!
There will be tweeting - Many coffee people will be present - I expect it will be under the #ukbc hashtag - may even be a live stream available...
I'll be back late in the day with photo's and hopefully video.
[edit]
Running order and other stuff is at the SCAE UK website - Taa daa!
How hard can it be?
Anyway - starting at 9:30am is the UK Barista Championship semi finals. I'll be there - cheering on John Gordon *UKBC Champion 2009 and lovely chap* , Hayley Draper *lovely lady and owner of my favourite coffee shop - The Window* and Callum Thomson *who isn't actually allowed to compete as he's only 15... and should be in school!
*Starts at 9:30 - doors to the IFE '11 at the ExCeL open at...
10am! GENIUS!
There will be tweeting - Many coffee people will be present - I expect it will be under the #ukbc hashtag - may even be a live stream available...
I'll be back late in the day with photo's and hopefully video.
[edit]
Running order and other stuff is at the SCAE UK website - Taa daa!
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Enjoy the day!!
I got my V60 this morning but it didn't come with any filters; was it not supposed to? There are a few different filters available it seems, some bleached. Do you know which are best?
-edit- not to worry. General concensus is that the bleached papers are best. Ordered some from Square Mile.
I got my V60 this morning but it didn't come with any filters; was it not supposed to? There are a few different filters available it seems, some bleached. Do you know which are best?
-edit- not to worry. General concensus is that the bleached papers are best. Ordered some from Square Mile.
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Flibster I love you man! really I do - was in a meeting in London today new Holborn today and after your comments about Purfrock I figured I'd check were it was - literally 2min walk away from where I was going
Popped in for a quick double winter espresso before the meeting which as you say is stunning, really soft mouthfeel and a lovely slightly spiced after-taste.
As it would be rude not to i went back post meeting to try out the slow bar and was blown away by the syphon brewed coffee (can't remember what it was not - very slack!):
incredibly subtle flavours, none of that usual coffee harshness it just felt infused with a lovely light orange blossom after-taste.
Did have to resist the toys though - very nearly bought a woodneck...
Popped in for a quick double winter espresso before the meeting which as you say is stunning, really soft mouthfeel and a lovely slightly spiced after-taste.
As it would be rude not to i went back post meeting to try out the slow bar and was blown away by the syphon brewed coffee (can't remember what it was not - very slack!):
incredibly subtle flavours, none of that usual coffee harshness it just felt infused with a lovely light orange blossom after-taste.
Did have to resist the toys though - very nearly bought a woodneck...
Eeeexcellent.
They are going to have the lever machine that currently in the window set up soon, may allow them to have more unusual espressos available. I find the prices of a lot of non-espresso brewed coffee in London, frankly ridiculous, but I love it too much to care.
---
Anyway - awesome day today. Finalists for tomorrow are:
Haley Draper *WOO!*
Neil Le Bihan
Dale Harris *Of Hasbean*
Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
Alice Cook
John Gordon *WOO!*
Thats the running order assigned at random to the top 6.
I've had an awesome day meeting lots of fanatically brilliant people, learning lots and getting many ideas and some truly spectacular coffee. But now, it's time for pizza, shower and sleep. In that order... it kicks off again at 9:45am tomorrow. Hopefully with streaming in place...
Oh, and I never realised how abysmal the public transport system is in London to anywhere outside of the centre. 1.5 hours from Kings Cross to ExCeL centre!
They are going to have the lever machine that currently in the window set up soon, may allow them to have more unusual espressos available. I find the prices of a lot of non-espresso brewed coffee in London, frankly ridiculous, but I love it too much to care.
---
Anyway - awesome day today. Finalists for tomorrow are:
Haley Draper *WOO!*
Neil Le Bihan
Dale Harris *Of Hasbean*
Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
Alice Cook
John Gordon *WOO!*
Thats the running order assigned at random to the top 6.
I've had an awesome day meeting lots of fanatically brilliant people, learning lots and getting many ideas and some truly spectacular coffee. But now, it's time for pizza, shower and sleep. In that order... it kicks off again at 9:45am tomorrow. Hopefully with streaming in place...
Oh, and I never realised how abysmal the public transport system is in London to anywhere outside of the centre. 1.5 hours from Kings Cross to ExCeL centre!
Oh, and favourite product name that I've seen so far is an energy drink called....
Pussy
Not entirely sure who it is marketed at, but I tried it and it tastes rather good. Surprisingly fruity. *I'm so immature*
Picked up a can to give to my girlfriends lesbian sister at her wedding. *See, I told you I was immature*
Pussy
Not entirely sure who it is marketed at, but I tried it and it tastes rather good. Surprisingly fruity. *I'm so immature*
Picked up a can to give to my girlfriends lesbian sister at her wedding.
*See, I told you I was immature*Well, it's all over for another year. The finishing order was:
Best Espresso - John Gordon
Best Cappuccino - Neil Le Bihan
Best Sig Drink - Draw between Neil Le Bihan and John Gordon.
In 6th place - Alice Cook
5th - Hayley Draper
4th - Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
3rd - Dale Harris
2nd - Neil Le Bihan
And so, for the 2nd year running John Gordon is the UK Barista Champion and will be going out to Bogota in Colombia for the World Barista Championships in June.
Have more to post and a video somewhere, but knackered.
Best Espresso - John Gordon
Best Cappuccino - Neil Le Bihan
Best Sig Drink - Draw between Neil Le Bihan and John Gordon.
In 6th place - Alice Cook
5th - Hayley Draper
4th - Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood
3rd - Dale Harris
2nd - Neil Le Bihan
And so, for the 2nd year running John Gordon is the UK Barista Champion and will be going out to Bogota in Colombia for the World Barista Championships in June.
Have more to post and a video somewhere, but knackered.
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The syphon was £3.50 and for the whole experience and the amount of work it took I didn't feel it was expensive and a double espresso at £1.50 is a bargain... we got so ripped off at places like Starbucks!
Spent half an hour or so chatting with Gwilym yesterday *if you get the chance - do it* He prices his espresso for the lowest quality he would serve, it's really unlikely he would ever serve that though - the single origin he's got on at the moment is really fruity *raspberryish* and is really refreshing. He's going to have the lever machine set up serving single origin espresso that'll be 50p more as it'll be more controlled.
I can understand that the syphon and the halogen heater cost quite a bit of money and will be less popular than the espresso based, but I have paid £4.50 for a syphon in London and although it was superb, I did think that it is pushing it slightly.
I've met so many awesome people over the last 2 days, that my brain is a little frazzled *or is that the caffeine OD?* Neil Le Bihan and Dale Harris stand out though.
Neils sig drink was the best that I have tasted. Vanilla and orange zest custard *essentially* with espresso mixed in. Not as thick as I was expecting, but really creamy and so drinkable. Perfect after dinner drink or served with sticky toffee pudding or apple pie/crumble - oh and he gave me a bag of his UKBC Blend that he roasted *www.darkfluid.co.uk* Drinking it now. Pulled the shot a little long and steamed some milk for it. Dark chocolate, caramalised sugar flavours. Really nicely sweet.
Dale, was like a little Jack Russell terrier, he had so much going on that he was having to go through so quickly and order the judges around that it was really entertaining to watch.
Maybe next year....
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I looked at all three of these grinders for ages last year before eventually making my mind up. I went for the Eureka Mignon and I'm glad I did as it is a fantastic piece of kit. The Vario looks nice but there were quite a number of people having issues with it and switching to the Mignon and other grinders. I'm sure it's good but I couldn't fault the Mignon; fantastic espresso grind for about £80 less.
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That's weird, thought the UKBC was around June last year! Or do they hold each round as a separate event?
On a non-espresso-related subject, I bought a new rubber filter seal for my stove-top, and every time I use it the coffee STINKS and is undrinkable! At first I thought it was the coffee, but using it in my espresso machine it comes out fine. Same with the Aeropress. So I took the stove-top apart, smelled the rubber seal, and I realized that it smelled intensely of plastic. This despite the fact that it had been washed thoroughly before being put in and after each use, so I assume they're just cheap and nasty and I didn't do anything wrong. (Just in case though I've got it soaking in soapy water overnight to see if that helps.) So anyway, the question is, spec me a decent source of spare parts for my various coffee implements, one that won't sell me stuff that stinks of plastic!
On a non-espresso-related subject, I bought a new rubber filter seal for my stove-top, and every time I use it the coffee STINKS and is undrinkable! At first I thought it was the coffee, but using it in my espresso machine it comes out fine. Same with the Aeropress. So I took the stove-top apart, smelled the rubber seal, and I realized that it smelled intensely of plastic. This despite the fact that it had been washed thoroughly before being put in and after each use, so I assume they're just cheap and nasty and I didn't do anything wrong. (Just in case though I've got it soaking in soapy water overnight to see if that helps.) So anyway, the question is, spec me a decent source of spare parts for my various coffee implements, one that won't sell me stuff that stinks of plastic!
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might be worth soaking it in some bi-carb of soda mixed with water for a bit - will generally get rid of most excessive flavours on things...
I want my next grinder to be one of these after seing one at the UKBC. http://www.versalab.com/server/coffee/grindernew.html
You can tell that the company makes record players. Stunningly simple and elegent. Shame about the $1700+ price tag. *ouch*
Vario has been having some problems recently. Heard of a few just stopping with no warning. The problem is, for the home user that does espresso and brewed, finding a machine without a doser, thats easy to adjust, that does both acceptably well, for a reasonable price is not easy.
You can tell that the company makes record players. Stunningly simple and elegent. Shame about the $1700+ price tag. *ouch*
Vario has been having some problems recently. Heard of a few just stopping with no warning. The problem is, for the home user that does espresso and brewed, finding a machine without a doser, thats easy to adjust, that does both acceptably well, for a reasonable price is not easy.
WBC was last June at the Caffe Culture show.
UKBC is normally held around march, the regional heats are normally some weeks earlier. Same as the other championships all over the world.