Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

[SkeeterUK]

Just made a cappa with the new jug, its defo better than using pyrex or a cup to do the milk in but it still kinda bubbled up quite a bit still tho small bubbles not massive ones. The texture also i think was thicker tho not as thick as i would have liked. This was with the plastic on the wand. Might try without next time see how i get on that way.

Not much to see really in the cuppa pic just that its a tasty cuppa so far. The foam is a bit cold but the milk was hot and the drink is alltogether hot. So why the foam is a bit cold i dunno. Its quite a thick foam too.

 

[Flibster]

Just wanted to say that I'm sat in my local coffee shop, now voted one of the top 50 in the UK by the Independent, drinking a lovely Rwandan from the aeropress, munching on a chocolate cake and watching the morons outside in the snow.

 

[Skeptic]

Just wanted to say that I'm sat in my local coffee shop, now voted one of the top 50 in the UK by the Independent, drinking a lovely Rwandan from the aeropress, munching on a chocolate cake and watching the morons outside in the snow.

I'm in the plough harborne - also on the list - doing just the same. They're brewing hasbeans hangover cure from their new subscription.

 

[Disco Boy]

Avoid the fridge and freezer (see Flibster's link above). I store beans in the bag that they come in and in a cupboard at room temperature. I use a clip to keep it airtight. Ideally don't buy beans that will be hanging around for more than about 3 weeks.

Thanks =]

 

[Flibster]

I'm in the plough harborne - also on the list - doing just the same. They're brewing hasbeans hangover cure from their new subscription.

I'm on the edge of subscribing to that, but I don't really drink enough espresso at the moment. Just having the weird and wonderful blends could flip that though.

I was at Hermitage Road, it's only 3 minutes walk from the flat and does Hasbean too.

 

[Hamster]

I'm on the edge of subscribing to that, but I don't really drink enough espresso at the moment. Just having the weird and wonderful blends could flip that though.

I was at Hermitage Road, it's only 3 minutes walk from the flat and does Hasbean too.

My wallet is happy that I don't live 3 minutes away from a quality coffee shop!!

 

[Skeptic]

Unfortunately I'm not sold on the hangover cure. It's weird, sure, but I find it a bit, well, uninteresting. A surprise, I know!

 

[Flibster]

My wallet is happy that I don't live 3 minutes away from a quality coffee shop!!

It can be a bit inconvenient at times. Just walking into town to do some shopping can take me an hour...

 

[Going to Cali]

For any owners of the gaggia classic, I would recommend performing the OPV mod. Essentially the units are calibrated for use with the pods. Mine was reading approx 14 bar pressure. I've since adjusted to 9 bar and the difference in quality of shot was worth the tinkering. Timing of pour is better and the taste is less harsh with a smoother feel. There is a good guide here

http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?3859-Adjusting-the-OPV-(over-Pressure-Valve)-Gaggia-Classic

 

[Raymond Lin]

For any owners of the gaggia classic, I would recommend performing the OPV mod. Essentially the units are calibrated for use with the pods. Mine was reading approx 14 bar pressure. I've since adjusted to 9 bar and the difference in quality of shot was worth the tinkering. Timing of pour is better and the taste is less harsh with a smoother feel. There is a good guide here

http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?3859-Adjusting-the-OPV-(over-Pressure-Valve)-Gaggia-Classic

Does it dependant on when you bought the Classic?

I got mine like 4 years+ ago.

 

[Hamster]

Does it dependant on when you bought the Classic?

I got mine like 4 years+ ago.

If your machine is the newer type that accepts pods, it will be set to around 15bar. From what I remember reading, a lot of Classics prior to that were sometimes set a bit above 9 bar but not nearly as high as 15.

 

[Raymond Lin]

If your machine is the newer type that accepts pods, it will be set to around 15bar. From what I remember reading, a lot of Classics prior to that were sometimes set a bit above 9 bar but not nearly as high as 15.

Mine don't take pods, at least i don't think so.

 

[GTanny]

Loving playing with my machine since i purchased some real beans (even if im not fond of a couple)

Decided to document my latest Latte (didnt bother with grinds or such)

it begins

about 10 secs in

Action shot (about 20 seconds)

The final espresso

the cold milk

The (blurry) milk steamed

The final product (pour didnt go too well but im going to pick up a 12oz cappucino cup when i see one around, online prices are silly)

sorry for the picture heavy post i was a bit bored as the misses has stole the TV remote

 

[E61 Grouphead]

Both the shot and milk look fantastic. I think a 12 oz would be a bit big for me personally, but it would still be nice to have one for the flexibility.

I do love these thick walled Italian style ones. I have got espresso cups and 7 oz Cappuccino cups from this retailer (Como range)
http://www.coffeecups.co.uk/product...ps-latte-mugs/range/como-espresso-cappuccino/

I think they look great and they are lovely to drink from.

 

[davetherave2]

well after months of dithering I have finally order me some espresso and latte cups

latte cups
http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/blue-latte-cappuccino-cup-saucer-250ml-8-5oz/p623

espresso cups
http://www.coffeehit.co.uk/blue-espresso-cup-saucer-70ml-2-5oz/p621

I have been waiting for these to come into stock for ages so snapped them up before they sold out. Will try and get some real life pics up tomorrow if they arrive.

Just need to get some cleaning stuff for the gaggia classic now.

Do I need to get cleaning solutions for both descaling and for the group head or will descaler be enough for the classic. Where is currently the best place to purchase such items and should I stick with the gaggia products or can I use an alternative?

I need to get a non-pressurized basket as well so would prefer to get all the items at the same time.

 

[Hamster]

Get something like Puly Caff for the group and accessories. It's also the stuff for backflushing. I bought Puro Caff from creamsupplies which is essentially the same thing.

For descaling, I'd get a decent descaling fluid or tablets....hold on, haven't we been here before?!

 

[Flibster]

I'm a fan of Inker and d'Ancap cups. Lovely thick walls and comfy to hold.

For a decent mug - the Rattleware Diner mug rocks.

 

[davetherave2]

Get something like Puly Caff for the group and accessories. It's also the stuff for backflushing. I bought Puro Caff from creamsupplies which is essentially the same thing.

For descaling, I'd get a decent descaling fluid or tablets....hold on, haven't we been here before?!

It is a bit like deja vu isn't it.

I just couldn't find it quickly through this thread.

Thanks again Hamster. I need to order some tea from creamsupplies so will get the cleaning stuff at the same time.

 

[davetherave2]

I'm a fan of Inker and d'Ancap cups. Lovely thick walls and comfy to hold.

For a decent mug - the Rattleware Diner mug rocks.

Yes I do like the feel of the Inker cups as well.

the first "has bean demitasse" cup I got was Inker but the second one I ordered wasn't so I am guessing they are using a different supplier.

I have been waiting months to get these cups. Missed out first time round due to deciding to wait a few days before ordering and I prefered the look of the blue ones compared to the others.

 

[sports_brah]

This thread has the feel of pandora's box.

Forever I've been using cheap instant coffee (Nescafe Alta Rica). Got a feeling that one drink of some of your concoctions and I'd never turn back!