Siliconslave's how to make espresso thread

Grimley said:
I paid a visit to this place last weekend.

http://www.thewindowcoffee.com/index.html

Very small, got quite cosy as it seats about 6 people! Very nice girl serving the coffee though a double shot was a bit on the strong side for me.
Click to expand...

Yay for Hayley! My favourite coffee shop. :D It's a fantastic place, usually has some interesting coffee's on brew as well.

Did you meet Daisy the dog?
 
Last edited:
Got my 1st order from coffeebeanshop.co.uk this morning and they included a free bag of the Breakfast blend. Seems a great supplier.
 
I have a Cherub, which I took to work with me and it's a bit of a beast in size but does a great job at rocking shot after shot after shot whilst steaming at the same time.

I now make about 10 Flat Whites a day for some of the guys in my dept lol.
 
Bleek said:
Does anyone know if I can backflush a Gaggia Cubika plus - even though it doesn't have a 3way valve?
Click to expand...

From what I've read, you shouldn't backflush any machine without the solenoid. Clean the group area regularly by running some water through it, scrubbing the screen and gasket area with a wet brush then dry with tissue (I do this after each shot). Also clean the shower screen every now and then by unscrewing it and soaking in puly caff or similar. Descale now and again too.
 
Last edited:
Thanks for the reply, does that mean the Cafiza Espresso Machine Cleaner I just bought is wasted, or can I run that through the machine instead?
 
No problems. That Cafiza stuff you have is perfect for soaking your shower screen, portafilter and other coffee stained metal parts in. It's also used for backflushing but you won't be using it for that so no, don't run it through the machine!

It's not a descaling solution though; you'll need a separate solution/tablets when you do want to descale.
 
Got into coffee late 2012. I started using a french press but felt it produced quite a thin week coffee. I now use a moka pot and enjoy the coffee it produces much more.

I feel the next step is to start grinding my own beans. I have heard bad things about most cheap grinders and don't feel comfortable spending 50 gbp plus on one. I am unsure what to do, any advice lads?
 
haz, get a hand burr grinder. Any electric grinder at that price point isn't going to be up to much. I'd go for a Porlex grinder or Hario who both make good hand grinders. Most people go for the Porlex at the moment and, although I have two Hario hand grinders, I'd probably get a metal Porlex as the glass has chipped on my Hario Skerton.

Both well below your price limit. Here's a link to the Porlex grinders:

Porlex Tall

Porlex Mini

You'll probably find them cheaper elsewhere as shipping from Coffeehit is only free if your order is £75+
 
Thanks for the quick reply.

I will take a look into them, sound good and I am quite happy to do it manually.

I hope posting in this thread is okay, I understand I am not strictly making espresso however I figure grinders are the same for both.
 
haz_pro said:
Thanks for the quick reply.

I will take a look into them, sound good and I am quite happy to do it manually.

I hope posting in this thread is okay, I understand I am not strictly making espresso however I figure grinders are the same for both.
Click to expand...

No worries. I don't know if you're settled on your Moka method but there are some more good options for making coffee on a budget. I'd suggest looking at an Aeropress (under £25). With that, some fresh beans and your hand grinder, you've got great travelling companions!!

Don't worry about the nature of this thread; it's all and anything to do with coffee and it's become quite a good resource for all!! :)
 
Thanks for the reply again.

I have actually read about the aeropress in the past but didn't really consider buying one as I didn't think I would enjoy the "experience" if that makes sense?

I have just done some further research and most people seem to lean one way or the other with some quite objective reasons.

I may purchase one after I grab a grinder as it is only cheap any way so worth a shot. :-)
 
There are a number of devices and methods when making brewed coffee. If I were held at gunpoint and forced to keep only one of them, it would be the Aeropress. I do like the Clever Dripper almost as much though!! :)

Have a look at this website:

www.brewmethods.com
 
i'll just pop in to leave this here:

od7hkyo_zps3718d6ca.gif
 
Hamster said:
It's been £150 quite often. Problem is that the Amazon tracker site doesn't pick it up as it changes in price so quickly and numerous times throughout a day.
Click to expand...

Ah right. On camel camel it shows it going under 150 only 3 times in the past year.

I have set the listing on amazon as my homepage now so I hopefully won't miss the price dropping.

Is the classic the one to go for or is there a better alternative for around 150?
 
Although I use camelcamelcamelcamelcamel, I don't know how it works but it definitely doesn't keep up with constant fluctuations in the price of the Classic!

The Classic is definitely the only machine to consider for that price. Remember to factor in the cost of accessories, most importantly a burr grinder and half decent tamper.

Good luck!! :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom