Espresso Enthusiasts

[Shrink]

I just checked on my Sweet Maria's order and according to UPS tracking, it's scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday the 11th.

The wait is excruciating...we're all here to support you in this difficult period of time.

 

[S.B.G]

The wait is excruciating...we're all here to support you in this difficult period of time.

Thanks! And thanks for not using these emoticons! rolleyes or mad

 

[Shrink]

Thanks! And thanks for not using these emoticons! rolleyes or mad

Only immature brats and those children with anger problems would use those emoticons.

Ooops!

 

[mobilehaathi]

Only immature brats and those children with anger problems would use those emoticons.

Ooops!

Hey, don't fight it man!

 

[Shrink]

I just saw this little machine. I don't know if it's any good (it is a De Longhi, so it's probably worth it's price)...but I thought it was pretty cool looking.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, I'm a big fan of the strange ones (coffee makers) that bear a slight resemblance to a chemistry set designed by a movie director's idea of what a mad scientist ought to be……..

Not, mind you, that I would have the slightest idea of how to set about actually making a cup of coffee - or, perish the thought - an espresso - with such a machine. I just like the look of them…….Strange, enticing, unfathomable, possibly - just possibly - unworkable…….

 

[SHNXX]

I just saw this little machine. I don't know if it's any good (it is a De Longhi, so it's probably worth it's price)...but I thought it was pretty cool looking.

Image

Delonghi isn't exactly known for quality.

 

[Shrink]

Delonghi isn't exactly known for quality.

Agreed...it is not a machine for long term use.

I just thought it was interesting looking. Also, for a beginner, I've found that an inexpensive De Longhi is fine paired with a quality grinder and good beans. I started (more years ago than I'll admit) with an inexpensive De Longhi and found that it was fine, at that time. For someone just getting into expresso, spending a lot on a machine, until one knows if they really want to pursue the "hobby" (read: obsession) is not necessary. Spending more on a grinder, for beginners, is more important than the machine, IMO.

If one finds, as I did, that I really wanted to learn more, and upgrade (several times until I finally bought my dream machine) the machine, then little has been wasted in the learning process from a financial perspective. If one finds that they are satisfied with staying where they are, then the machine is inexpensive enough to essentially become disposable.

Just my take on it...I liked my De Longhi, as a starter.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Agreed...it is not a machine for long term use.

I just thought it was interesting looking. Also, for a beginner, I've found that an inexpensive De Longhi is fine paired with a quality grinder and good beans. I started (more years ago than I'll admit) with an inexpensive De Longhi and found that it was fine, at that time. For someone just getting into expresso, spending a lot on a machine, until one knows if they really want to pursue the "hobby" (read: obsession) is not necessary. Spending more on a grinder, for beginners, is more important than the machine, IMO.

If one finds, as I did, that I really wanted to learn more, and upgrade (several times until I finally bought my dream machine) the machine, then little has been wasted in the learning process from a financial perspective. If one finds that they are satisfied with staying where they are, then the machine is inexpensive enough to essentially become disposable.

Just my take on it...I liked my De Longhi, as a starter.

If I let you into a guilty (for which, read, not at all guilty, just engaging in a lavish pretence) secret, you will, of course, take care not to reveal it to the inhabitants of this thread…....

It is this: Some nights ago, quite recently, seeking diversion from the more serious matters which I was supposed to be studying, I chanced (no, I lie; I did not 'chance'; I clicked and read, instead), upon the site of a coffee maker which went by the elegant name the Romans used when they named the capital of the United Kingdom, when the country went by the name of Britannia the best part of two thousand years ago. Now, that was a most impressive machine…….

And what, again, is the name of the manufacturer of that temperamental (but, oh, so beautiful) grinder that recently took up residence in your humble abode?.

 

[Shrink]

If I let you into a guilty (for which, read, not at all guilty, just engaging in a lavish pretence) secret, you will, of course, take care not to reveal it to the inhabitants of this thread…....

It is this: Some nights ago, quite recently, seeking diversion from the more serious matters which I was supposed to be studying, I chanced (no, I lie; I did not 'chance'; I clicked and read, instead), upon the site of a coffee maker which went by the elegant name the Romans used when they named the capital of the United Kingdom, when the country went by the name of Britannia the best part of two thousand years ago. Now, that was a most impressive machine…….

And what, again, is the name of the manufacturer of that temperamental (but, oh, so beautiful) grinder that recently took up residence in your humble abode?.

My grinder is the HG-one. But what I think you are referring to my espresso machine...the Londinium I.

...to which I have an attachment that borders on the unseemly!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

My grinder is the HG-one. But what I think you are referring to my espresso machine...the Londinium I.

...to which I have an attachment that borders on the unseemly!

Thank you.

No, I knew the name of your exquisite espresso machine; (I studied Roman history with fascination some years ago, and this is the sort of name that readily registers in my memory - what a wonderful name for a machine). Indeed, this was what I inspected a few nights ago when I was sought distraction from other matters. An extremely elegant piece of equipment……the attachment, seemly or unseemly is something I well understand and readily sympathise with….

And yours is the Londinium I? This is the model offered mainly for private use - or for small businesses - whereas the others (Nos. II & III) strike me as geared more for a somewhat greater volume of coffee…..

However, as you keep stressing the importance of the quality of the grinder, I wished to remind myself of the name this device goes by…….so that I can inspect it for myself…..

 

[Shrink]

Thank you.

No, I knew the name of your exquisite espresso machine; (I studied Roman history with fascination some years ago, and this is the sort of name that readily registers in my memory - what a wonderful name for a machine). Indeed, this was what I inspected a few nights ago when I was sought distraction from other matters. An extremely elegant piece of equipment……the attachment, seemly or unseemly is something I well understand and readily sympathise with….

And yours is the Londinium I? This is the model offered mainly for private use - or for small businesses - whereas the others (Nos. II & III) strike me as geared more for a somewhat greater volume of coffee…..

However, as you keep stressing the importance of the quality of the grinder, I wished to remind myself of the name this device goes by…….so that I can inspect it for myself…..

You are correct that the L1 is for home use ( and light commercial use), although the lever group is a commercial lever group. the 2 and 3 are intended for commercial use.

The HG-one is a delight. As you will find out it is a hand grinder. It's shortcoming is it is useful ONLY for espresso grinds, and will not produce coarser grinds necessary for pour over, drip, or press. Since I only drink espresso, it's fine for me, but is not useful for those who enjoy making coffee by other methods. Unless, of course, one wants to invest in two (or more) grinders...and then I can't praise the HG-one highly enough. The build, materials, and visual aesthetic (imo) cannot be matched...and the only sound your hear is the beans going through the burrs!

 

[S.B.G]

Delonghi isn't exactly known for quality.

I had a Delonghi as a starter machine and it was, and still is, great to use. It may not be a super high class machine, but it gets the job done. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone looking to get started on the long and crazy journey of espresso making.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Unless, of course, one wants to invest in two (or more) grinders...

This statement concerns me greatly. Do you mean to imply you only have a single coffee grinder?

Surely not...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

You are correct that the L1 is for home use ( and light commercial use), although the lever group is a commercial lever group. the 2 and 3 are intended for commercial use.

The HG-one is a delight. As you will find out it is a hand grinder. It's shortcoming is it is useful ONLY for espresso grinds, and will not produce coarser grinds necessary for pour over, drip, or press. Since I only drink espresso, it's fine for me, but is not useful for those who enjoy making coffee by other methods. Unless, of course, one wants to invest in two (or more) grinders...and then I can't praise the HG-one highly enough. The build, materials, and visual aesthetic (imo) cannot be matched...and the only sound your hear is the beans going through the burrs!

Yes, but how did something so exquisitely calibrated manage to be simultaneously so…….temperamental? The word "high maintenance" is what comes to mind, a term and a type (of human) I normally avoid like the proverbial plague and pestilence…….even, on occasion, managing a discreet trot - at steady speed - in the opposite direction.

Shrink, my friend, your profession notwithstanding: I didn't think that "high maintenance" was admitted into your private sphere……...

This statement concerns me greatly. Do you mean to imply you only have a single coffee grinder?

Surely not...

I hear you; this does indeed give cause for concern…...

 

[Shrink]

This statement concerns me greatly. Do you mean to imply you only have a single coffee grinder?

Surely not...

One grinder. Just one humble grinder. As hard as it is to believe, I use the same grinder for three different blends!

I know...I know...that's just disgusting! I do clean the burrs after every use (a 10 second process for full cleaning), but I know that you sophisticates would never use one grinder for more than one blend.

So the truth comes out...I'm really a slob! I beg your forbearance and indulgence that I may continue posting here even in light of the fact that I have but one grinder.

Yes, but how did something so exquisitely calibrated manage to be simultaneously so…….temperamental? The word "high maintenance" is what comes to mind, a term and a type (of human) I normally avoid like the proverbial plague and pestilence…….even, on occasion, managing a discreet trot - at steady speed - in the opposite direction.

Shrink, my friend, your profession notwithstanding: I didn't think that "high maintenance" was admitted into your private sphere……...



I hear you; this does indeed give cause for concern…...

Actually, it's not a high maintenance grinder. (If I said that somewhere, I was probably in one of those pesky hallucinatory reveries that come on every so often!). As mentioned above, unlike most electric grinders which require some taking apart to perform a complete burr cleaning, mine takes but 10 seconds with no removal of any parts.

You are, therefore, absolutely correct that I abjure high maintenance anything whenever possible!

 

[S.B.G]

One grinder. Just one humble grinder. As hard as it is to believe, I use the same grinder for three different blends!

I know...I know...that's just disgusting! I do clean the burrs after every use (a 10 second process for full cleaning), but I know that you sophisticates would never use one grinder for more than one blend.

So the truth comes out...I'm really a slob! I beg your forbearance and indulgence that I may continue posting here even in light of the fact that I have but one grinder.



Actually, it's not a high maintenance grinder. (If I said that somewhere, I was probably in one of those pesky hallucinatory reveries that come on every so often!). As mentioned above, unlike most electric grinders which require some taking apart to perform a complete burr cleaning, mine takes but 10 seconds with no removal of any parts.

You are, therefore, absolutely correct that I abjure high maintenance anything whenever possible!

Hmmm.... I have two grinders here at home and since you only have one, we may have to put you on probation until you come into compliance with our expectations of you, our esteemed coffee guru - regardless of how many grinders the rest of us have, or have not.

 

[Shrink]

Hmmm.... I have two grinders here at home and since you only have one, we may have to put you on probation until you come into compliance with our expectations of you, our esteemed coffee guru - regardless of how many grinders the rest of us have, or have not.

OMG!

Double Secret Probation.

I sure hope this is OK...

BWAHAHAHA...Terrifying, isn't it!

 

[S.B.G]

OMG!

Double Secret Probation.

I sure hope this is OK...

Image



BWAHAHAHA...Terrifying, isn't it!

If you get that, probation isn't the way to go. 6 months in the hole would be more appropriate!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

One grinder. Just one humble grinder. As hard as it is to believe, I use the same grinder for three different blends!

I know...I know...that's just disgusting! I do clean the burrs after every use (a 10 second process for full cleaning), but I know that you sophisticates would never use one grinder for more than one blend.

So the truth comes out...I'm really a slob! I beg your forbearance and indulgence that I may continue posting here even in light of the fact that I have but one grinder.



Actually, it's not a high maintenance grinder. (If I said that somewhere, I was probably in one of those pesky hallucinatory reveries that come on every so often!). As mentioned above, unlike most electric grinders which require some taking apart to perform a complete burr cleaning, mine takes but 10 seconds with no removal of any parts.

You are, therefore, absolutely correct that I abjure high maintenance anything whenever possible!

Yes, but what a magnificent grinder…….exquisitely beautiful, well worth worshipping.

However. However. I do recall a post which described in despairing terms the refusal of the aforementioned grinder to grind anything other than the sort of coffee beans hand-picked with the morning dew still fresh upon them, and then to grind them only to espresso consistency…….

This is what I meant by "high maintenance": The sort of neurotic hyper sensitivity described by that ghastly story "The Princess And The Pea" (a test I would have failed spectacularly every single day of my life….)

Hmmm.... I have two grinders here at home and since you only have one, we may have to put you on probation until you come into compliance with our expectations of you, our esteemed coffee guru - regardless of how many grinders the rest of us have, or have not.

Really? And what do they each do (as a specialty, I mean)?

 

[SHNXX]

Maybe as a beginner machine it's ok but I still think there are better options for low budget machines. Gaggia comes to mind.


I'm just weary of coffee products from appliance manufacturers because usually they are simply not up to par with manufacturers focused on only coffee (high end like La Marzocco, Mazzer, Compak and lower end like Gaggia, Illy, etc).

 

[mobilehaathi]

OMG!

Double Secret Probation.

I sure hope this is OK...

Image



BWAHAHAHA...Terrifying, isn't it!

My friend, I used one of those for a long while. Don't go there. I'm pretty sure people get sent to the SHU for serving coffee steeped in mangled beans.

 

[S.B.G]

Really? And what do they each do (as a specialty, I mean)?

Sorry to disappoint, no specialty grinder. I have the first one, the Encore, and then I upgraded to the Rancilio later on. I don't use the Encore anymore, but if I need a backup, I have one.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Maybe as a beginner machine it's ok but I still think there are better options for low budget machines. Gaggia comes to mind.


I'm just weary of coffee products from appliance manufacturers because usually they are simply not up to par with manufacturers focused on only coffee (high end like La Marzocco, Mazzer, Compak and lower end like Gaggia, Illy, etc).

Yes, I'd be with you on that; in fact, given the central role that good coffee plays in the everyday of Italians, I'd happily recommend Italian machines for coffee. Therefore, to my mind, Gaggia is somewhat preferable to De Longhi.

An Italian colleague recently acquired a small Gaggia in his office for making espresso, and it produces perfectly acceptable espresso.

 

[Shrink]

Yes, but what a magnificent grinder…….exquisitely beautiful, well worth worshipping.

However. However. I do recall a post which described in despairing terms the refusal of the aforementioned grinder to grind anything other than the sort of coffee beans hand-picked with the morning dew still fresh upon them, and then to grind them only to espresso consistency…….

This is what I meant by "high maintenance": The sort of neurotic hyper sensitivity described by that ghastly story "The Princess And The Pea" (a test I would have failed spectacularly every single day of my life….)

The beans that the grinder just wouldn't grind were excellent beans, but they were a relatively light roast (not intended for espresso), hard as rocks, and my grinder just would have none of it! Dark roasted beans go through like poop through a goose, but it doesn't like those other beans!

Maybe as a beginner machine it's ok but I still think there are better options for low budget machines. Gaggia comes to mind.


I'm just weary of coffee products from appliance manufacturers because usually they are simply not up to par with manufacturers focused on only coffee (high end like La Marzocco, Mazzer, Compak and lower end like Gaggia, Illy, etc).

I have no disagreement that more expensive machines are better in many ways. However, for the beginner, the cost of a De Longhi is far less than a Gaggia, for example. If one were in the financial position to afford a Gaggia as a first machine...then I would recommend it. But for some, starting with a very inexpensive De Longhi makes sense to me until they decide they want to jump into the espresso rabbit hole. Then an upgrade to a Gaggia makes good sense. I might recommend a De Longhi, and a high quality grinder, as a starter set for those unwilling, or unable, to go the increased expense until they know if they want to pursue the endeavor.