Espresso Enthusiasts

[mobilehaathi]

Just on your last point...my behemoth is heavier than their behemoth.

Lavazza will give you some lame excuse about "saving on weight" or some other justification for producing a light weight, weak kneed, sad excuse for a really good espresso machine.

Their behemoth is a mere 20KG, while my behemoth is 34.02KG.

As usual, L1 knocks out the competition! HAH!

Well I think it costs ~ $22,000 to launch a kilogram of payload into orbit. So perhaps there is a slight cost advantage here.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Just on your last point...my behemoth is heavier than their behemoth.

Lavazza will give you some lame excuse about "saving on weight" or some other justification for producing a light weight, weak kneed, sad excuse for a really good espresso machine.

Their behemoth is a mere 20KG, while my behemoth is 34.02KG.

As usual, L1 knocks out the competition! HAH!

Brilliant. "Saving on weight"?…….Hm

I knew the Londinium I would not be embarrassed to be put up against what you, with utter impartiality and objectivity, have described as a "weak-kneed, light weight sad excuse for a really good espresso machine" designed by an Italian……..as the Londinium I, faced with this, would instead destroy - nay, annihilate - the underpowered rival in this espresso machine in space competition…...

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Well I think it costs ~ $22,000 to launch a kilogram of payload into orbit. So perhaps there is a slight cost advantage here.

We are utterly impervious to silly considerations of mere cost…….those of us who dwell here; this is a minor, nay irrelevant consideration and is certainly not a factor that we would permit to enter our calculations as to which of the two behemoths of espresso machines would knock the socks off the other…..

Price insensitive, is how classical economists would describe us, I think…….

 

[Shrink]

Well I think it costs ~ $22,000 to launch a kilogram of payload into orbit. So perhaps there is a slight cost advantage here.

Sure...sure...make excuses!

Brilliant. "Saving on weight"?…….Hm

I knew the Londinium I would not be embarrassed to be put up against what you, with utter impartiality and objectivity, have described as a "weak-kneed, light weight sad excuse for a really good espresso machine" designed by an Italian……..as the Londinium I, faced with this, would instead destroy - nay, annihilate - the underpowered rival in this espresso machine in space competition…...

Just to reinforce you observation of my total, complete, and categorical impartiality own objectivity when it come to the love of my life...my espresso machine.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Sure...sure...make excuses!



Just to reinforce you observation of my total, complete, and categorical impartiality own objectivity when it come to the love of my life...my espresso machine.

Ah, I understand about objectivity and ownership. And the pain such sometimes brings…...

Just now, I am suffering, slightly. More than slightly, if I am completely honest with myself.

This is because - and I know I will have your complete and total sympathy on this matter - my favourite Mont Blanc pen, the small black Classique Meisterstuck, decided to lodge a protest at its working conditions. This protest took the form of a slight - or, so it seemed - loosening of the top part of the ring near the nib, which lasted around a week or so. A little tightening on my part has led to a cracked section of black resin, - on the top part of the pen - and a pen that is almost unusable. Alas, I am weeks away from being in a position where I can consider having it mended (lucky I brought a backup - a pen that is somewhat less comfortable to use, precisely because it is a marginally larger special edition Mont Blanc with me…..) So, all sympathy welcome…..

Back on topic, I had a lovely espresso in one of my favourite spots for espresso in this city, earlier this morning immediately after a most interesting meeting, served with a shy smile.

And my Italian friend has returned from leave with what he has described as "fresh coffee from Italy, ground only yesterday", so more espresso awaits me, in his office; I shall supply the little espresso cups, Le Creuset, and chocolates…….

 

[Kurwenal]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

Image

That is simply gorgeous. Where does one obtain such a beautiful device?

And, do, please, post to let us know what it is like, how it works, how you find it, and so on…...

 

[powerslave12r]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

Image

That thing is beautiful.

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That is simply gorgeous. Where does one obtain such a beautiful device?

And, do, please, post to let us know what it is like, how it works, how you find it, and so on…...

Googling brought me here, http://www.oehandgrinders.com/OE-LIDO-2-Manual-Coffee-Grinder--PRE-ORDER_p_14.html

I'm tempted.

 

[Shrink]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

Image

No question...a gorgeous piece of equipment.

I truly love devices that are aesthetically pleasing, as long as form follows function, as this clear does. And, not coincidentally, those beautiful items are often constructed wonderfully, too.

Enjoy your new toy...and I hope your recovery is moving along as rapidly as possible, good friend.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

Image

I almost bought one of those...do let me know how you find it!

 

[Shrink]

I almost bought one of those...do let me know how you find it!

It's right out there on the counter.

No searching required!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

That thing is beautiful.

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Googling brought me here, http://www.oehandgrinders.com/OE-LIDO-2-Manual-Coffee-Grinder--PRE-ORDER_p_14.html

I'm tempted.

You are not the only one, here, who is tempted. I confess to suffering the torture (often succumbed to) of exquisite temptation, too.

By the way, my profound thanks for posting the link; I have read it, with undisguised fascination and a in a state of mute longing….

 

[mobilehaathi]

It's right out there on the counter.

No searching required!

No but at a later time. Maybe attach a beeper?

 

[S.B.G]

Lido 2. Weighs 4 lbs. Beautiful. Machined like an iMac. Haven't used it yet.

Image

Yes, simply amazing, beautiful and breathtaking.

I look forward to hearing about how nice it is to use.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Yes, simply amazing, beautiful and breathtaking.

I look forward to hearing about how nice it is to use.

As indeed, do I; actually, if it is easy to use (I'm not one to suffer for my pleasures), - as in easy to use, and not requiring superhuman strength to operate - I will probably order & buy one.

 

[Shrink]

As indeed, do I; actually, if it is easy to use (I'm not one to suffer for my pleasures), - as in easy to use, and not requiring superhuman strength to operate - I will probably order & buy one.

Never having touched one...I'd be will to bet it does not require great strength to operate. My grinder has huge 83mm burrs and it does not require great strength to use it.

This one has smaller burrs...meaning it will be easier. The guys who made the HG-one, concerned about the issue of necessary force, produced two grinders one with a 75mm burr set (or something close to that) intended for those with less arm strength, and the 83mm burr set. They sold so few (to men and women) of the smaller burr set, it's not even offered now. (It might be available by special order). Considering both men and women bought the grinder...the 83mm is easy enough for both to use...so this smaller one should not create a problem.

One note...the darker the roast, the easier the grind.

And now back to the cup of espresso beside me! You know that I love you if I would interrupt drinking my coffee to write this post!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Never having touched one...I'd be will to bet it does not require great strength to operate. My grinder has huge 83mm burrs and it does not require great strength to use it.

This one has smaller burrs...meaning it will be easier. The guys who made the HG-one, concerned about the issue of necessary force, produced two grinders one with a 75mm burr set (or something close to that) intended for those with less arm strength, and the 83mm burr set. They sold so few (to men and women) of the smaller burr set, it's not even offered now. (It might be available by special order). Considering both men and women bought the grinder...the 83mm is easy enough for both to use...so this smaller one should not create a problem.

One note...the darker the roast, the easier the grind.

And now back to the cup of espresso beside me! You know that I love you if I would interrupt drinking my coffee to write this post!

What can I say to that? Aw. I'm touched. And pleased. And appalled and embarrassed all at once that my post served to haul you away from a freshly roasted/ground/brewed espresso.

Okay I'll try to remember that mantra: the darker the roast (I don't like it too dark) the easier the grind…..


On topic, late this afternoon, my Italian colleague/friend hailed me as I was walking past his office, lost in thought, minus briefcase, just taking some air. (Politics. And history. As always). Invitingly, he waved a large, golden coloured foil bag at me, one covered in black Italian words.

Given that it was not an espresso by appointment or mutual arrangement (as I said, I was lost in thought), I had forgotten to bring my small Le Creuset espresso cups, which are sometimes secreted in my briefcase when I drop by his office.

Apologetically, he offered miniature plastic horrors, from which to drink espresso, which, I must admit I was too lazy to refuse, as my room lay all of five minutes walk away. Anyway, despite the plastic horrors, the aroma (rich and soft yet full), taste (smooth and easy) and crema (extremely rich) of this Italian coffee (ground in Rome in his favourite coffee emporium the day before he returned from leave a few days ago) were astonishingly good. Actually, the coffee and crema were both very impressive…..

 

[S.B.G]

As indeed, do I; actually, if it is easy to use (I'm not one to suffer for my pleasures), - as in easy to use, and not requiring superhuman strength to operate - I will probably order & buy one.

Their website has many beautiful and closeup photos of the OE Lido 2. I think this is going on my wish list.

http://www.oehandgrinders.com/OE-LIDO-2-Manual-Coffee-Grinder--PRE-ORDER_p_14.html

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Their website has many beautiful and closeup photos of the OE Lido 2. I think this is going on my wish list.

http://www.oehandgrinders.com/OE-LIDO-2-Manual-Coffee-Grinder--PRE-ORDER_p_14.html

Thank you for the link, and for pointing me (ever so inexorably) towards a purchase that is becoming more probable - nay, - ever more inevitable, even, by the day…..

 

[S.B.G]

Thank you for the link, and for pointing me (ever so inexorably) towards a purchase that is becoming more probable - nay, - ever more inevitable, even, by the day…..

You're welcome! When you get it, we expect a full report on it.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

You're welcome! When you get it, we expect a full report on it.

Unfortunately, I doubt I'll get home for another few weeks. However, I'll more than likely order it then. Given that these are handmade and to order, I cannot expect delivery for a few few weeks and/or months.

Yet, when I do - finally - get one, I'll be more than happy to give a report along with a detailed review. Especially as this purchase will probably mark the day I cease buying pre-ground coffee (except for foreign trips and postings) and start to buy coffee in the form of beans……..

Actually, I can blame the denizens of this thread for much, including this change; having ordered Sweet Maria's 'Liquid Amber' blend, it appears that I shall need to lay hands on grinder sooner or later…..

 

[Shrink]

Unfortunately, I doubt I'll get home for another few weeks. However, I'll more than likely order it then. Given that these are handmade and to order, I cannot expect delivery for a few few weeks and/or months.

Yet, when I do - finally - get one, I'll be more than happy to give a report along with a detailed review. Especially as this purchase will probably mark the day I cease buying pre-ground coffee (except for foreign trips and postings) and start to buy coffee in the form of beans……..

Actually, I can blame the denizens of this thread for much, including this change; having ordered Sweet Maria's 'Liquid Amber' blend, it appears that I shall need to lay hands on grinder sooner or later…..

I can all but 100% guarantee that you will notice a huge difference between freshly ground coffee and pre-ground...whatever the bean or blend.

 

[S.B.G]

I can all but 100% guarantee that you will notice a huge difference between freshly ground coffee and pre-ground...whatever the bean or blend.

Yes, indeed. I look forward to hearing of our friend's sheer delight when she begins grinding her own beans and routinely enjoys the freshest possible coffee she can.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I can all but 100% guarantee that you will notice a huge difference between freshly ground coffee and pre-ground...whatever the bean or blend.

Yes, indeed. I look forward to hearing of our friend's sheer delight when she begins grinding her own beans and routinely enjoys the freshest possible coffee she can.

Spoken like true converts; we shall wait and see (and this epiphany will have to wait until after I am next home), and I shall appraise you in due course.

Anyway, I am touched by your anticipated pleasure on my behalf. This is really, rather sweet of you both….

Needless to say, this happy state of affairs will apply only when I am at home; abroad, it will still be a case of using pre-ground beans, and damned delighted to be able to do so!

 

[Shrink]

Spoken like true converts; we shall wait and see (and this epiphany will have to wait until after I am next home), and I shall appraise you in due course.

Anyway, I am touched by your anticipated pleasure on my behalf. This is really, rather sweet of you both….

Needless to say, this happy state of affairs will apply only when I am at home; abroad, it will still be a case of using pre-ground beans, and damned delighted to be able to do so![/SIZE]

Any port in a storm....

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Any port in a storm....

How right you are.

Nevertheless, let us put matters into some perspective, here. I have colleagues who will offer the offence against taste known as 'instant' ******, thinking little of it. Indeed, this passes for civilisation in some quarters…..though not mine, naturally enough….

Believe me, - in some - ah, many - of the places where I travel to and work in - when I say that offering people real, pre-ground gourmet coffee in a French press is considered the height of effortless style and consummate sophistication and is seriously appreciated by those individuals who know & like their coffee……