Espresso Enthusiasts

[powerslave12r]

Alright, I need help. Looking at Coffee makers (not espresso) under $150 that don't suck after a few months. Any suggestions?

(I know I'm gonna regret this.)

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Alright, I need help. Looking at Coffee makers (not espresso) under $150 that don't suck after a few months. Any suggestions?

(I know I'm gonna regret this.)

You are 'gonna' regret this. As will your wallet……..beware, for you have been warned…..

With that out of the way, please allow me to warmly welcome you to the……..abode of those who admire the elegant culture of coffee above all else…..

Once you prod the coffee aficionados awake, - and they will awake, and flock to address and answer your queries - expect to receive a warm welcome ……..and plenty of advice. Much advice. Advice much leavened by the voice of lived experience…..

And, I daresay that it will start with advice on burr (not blade) grinders, followed by some thoughtful advice on coffee makers…….

 

[powerslave12r]

You are 'gonna' regret this. As will your wallet……..beware, for you have been warned…..

With that out of the way, please allow me to warmly welcome you to the……..abode of those who admire the elegant culture of coffee above all else…..

Once you prod the coffee aficionados awake, - and they will awake, and flock to address and answer your queries - expect to receive a warm welcome ……..and plenty of advice. Much advice. Advice much leavened by the voice of lived experience…..

And, I daresay that it will start with advice on burr (not blade) grinders, followed by some thoughtful advice on coffee makers…….

LOL, I await the bank balance destroying words of wisdom.

 

[Shrink]

Alright, I need help. Looking at Coffee makers (not espresso) under $150 that don't suck after a few months. Any suggestions?

(I know I'm gonna regret this.)

Are you poking for a French press, a pour over, or an drip machine?

All are coffee makers...each with it's own advantages, each producing a slight different brew, even using the same beans or blend...and requiring a different grind.

Just a bit more information...






...and we'll have you in our clutches!

 

[powerslave12r]

Are you poking for a French press, a pour over, or an drip machine?

All are coffee makers...each with it's own advantages, each producing a slight different brew, even using the same beans or blend...and requiring a different grind.

Just a bit more information...






...and we'll have you in our clutches!

LOL, yeah I'm aware. Looking at a good old drip maker. I already have an aero-press, a melitta pour over and a delonghi ec155 espresso machine. My current drip machine is dying (I think I hit the pot accidentally and cracked it).

 

[Shrink]

LOL, yeah I'm aware. Looking at a good old drip maker. I already have an aero-press, a melitta pour over and a delonghi ec155 espresso machine. My current drip machine is dying (I think I hit the pot accidentally and cracked it).

I'm going to leave the suggests about electric drip machine to others. I know SandboxGeneral has a machine he liked...and I'm sure he'll be along soon...as will others

Just a boiler plate reminder...

The absolutely most important, the non plus ultra, of your coffee setup, irrespective of the production method, are THE BEANS! The most expensive equipment can't fix bad beans. It's a pure matter of GIGO.

Then, for the best coffee possible, and as mentioned by SS above in her cautionary post, a BURR grinder is a must. For anything other than espresso, a modestly price grinder is adequate. Although there is some disagreement here about using an inexpensive grinder, I am of the feeling that although a more expensive grinder is best...on can get by with an inexpensive one for all production methods except espresso.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

LOL, yeah I'm aware. Looking at a good old drip maker. I already have an aero-press, a melitta pour over and a delonghi ec155 espresso machine. My current drip machine is dying (I think I hit the pot accidentally and cracked it).

For my part, I'm a huge fan of the French press; it is simple to use, easy to clean, and your coffee can be made in - almost - a brain dead state, (which describes me quite accurately most mornings, especially most mornings in winter, ad I am not one of nature'a singing larks) and it makes very, very good coffee.

Here, at work, I have a Bialetti French press, and at home, I have a Le Creuset French press, both of which are excellent.

Melitta pour over style is not to be scorned either, and I also use that, and, when I am home, my Bialetti stove top moka espresso pot. In other words, I have nothing electrical, apart from a kettle - and a stove when home for the Bialetti moka pot.

 

[S.B.G]

Alright, I need help. Looking at Coffee makers (not espresso) under $150 that don't suck after a few months. Any suggestions?

(I know I'm gonna regret this.)

Are you looking for something automatic, or a bit more manual?

Do you have a grinder or are in the market for one? For the freshest possible coffee, it is most advisable to have a good, conical burr grinder with which to grind your beans immediately prior to brewing.

I am now, most preferentially, using a French Press to brew my coffee. But if you're looking for a more automatic machine, I'm sure we can find something to fit your needs, and budget.

But above all, welcome to the thread of coffee crazies!

 

[Shrink]

For my part, I'm a huge fan of the French press; it is simple to use, easy to clean, and your coffee can be made in - almost - a brain dead state, (which describes me quite accurately most mornings, especially most mornings in winter, ad I am not one of nature'a singing larks) and it makes very, very good coffee.

Here, at work, I have a Bialetti French press, and at home, I have a Le Creuset French press, both of which are excellent.

Melitta pour over style is not to be scorned either, and I also use that, and, when I am home, my Bialetti stove top moka espresso pot. In other words, I have nothing electrical, apart from a kettle - and a stove when home for the Bialetti moka pot.

Are you looking for something automatic, or a bit more manual?

Do you have a grinder or are in the market for one? For the freshest possible coffee, it is most advisable to have a good, conical burr grinder with which to grind your beans immediately prior to brewing.

I am now, most preferentially, using a French Press to brew my coffee. But if you're looking for a more automatic machine, I'm sure we can find something to to fit your needs, and budget.

But above all, welcome to the thread of coffee crazies!

See Post# 2831...

 

[S.B.G]

See Post# 2831...

No. I refuse.

LOL, yeah I'm aware. Looking at a good old drip maker. I already have an aero-press, a melitta pour over and a delonghi ec155 espresso machine. My current drip machine is dying (I think I hit the pot accidentally and cracked it).

Have a look through this very recent thread on Coffee Maker Recommendations. I have this one, but stopped using it in favor of the aforementioned French Press. But it was, and still is a nice machine. I believe there are other quality machines mentioned in the thread as well. The OP, another friend of mine, ended up with a Cuisinart model that he seems to enjoy.

 

[powerslave12r]

I'm going to leave the suggests about electric drip machine to others. I know SandboxGeneral has a machine he liked...and I'm sure he'll be along soon...as will others

Just a boiler plate reminder...

The absolutely most important, the non plus ultra, of your coffee setup, irrespective of the production method, are THE BEANS! The most expensive equipment can't fix bad beans. It's a pure matter of GIGO.

Then, for the best coffee possible, and as mentioned by SS above in her cautionary post, a BURR grinder is a must. For anything other than espresso, a modestly price grinder is adequate. Although there is some disagreement here about using an inexpensive grinder, I am of the feeling that although a more expensive grinder is best...on can get by with an inexpensive one for all production methods except espresso.

Yeah, I don't think you guys remember me from a few pages back cause I stayed away form this thread forcefully D), but I mentioned earlier that I roast my own beans. So that base is covered. I have on and off looked for burr grinders over the years, but due to the high maintenance and not so good entry level ones, I failed to invest in one. I am actively considering a Burr Grinder at this point.

For my part, I'm a huge fan of the French press; it is simple to use, easy to clean, and your coffee can be made in - almost - a brain dead state, (which describes me quite accurately most mornings, especially most mornings in winter, ad I am not one of nature'a singing larks) and it makes very, very good coffee.

Here, at work, I have a Bialetti French press, and at home, I have a Le Creuset French press, both of which are excellent.

Melitta pour over style is not to be scorned either, and I also use that, and, when I am home, my Bialetti stove top moka espresso pot. In other words, I have nothing electrical, apart from a kettle - and a stove when home for the Bialetti moka pot.

As much as a fan as I am of manual methods, I do need one solid automatic machine.

Are you looking for something automatic, or a bit more manual?

Do you have a grinder or are in the market for one? For the freshest possible coffee, it is most advisable to have a good, conical burr grinder with which to grind your beans immediately prior to brewing.

I am now, most preferentially, using a French Press to brew my coffee. But if you're looking for a more automatic machine, I'm sure we can find something to fit your needs, and budget.

But above all, welcome to the thread of coffee crazies!

I have an elcheapo grinder that I have used consistently over (~5 years). I know how to use it to get a certain kind of grind. Yes, I grind my beans everytime before having coffee.

No. I refuse.



Have a look through this very recent thread on Coffee Maker Recommendations. I have this one, but stopped using it in favor of the aforementioned French Press. But it was, and still is a nice machine. I believe there are other quality machines mentioned in the thread as well. The OP, another friend of mine, ended up with a Cuisinart model that he seems to enjoy.

I knew that thread was going to come up and I was already looking through it by the time I posted here. My wallet is hiding right now.

Thank you for your suggestions so far.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Yeah, I don't think you guys remember me from a few pages back cause I stayed away form this thread forcefully D), but I mentioned earlier that I roast my own beans. So that base is covered. I have on and off looked for burr grinders over the years, but due to the high maintenance and not so good entry level ones, I failed to invest in one. I am actively considering a Burr Grinder at this point.



As much as a fan as I am of manual methods, I do need one solid automatic machine.


I have an elcheapo grinder that I have used consistently over (~5 years). I know how to use it to get a certain kind of grind. Yes, I grind my beans everytime before having coffee.


I knew that thread was going to come up and I was already looking through it by the time I posted here. My wallet is hiding right now.

Thank you for your suggestions so far.

My advice is to keep said wallet well hidden, then, - as in burka hidden - as sudden exposure to the sort of expense some of us are prone to…….might well shock it.

Re solid automatics, granted, it is years since I have used one (and never mine to start, always in houses/flats I stayed in) I have to say I have never been hugely impressed by 1) the quality of what they made, and 2) heat retention issues - as in, the coffee always seemed more or less lukewarm - also bothered me. Granted, I like the hassle-free nature of it all, but none of the machines I encountered (and yes, we are talking about over a decade ago), ever seemed to be quite good enough for what I wanted, otherwise I would have made that sort of purchase long ago.

Going on specs, and aesthetics, and the fact that coffee is an art form in the country, I have to say that the Italian machines are the ones that would take my eye, if I were to head down that route…..

 

[Shrink]

Yeah, I don't think you guys remember me from a few pages back cause I stayed away form this thread forcefully D), but I mentioned earlier that I roast my own beans. So that base is covered. I have on and off looked for burr grinders over the years, but due to the high maintenance and not so good entry level ones, I failed to invest in one. I am actively considering a Burr Grinder at this point.

My apologies for not having recalled your earlier post.

I have an excuse...I'm old and cognitively feeble!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Yeah, I don't think you guys remember me from a few pages back cause I stayed away form this thread forcefully D), but I mentioned earlier that I roast my own beans. So that base is covered. I have on and off looked for burr grinders over the years, but due to the high maintenance and not so good entry level ones, I failed to invest in one. I am actively considering a Burr Grinder at this point……..

Oooops…….However, I think notice has been taken since you have advertised yourself as a candidate who may…….perhaps, with cajoling……..gentle steering………and suggestions of a seductive nature ……become a habitué of this thread…….

My apologies for not having recalled your earlier post.

I have an excuse...I'm old and cognitively feeble!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Yes, that is your story and you are adhering, faithfully, to it……..

But my sense is of a specialist of the science of the mind chuckling with delirious delight at the thought of having successfully ensnared yet another soul to join us here….

 

[powerslave12r]

My advice is to keep said wallet well hidden, then, - as in burka hidden - as sudden exposure to the sort of expense some of us are prone to…….might well shock it.

Re solid automatics, granted, it is years since I have used one (and never mine to start, always in houses/flats I stayed in) I have to say I have never been hugely impressed by 1) the quality of what they made, and 2) heat retention issues - as in, the coffee always seemed more or less lukewarm - also bothered me. Granted, I like the hassle-free nature of it all, but none of the machines I encountered (and yes, we are talking about over a decade ago), ever seemed to be quite good enough for what I wanted, otherwise I would have made that sort of purchase long ago.

Going on specs, and aesthetics, and the fact that coffee is an art form in the country, I have to say that the Italian machines are the ones that would take my eye, if I were to head down that route…..

Unfortunately, that falls in line with my observations.

My apologies for not having recalled your earlier post.

I have an excuse...I'm old and cognitively feeble!

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

Ahh no worries at all! I know how it is after a few rounds of caffeine.

Oooops…….However, I think notice has been taken since you have advertised yourself as a candidate who may…….perhaps, with cajoling……..gentle steering………and suggestions of a seductive nature ……become a habitué of this thread…….



Yes, that is your story and you are adhering, faithfully, to it……..

But my sense is of a specialist of the science of the mind chuckling with delirious delight at the thought of having successfully ensnared yet another soul to join us here….

Haha, I don't think I put up much of a fight there.


As an aside, what do you guys think about this?

http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1800TH-Coffee-Thermal-Carafe/dp/B005YQZNO8/ (the glass carafe)

 

[Shrink]

Unfortunately, that falls in line with my observations.



Ahh no worries at all! I know how it is after a few rounds of caffeine.



Haha, I don't think I put up much of a fight there.


As an aside, what do you guys think about this?

http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1800TH-Coffee-Thermal-Carafe/dp/B005YQZNO8/

While I don't know anything about that particular machine, my opinion is that an insulated carafe is the way to go if you are going to make more than one cup. It does mitigate, to some degree, the degeneration of coffee not served immediately.

I also figure, and this is conjecture at best, that once you get to about $130 or more, aside from desired features, there is little difference among machines. The only thing I might look for, if it's available on drip machines, is controllable pre-infusion time...or at least, a machine that does some kind of pre-infusion.

 

[S.B.G]

As an aside, what do you guys think about this?

http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1800TH-Coffee-Thermal-Carafe/dp/B005YQZNO8/ (the glass carafe)

That looks like a nice one. It has 4 out of 5 stars with over 1400 reviews, so it can't be too bad. Though for a simple automatic machine, $125 seems a bit high to me. I just hope the cost is meant to be that due to it being made of high-quality parts.

 

[Kurwenal]

Yeah, I don't think you guys remember me from a few pages back cause I stayed away form this thread forcefully D), but I mentioned earlier that I roast my own beans. So that base is covered. I have on and off looked for burr grinders over the years, but due to the high maintenance and not so good entry level ones, I failed to invest in one. I am actively considering a Burr Grinder at this point.

My advice is to stick with your AP or if the AP's small volume is the issue pick up a Chemex or FP (~$30). The weak link in your kit is the lack of a grinder and it is a seriously weak link compared to your other equipment.

Save your money for a high end grinder, even if that significantly delays the purchase and you will not be sorry.

 

[powerslave12r]

While I don't know anything about that particular machine, my opinion is that an insulated carafe is the way to go if you are going to make more than one cup. It does mitigate, to some degree, the degeneration of coffee not served immediately.

I also figure, and this is conjecture at best, that once you get to about $130 or more, aside from desired features, there is little difference among machines. The only thing I might look for, if it's available on drip machines, is controllable pre-infusion time...or at least, a machine that does some kind of pre-infusion.

That looks like a nice one. It has 4 out of 5 stars with over 1400 reviews, so it can't be too bad. Though for a simple automatic machine, $125 seems a bit high to me. I just hope the cost is meant to be that due to it being made of high-quality parts.

Glad to know that I'm in the right company here. I feel that may be too high as well. Right now I was using this machine and I would absolutely buy it again if they still made them.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-5-Cup-Digital-Coffee-Maker/12311466


And in hindsight, looking at the reviews, I think I feel much better about all the other machines I've rejected so far.


I was considering this earlier, and since you guys recommended it again, I'm seriously considering it.

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC-1200-Central-Programmable-Coffeemaker/dp/B00005IBX9

The problem is this review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2OQ3GEQJWLN4G/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00005IBX9


I wonder if the successors to that model have the same issues:

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC...Coffeemaker/dp/B001NGO27W/ref=pd_rhf_cr_s_t_6

and the successor

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC...Coffeemaker/dp/B004SOZVQ2/ref=pd_rhf_cr_s_t_7

 

[Shrink]

Glad to know that I'm in the right company here. I feel that may be too high as well. Right now I was using this machine and I would absolutely buy it again if they still made them.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/GE-5-Cup-Digital-Coffee-Maker/12311466


And in hindsight, looking at the reviews, I think I feel much better about all the other machines I've rejected so far.


I was considering this earlier, and since you guys recommended it again, I'm seriously considering it.

http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-DCC-1200-Central-Programmable-Coffeemaker/dp/B00005IBX9

The problem is this review: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2OQ3GEQJWLN4G/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00005IBX9

That review is one reason why I suggested a machine with an insulated carafe. At best, coffee that is not drunk immediately is beginning to deteriorate in flavor. Leaving it on a hot plate is death! After the first cup, what remains cooking on the hot plate is, for me, undrinkable sludge. Never mind that you might burn your house down...the coffee is just so awful!

At least in the carafe you're not cooking the coffee...it does lose freshness quickly, but is drinkable, sort of. But a hot plate...never. I'd put that in the same class as a blade "grinder".

 

[SHNXX]

Having espresso at local roaster...

It's amazing that even though they are using the same grinder (Compak k10), their espresso is SOOOO much better than mine at home.

I guess the espresso machine's temperature and pressure stability really make a big difference.

 

[powerslave12r]

That review is one reason why I suggested a machine with an insulated carafe. At best, coffee that is not drunk immediately is beginning to deteriorate in flavor. Leaving it on a hot plate is death! After the first cup, what remains cooking on the hot plate is, for me, undrinkable sludge. Never mind that you might burn your house down...the coffee is just so awful!

At least in the carafe you're not cooking the coffee...it does lose freshness quickly, but is drinkable, sort of. But a hot plate...never. I'd put that in the same class as a blade "grinder".

Most Cuisinart machines seem to have some reviews mentioning how it caught on fire. I think I'd do well to stay clear of that brand. I might do the insulated carafe after all. Never had that problem cause my old el cheapo machine was only 5 cups - and as we in this thread know all too well, 5 cups goes down quick.

 

[S.B.G]

That review is one reason why I suggested a machine with an insulated carafe. At best, coffee that is not drunk immediately is beginning to deteriorate in flavor. Leaving it on a hot plate is death! After the first cup, what remains cooking on the hot plate is, for me, undrinkable sludge. Never mind that you might burn your house down...the coffee is just so awful!

At least in the carafe you're not cooking the coffee...it does lose freshness quickly, but is drinkable, sort of. But a hot plate...never. I'd put that in the same class as a blade "grinder".

Please, don't spare the rod, tell us what you really feel about it.

 

[Shrink]

Having espresso at local roaster...

It's amazing that even though they are using the same grinder (Compak k10), their espresso is SOOOO much better than mine at home.

I guess the espresso machine's temperature and pressure stability really make a big difference.

Are they using the same beans as you are using? The same roast? The same dosing?

While a agree that the grinder is the second most important element in espresso (beans are obviously first), after the beans, the grinder, proper dosing and technique...the machine does count.

----------

Please, don't spare the rod, tell us what you really feel about it.

Oh, gosh...you know how shy and introverted I am...

 

[SHNXX]

Espresso Enthusiasts

Are they using the same beans as you are using? The same roast? The same dosing?



While a agree that the grinder is the second most important element in espresso (beans are obviously first), after the beans, the grinder, proper dosing and technique...the machine does count.

Yes same everything.
Obvious difference is the barista but I've been doing this for five years now and I can hold my own against most of the run of the mill baristas I think, just not against the true artisans of the craft.

My heat exchange machine just doesn't do my grinder justice.