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Espresso Enthusiasts

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The first post of this thread is a WikiPost and can be edited by anyone with the appropiate permissions. Your edits will be public.
Kurwenal said:
The proof, as always, is in the taste, but, below 195, the coffee does not even extract. It just "mixes," which is a very different chemical process than extraction. Unfortunately, most consumer auto brewers strike out on the proper temperature; even if they start at the right temp, they can't sustain it. The Technivorm is the only outlier (in a good way) of which I am aware.
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Indeed. Something I'm learning way too late, but better late than never.

I chose the Bonavita BV1800 because it seems to be better than the Technivorm in all ways at a third of the price! I was all set to pick up the Technivorm when repeatedly all comparisons between the Technivorm and the Bonavita were ever-so-slightly tipped in the Bonavita's favor.

Interesting quick read: http://www.clivecoffee.com/learn/2012/01/first-look-bonavita-versus-technivorm/


Blind Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nYa6empd_g

The most important deciding factor for me was the showerhead in the Bonavita - it's spread out better and doesn't need stirring.

At a third of the price for the Technivorm though, it's quite the bargain! (I say third cause I had a coupon that saved me some greenbacks.)
 
powerslave12r said:
Indeed. Something I'm learning way too late, but better late than never.

I chose the Bonavita BV1800 because it seems to be better than the Technivorm in all ways at a third of the price! I was all set to pick up the Technivorm when repeatedly all comparisons between the Technivorm and the Bonavita were ever-so-slightly tipped in the Bonavita's favor.

Interesting quick read: http://www.clivecoffee.com/learn/2012/01/first-look-bonavita-versus-technivorm/


Blind Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nYa6empd_g

The most important deciding factor for me was the showerhead in the Bonavita - it's spread out better and doesn't need stirring.

At a third of the price for the Technivorm though, it's quite the bargain! (I say third cause I had a coupon that saved me some greenbacks.)
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It was not my intent to demean the Bonavita in any way. As I said, the Technivorm just happens to be the one auto drip machine of which I am aware that pays attention to water temp. But I can name only a couple of drip machines offhand, so my comment should not be taken as an indictment on any other machine. Some days I am bored enough to peruse the drip machine ads, but thankfully not recently!

I'm sure you will love the Bonavita.
 
Kurwenal said:
It was not my intent to demean the Bonavita in any way. As I said, the Technivorm just happens to be the one auto drip machine of which I am aware that pays attention to water temp. But I can name only a couple of drip machines offhand, so my comment should not be taken as an indictment on any other machine. Some days I am bored enough to peruse the drip machine ads, but thankfully not recently!

I'm sure you will love the Bonavita.
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I'm sorry if I sounded defensive, I didn't mean to! I look forward to the Bonavita as well, hopefully I will have something of value to add to this thread when I've used it for a while.
 
powerslave12r said:
Just stumbled upon this deal

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine : http://home.woot.com/offers/breville-the-barista-express

Looks to be quite a bargain!
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My only concern might be that the line is being discontinued as I could not find it for sale on any other site...possibly meaning replacement parts might be hard to find.

There is little information about the built in grinder, too...which also gives my some concern.

But, as you point out...the price is good for a starter machine.:)
 
Sorry, you can buy only three.

14528546194_17797c52d7_o.png


First roast, today, in a long while.

14340242237_f6dbd2cc5f_z.jpg
 
Shrink said:
My only concern might be that the line is being discontinued as I could not find it for sale on any other site...possibly meaning replacement parts might be hard to find.

There is little information about the built in grinder, too...which also gives my some concern.

But, as you point out...the price is good for a starter machine.:)
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I don't think this is a good jump from my current (super entry level) EC155, might as well go a few steps up instead of a couple when I do upgrade.

Kurwenal said:
Sorry, you can buy only three.

Image

First roast, today, in a long while.

Image
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That looks really great!
 
powerslave12r said:
I don't think this is a good jump from my current (super entry level) EC155, might as well go a few steps up instead of a couple when I do upgrade.


That looks really great!
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The EC155 was my first machine. I think it was a fine starter machine. With good beans, and a good grinder, it makes more than acceptable espresso.:D

I never used the steam wand, so I don't know that is.

When you're ready to upgrade, whenever that is, you might...just might...get a few suggestions here.:p
 
Shrink said:
The EC155 was my first machine. I think it was a fine starter machine. With good beans, and a good grinder, it makes more than acceptable espresso.:D

I never used the steam wand, so I don't know that is.

When you're ready to upgrade, whenever that is, you might...just might...get a few suggestions here.:p
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LOL, I'll try to make that jump when I make a small fortune sometime.

Yeah the steam wand on the EC155 is pretty annoying, although usable, but still a mess to clean and use.
 
Kurwenal said:
Or, oops, if that is you, hey, lookin good. Do those bolts on your neck adjust the grind?
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Sure...mock if you will. Have you ever tried to get dress shirts to fit over the #$^%$ bolts!:mad:

You should see what I looked like before the corrective cosmetic surgery.

And back on topic...if I'm scary, the coffee produced by that contraption in your link is terrifying!
 
Shrink said:
And back on topic...if I'm scary, the coffee produced by that contraption in your link is terrifying!
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Yah, agreed. I ran across that link years ago and, at one point, thought I would give it a try. Then, later, when I sobered up, I thought: no. Just no.
 
Kurwenal said:
Yah, agreed. I ran across that link years ago and, at one point, thought I would give it a try. Then, later, when I sobered up, I thought: no. Just no.
Click to expand...

While under the influence...never make decisions regarding coffee!

Buying a car...fine. Buying a house...no problem. But decisions about coffee whilst smashed...never!
 
Shrink said:
While the roast is great, just knowing that you feel well enough to start roasting again is wonderful!:D
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By the way, thank you for this. I have tried hard to not turn this into a thread about the Uninvited Guest, partially for selfish reasons (it helps me) and I have that outlet elsewhere. Even with that, I deeply appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts. I am doing fine, better, frankly, than expected, and now I just get back to life and gaining strength and wait for the next scan, in five weeks. The experience has changed me, of course, for the better. When I say "seconds count," I am not just talking about espresso.......I won't say more than that, here.

And I took my 3 year old daughter out for ice cream yesterday. Vanilla with sprinkles. Can't beat that. (Yes, Mrs. Kurwenal and I were late starters.)

Now, back to coffee....
 
Kurwenal said:
By the way, thank you for this. I have tried hard to not turn this into a thread about the Uninvited Guest, partially for selfish reasons (it helps me) and I have that outlet elsewhere. Even with that, I deeply appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts. I am doing fine, better, frankly, than expected, and now I just get back to life and gaining strength and wait for the next scan, in five weeks.

And I took my 3 year old daughter out for ice cream yesterday. Vanilla with sprinkles. Can't beat that. (Yes, Mrs. Kurwenal and I were late starters.)
Click to expand...

Your welcome, friend.

Vanilla with sprinkles...not bad. So much better than that horrible concoction called "coffee" ice cream. (please note the smooth transition back on topic).

Now chocolate with sprinkles...mmmmm!:D
 
Kurwenal said:
And I took my 3 year old daughter out for ice cream yesterday. Vanilla with sprinkles. Can't beat that. (Yes, Mrs. Kurwenal and I were late starters.)

Now, back to coffee....
Click to expand...

Always great to hear of the good progress. I'm quite confident that your daughter thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream treat! :)
 
Kurwenal said:
By the way, thank you for this. I have tried hard to not turn this into a thread about the Uninvited Guest, partially for selfish reasons (it helps me) and I have that outlet elsewhere. Even with that, I deeply appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts. I am doing fine, better, frankly, than expected, and now I just get back to life and gaining strength and wait for the next scan, in five weeks. The experience has changed me, of course, for the better. When I say "seconds count," I am not just talking about espresso.......I won't say more than that, here.

And I took my 3 year old daughter out for ice cream yesterday. Vanilla with sprinkles. Can't beat that. (Yes, Mrs. Kurwenal and I were late starters.)

Now, back to coffee....
Click to expand...

Have you started teaching her about Coffee? :D
 
Kurwenal said:
Who has the Monster avatar? :)
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Shrink said:
Touché! ;)
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Excellent.

Shrink said:
Sure...mock if you will. Have you ever tried to get dress shirts to fit over the #$^%$ bolts!:mad:

You should see what I looked like before the corrective cosmetic surgery.

And back on topic...if I'm scary, the coffee produced by that contraption in your link is terrifying!
Click to expand...

Doubtless, this must be quite a challenge….

Kurwenal said:
By the way, thank you for this. I have tried hard to not turn this into a thread about the Uninvited Guest, partially for selfish reasons (it helps me) and I have that outlet elsewhere. Even with that, I deeply appreciate everyone's kind words and thoughts. I am doing fine, better, frankly, than expected, and now I just get back to life and gaining strength and wait for the next scan, in five weeks. The experience has changed me, of course, for the better. When I say "seconds count," I am not just talking about espresso.......I won't say more than that, here.

And I took my 3 year old daughter out for ice cream yesterday. Vanilla with sprinkles. Can't beat that. (Yes, Mrs. Kurwenal and I were late starters.)

Now, back to coffee....
Click to expand...

Again, delighted to hear that you are doing well, feeling better, and enjoying life, laughter, family and coffee….

Re 'seconds count', I keep saying that time is relative; it all depends on the perspective from where you are standing…….

SandboxGeneral said:
Always great to hear of the good progress. I'm quite confident that your daughter thoroughly enjoyed the ice cream treat! :)
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Couldn't agree more….

powerslave12r said:
Have you started teaching her about Coffee? :D
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Ah. Now. This is the most important question that has been asked to date: Much more important than what grinder one should get, or whether one should roast one's own, or what beans are better, or what method of coffee preparation works best…….

Start 'em young, Kurwenal…..actually, you can never start them too young…..
 
Scepticalscribe said:
Excellent.



Doubtless, this must be quite a challenge….



Again, delighted to hear that you are doing well, feeling better, and enjoying life, laughter, family and coffee….

Re 'seconds count', I keep saying that time is relative; it all depends on the perspective from where you are standing…….



Couldn't agree more….



Ah. Now. This is the most important question that has been asked to date: Much more important than what grinder one should get, or whether one should roast one's own, or what beans are better, or what method of coffee preparation works best…….

Start 'em young, Kurwenal…..actually, you can never start them too young…..
Click to expand...

But...but...think of the children!

It will stunt their growth...or something!:eek:
 
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