AHEM, I don't suppose you have any Whole Latte Love coupon codes.....
See if these work, came in my email today.
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Espresso Enthusiasts
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See if these work, came in my email today.
Yep, they do.....
I'm considering the Gaggia Baby Class and Baratza Virtuoso with Preciso Burrs...
Not sure I should be asking this thread whether it is a good idea....
That would be like asking a cat if they'd like a can of tuna...
Yep, they do.....
I'm considering the Gaggia Baby Class and Baratza Virtuoso with Preciso Burrs...
Not sure I should be asking this thread whether it is a good idea....
That would be like asking a cat if they'd like a can of tuna...
The Gaggia Baby Class is on sale right now, so using the code PRO50 won't work. Use the code SIZZLER and you'll get like an extra dollar off from PRO25 code.
And, yes, it's a good idea to buy now!
I'm coming very late to this thread. Enjoying the comments and the great photos of really good shots.
I've been doing espresso for about 9 years now. Started with a Sylvia and Gaggia MDF grinder and moved up to an Izzo Alex HX machine in 2006 and a Mazzer Major grinder. Still have them and use them sometimes.
I just bought a Baratza Vario grinder this years and it is an amazing grinder for the money. Just superb grinding and probably the best customer support out there for grinders.
And I bought a Breville ES900XL Double-Boiler machine. While not a old-school build as the Alex, this is one sweet espresso machine. Superb temp stability, fast (6 minutes or so) warm up to brew temp and again great customer service. This one is very wife friendly for those that are married.
I tend to use the Breville more often since I can pull just about any time without the long wait time for the Alex. I mostly drink cafe` cremas and Americanos. Don't care at all for straight espresso shots.
Again, thanks for the comments and pictures here. It is a pleasure.
I've been doing espresso for about 9 years now. Started with a Sylvia and Gaggia MDF grinder and moved up to an Izzo Alex HX machine in 2006 and a Mazzer Major grinder. Still have them and use them sometimes.
I just bought a Baratza Vario grinder this years and it is an amazing grinder for the money. Just superb grinding and probably the best customer support out there for grinders.
And I bought a Breville ES900XL Double-Boiler machine. While not a old-school build as the Alex, this is one sweet espresso machine. Superb temp stability, fast (6 minutes or so) warm up to brew temp and again great customer service. This one is very wife friendly for those that are married.
I tend to use the Breville more often since I can pull just about any time without the long wait time for the Alex. I mostly drink cafe` cremas and Americanos. Don't care at all for straight espresso shots.
Again, thanks for the comments and pictures here. It is a pleasure.
Thanks.
I think back many years and remember I couldn't fathom why anyone would spend so much money for a coffee maker! You have to be crazy to do that!!
I also roast my own and have been doing that for quite a number of years. Got a slew of different roasters, but only use the Behmor 1600(?) and Gene Cafe`. The Behmor is superb for lighter roasts but not so good at darker ones or some of the Indonesian beans. The Gene is very good at Full City and Full City+ roasts.
I think back many years and remember I couldn't fathom why anyone would spend so much money for a coffee maker! You have to be crazy to do that!!
I also roast my own and have been doing that for quite a number of years. Got a slew of different roasters, but only use the Behmor 1600(?) and Gene Cafe`. The Behmor is superb for lighter roasts but not so good at darker ones or some of the Indonesian beans. The Gene is very good at Full City and Full City+ roasts.
Thanks.
I think back many years and remember I couldn't fathom why anyone would spend so much money for a coffee maker! You have to be crazy to do that!!
I also roast my own and have been doing that for quite a number of years. Got a slew of different roasters, but only use the Behmor 1600(?) and Gene Cafe`. The Behmor is superb for lighter roasts but not so good at darker ones or some of the Indonesian beans. The Gene is very good at Full City and Full City+ roasts.
Ohh, welcome!
Okay, convex vs. flat bottom tamper. I need information!
I have both!!
I bought the convex one way back when and the flat bottom one came with the Breville. The Alex seems to prefer the tamp from a convex while the Breville prefers the flat.
Okay, convex vs. flat bottom tamper. I need information!
I'm using a flat bottom, Cafelat Tamper: Royal 58.35 mm VST - Strada. I've never seen or used a convex one, so maybe Kurwenal or Shrink could comment on that.
I'm also using this PF basket: VST Precision Insert Baskets - 18 gram Ridgeless
Personal preference, really, MH. Convex is used really when someone has unsolvable channeling problems. I would start with flat and the Cafelat is an excellent tamper.
I'd go with the tamper you mentioned, the Cafelat Royal 58.35 mm flat bottom tamper. It's a specifically made for the VST/Strada baskets and is a terrific fit...no grinds on the walls of the basket after the tamp.
Since I've taken a slightly different approach to tamping than the traditional 30 pound, test-on-a-bathroom-scale technique, but rather an emphasis on consistency rather the pressure poundage...I'm using the Londinium Button Tamper below, which is 58.50 mm...an absolute perfect fit. The fit is so good, it's almost impossible to get anything other than a perfectly level tamp.
Quite pricey, though.
Oh boy, what did I just do....
If you do end up buying the Gaggia Baby Class, or another machine and it has a plastic frothing wand, and you plan on using it to froth milk, be sure to get the optional stainless steel one I just bought last week! I wish I had bought it last year when I received the Gaggia.
Thanks! Okay, I'm going to wait to spend heavily on a tamper, for the moment, since I understand the plastic one is unbearable, I went with a flat bottomed Rattleware tamper.
So, yes, that means I have an espresso machine incoming, although I have to wait ~6 days.
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You are now is some very seriously deep doo-doo!
Ya, the Baby Class is on its way, along with a new grinder
o). I'll be gifting the old one to someone who needs it desperately. Okay, I also regularly make coffee at her place, so....maybe it's not entirely a selfless act.
ALRIGHT!
Another one down the rabbit hole!
You will really enjoy you new toys...and I would suggest also even enjoy the learning curve.
Congratulations, Mate. You are in for a terrific treat! There is nothing like your own, freshly made espresso.
Thanks! Okay, I'm going to wait to spend heavily on a tamper, for the moment, since I understand the plastic one is unbearable, I went with a flat bottomed Rattleware tamper.
So, yes, that means I have an espresso machine incoming, although I have to wait ~6 days.
Ya, the Baby Class is on its way, along with a new grinder
Okay, I also regularly make coffee at her place, so....maybe it's not entirely a selfless act.
Alright! Congratulations! I hope there are some greenbacks left in your wallet because now you need some accessories! Hooray!
SSSHHHHH!
We know he'll need all that stuff...but don't scare him too much!
He knows not what he has done...yet!
In all the excitement about mobilehaathi's joining the espresso club...I was remiss in not extending a hearty WELCOME! to our little asylum. Lots of great information, ideas, suggestion, and gentle teasing in this looney bin.
Have some fun here!
And freshly roasted beans!!
Here's a rule of thumb for beans. If you can buy them in the grocery store, they are already stale!!
Find a local roaster or an online one, you'll pay more for them but you'll really like the results!!
Here's a rule of thumb for beans. If you can buy them in the grocery store, they are already stale!!
Find a local roaster or an online one, you'll pay more for them but you'll really like the results!!
He lives near two of our favorite roasters and knows a lot about good beans!
Ahhh, I've been roasting in a popcorn popper for a few months now, but focused solely on pour over (with some moka pot thrown in).
Otherwise I buy roasted beans from Sweet Maria's or any of the numerous excellent roasters in my area.
Welcome to the thread! To be a proper member, your response to any question about equipment needs to be "I have a dozen." And those words need to be true. We will work on it.
Let me give you a quick run down on the regulars, and I apologize as I no doubt will forget someone, but I am old and feeble and slight of mind.
mobilehaati: sort of the mad scientist of the group. He frequently claims not to own the proper commercially available equipment, which is true but only because he prefers to make coffee in rube goldberg contraptions of his own making that only he understands. He served as the inspiration for this scene in Breaking Bad.
scepticalscribe: The Sceptical One is a person of mystery; some believe the name "scepticalscribe" is code for 009, Licensed to Kill, if one could only find the secret translation device. I refer to this member as simply Our Encomium. Be careful here.
SandboxGeneral: mild-mannered MR mod by day; by night on a quest to, at least once, make and enjoy every type of coffee beverage on the planet. By far, I think, the most curious member of the regular group. He protects us and keeps us in line, gently and appropriately. And he knows things.....solemn things.....like how to kill you with a coffee bean or build a space shuttle from the stained parts of a disused coffee grinder.
BenTrovato: there is ample evidence that he is really Geddy Lee, of the Canadian rock band Rush. The touring schedule for this band, if you do some digging, explains the somewhat infrequent postings from this fan of Coffee of the North.
Shrink: he will claim at some point to be a simple country doctor. In reality, he is the majority owner of several international coffee chains, including Starbucks, and his name is a subtle pun on the bank accounts of his customers. The origin of Shrink's Law: if you like it, drink it twice.
As for myself, I am just someone trying to get the most out of my Mr. Coffee drip brewer. I'm sort of the group mascot; they let me hang around and humor me from time to time with wisdom and advice. On occasion, they make me put on a coffee bean suit and stand on the street corner with a sign that says "Grinders Rule!" I don't mind.
Anyway, welcome!
Now this is wonderful news! What a day. The Scepital One is off buying antique pens, we have had a serious coffee-geek discussion of shot ratios, a new member has arrived, and now we await the unboxing and first pull of a new machine.
Wonderful.
And the vultures are already circling the rotting corpse of my once rotund wallet.
Ahhh, I've been roasting in a popcorn popper for a few months now, but focused solely on pour over (with some moka pot thrown in).
I didn't know that. I'm so jealous!!
Around here if you want freshly roasted you order online or do it yourself. Of course, I'm in the boondocks of very deep southern Illinois. Right in the heart of coal country.