Espresso Enthusiasts

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, I don't know if you're willing, but once you find an approximate grind that is to your liking, a small mark on each independent segment would give you a reference if you ever lose your spot. On the other hand, you probably don't want to make a permanent mark. The burrs will eventually get worn down and you'll have to reset the grind (this take quite a while though).

So perhaps you could fashion a temporary mark of some sort as a guide.

That is what I imagine I shall end up doing; perhaps, something like a red marker, for one form of coffee, a black for another, etc, or something similar along those lines.

The thing is made of metal - I suspect that it will be difficult to make a 'permanent' mark; or, a small sticker might suffice, as well.

Reviews seem to suggest that this grinder is so well constructed that the burr grinders will take an awful long time to wear down. Now, it does look magnificent. And the (surprisingly brief) OE Lido instruction pages remark that it gets ever easier to use the more you use it……and the more the grinders get used to being used.

 

[D.T.]

That is what I imagine I shall end up doing; perhaps, something like a red marker, for one form of coffee, a black for another, etc, or something similar along those lines.

The thing is made of metal - I suspect that it will be difficult to make a 'permanent' mark; or, a small sticker might suffice, as well.

A grease pencil (aka, china marker) writes on metal/glass surfaces, and rubs off with direct effort. I’ve used them to even mark/index engine components and the marks have stayed through assembly (then easily removed).

Just a thought ...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A grease pencil (aka, china marker) writes on metal/glass surfaces, and rubs off with direct effort. I’ve used them to even mark/index engine components and the marks have stayed through assembly (then easily removed).

Just a thought ...

That is a wonderful idea, and it could work very, very well in this context; why, thank you very much.

(Now, next up, to try to find such a thing). But really - what a kind and thoughtful post. You have my gratitude.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, this morning was D-day. Or, should I say, 'G-Day' - Grinder-Day (as I had no pre-ground coffee left - only beans).

Suggested methods of addressing my deficiencies and lack of knowledge in this area included the time honoured 'Trial & Error', along with a brief consultation with Mr Google (and an instructive video - which proved to be less instructive than I had assumed - or two watched), and the (surprisingly brief) manual produced by OE Lido was also perused.

With all of those methods examined, I set up my OE Lido 2 Grinder, adjusted the rings to where I thought they perhaps ought to be - and spooned in four large (dessert) spoons of coffee (that is what the video suggested, and I don't like insipid coffee anyway). The beans were the legendary ones from Sweet Maria - the highly praised - on this thread, at least, Liquid Amber.

Then, as I turned the device, a surprisingly sharp twinge from my left thumb (I hadn't known you were apprenticing arthritis), let me know that the process of grinding was in train.

Grind adjustments will probably have to be made in the future (hence, marks on rings would be a very good idea) as today's grind was somewhat finer than I would normally drink.

However, as I am more than perfectly capable of using what is called pre-ground espresso coffee to make coffee with a French Press (needs must, and all of that), as I did on a recent posting abroad, and suffered no ill effects, this was not a serious issue unless one is a perfectionist in the realm of coffee, which - while I may strive to master these esoteric arts - I am not.

This is a lovely instrument; I am not sure that I could see myself using it daily - but certainly, on the days where time is not pressing and I am free to potter and make coffee free from time constraints, I can see myself using this. Mind you, I suspect that the more one becomes used to it, the more easy it is to use. Given that I squeeze citrus fruits daily for myself, it is possible that the coffee grinder could be used as part of a daily breakfast ritual.

And, as for the coffee itself? The coffee I made for myself having ground my own bean (by hand) with a (stunning) burr grinder for the first time ever? Yes, I must admit, it was absolutely delicious.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And a second mug of coffee, with a somewhat coarser grind, has been consumed just now. And very tasty, it was, too.

'Trial & Error' along with some appropriate prompting, (and quick glances at a bizarrely brief manual) seem to be the way to go.

Oh, and a marker to place some sort of dot, or mark, on the rings of this solidly constructed grinder.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Well, this morning was D-day. Or, should I say, 'G-Day' - Grinder-Day (as I had no pre-ground coffee left - only beans).

Suggested methods of addressing my deficiencies and lack of knowledge in this area included the time honoured 'Trial & Error', along with a brief consultation with Mr Google (and an instructive video - which proved to be less instructive than I had assumed - or two watched), and the (surprisingly brief) manual produced by OE Lido was also perused.

With all of those methods examined, I set up my OE Lido 2 Grinder, adjusted the rings to where I thought they perhaps ought to be - and spooned in four large (dessert) spoons of coffee (that is what the video suggested, and I don't like insipid coffee anyway). The beans were the legendary ones from Sweet Maria - the highly praised - on this thread, at least, Liquid Amber.

Then, as I turned the device, a surprisingly sharp twinge from my left thumb (I hadn't known you were apprenticing arthritis), let me know that the process of grinding was in train.

Grind adjustments will probably have to be made in the future (hence, marks on rings would be a very good idea) as today's grind was somewhat finer than I would normally drink.

However, as I am more than perfectly capable of using what is called pre-ground espresso coffee to make coffee with a French Press (needs must, and all of that), as I did on a recent posting abroad, and suffered no ill effects, this was not a serious issue unless one is a perfectionist in the realm of coffee, which - while I may strive to master these esoteric arts - I am not.

This is a lovely instrument; I am not sure that I could see myself using it daily - but certainly, on the days where time is not pressing and I am free to potter and make coffee free from time constraints, I can see myself using this. Mind you, I suspect that the more one becomes used to it, the more easy it is to use. Given that I squeeze citrus fruits daily for myself, it is possible that the coffee grinder could be used as part of a daily breakfast ritual.

And, as for the coffee itself? The coffee I made for myself having ground my own bean (by hand) with a (stunning) burr grinder for the first time ever? Yes, I must admit, it was absolutely delicious.

Excellent, excellent, and hey if you squeeze citrus on a daily basis surely you can grind coffee!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Excellent, excellent, and hey if you squeeze citrus on a daily basis surely you can grind coffee!

That is what I tell myself, too.

If I can squeeze a mixture of oranges, lemons and grapefruits most mornings, I can surely manage to grind some coffee beans.

For now, the task is not necessarily the actual process of grinding the beans, (which was surprisingly easy, apprenticed arthritic thumb notwithstanding), but working out what the appropriate grind should be in the absence of anything resembling numerals on the rings.

This is where the learning curve comes in; and this - the actual grinder settings - is something I know I will need to have a fair idea of, as I prefer not to have to be too mentally engaged first thing in the morning, especially on the days when other matters occupy my mind.

 

[mobilehaathi]

That is what I tell myself, too.

If I can squeeze a mixture of oranges, lemons and grapefruits most mornings, I can surely manage to grind some coffee beans.

For now, the task is not necessarily the actual process of grinding the beans, (which was surprisingly easy, apprenticed arthritic thumb notwithstanding), but working out what the appropriate grind should be in the absence of anything resembling numerals on the rings.

This is where the learning curve comes in; and this - the actual grinder settings - is something I know I will need to have a fair idea of, as I prefer not to have to be too mentally engaged first thing in the morning, especially on the days when other matters occupy my mind.

Fear not, once you have it set you won't need but very small adjustments until you switch brew methods. I have faith.

 

[S.B.G]

So the last of the SO batches that Blue Bottle sent me, which I mentioned here last week never arrived. The USPS tracking last had it leaving Oakland, California early last week and that was it.

I contacted BB and they credited me $12 for the lost coffee to use against my new subscription of blended coffee. That was very kind of them considering the loss is totally not their fault.

The first order of the blend arrived today and I have the kettle heating up now to try my first cup. Here is what the card included has to say.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

So the last of the SO batches that Blue Bottle sent me, which I mentioned here last week never arrived. The USPS tracking last had it leaving Oakland, California early last week and that was it.

I contacted BB and they credited me $12 for the lost coffee to use against my new subscription of blended coffee. That was very kind of them considering the loss is totally not their fault.

The first order of the blend arrived today and I have the kettle heating up now to try my first cup. Here is what the card included has to say.

View attachment 529521

View attachment 529522

Enjoy and let us know how you find it.

For my part, I am still enjoying the Lido 2, although re grind settings, the learning curve remains fairly steep. Never mind. Today's coffee was extraordinarily pleasant.

 

[S.B.G]

Halfway through the cup and I like it. It's smooth and I guess rustic in taste.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Enjoy and let us know how you find it.

For my part, I am still enjoying the Lido 2, although re grind settings, the learning curve remains fairly steep. Never mind. Today's coffee was extraordinarily pleasant.

All in the name of 'fresh' coffee!

Halfway through the cup and I like it. It's smooth and I guess rustic in taste.

Sounds good, I'll keep an eye out for it.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

All in the name of 'fresh' coffee!

Indeed. The sacrifices we make in pursuit of unattainable perfection.

However, I will say that the coffee - thus far - is proving to be quite excellent, my fumbling with the settings on the grinder's rings notwithstanding.

Nevertheless, when you wrote yesterday about how you 'had faith', I was reminded of that wonderful quote from the late, great, Douglas Adams, (in his immortal and wonderful work 'The Hitch-Hikers Guide to the Galaxy') when he wrote that "for proof denies faith and without faith, you are nothing…."

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Today's coffee was - inexplicably - stress free (as far as grinding the beans was concerned). We shall see if this happy state of affairs continues…...

 

[mobilehaathi]

Today's coffee was - inexplicably - stress free (as far as grinding the beans was concerned). We shall see if this happy state of affairs continues…...

Incroyable! What's next a drum roaster?

 

[S.B.G]

Today's coffee was - inexplicably - stress free (as far as grinding the beans was concerned). We shall see if this happy state of affairs continues…...

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Incroyable! What's next a drum roaster?

No. I know my limits.

Well, when I found myself treacherously fantasising earlier this week about buying a different grinder - around the very time I set out the OE Lido 2 and stared at it, while it stood there, sturdily, at attention, like a sentry - (but not fed beans to grind) - I did find myself mulling over investing in something numerate, organised and electrically powered which would take the pain of not just physically turning and twisting rings (although that is not actually the problem; this things is very well designed), but out of plotting and planning where to set the grooves on the rings in the absence of numerals, I had to haul myself aside, and hiss, 'enough, for now.'

No, more mad coffee expenditures - for the near future, anyway. Now, for the record, a Chemex does not count as a mad purchase, just a necessary one.

This is because there are a number of other idiotic purchases (idiotic, but very necessary) planned. A Klober 'management task chair' - office chair, already ordered and yet to be delivered or paid off……and some other purchases, most of which will be written about in due course…..

Sounds like you're getting the hang of it!

A steep learning curve is still a learning curve; but is also a most interesting journey. If I said that I am actually enjoying the sheer physical experience of grinding my own coffee beans, you will probably understand where I am coming from. The fact that there is a discernible difference in taste between the two methods also helps.

For what it is worth, I shall also continue to buy pre-ground coffee. This is because I am not the only person who passes through - and, when my brothers are here, it is important to ensure that coffee is available that they are comfortable with and can make for themselves.

 

[S.B.G]

Lo and behold, precisely 7 days late, the USPS delivered the last batch of my SO subscription today. Just incredible.

Anyway, I already had a cup and it tastes great!

 

[mobilehaathi]

Lo and behold, precisely 7 days late, the USPS delivered the last batch of my SO subscription today. Just incredible.

Anyway, I already had a cup and it tastes great!

View attachment 529664

View attachment 529665

Oh, that sounds delightful!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Lo and behold, precisely 7 days late, the USPS delivered the last batch of my SO subscription today. Just incredible.

Anyway, I already had a cup and it tastes great!

View attachment 529664

View attachment 529665

Excellent news, and I hope that you enjoy it all the more for having been delivered late to you.

What do they say about things tasting all the sweeter if you have had to wait for them?

Anyway, I have ordered a few - obscure, unusual - coffees from Intelligentsia…..(the Sweet Maria 'Liquid Amber' beans are being consumed rather rapidly by my new grinder….).

 

[S.B.G]

Excellent news, and I hope that you enjoy it all the more for having been delivered late to you.

What do they say about things tasting all the sweeter if you have had to wait for them?

Anyway, I have ordered a few - obscure, unusual - coffees from Intelligentsia…..(the Sweet Maria 'Liquid Amber' beans are being consumed rather rapidly by my new grinder….).

The Liquid Amber is great stuff, isn't it?

I also emailed Blue Bottle back about receiving the late shipment, informing them that it actually arrived, and undamaged. The other day when it was nowhere to be found they gave me a credit of $12. I let them know that I now have it and they can take back their $12 if they want - being that I received what I paid for.

Hey, I'm no freeloader! I'll pay for what I buy.

We'll see what they say, either they'll take it back or let me keep it. Either way, I'm fine with it.

 

[mobilehaathi]

The Liquid Amber is great stuff, isn't it?

I also emailed Blue Bottle back about receiving the late shipment, informing them that it actually arrived, and undamaged. The other day when it was nowhere to be found they gave me a credit of $12. I let them know that I now have it and they can take back their $12 if they want - being that I received what I paid for.

Hey, I'm no freeloader! I'll pay for what I buy.

We'll see what they say, either they'll take it back or let me keep it. Either way, I'm fine with it.

I'd be a bit surprised if they took it back, to be honest. The goodwill it generated is worth way more than the $12.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The Liquid Amber is great stuff, isn't it?

I also emailed Blue Bottle back about receiving the late shipment, informing them that it actually arrived, and undamaged. The other day when it was nowhere to be found they gave me a credit of $12. I let them know that I now have it and they can take back their $12 if they want - being that I received what I paid for.

Hey, I'm no freeloader! I'll pay for what I buy.

We'll see what they say, either they'll take it back or let me keep it. Either way, I'm fine with it.

Well said.

Great story, and I'm delighted that it worked out for you properly; it is nice, too when doing the right thing is rewarded. And good news, too, about your car and the insurance, so a pretty good week, all told, I should imagine.

Re Liquid Amber, this is my first bag of the stuff, and it is very good, but I am really looking forward to getting my hands on some seriously good Ethiopian coffee, and putting my OE Lido through its paces with beans from the Ethiopian highlands.

I note that your beans seem to be from Colombia; Intelligentsia are also promoting high altitude beans from Colombia, Bolivia and sundry other spots in South America. Must be the stuff that is in season at the moment.

 

[S.B.G]

I'd be a bit surprised if they took it back, to be honest. The goodwill it generated is worth way more than the $12.

Well said.

Great story, and I'm delighted that it worked out for you properly; it is nice, too when doing the right thing is rewarded. And good news, too, about your car and the insurance, so a pretty good week, all told, I should imagine.

Re Liquid Amber, this is my first bag of the stuff, and it is very good, but I am really looking forward to getting my hands on some seriously good Ethiopian coffee, and putting my OE Lido through its paces with beans from the Ethiopian highlands.

I note that your beans seem to be from Colombia; Intelligentsia are also promoting high altitude beans from Colombia, Bolivia and sundry other spots in South America. Must be the stuff that is in season at the moment.

Yeah, I'd be slightly surprised if they do take it back, and if they actually do, I won't be upset in the least. Fair is fair.

Yes the beans are Colombian and they taste great. The batch of blended beans I received yesterday are good, but I don't feel they taste as good as the SO beans I've been getting. This SO batch that came today has a better taste than the blended beans.

Now that doesn't mean the blended beans are bad - just not quite as good as the SO beans.

 

[S.B.G]

Well, I get to keep the $12 credit. They replied a couple of minutes ago.

Very nice company Blue Bottle is!

Serah replied
Feb 13, 2:55pm
HI Jeffrey!

No worries at all! We will leave as is!

Enjoy,
Serah

- Serah at Blue Bottle Coffee
510-435-7350