Espresso Enthusiasts

[S.B.G]

Well, as long as you're still drinking coffee, I doubt we'll judge you!

I use my machine in bursts: a few months of nothing but espresso and then a few months of pour-over. I manage to get into a nice rhythm during my espresso streaks, but you're right it's a lot of extra work for a drink that's gone in 30 sec. I'd consider taking some stuff off your hands, but I think shipping would be a bit much.

I may draw up an inventory of my stuff and see what I have altogether and then tag on what I paid for each item and figure out a good selling price.

I don't want to get in trouble for overtly offering to sell stuff outside of the Marketplace, so if you're interested in anything, shoot me an email or PM.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I'm seriously considering selling my Gaggia and associated espresso making equipment. I haven't used it since last summer and the novelty of making all kinds of drinks has worn off. I'm very happy and content to drink regular coffee prepared in a French Press.

I just didn't make enough espresso to get enough practice in doing it right. As it is, I'm a one-cup of coffee per day person and the effort involved in making espresso seems to outweigh it's worth to me. That is especially so since it demands very rigid preparation techniques in order to get it right. Without enough practice and continued use, it's difficult for me to get a proper shot and to be able to enjoy it.

I hear what you are saying and - to a certain, and considerable extent I understand where you are coming from.

Actually, I think without the active presence - and endless encouragement and support of Our Absent Mentor (indeed, Both Of Our Absent Mentors, who are meticulous and ferociously dedicated to espresso making as a Fine Art And Way Of Life) it can be hard to summon up the enthusiasm (and time) to make espresso regularly.

Personally, these days, I rarely use my Bialetti, although there are times when I long for nothing else; I have to be relaxed and at peace with the world, and have plenty of time, too. Not always the case, in my life as it is at present. Therefore, like you, these days, I tend to make coffee with either the French Press (a most forgiving method), or, when making a single cup, a Hario dripper.

To this lot, I may add (probably will add) a Chemex.

Well, as long as you're still drinking coffee, I doubt we'll judge you!

I use my machine in bursts: a few months of nothing but espresso and then a few months of pour-over. I manage to get into a nice rhythm during my espresso streaks, but you're right it's a lot of extra work for a drink that's gone in 30 sec. I'd consider taking some stuff off your hands, but I think shipping would be a bit much.

Yes, my situation is somewhat similar, but - thankfully, the French Press, as a method of coffee preparation, is almost completely idiot proof.

 

[S.B.G]

I finally did it and ordered that Le Creuset stoneware French Press that @Scepticalscribe and I have been drooling over for some time, plus a matching mug to go with it. As mentioned before, I am usually a one cup of coffee per day person, but there are days and times when I want another. The French Press I have is good for one brew and if I want another I have to clean it out and start again.

That happens to be the case this early morning where I want a second cup immediately following the first one. That, I suppose, was the driving reason behind this purchase just now!

I went with the flame colored French Press and mug.

Le Creuset Stoneware 27-Ounce French Press, Flame-(Volcanic)

Le Creuset Stoneware 12-Ounce Mug, Flame

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I finally did it and ordered that Le Creuset stoneware French Press that @Scepticalscribe and I have been drooling over for some time, plus a matching mug to go with it. As mentioned before, I am usually a one cup of coffee per day person, but there are days and times when I want another. The French Press I have is good for one brew and if I want another I have to clean it out and start again.

That happens to be the case this early morning where I want a second cup immediately following the first one. That, I suppose, was the driving reason behind this purchase just now!

I went with the flame colored French Press and mug.

Le Creuset Stoneware 27-Ounce French Press, Flame-(Volcanic)
View attachment 559117

Le Creuset Stoneware 12-Ounce Mug, Flame
View attachment 559118

A great purchase. You won't regret it, and I love mine.

I have that exact mug, too - and I also got a cream coloured one, as well.

However, the French Press itself that I bought was not in what SBG has called the 'flame coloured' shade (Le Creuset describe it as 'volcanic orange'), but in the raspberry red (which is also lovely).

This is because when I was buying it - around 18 months ago, the day before I was due to return to central Asia from leave - the shop in question had already sold out of the 'Volcanic Orange' (which is my favourite colour, too, and which is what I most certainly would have bought had they had it in stock).

However, I needed a coffee pot and knew I would not be home for several further months. (And no, post was no longer an option). Hence, I bought the raspberry red, (which would have been my next favourite colour).

Anyway, I don't regret it - it is a terrific French Press, sturdy, reliable, forgiving, and fantastically good looking when in use…..

 

[S.B.G]

A great purchase. You won't regret it, and I love mine.

I have that exact mug, too - and I also got a cream coloured one, as well.

However, the French Press itself that I bought was not in what SBG has called the 'flame coloured' shaw (Le Creuset describe it as 'volcanic orange'), but in the raspberry red (which is also lovely).

This is because when I was buying it - around 18 months ago, the day before I was due to return to central Asia from leave the shop had sold out of the 'Volcanic Orange' (which is my favourite colour, too, and which is what I most certainly would have bought had they had it in stock), and I needed a coffee pot and knew I would not be home for several further months. (And no, post was no longer an option). Hence, I bought the raspberry red, (which would have been my next favourite colour).

Anyway, I don't regret it - it is a terrific French Press, sturdy, reliable, forgiving, and fantastically good looking when in use…..

I seem to have forgotten that you had previously made this purchase and wrongly thought you were still wishing to make it.

The flame description is not my own, it came from the Amazon.com description as I copied it.

So how well does it perform? Does it keep the coffee warm or hot for an acceptable amount of time?

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I seem to have forgotten that you had previously made this purchase and wrongly thought you were still wishing to make it.

The flame description is not my own, it came from the Amazon.com description as I copied it.

So how well does it perform? Does it keep the coffee warm or hot for an acceptable amount of time?

Probably entirely predictably, it performs exceedingly well, and is most forgiving, very consistent and extremely reliable. I love it. And, yes, as long as you remember to heat the French Press & mugs in advance, it will keep them warm for a decent period.

Therefore, one thing which I would recommend (strongly) - and I had to learn this the hard way myself, is to heat both the French Press and the mug with hot water in advance. This will ensure that the heat is not dissipated afterwards, and that the coffee is made in, or poured into - already hot vessels. However, once you do that, the Le Creuset French Press will indeed keep the coffee warm for a surprising length of time.

Years ago, many of my friends had those electric coffee-makers, and - much to their surprise - I never actually bought one, because - apart from everything else, I found that the coffee they produced was never hot enough.

Well, I hadn't know that Amazon described that colour (which is gorgeous) as 'flame coloured'; the usual descriptions are 'Volcanic Orange' (from Le Creuset's own ads, or websites), or 'burnt orange'.

 

[S.B.G]

Probably entirely predictably, it performs exceedingly well, and is most forgiving, very consistent and extremely reliable. I love it. And, yes, as long as you remember to heat the French Press & mugs in advance, it will keep them warm for a decent period.

Therefore, one thing which I would recommend (strongly) - and I had to learn this the hard way myself, is to heat both the French Press and the mug with hot water in advance. This will ensure that the heat is not dissipated afterwards, and that the coffee is made in, or poured into - already hot vessels. However, once you do that, the Le Creuset French Press will indeed keep the coffee warm for a surprising length of time.

Years ago, many of my friends had those electric coffee-makers, and - much to their surprise - I never actually bought one, because - apart from everything else, I found that the coffee they produced was never hot enough.

Well, I hadn't know that Amazon described that colour (which is gorgeous) as 'flame coloured'; the usual descriptions are 'Volcanic Orange' (from Le Creuset's own ads, or websites), or 'burnt orange'.

Most excellent to hear. Preheating is obviously the best way to go. I don't do that that for my current FP because it's thin glass and doesn't make much difference.

You are right about the electric coffee makers in that they don't heat the water up very well. I had one, highly rated one at that, from Amazon, and it didn't get the water past 170F if it was lucky.

Now I use the electric kettle that Kurwenal recommended and set it to 204F and it works every time.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

A further addendum: One of my pet dislikes - actually, it is not over-stating the case, or putting it too strongly when I phrase it as follows - so, one of my pet hates - is lukewarm coffee.

Therefore, ensuring that the coffee is hot - rather than lukewarm - has long been a concern of mine. And - as long as it is heated in advance with hot water (which is then discarded), you should experience no difficulties whatsoever in that regard when using the Le Creuset French Press.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Most excellent to hear. Preheating is obviously the best way to go. I don't do that that for my current FP because it's thin glass and doesn't make much difference.

You are right about the electric coffee makers in that they don't heat the water up very well. I had one, highly rated one at that, from Amazon, and it didn't get the water past 170F if it was lucky.

Now I use the electric kettle that Kurwenal recommended and set it to 204F and it works every time.

Ah, Kurwenal's electric kettle. Along with a Chemex, (handblown for preference) this is a purchase that I must - most definitely - invest in.

Agree re the glass French Press; it doesn't really need heating, and the glass (although doubtless tempered) might well shatter.

But the Le Creuset - stone ground - does need heating in advance; but then, it will keep the heat. It is a lovely piece of equipment, and I always use it if I have any sort of a guest staying, or visiting, or, even in the - not unusual - event that I want more than a single cup of coffee for myself.

In common with yourself, I find myself making (preparing) espresso a lot less frequently. These days, almost always I use either the Hario dripper pour over method (for one cup of coffee) or the French Press if I am making more than one cup.

 

[S.B.G]

A further addendum: One of my pet dislikes - actually, it is not over-stating the case, or putting it too strongly when I phrase it as follows - so, one of my pet hates - is lukewarm coffee.

Therefore, ensuring that the coffee is hot - rather than lukewarm - has been a concern of mine. And - as long as it is heated in advance with hot water (which is then discarded), you should experience no difficulties whatsoever in that regard when using the Le Creuset French Press.

The abhorrence of lukewarm coffee is equally mutual between us. It's downright disgusting in fact.

Ah, Kurwenal's electric kettle. Along with a Chemex, (handblown for preference) this is a purchase that I must - most definitely - invest in.

The kettle recommendation from Kurwenal has been a godsend in my opinion. It's super easy to use and always consistent in its temperature.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Two pounds of Ethiopia Yirga Cheffe Kela Kochore and two pounds of Sweet Marias Moka Kadir Blend have been ordered as I wind down my supplies at home.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Two pounds of Ethiopia Yirga Cheffe Kela Kochore and two pounds of Sweet Marias Moka Kadir Blend have been ordered as I wind down my supplies at home.

Ah, now my mouth waters upon reading this.

'Ethiopia Yirgacheffe - Kela Kochore' sounds most interesting. In recent months, (our friend Kurwenal a most enlightening guide on this journey) I have developed quite a taste for some of the really good Ethiopian coffees, especially the excellent offerings from the Yirgacheffe region. You must please tell me how you find it (and where you found it).

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Well, it is time (high time, indeed) to peruse the website of the Ethiopian Coffee Company in London with a view to ordering some more Ethiopian coffee in the near future.

And, - apart from offering & showcasing most excellent coffee at quite reasonable prices - the price for transport and carriage will not cost a fortune either.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Ah, now my mouth waters upon reading this.

'Ethiopia Yirgacheffe - Kela Kochore' sounds most interesting. In recent months, (our friend Kurwenal a most enlightening guide on this journey) I have developed quite a taste for some of the really good Ethiopian coffees, especially the excellent offerings from the Yirgacheffe region. You must please tell me how you find it (and where you found it).

I ordered it from Sweet Maria's as usual. Looking forward to trying it out! As you know I'm very fond of the Yirgacheffes myself...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I ordered it from Sweet Maria's as usual. Looking forward to trying it out! As you know I'm very fond of the Yirgacheffes myself...

Well, the Ethiopian Coffee Company seems to have a number of different beans from the Yirgacheffe region available, as well as some others from less well known regions but which I don't doubt will also be excellent.

But yes, in common with your good self, and Mr Kurwenal, I have become a huge - nay massive - fan (and aficionado) of the coffees (and beans) from the Yirgacheffe region.

In any case, they can expect to receive a phone call from me shortly…..

 

[BenTrovato]

I finally did it and ordered that Le Creuset stoneware French Press that @Scepticalscribe and I have been drooling over for some time, plus a matching mug to go with it. As mentioned before, I am usually a one cup of coffee per day person, but there are days and times when I want another. The French Press I have is good for one brew and if I want another I have to clean it out and start again.

Thanks for sharing! I found myself staring at the link you posted for a few minutes wondering if I should pull the trigger. I love stoneware. I'll have to sit with the thought for a while longer.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Thanks for sharing! I found myself staring at the link you posted for a few minutes wondering if I should pull the trigger. I love stoneware. I'll have to sit with the thought for a while longer.

Well, as someone who owns one, I can attest to the fact that it is an excellent French Press. Gorgeous, forgiving, easy to use and clean, very sturdy and a pleasure to use. The coffee is lovely, too…...

 

[S.B.G]

The Brazilian coffee from Blue Bottle actually arrived on time for once from the USPS. Mark that on the calendar!

I enjoyed a cup of it this morning and it tasted good. Not spectacular mind you, but good. I still think the Columbian coffee I had a few months back was the best tasting batch from Blue Bottle I've had yet. Follow that up with some of the African, Ethiopian, beans as a close second favorite.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The Brazilian coffee from Blue Bottle actually arrived on time for once from the USPS. Mark that on the calendar!

I enjoyed a cup of it this morning and it tasted good. Not spectacular mind you, but good. I still think the Columbian coffee I had a few months back was the best tasting batch from Blue Bottle I've had yet. Follow that up with some of the African, Ethiopian, beans as a close second favorite.

Yes, I see what you mean.

I have never had a Brazilian coffee that left me thinking 'wow'; some nice ones, yes, some that were actually very good, but nothing superlative, so I am not terribly surprised upon reading your post.

Now, agreed, some of the Colombian coffees can be excellent, and I have also had some superb ones from El Salvador, as well.

 

[S.B.G]

Yes, I see what you mean.

I have never had a Brazilian coffee that left me thinking 'wow'; some nice ones, yes, some that were actually very good, but nothing superlative, so I am not terribly surprised upon reading your post.

Now, agreed, some of the Colombian coffees can be excellent, and I have also had some superb ones from El Salvador, as well.

Now of course, my good friend who is a native born Brazilian may not agree with us on who has the best coffee out there!

I can't remember if i've had any from El Salvador or not.

 

[S.B.G]

The new French Press and mug arrived today. They're very nice looking, and sturdy feeling.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

The new French Press and mug arrived today. They're very nice looking, and sturdy feeling.
View attachment 560374

Yes! Great news.

Have you had the pleasure and privilege of using them yet?

I have been using mine for the past few days as one of my two brothers came down to see Mother and we drank quite a bit of coffee.

Well, it looks great, I must say, - and yes, feels lovely and sturdy in the hand - and I think you will hugely enjoy using it, and drinking the coffee you make in it.

Just remember, the first kettle of hot water is for the pot (and mugs), while the second is for the coffee…...

 

[S.B.G]

@Scepticalscribe Thanks! But no, I haven't tried it yet. I've been home for about an hour now and the parcel was waiting for me at my door. I'll probably use it for my morning cup(s) tomorrow though.

Thanks for the reminder to pre-heat it too - I'll be sure to do that.

 

[D.T.]

The new French Press and mug arrived today. They're very nice looking, and sturdy feeling.
View attachment 560374

Beautiful! I'm used the acrylic style, that looks like lab equipment ... come to think of it, our Chemex +are+ lab equipment

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Beautiful! I'm used the acrylic style, that looks like lab equipment ... come to think of it, our Chemex +are+ lab equipment

Which Chemex? But, yes, I can see how a Chemex might be seen as something that first saw the light of life in a lab (and I think that may be actually true….)

However, I am a big fan of the Le Creuset range of stuff; their pots and pans, their cookware, their French Press…

Well over a decade ago, I taught for a number of years in the Modern European History Department of one of those ancient seats of learning, and I shared a staff room/common room with other junior teaching staff colleagues.

Anyway, Le Creuset, were running a promotion at the time, - milk tokens and cereal tokens, that sort of thing. But not an easy promotion.

There was a deadline (unnaturally short), and there was also an absolutely obscene number of tokens to be collected in order to claim the desirable cookware, which I hadn't the slightest chance of ever reaching (I barely consumed two litres of milk a week, and never ate cereal!)

I made my colleagues aware of the promotion, of my love of Le Creuset, of my need for Le Creuset cookware, as well as the complete impossibility of meeting this deadline because of the sheer improbability (no, impossibility) of successfully amassing the amount of tokens required in time.

My colleagues in that staff room admirably rose to the challenge and rode to the rescue; it became a point of honour for them.

Whatever cereal, or milk, or anything else (I think yogurt may also have featured and other products were also involved) that was eligible they consumed; granted, they would have bought many of these staples anyway, but the fact that they bought extra supplies, and remembered to clip the tokens and bring them in to me, has - among a great many other reasons - left the occupants of that junior staff members' room with a warm place in my memories and my heart.

Over the years, I have had poor bosses, (hasn't everyone?), diabolically dreadful ones, excellent ones, mediocre ones, but my colleagues in that staff room in that ancient university - bright, decent, hard-working, and funny - were some of the best colleagues I have ever had, anywhere. I am always pleased to run into one of them, - any of them - over a decade later.

Thanks to their sterling efforts, I received more than enough tokens to be able to claim several pieces of Le Creuset cookware (pasta bake dishes, sauté pan, small casserole ….).