Espresso Enthusiasts

[mobilehaathi]

snip

Welcome!

 

[decafjava]

Let me second the welcome!

 

[S.B.G]

Just stumbled across this thread and I have to say, I couldn't be happier (or in more trouble)--my two favorite hobbies, tech and coffee, all in one place. My wife used to groan when she'd see me with another tech gadget, until she started seeing coffee making gear starting to accumulate in her kitchen and how much it can cost (she thought coffee would be my inexpensive hobby ).

Anyways, your setup quickly caught my eye, beautiful stuff. My apologies if it's already in a previous post but just found the thread and haven't had a chance to read though it in its entirely yet. What kind of grinder is that? Seems very similar to a Versalab M3, yet manually driven, if I'm not mistaken. And your espresso machine, possible an Expobar? (sorry, couldn't make out the details in the photo).

I cut my teeth learning espresso on an Expobar Pulser and Rancillo Rocky for quite a few years but saved my pennies and upgraded last year to a Rocket Cellini Evoluzione and a Mahlkonig ProM.

Anyways, just wanted to chime in with a quickie intro. Look forward to reading through the thread. Cheers.

Hey, we sucked in another one!

Welcome aboard!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

And please allow me to echo the welcome already extended. The more (coffee aficionados) the merrier, and the thread is a wonderful example of warm, witty, banter along with information and happy enthusiasm. A lovely (safe, cosy, welcoming - and interesting!) place in which to pass a few short minutes, or hours, online......

 

[Shrink]

Just stumbled across this thread and I have to say, I couldn't be happier (or in more trouble)--my two favorite hobbies, tech and coffee, all in one place. My wife used to groan when she'd see me with another tech gadget, until she started seeing coffee making gear starting to accumulate in her kitchen and how much it can cost (she thought coffee would be my inexpensive hobby ).

Anyways, your setup quickly caught my eye, beautiful stuff. My apologies if it's already in a previous post but just found the thread and haven't had a chance to read though it in its entirely yet. What kind of grinder is that? Seems very similar to a Versalab M3, yet manually driven, if I'm not mistaken. And your espresso machine, possible an Expobar? (sorry, couldn't make out the details in the photo).

I cut my teeth learning espresso on an Expobar Pulser and Rancillo Rocky for quite a few years but saved my pennies and upgraded last year to a Rocket Cellini Evoluzione and a Mahlkonig ProM.

Anyways, just wanted to chime in with a quickie intro. Look forward to reading through the thread. Cheers.

Better late than never...WELCOME!

Thanks for the kind words about my set-up. You have a good eye, my machine s an Expobar Office Lever Machine...an heat exchanger rather than a double boiler. I really like the machine...it produces great espresso.

As you also can see, I'm an out of control accessory freak. Of the most essential third party additions is a Strada filter basket. I also have a VST basket...but haven't used it yet. To go with the basket I bought a Cafelat Royal tamper specifically made for the Strada and VST baskets. It's 58.35MM with a variability of 0.05MM. The fit in the basket is so perfect that the sides of the filter basket between the top of the puck and the top of the filter is perfectly clean after tamping. Amazing fit!

And my pride and joy is the HG-one grinder. I bought it on pre-order when the two guys who started the company offered it. It has Mazer 83MM burrs...and it's unbelievable.

OK...so much for babbling! Again, my welcome to our happy little asylum! We are all coffee freaks, and love trading information, ideas, and experiences with other coffee crazies.

 

[tbayrgs]

Better late than never...WELCOME!

Thanks for the kind words about my set-up. You have a good eye, my machine s an Expobar Office Lever Machine...an heat exchanger rather than a double boiler. I really like the machine...it produces great espresso.

As you also can see, I'm an out of control accessory freak. Of the most essential third party additions is a Strada filter basket. I also have a VST basket...but haven't used it yet. To go with the basket I bought a Cafelat Royal tamper specifically made for the Strada and VST baskets. It's 58.35MM with a variability of 0.05MM. The fit in the basket is so perfect that the sides of the filter basket between the top of the puck and the top of the filter is perfectly clean after tamping. Amazing fit!

And my pride and joy is the HG-one grinder. I bought it on pre-order when the two guys who started the company offered it. It has Mazer 83MM burrs...and it's unbelievable.

OK...so much for babbling! Again, my welcome to our happy little asylum! We are all coffee freaks, and love trading information, ideas, and experiences with other coffee crazies.

I also use Strada baskets and the Cafelat Royal, switched when I got my new gear about a year and a half ago and love them and the results in the cup.

Truly intrigued by the grinder, have some reading to do.

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

 

[Shrink]

I also use Strada baskets and the Cafelat Royal, switched when I got my new gear about a year and a half ago and love them and the results in the cup.

Truly intrigued by the grinder, have some reading to do.

Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

I believe that they are taking pre-orders for the second production run. And if your wife was...ah...irritated by some of the other purchases, I'd suggest some careful preparation if you decide to go for the Hg-one!

I'm really pleased with the Strada basket/Cafelot tamper combination. I do believe that the change from the stock equipment makes a real difference. I also have a custom made portafilter which I stumbled upon in the WholeLatteLove site. They apparently only had one made, and it was about the same price as most portafilters so I snapped it up. It is about ½ pound heavier than most original equipment portafilters, and holds a steady heat level extremely well. It also looks cool as heck, IMO!

 

[tbayrgs]

I believe that they are taking pre-orders for the second production run. And if your wife was...ah...irritated by some of the other purchases, I'd suggest some careful preparation if you decide to go for the Hg-one!

I'm really pleased with the Strada basket/Cafelot tamper combination. I do believe that the change from the stock equipment makes a real difference. I also have a custom made portafilter which I stumbled upon in the WholeLatteLove site. They apparently only had one made, and it was about the same price as most portafilters so I snapped it up. It is about ½ pound heavier than most original equipment portafilters, and holds a steady heat level extremely well. It also looks cool as heck, IMO!

See what you mean about the HG-One, though honestly not as bad as I expected, considering the prices I've seen for some gear. Heck, I could just tell her it's cheaper than my last two coffee purchases. Truly is a beautiful piece of hardware.

I started using a bottomless PF years ago when I was learning my technique and while I no longer need to use it, I still love seeing that beautiful tiger-striped cone from a spot on pull of freshly roasted beans. There's a forum member over at Coffeegeek that turns custom handles for PFs and knobs for your steam/hot water wands in your wood of choice and I'm so tempted to have him make a set for me---just can't decide what wood I'd like, so many great choices.

 

[Shrink]

See what you mean about the HG-One, though honestly not as bad as I expected, considering the prices I've seen for some gear. Heck, I could just tell her it's cheaper than my last two coffee purchases. Truly is a beautiful piece of hardware.

I started using a bottomless PF years ago when I was learning my technique and while I no longer need to use it, I still love seeing that beautiful tiger-striped cone from a spot on pull of freshly roasted beans. There's a forum member over at Coffeegeek that turns custom handles for PFs and knobs for your steam/hot water wands in your wood of choice and I'm so tempted to have him make a set for me---just can't decide what wood I'd like, so many great choices.

It becomes clear that you definitely belong on this thread...another truly gonzo enthusiast!

OK...you got me! The idea of ebony (to maintain the black and stainless theme) knobs is very intriguing! If you have a link to the forum member who makes them, I would appreciate if you would put them up. As I'm not a member of that forum, please let me know how I might get in touch with the person. Any information on cost would be appreciated, too.

I'm also curious about what kind of beans you buy. Although I roast my own (green beans from Sweet Marias), many of the posters here are always looking for new pre-roasted coffees to try. Perhaps you might give some recommendations for them to consider.

 

[tbayrgs]

It becomes clear that you definitely belong on this thread...another truly gonzo enthusiast!

OK...you got me! The idea of ebony (to maintain the black and stainless theme) knobs is very intriguing! If you have a link to the forum member who makes them, I would appreciate if you would put them up. As I'm not a member of that forum, please let me know how I might get in touch with the person. Any information on cost would be appreciated, too.

I'm also curious about what kind of beans you buy. Although I roast my own (green beans from Sweet Marias), many of the posters here are always looking for new pre-roasted coffees to try. Perhaps you might give some recommendations for them to consider.

I'll dig around a bit and get back to you with the info re: the custom knobs, haven't visited that forum/thread in a bit (not enough hours in the day ).

Regarding coffee, I haven't ventured down the path of roasting my own...yet . I generally purchase my beans online as there isn't much available in Tampa. I've tried tons but some of my favorites are Caffe Fresco (Ambosia) , Metropolis (Redline), and Redbird (both their Redbird espresso blend and Blue Jaguar). However, there is one local roaster here in Tampa that I'm currently getting my beans from, very inexpensive about $7-8/lb (they primarily deal commercially) but as long as I get my order in by 9 am during the week, they'll have it ready for pickup at their roasting facilities (oh the smell..) within an hour or two. I don't love their stuff for espresso, as they don't do many blends and I don't prefer SO beans for espresso. That being said, there roasts make wonderful cups via pourover and French Press.

And both Coffeegeek and Home Barista are great sites for anyone interested in coffee--great place to get advice on technique, equipment, roasters, you name it. The members are all generally very nice and glad to offer support. Be warned though that I've lost many an hour (or day) to them as I've found it very easy to get sucked in.

 

[tbayrgs]

OK...you got me! The idea of ebony (to maintain the black and stainless theme) knobs is very intriguing! If you have a link to the forum member who makes them, I would appreciate if you would put them up. As I'm not a member of that forum, please let me know how I might get in touch with the person. Any information on cost would be appreciated, too.

Here's the thread over at HB regarding the custom made wood handles/knobs. The forum member uses the same user handle over at coffeegeek as well, very nice guy IIRC. And his work is beautiful, could spend hours reading that thread.

 

[S.B.G]

I'll dig around a bit and get back to you with the info re: the custom knobs, haven't visited that forum/thread in a bit (not enough hours in the day ).

Regarding coffee, I haven't ventured down the path of roasting my own...yet . I generally purchase my beans online as there isn't much available in Tampa. I've tried tons but some of my favorites are Caffe Fresco (Ambosia) , Metropolis (Redline), and Redbird (both their Redbird espresso blend and Blue Jaguar). However, there is one local roaster here in Tampa that I'm currently getting my beans from, very inexpensive about $7-8/lb (they primarily deal commercially) but as long as I get my order in by 9 am during the week, they'll have it ready for pickup at their roasting facilities (oh the smell..) within an hour or two. I don't love their stuff for espresso, as they don't do many blends and I don't prefer SO beans for espresso. That being said, there roasts make wonderful cups via pourover and French Press.

And both Coffeegeek and Home Barista are great sites for anyone interested in coffee--great place to get advice on technique, equipment, roasters, you name it. The members are all generally very nice and glad to offer support. Be warned though that I've lost many an hour (or day) to them as I've found it very easy to get sucked in.

Thanks for all of the extra links. I added them to a post of mine in this thread as an easy place to find, well, coffee!

----------> Bookmark this link everyone. <---------​

 

[mobilehaathi]

I'll dig around a bit and get back to you with the info re: the custom knobs, haven't visited that forum/thread in a bit (not enough hours in the day ).

Regarding coffee, I haven't ventured down the path of roasting my own...yet . I generally purchase my beans online as there isn't much available in Tampa. I've tried tons but some of my favorites are Caffe Fresco (Ambosia) , Metropolis (Redline), and Redbird (both their Redbird espresso blend and Blue Jaguar). However, there is one local roaster here in Tampa that I'm currently getting my beans from, very inexpensive about $7-8/lb (they primarily deal commercially) but as long as I get my order in by 9 am during the week, they'll have it ready for pickup at their roasting facilities (oh the smell..) within an hour or two. I don't love their stuff for espresso, as they don't do many blends and I don't prefer SO beans for espresso. That being said, there roasts make wonderful cups via pourover and French Press.

And both Coffeegeek and Home Barista are great sites for anyone interested in coffee--great place to get advice on technique, equipment, roasters, you name it. The members are all generally very nice and glad to offer support. Be warned though that I've lost many an hour (or day) to them as I've found it very easy to get sucked in.

Excellent, thanks for the bean recommendations. More to put on the list!

 

[Shrink]

Here's the thread over at HB regarding the custom made wood handles/knobs. The forum member uses the same user handle over at coffeegeek as well, very nice guy IIRC. And his work is beautiful, could spend hours reading that thread.

Thanks for the link for the knobs. I'll take a look, holding my breath on the costs!

Also...thanks for the coffee links. I'm sure lots of folks will add them to their lists.

 

[mobilehaathi]

Thanks for the link for the knobs. I'll take a look, holding my breath on the costs!

Also...thanks for the coffee links. I'm sure lots of folks will add them to their lists.

Oh my god, those custom wood handles are stunning....

 

[tbayrgs]

Thanks for the link for the knobs. I'll take a look, holding my breath on the costs!

Also...thanks for the coffee links. I'm sure lots of folks will add them to their lists.

IIRC, they're pretty reasonable. The guy primarily does it as a hobby so he charges enough to recoup his costs/time and a little extra for himself.

 

[Shrink]

IIRC, they're pretty reasonable. The guy primarily does it as a hobby so he charges enough to recoup his costs/time and a little extra for himself.

I just emailed him two minutes ago!

Thanks again for taking the time to find the link for me...

 

[tbayrgs]

I just emailed him two minutes ago!

Thanks again for taking the time to find the link for me...

Anytime. Now I'll let you possibly be the guinea pig and live vicariously through you.

 

[Shrink]

Anytime. Now I'll you possibly be the guinea pig and live vicariously through you.

Squeak...squeak...

Or whatever sounds guinea pigs make!

 

[yanki01]

ugh, crap! just a normal coffee drinker here. decided to get crazy and try a vanila latte at starbucks (only coffee shop on the way to work). I now want to buy my own machine.

 

[Shrink]

ugh, crap! just a normal coffee drinker here. decided to get crazy and try a vanila latte at starbucks (only coffee shop on the way to work). I now want to buy my own machine.

If you hang around this thread...forget that "normal" thing!

Welcome to our very not normal corner of the world. I friendly, welcoming, informative and fun bit of coffee insanity.

Any help I can offer, just ask. I know that all the other nice, if nuts, folks here will help, too.

When you are ready to go for a good home coffee system, let us know what kind of machine you are interested in (espresso, drip, press, etc.) and, if you are comfortable doing it...your budget.

We have lots of folks here who can help you with suggestions about machines, grinders, beans (or pre-ground coffee) and the like. We all enjoy helping one another here.

 

[yanki01]

currently have a small drip machine at home but the fiancé has been wanting an espresso machine and after this morning, so do I. budget would be ~$175 I would say. something easy for the house, less tools needed but still make a good cup.

 

[Shrink]

currently have a small drip machine at home but the fiancé has been wanting an espresso machine and after this morning, so do I. budget would be ~$175 I would say. something easy for the house, less tools needed but still make a good cup.

One suggestion for a starter machine is this De Longhi machine.

When under $500 starter machines are rated, this one always comes up very high in the ratings. I had one, and it's an excellent starter machine, very forgiving as you are learning, and (assuming good beans) will make quite good espresso...either to be drunk straight, or as a base for cappuccino, latte, and the like.

I strongly suggest that to maximize the machine's capacities...consider getting a grinder. That will complicate things a bit, but the coffee produced will be vastly superior to buying pre-ground coffee. The fresh grind, and the ability to adjust the grind for the machines particular needs will really make a difference in it's output.

Remember, above all else, the beans are the most important element of coffee making. You can have a $3,000 machine, and a $2500 grinder..crappy beans will make crappy coffee...GIGO. With high quality, freshly ground beans, a very modest machine can give you very nice coffee.

Stay tuned...I'm sure that others will be along to make other suggestions about an inexpensive starter machine.

 

[yanki01]

nice, thanks Shrink! i'll be sure to post once I make my first cup. I like that price better too.

 

[mobilehaathi]

If you hang around this thread...forget that "normal" thing!

We're far from normal, and the affliction is highly communicable!