Espresso Enthusiasts

[mobilehaathi]

I tend to forget about the poor Chemex....sitting up there shuttered in on a shelf, passed by day after day as I opt for other tools. And, then, as happened this weekend, it throws me enough guilty looks that I remember to pull it down and make a few pots (is pot accurate? cylindrical vessel? firkin? hopper? crock? cauldron?) and I am reminded (a) how much fun it is to use and (b) that it makes really terrific coffee, for those rare times when I stray from espresso.

I have to admit I'm more of a drip man myself (although espresso machine coming in Jan ), and the Chemex is always so enjoyable to use. I actually grew up using one as it was the only coffee apparatus my parents had for the longest time (yeah I started coffee early, if only getting super serious later).

Edit: ok super serious is a relative statement. I can't hold a candle to some of you.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I ordered the Gaggia Baby Class espresso machine today. Wholelattelove had a sale on them for Black Friday, plus I had a coupon code for 10% off. A big thank you to Kurwenal for the coupon code he sent me the other day. It saved me about $32. So I bought a $500 machine for $296.10. Seems like a deal I couldn't pass up, especially considering Shrink told me to buy it, gun to my head and everything.

Now I am going to look at some accessories...

What a wonderful looking espresso machine - as the Vulcans might remark in such a circumstance: "May both you and your espresso machine live long and prosper."

Oooh, puurdy...............

You know precisely what you're doing. It's a long game you're playing...

It is, isn't it? Sometimes, I suspect that our good friend Shrink and the Catholic Church both think and plan in centuries, not standard time as measured by those of us who are mere mortals.....

Congratulations. There will be many wonderful experiences around that machine.

+++++

ETA:

Hauled out the Chemex today. Kenya Nyeri Karindundu roasted five days ago.

Image

Oh, wow. That is so.......exquisite. Just gorgeous. My inner two year old (the one that fights for ownership of the lizard brain with the lizard) is muttering 'I want one of those.'

Actually, I saw one of those on the Intelligentsia site (when I ordered several varieties of coffee, and two exquisite ceramic coffee cones, for use with filters, on the basis that two is always better than one, should the one come to an unfortunate end)....and it seems that they offer them....along with the rest of the wonderful coffee making paraphernalia...

It looks like what one always imagines a nineteenth century chemistry set might have looked like; of greater importance, how does the coffee made from it differ from the coffee cone/filter set up? (Given that when I do not wish to make a pot for myself, I sometimes make do with a single cup, and hence use the cone/filter paper method).

Okay, okay. Shrink didn't actually tell me to buy it. But he didn't tell me not to buy it either! He's very noncommittal.

I also ordered these nice accessories for it.

I do appreciate his advice very much as well as everyone else's as I learn the nuance's and tricks to espresso making.

Cafelat Tamper: Royal 58.35 mm VST - Strada

VST Precision Insert Baskets

Excellent, they look wonderful. Enjoy them and - of greater importance - don't forget to tell us how you get on with them.....

I tend to forget about the poor Chemex....sitting up there shuttered in on a shelf, passed by day after day as I opt for other tools. And, then, as happened this weekend, it throws me enough guilty looks that I remember to pull it down and make a few pots (is pot accurate? cylindrical vessel? firkin? hopper? crock? cauldron?) and I am reminded (a) how much fun it is to use and (b) that it makes really terrific coffee, for those rare times when I stray from espresso.

So, does does this differ from the filter/cone coffee? In preparation, taste, etc?

I have to admit I'm more of a drip man myself (although espresso machine coming in Jan ), and the Chemex is always so enjoyable to use. I actually grew up using one as it was the only coffee apparatus my parents had for the longest time (yeah I started coffee early, if only getting super serious later).

Edit: ok super serious is a relative statement. I can't hold a candle to some of you.

Indeed, this thread lends a whole new dimension to the meaning of 'super serious' in the context of the shared interest under discussion. Actually, until I started frequently dropping in (which means reading most days) and contributing every so often, I had classed myself as a coffee expert, aficionado and fanatic (which is very much how I am viewed by my colleagues in my current job).

Sad to relate, however, since becoming an enthusiastic member of this august community, with our shared devotion to everything to do with the coffee bean, I realise that - compared to some - those whom we may term the 'super serious' benevolently wise individuals - I may seem a mere dilettante in this field. Our 'super serious' friends have an endurance, dedication to detail and utter focus which for now is beyond me. But they have my utter admiration and boundless gratitude for making this one of the most pleasant outposts online.

 

[Kurwenal]

how does the coffee made from it differ from the coffee cone/filter set up?

As with so much of this, I think the best answer is "it depends."

Depends on the coffee, the filter, the water, the preparation method, etc. But, at the risk of over-generalizing (and comparing the Chemex only to my Hario):

* the Chemex makes a larger pot (obviously), depending on the size of your Chemex.

* the Chemex tends to make a "smoother" brew than the Hario, I think because the Chemex uses thicker filters. You can, of course, find alternate filters for sale. The Hario makes coffee that is, well, whatever the opposite of "smooth" is. I would put it this way: whatever the coffee "is," the Hario will make more of "that" than the Chemex. So, if the coffee tends to the bitter, the Hario brew will be more bitter than the Chemex. If the coffee tends to be "robust," the Hario will brew a more "robust" coffee than the Chemex.

* if you subscribe to the "religion of the importance of the pour," it's easier to impact the taste on the Hario with the pour vs. the Chemex.

I like the Chemex went I want a "smooth" cup to savor over time, over a long evening.

I don't know. Others with more experience can probably explain this better than I can.

Sad to relate, however, since becoming an enthusiastic member of this august community, with our shared devotion to everything to do with the coffee bean, I realise that - compared to some - those whom we may term the 'super serious' benevolently wise individuals - I may seem a mere dilettante in this field. Our 'super serious' friends have an endurance, dedication to detail and utter focus which for now is beyond me. But they have my utter admiration and boundless gratitude for making this one of the most pleasant outposts online.

Each person's coffee experience is personal to them. I obsess over the size of my post-grind grains because doing that enhances the coffee experience for me, both in terms of taste and other parts of the experience. Let's say there is a scale out there called "how much person X just enjoyed that cup & experience." I wonder. Maybe on that scale I would be an 8, this morning. But, who is to say that someone who this morning drank that Folgers I linked above did not hit a 9 on that same scale?

In other words, sometimes I think I do all of this prancing around and what-some-think-is-snobbery-type stuff (but I hope I never come off that way, it really is not) just because I enjoy doing it. (Speaking only for myself, of course.) I would rather drink an over-roasted, burned Starbucks cup-of-crap with a good friend than drink the perfect espresso alone.

++++++

ETA: I use the Aeropress 10x more than the Chemex or the Hario. And I use the various espresso methods 50x more than I use the Aeropress.

 

[Shrink]

As with so much of this, I think the best answer is "it depends."

Depends on the coffee, the filter, the water, the preparation method, etc. But, at the risk of over-generalizing (and comparing the Chemex only to my Hario):

* the Chemex makes a larger pot (obviously), depending on the size of your Chemex.

* the Chemex tends to make a "smoother" brew than the Hario, I think because the Chemex uses thicker filters. You can, of course, find alternate filters for sale. The Hario makes coffee that is, well, whatever the opposite of "smooth" is. I would put it this way: whatever the coffee "is," the Hario will make more of "that" than the Chemex. So, if the coffee tends to the bitter, the Hario brew will be more bitter than the Chemex. If the coffee tends to be "robust," the Hario will brew a more "robust" coffee than the Chemex.

* if you subscribe to the "religion of the importance of the pour," it's easier to impact the taste on the Hario with the pour vs. the Chemex.

I like the Chemex went I want a "smooth" cup to savor over time, over a long evening.

I don't know. Others with more experience can probably explain this better than I can.



Each person's coffee experience is personal to them. I obsess over the size of my post-grind grains because doing that enhances the coffee experience for me, both in terms of taste and other parts of the experience. Let's say there is a scale out there called "how much person X just enjoyed that cup & experience." I wonder. Maybe on that scale I would be an 8, this morning. But, who is to say that someone who this morning drank that Folgers I linked above did not hit a 9 on that same scale?

In other words, sometimes I think I do all of this prancing around and what-some-think-is-snobbery-type stuff (but I hope I never come off that way, it really is not) just because I enjoy doing it. (Speaking only for myself, of course.) I would rather drink an over-roasted, burned Starbucks cup-of-crap with a good friend than drink the perfect espresso alone.

It has, for me, become a mantra when responding (especially on other threads) to those who mock apologize to the "coffee snobs"for liking this or that coffee or method of production...if you like it, that's all that matters.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

It has, for me, become a mantra when responding (especially on other threads) to those who mock apologize to the "coffee snobs"for liking this or that coffee or method of production...if you like it, that's all that matters.

Oh, absolutely, I couldn't agree more with you.

For now, the French press and the coffee cone & filter do service, while, at home, I have my Bialetti espresso pot. In a future life, espresso machines, grinders and tampers (all lovingly guided & mentored by the wise denizens of this thread) will play a role, but circumstances dictate otherwise for now. However, I think that roasting my own beans is a step too far for me, even in my dreams........dream and fantasise though I may on the matter...

In fact, please, please, sympathise with me; I have just, this evening been felled by a vicious head cold, which hit me (some colleagues have already succumbed) with the suddenness of a tsunami.

Anyway, one of the side effects is that I cannot (as in I do not even wish to) drink coffee; yes, earlier today, four double espressos (lovingly made by the lovely gentleman in my local coffee shop who knows my exact requirements) passed my lips, but for now, sneezing, red-nosed, stuffed sinuses and that slightly headachy feeling all mean that the only thing I can contemplate facing with equanimity is - wait for it - scalding hot mugs of obscenely healthy local green tea.

 

[S.B.G]

In fact, please, please, sympathise with me; I have just, this evening been felled by a vicious head cold, which hit me (some colleagues have already succumbed) with the suddenness of a tsunami.

Anyway, one of the side effects is that I cannot (as in I do not even wish to) drink coffee; yes, earlier today, four double espressos (lovingly made by the lovely gentleman in my local coffee shop who knows my exact requirements) passed my lips, but for now, sneezing, red-nosed, stuffed sinuses and that slightly headachy feeling all mean that the only thing I can contemplate facing with equanimity is - wait for it - scalding hot mugs of obscenely healthy local green tea.

That's horrible. I loathe being ill like that. I hope that you are able to recover from it quickly because nothing is worse than it lingering on for an extended period of time.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

As with so much of this, I think the best answer is "it depends."

Depends on the coffee, the filter, the water, the preparation method, etc. But, at the risk of over-generalizing (and comparing the Chemex only to my Hario):

* the Chemex makes a larger pot (obviously), depending on the size of your Chemex.

* the Chemex tends to make a "smoother" brew than the Hario, I think because the Chemex uses thicker filters. You can, of course, find alternate filters for sale. The Hario makes coffee that is, well, whatever the opposite of "smooth" is. I would put it this way: whatever the coffee "is," the Hario will make more of "that" than the Chemex. So, if the coffee tends to the bitter, the Hario brew will be more bitter than the Chemex. If the coffee tends to be "robust," the Hario will brew a more "robust" coffee than the Chemex.

* if you subscribe to the "religion of the importance of the pour," it's easier to impact the taste on the Hario with the pour vs. the Chemex.

I like the Chemex went I want a "smooth" cup to savor over time, over a long evening.

I don't know. Others with more experience can probably explain this better than I can.



Each person's coffee experience is personal to them. I obsess over the size of my post-grind grains because doing that enhances the coffee experience for me, both in terms of taste and other parts of the experience. Let's say there is a scale out there called "how much person X just enjoyed that cup & experience." I wonder. Maybe on that scale I would be an 8, this morning. But, who is to say that someone who this morning drank that Folgers I linked above did not hit a 9 on that same scale?

In other words, sometimes I think I do all of this prancing around and what-some-think-is-snobbery-type stuff (but I hope I never come off that way, it really is not) just because I enjoy doing it. (Speaking only for myself, of course.) I would rather drink an over-roasted, burned Starbucks cup-of-crap with a good friend than drink the perfect espresso alone.

++++++

ETA: I use the Aeropress 10x more than the Chemex or the Hario. And I use the various espresso methods 50x more than I use the Aeropress.

Kurwenal: My apologies for not having thanked you earlier for the courtesy of a rapid (and thoughtfully detailed) reply. The Chemex looks amazing, and, having seen the product on Intelligentsia's website, I was consumed with curiosity as to what using it entailed, and, more importantly, what the coffee it makes actually tastes like.

That's horrible. I loathe being ill like that. I hope that you are able to recover from it quickly because nothing is worse than it lingering on for an extended period of time.

Thank you for your kind words and sympathy. Earlier this afternoon, most optimistically, (while I was still drinking espressos, and setting up a Twitter account with the advice and assistance of a colleague), I had rashly volunteered to prepare three reports for tomorrow; as of now, on account of my stuffed nose and sinuses and head, not one has been written.

Granted, the most important one, a verbal brief to my boss scheduled for tomorrow morning, is (mostly) prepared (in my head), and is something I should be able to manage; I'll see how I feel tomorrow - half a day in bed, feeling sorry for myself, sounds increasingly attractive......

It looks as though I may well be caffeine free for a day or two.....

 

[Shrink]

Oh, absolutely, I couldn't agree more with you.



In fact, please, please, sympathise with me; I have just, this evening been felled by a vicious head cold, which hit me (some colleagues have already succumbed) with the suddenness of a tsunami.

Anyway, one of the side effects is that I cannot (as in I do not even wish to) drink coffee; yes, earlier today, four double espressos (lovingly made by the lovely gentleman in my local coffee shop who knows my exact requirements) passed my lips, but for now, sneezing, red-nosed, stuffed sinuses and that slightly headachy feeling all mean that the only thing I can contemplate facing with equanimity is - wait for it - scalding hot mugs of obscenely healthy local green tea.

So sorry you are feeling lousy!

There are colds, and there are COLDS! I hope yours is a short lived, not too terrible, cold. Please don't be a hero and, if at all possible, just take some quiet time to suffer at rest.

We need you to be well and able to post your wonderful and so enjoyable writings for us to enjoy.

(Somehow you knew it would be a selfish wish on my part to want you well so I can enjoy your posts!)

And, btw, not have to drink the stinky tea!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

So sorry you are feeling lousy!

There are colds, and there are COLDS! I hope yours is a short lived, not too terrible, cold. Please don't be a hero and, if at all possible, just take some quiet time to suffer at rest.

We need you to be well and able to post your wonderful and so enjoyable writings for us to enjoy.

(Somehow you knew it would be a selfish wish on my part to want you well so I can enjoy your posts!)

And, btw, not have to drink the stinky tea!

Thank you. I can see that you understand my pain.

A measure of my state of health (mental equilibrium), and physical preferences just now can be gauged by the fact that two large mugs of that obscenely healthy green tea (I used to laugh at those who sampled such things) were relished! Relished!

My addled mind put the suggestion into the section of the mind that governs atavistic longing......imagine (fellow denizens on this thread) being so unwell that a scalding hot mug of stupendously healthy green tea is what one desires, not espresso in a tiny porcelain cup.....

Mind you, the quality of the air here, as it is increasingly heavily polluted as we segue into winter, does not really help, as more and more of us succumb to respiratory infections....

 

[mobilehaathi]

.if you like it, that's all that matters.

Living in Northern California, I've tasted more fine wine than I have any right to (especially given my age). But when friends and family ask me about it, the first thing I tell them is this. The same goes for coffee, and, well most things in life.

But damn, I've been away from home for several days, and I'm itching for a good cup.

 

[Kurwenal]

Mind you, the quality of the air here, as it is increasingly heavily polluted as we segue into winter, does not really help, as more and more of us succumb to respiratory infections....

Sorry to hear you are under (or, perhaps stuck in is a better term) the weather.

And, yea verily, behold it came to pass that the Rocket did arriveth. (In a 75 pound carton....).

 

[Shrink]

Sorry to hear you are under (or, perhaps stuck in is a better term) the weather.

And, yea verily, behold it came to pass that the Rocket did arriveth. (In a 75 pound carton....).

Image

Hot stuff, Mate.

When I received my machine (65 pounds out of the carton) it took me 20 minutes just to get it out of the carton.

And, like bad coffee, I'm old and weak, schlepping that mother up onto the counter was an (expletive deleted) pain in the...well...back, arms, and shoulders!

Enjoy the fantastic new machine...and, of course, let us know about it.

 

[S.B.G]

Sorry to hear you are under (or, perhaps stuck in is a better term) the weather.

And, yea verily, behold it came to pass that the Rocket did arriveth. (In a 75 pound carton....).

Image

Good deal! Congratulations on the arrival of your new machine!

 

[mobilehaathi]

Sorry to hear you are under (or, perhaps stuck in is a better term) the weather.

And, yea verily, behold it came to pass that the Rocket did arriveth. (In a 75 pound carton....).

Image

Well this just calls for more pictures!

 

[Kurwenal]

Shot #2. I give it a B-. I need to play with the grind. But, hey, I love it!

PS: the mess in the glass is the remnants of the hastily discarded shot #1.

 

[Shrink]

Shot #2. I give it a B-. I need to play with the grind. But, hey, I love it!

Image

PS: the mess in the glass is the remnants of the hastily discarded shot #1.

It's great that you are pleased with the Rocket.

While it takes a bit to get the grind, dose, etc. sorted out...it is fun and the machine will be right soon.

Enjoy your new toy!

This is a big week on Espresso Enthusiast thread...you have your new Rocket, and SBG will be getting his new Gaggia and accessories tomorrow...fun for you all, vicarious fun for us!

 

[Kurwenal]

This is a big week on Espresso Enthusiast thread...you have your new Rocket, and SBG will be getting his new Gaggia and accessories tomorrow...fun for you all, vicarious fun for us!

I can't wait for the reports from SBD. Going to be fun to watch.

A few random tidbits, with more pictures to follow later today.

My wife, who drinks neither coffee nor wine (but who is, now, years later, addicted to Apple products), walked by during the un-boxing. Her comment: "Oh, another coffee maker? Let me guess. This one will make perfect coffee, unlike the other ten." That's my girl.

Made about ten shots last night; none was dialed in perfectly, but getting closer. I think I might actually read the manual today.

The thing is heavy. 65 pounds sitting alone. Feels very sturdy and stable.

The e61 brew group is a thing of beauty. Massive. I'll go shopping for accessories today. Any suggestions?

Heat up time from switch on to first steam this morning was a robust 13 minutes. I'll work on the water line this afternoon.

I made a latte this morning, just for the hell of it. With that big boiler and pump behind it, wow, it puts out some serious steam. Very constant, which was nice to see (and hear).

My one complaint about the Mazzer is it can be hard to dial in, just because the control dial gets hung up when you don't turn it regularly. Dealing with that already this morning.

 

[S.B.G]

I can't wait for the reports from SBG. Going to be fun to watch.

It will be far more fun having an espresso unboxing event than it was unboxing the iPhone 5s recently and more fun than the unboxing event yesterday of the new iPad Mini!

I'm looking forward to unboxing the Gaggia and photo documenting it! It's set to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Shrink]

I can't wait for the reports from SBD. Going to be fun to watch.

A few random tidbits, with more pictures to follow later today.

My wife, who drinks neither coffee nor wine (but who is, now, years later, addicted to Apple products), walked by during the un-boxing. Her comment: "Oh, another coffee maker? Let me guess. This one will make perfect coffee, unlike the other ten." That's my girl.

Made about ten shots last night; none was dialed in perfectly, but getting closer. I think I might actually read the manual today.

The thing is heavy. 65 pounds sitting alone. Feels very sturdy and stable.

The e61 brew group is a thing of beauty. Massive. I'll go shopping for accessories today. Any suggestions?

Heat up time from switch on to first steam this morning was a robust 13 minutes. I'll work on the water line this afternoon.

I made a latte this morning, just for the hell of it. With that big boiler and pump behind it, wow, it puts out some serious steam. Very constant, which was nice to see (and hear).

My one complaint about the Mazzer is it can be hard to dial in, just because the control dial gets hung up when you don't turn it regularly. Dealing with that already this morning.

My machine weighs 65 pounds, too...which means I'll be unlikely to replace it since I can't move the mother!

As far as accessories...since I don't know what you have, these may be redundant...

A VST or Strada filter basket.

A Cafelat Royal Tamper...specifically made for the above baskets... 58.35MM with a 0.05MM variability. Unbelievable fit!

Cafelat or Rocket Tamping Station...definitely not a necessity, but very nice to have.

And since that Mazzer of yours is...well...fussy, I can strongly suggest a look at the HG-one!

I'm looking forward to unboxing the Gaggia and photo documenting it! It's set to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

Brace yourself, folks...this could be many gigs of photos!

 

[mobilehaathi]

It will be far more fun having an espresso unboxing event than it was unboxing the iPhone 5s recently and more fun than the unboxing event yesterday of the new iPad Mini!

I'm looking forward to unboxing the Gaggia and photo documenting it! It's set to arrive tomorrow afternoon.

A phone is a phone, but an espresso machine.....!

 

[Shrink]

A phone is a phone, but an espresso machine.....!

...is a cigar!

No....wait...wrong saying!

SBG really has his priorities straight.

 

[mobilehaathi]

...is a cigar!

Well that exclaim action point was rather, uhh.....

 

[Shrink]

Well that exclaim action point was rather, uhh.....

As Freud said...sometimes an exclamation mark is just an exclamation mark!

 

[Kurwenal]

My machine weighs 65 pounds, too...which means I'll be unlikely to replace it since I can't move the mother!

Same here. I think I twisted my wrist getting the d*&n thing onto the counter. I told my wife (a doctor, but not your kind) and she said "oh, but it makes perfect coffee so it's worth it, right?"

A VST or Strada filter basket.

Thank you for the suggestions. I use VST. I have never used a Strada. Think it is worth getting?

Cafelat or Rocket Tamping Station...definitely not a necessity, but very nice to have.

OK, you convinced me. It will be an upgrade from the corner of the counter I usually use.

And since that Mazzer of yours is...well...fussy, I can strongly suggest a look at the HG-one!

You know, one day you just might convince me. How easy is it to dial in?

 

[mobilehaathi]

As Freud said...sometimes an exclamation mark is just an exclamation mark!

I hear this quite a lot from people. I wonder what the false positive rate is....