Espresso Pot Coffee

[nicwing]

Oh here we go, Monkey's been angling for this. I think I should refer you to a previous thread at this point (to avoid any duplication and Monkey having to post 300 pictures of his technology for a second time!)

[Funkilee]

It is really hard work to get a good result with domestic espresso machines, even at ?200. Your experience is common (I went through at least 3 home machines in my early days ...all in the bin now ). Moka pots and filter machines will give a much better result/cost balance.

Yeah, definitely, the only problem is you can't get a really good creme with a Moka pot, you really need a machine with high bar...unless of course you've got a good suggestion!

(used to have this machine http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...ls_o04_s00_i00 but even that got binned (given) away!)

[ChimpsInTies]

Mmm, coffee porn!

[nicwing]

Have you guys never heard of 32100426_Nescafe_Homepage_Panel1_Azera_Opt1_4479.png

[ChimpsInTies]

you can't get a really good creme with a Moka pot, you really need a machine with high bar...

Have you ever tasted crema on it's own? It really doesn't taste very nice and it's certainly not the be all and end all of a good coffee. In fact, when espresso was first invented that had to explain to the customers how it's wasn't just horrible slime as it was kind of an accident. Haha!

[ChimpsInTies]

[Funkilee]

...damn now they really are erotic pictures!

I was actually going to buy a semi pro machine at one time but get reasonably good results with Moka pot so have never bothered, one of my ex's had a really good Krups machine which tempted me!

[JamesA]

That looks great, i want one!

[monkey66]

I'm surprised you say this Monkey. What espresso machine do you have? I have a feeling you told me earlier but I forget.

I'm absolutely in love with my Gaggia Classic and I only paid ?100 for it 2nd hand. It's all about learning how best to use your equipment and providing it with the right accessories at the end of the day.

For the last 6 years i have a great Bezerra BZ99s (a commercial machine, was about ?2500 new). I got it second-hand on ebay for ?100ish and did extensive reworking including custom HX, upgraded pump, upgraded OPV and full PID control.

Prior to that I had several 'home' machines that I could never get consistent performance out of (breville, krups and dualitt if memory serves me right). I have seen good shots from a Gaggia classic. It is worth considering new (with a usable grinder, tamper and the usual bit) this is a ?400-500. I big investment for most people not committed to the hobby.

My experience (and advice) is that (for most people) home espresso machines are a bad buy. Now if someone is up for the coffee journey that may be a different matter. Even for 'journey starters' in most cases I would still advise starting with filter machine/aeropress/chemex etc, specialist fresh roasted coffee (hasbean/squaremile etc.) before making the jump to espresso. Far lower investment to kick off with. People can learn the basics of coffee theory which will all be relevent should they want to get into espresso in a serious way. For people just wanting a home espresso I usually recommend Netspresso as the only sensible compromise.
Of course all just MHO. Many opinions, options (and forums) on this big subject

Lovely looking shot there on your bottomless pf, nice even extraction.

Spot on about the crema, a lot of misinformation but in isolation it does not taste nice. A couple of years ago I experimented with skimming off entirely. A bit radical, whilst a cleaner taste didn't stay with it more than a few months.

I also stopped drinking espresso for nearly a year and just drank chemex brews. Back on the espresso now but is is a funny journey. No clear reason, just went with what i fancied.

In some ways it's a bit like cigars, I go through long periods of cutting, then punching. No clear logic, just how I feel.

[ChimpsInTies]

I totally agree with you actually. It's takes quite a lot of commitment to get into.

[Funkilee]

Prior to that I had several 'home' machines that I could never get consistent performance out of

I think that hits the nail on the head, my machine which was about the ?400 mark started off fantastic but rapidly went down hill, so much so i gave it away!! Put me off machines, however, i would be tempted to own a 'really' good one.

...that is interesting about the crema, it has become synonymous with coffee machine reviews, good crema = good machine!

[JamesA]

Yes that all makes perfect sense to me. I do love good coffee but I know I'm pretty limited in my experience so far. We had a good little independent coffee shop in town which served amazing coffee, but it changed hands a couple of years ago and has never been the same since. Costa opened up 2 minutes away from us shortly after and that's now our family coffee destination since. While I know a lot of people don't rate the big chains and I don't get on with Starbucks at all (it gives me a headache) our branch seems to be pretty good compared to others I've been in recently. Same manager since it opened and he seems to take great care over how his staff perform, I felt a little sorry for the trainee who was working last weekend as he was watching her like a hawk from about 6 inches away from her shoulder. I can, however, taste the difference depending on who is on the machine!

So, ive now ordered a 6 cup stainless steel Bialetti moka pot as the 9 cup one i got is too big. Will probably pick up a hand grinder to start with and then keep my eye out for some decent 2nd hand kit, really like the Gaggia machines, ive just been their site.

[JamesA]

I appear to have just won a Gaggia Baby Class on ebay.

Oops

[mrcigar]

That's interesting...i see you've got milk in the top there, did you merely heat it up in th etop or run it through?

...being a 'stuck in my way' Lavazza man (when in the supermarket) i have decidedly strayed and am just about to give Taylors 'Hot Java Lava' a go...it certainly does smell strong, however i do need a good kick!

I have tried all types of machines (some several hundreds of pounds) and methods and ALWAYS go back to the Moka pot!

Funkilee, on this occasion, as with most, I used the heat of the pot to take the chill out of the milk. I do sometimes put the milk in the top first and let the coffee run into it but I don't think there is any advantage to it. It's probably a disadvantage because if you have too much milk to start with you're bollocksed.

[mrcigar]

I'm giving more than casual thought to investing in a grinder, and have been looking at the Mazzer Mini.
What, with a love for cigars, whisky and coffee, I could do to be earning a lot more money to fund these costly pursuits.