Coffee machine (NLC)

[pete]

Thanks for all that - the Gaggia one looks spot on.

(Look I don't know anything about coffee - as far as I am concerned you can't beat a good mug of tea. Nor should you try). We end up going to certain friends because they have a coffee maker. And certain cafes because their coffee is better. No-one cares that they can't make a good cup of tea and don't seem to even TRY. What's a latte? Does that Gaggia Latte Art do that? (I'm guessing from the name).

October and I have Christmas sorted.

[AJT]

Tassimo does Tea and Hot Chocolate as well.

[BiggestNizzy]

Does the coffee maker break the household gift rule ?

[Shug]

Does the coffee maker break the household gift rule ?

Didn't for me (Elaine bought me it) - as Elaine barely drinks the stuff and it's a gadget, innit. Okay, I'll make her hot chocolate occasionally with the milk frother, but that's about as much use as she gets out of it.

[tut]

There are two models of the Cubica, one is the Plus which has knobs instead of push buttons, we had one of the latter and had to replace a switch twice.






tut

[Shug]

The plus might be a good shout, as the only issue I have with mine is the buttons. Never had one fail, but they feel a bit '80s Fiat, IYSWIM...

Is the plus physically smaller though? Not sure I'd want one smaller than the standard Cubika (would look like a toy IMO)

[tuscan_thunder]

I have a new coffee project and can supply high-end beans

Tell me more, my need for caffeine and tar-like espressos knows no bounds.


(As an aside, this guy does great coffee: http://www.homegroundcoffee.co.uk/about-us )

I use a Krups machine for espresso and it's not bad but not in the same league as some of the proper jobbies.

I'll get you some samples

ta.

[GregR]

My Gaggia Cubika takes a solid kicking daily - at least 2 cups a day and I've had it nearly 2 years now without a missed beat. Buttons feel a bit gash, but can't argue with the quality of the output.

I've got the same machine, and all I would say about it is that you have to have it on for some time before the output is hot enough. Its not a case of turn on, fill, make lots of noise and piping hot black goodness. Its more a case of get up, fill, switch on for a warm-up, go for your morning Treble-S, come out, switch on.

[Shug]

My Gaggia Cubika takes a solid kicking daily - at least 2 cups a day and I've had it nearly 2 years now without a missed beat. Buttons feel a bit gash, but can't argue with the quality of the output.

I've got the same machine, and all I would say about it is that you have to have it on for some time before the output is hot enough. Its not a case of turn on, fill, make lots of noise and piping hot black goodness. Its more a case of get up, fill, switch on for a warm-up, go for your morning Treble-S, come out, switch on.

True - I often switch it on and wander back to the PC to do some emails and come back an hour later with the thing threatening to take off But you're right, it's not an immediate switch on and go.

[GregR]

I should point out - I don't consider that a criticism - more a little bit of itallian Quirkiness

[shooomer]

What grinders are you guys using? I've never made espresso at home
Paul
Brewed Faction

[jj]

I should point out - I don't consider that a criticism - more a little bit of itallian Quirkiness

Both my Classics are the same, turn on and come back in a bit. In fact I just turned it on for the mornings blue milk frothed then triple espresso with 3 sugars mug full

The only issues I have are the water down here is different to Scotland, and if you use tap water they pretty much go solid inside within months with limescale. Have to use cheapo bottled water.

[woody]

What grinders are you guys using? I've never made espresso at home
Paul
Brewed Faction

Paul, still getting my regular supply from Tinderbox/Mathew Algie, and occasionally Artisan Roast.

I get Tinderbox to do me the finest grind on their Mazzer, take home and keep it in the freezer. 500g lasts a fortnight, so within their brew before spec. Cost/benefit on a decent grinder for the house Vs the above dosen't work out.

As far as the cubika goes, I think the plus is a Philips machine in disguise.... Had a button go on my cubika after 6 months (it's a very early model as well), was replaced under warranty with the newer spec buttons.

I'd go for the classis from the POV of future parts replacement. Group gaskets are different from all other gaggia's and a pain to get a hold of IME for the cubika, and the plastic/aluminium handle's have broken a few times; classics use brass IIRC. Classic is a higher wattage, so should heat up a bit quicker too. I'm feeling the need to buy one again...

[Sanjøy]

I have a new coffee project and can supply high-end beans

I use an Aeropress and hand grinder at home

Is it hard to use or can you use it effectively on top of a cup without the stainless holder.

[shooomer]

Aeropress? Yep, straight on the cup top there's a couple of techniques that aren't in the instruction manual