Coffee machine (NLC)

[philthy]

We use a Siemens bean to cup system in the showroom, really quick to use - grinds your beans for you and the steamer for the milk takes seconds to heat up, RRP is from around £599 but can do an SE price for anyone interested.

http://www.siemens-home.co.uk/our-produ ... rce=browse

I quite liked the gaggia one in JJs showroom but too much faffing about when I am used to the above.

[Noops]

"Likes a nice fine grind, provides a first class crema" blimey first thing tomorrow I'm getting into coffee

[Justin]

After much hunting around, I ordered this one yesterday..

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001 ... d_i=468294

[shooomer]

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.

Just noticed this... if people are talking creama, the freshest roasted beans and a grinder would more important than the coffee machine you use at home.
Always buy beans that have roast date, not expiry
I wouldn't use the freezer either, the moisture would kill the oils and coffee will have no flavour

[vet111s]

Slight thread drift but if anyone's ever in North Berwick pop into the coffee shop there.
Nice blends of beans, roast some of them themselves in-house and just generally pretty nice guys to chat about coffee to.

Out of interest shooomer, do you manage to get any crema with the aeropress? Makes nice coffee but distinct lack of crema with me using it.

Ali

[shooomer]

You get some oils at final stage of the press but it's not an espresso

[max1966]

I've looked at buying a burr grinder before but reviews are often mixed and less than helpful. Anyone have a recommendation?

I don't mind having to clean it out every so often but would like one that provides a very fine even grind, I get the guys in Artisan Roast to grind to one notch off the finest, if that helps.

[woody]

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.

Just noticed this... if people are talking creama, the freshest roasted beans and a grinder would more important than the coffee machine you use at home.
Always buy beans that have roast date, not expiry
I wouldn't use the freezer either, the moisture would kill the oils and coffee will have no flavour

For clarity, the beans I use have both dates, usually around a fortnight apart.

Had been told/read in a few places the freezer was a good idea, certainly better than the fridge for the reasons you put Paul, but you're right; after around a week they drop off significantly. Cant buy it in smaller amounts, so will have to drink more.

[Sanjøy]

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

Ordered, suggestions for online purchasing of "special" beans for a present ?

[kevham]

I've looked at buying a burr grinder before but reviews are often mixed and less than helpful. Anyone have a recommendation?

I don't mind having to clean it out every so often but would like one that provides a very fine even grind, I get the guys in Artisan Roast to grind to one notch off the finest, if that helps.

I've got a Gaggia burr grinder that I had imported from Italy a few years back. It works very well and can provide a very fine grind if needed. You might be able to get them in the UK now.....

[kevham]

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

Ordered, suggestions for online purchasing of "special" beans for a present ?

The obvious suggestion is the infamous Kopi Lawak:

But I rather like Hawaiian Kona

[graeme]

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

Tell me more... I use an Aeropress and it works well for long coffees but I cant get a true espresso shot. It doesn't seem concentrated or creamy enough. I use illy espresso grind usually.

[shooomer]

You won't get espresso shot because it needs steam
Some recipes here http://worldaeropresschampionship.wordp ... m/recipes/
Your coffee might be too fine

[graeme]

Great link... should solve my problems!

I kinda figured espresso wasn't going to be possible. I'll stick to the machine for that. Still love the Aeropress for longer drinks, and it always comes camping too. I switched to super-fine grind as the water was running through the coarser stuff quicker than I could assemble and plunge... not enough brewing time... really weak coffee. I'm going to try the upside-down method (why didn't I think of that?) for longer brewing time, but using the correct filter grind.

Grazie mille!

[pete]

So followed the advice then got distracted with a cheap deal. Gaggia Cubika at less than half price from Currys..
http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/gaggia-cub ... 1-pdt.html