Coffee

Excellent, do report back with impressions. For the AeroPress there's a couple of preparation tips/techniques to get the best out of it. I use the "upside down" or "inverted" method. Just google for "AeroPress inverted method" and you'll find loads of coffee aficionados talking about it. It's simple really, you prepare the plunger upside down leave it to brew, flip it onto your cup and press.

Make sure you use a pretty fine grind, not quite as fine as an espresso but very close. It should be much finer than most pre-ground coffee that goes into filters and cafetieres etc.

Temperature of the water is the most difficult thing to get right. I use a digital thermometer (I admit I've gone way over the top with this) but basically the ideal temperature I've found through a method is: to boil a kettle, pour the boiled water into a pyrex jug, count to five, pour enough water into the AeroPress for the coffee to bloom (become wet through) count to five, then fill the AeroPress and leave it to brew for a couple of minutes before pressing. I'm looking for the coffee to brew starting at around 87-89 degrees C. Too hot is worse than too cold - bear in mind that most coffee at home is prepared with water that's too hot!

Honestly, I make it sound like a lot of faff but after a couple of attempts it's a repeatable ritual with fantastic pay off. One of the joys I've had is through the experimentation in the process and I'm pretty sure once you've tasted the results you'll understand why.

I might try roasting my own beans soon. It's another thing to fiddle with in search of the perfect coffee. :)
 
I'm also thinking of getting an aero press. I own a Tassimo but the coffees not great and the pods are expensive. Currently use a cafetiere and a milk frother.
 
I have a stove top maker , a Nespresso machine , an espresso built in machine , a Cona table model and a cafetière. I use the cafetière or espresso machine 99% of the time.
Would it be worth while trying the Aeropress ? Do you think I'd notice any difference over the cafetière ?
Just received a couple of bags of coffee from Hasbean, ordered at 8pm Tuesday night and they arrived today - great service
 
Would it be worth while trying the Aeropress ? Do you think I'd notice any difference over the cafetière ?

Yes, it's surprisingly good and considering that it's just a bit of plastic and rubber it has no right to be as good as it is. Not as good as an espresso but much better than a cafetiere. It's closer to the depth of a really good drip filter whereas I find a cafetiere very bland.
 
Ok, aeropress came today, tried to make a cup, think I may need some practice with it! Ground some Colombian beans, followed the destructions, and sitting down now to see, think the water/bean balance will be an experimental phase though.
 
Yep. As a rough guide I use two scoops of beans, finely ground and fill it up to the top with water. I get a long and strong coffee as a result.

Took me a couple of attempts to figure it out, the instructions in the box aren't up to much, there are videos of coffee snobs demonstrating its use much better on YouTube. :)
 
Ok, aeropress came today, tried to make a cup, think I may need some practice with it! Ground some Colombian beans, followed the destructions, and sitting down now to see, think the water/bean balance will be an experimental phase though.


Been there done that and its good fun... But after a while.......
Might give it another go when I finally retire...

Just made myself a cup using Lavazza in my Bialetti...
Not quite as rewarding and certainly not as good as when it comes good using the long winded method...

Going down quite well though with my home made [using home grown] courgette and chocolate chip muffins...
 
I'm going to be honest here. I am not a coffee guy whatsoever. I was told Kaffesmart Luxury French Press Coffee was an excellent product but wasn't sure if I wanted it at first since I don't drink coffee. However, while coffee and myself aren't on speaking terms, I have developed a great relationship with tea. Because of this, when my sister told me that I can brew my tea with this french press as well, my ears shot up like a dogs' would. I decided to give it a try and I got to admit that it was a GAME-CHANGING move. Some coffee makers seem so complicated and only do a half-assed job at brewing. Yet Kaffesmart made it so simple to use with its portable, easy-to-use functionality.


I recommend this product and can say first-hand that it's not just for coffee drinkers but also tea drinkers. Go give this simple but effective coffee maker a shot and I can assure you that you may consider sending me a personal thank you card in no time. :)
 
I'm also thinking of getting an aero press. I own a Tassimo but the coffees not great and the pods are expensive. Currently use a cafetiere and a milk frother.

I have tried using the reusable pods but they are pretty naff, you can buy them from eBay or there is a site showing how to make your own - https://myvirtualcoffeehouse.com/tassimo-reusable-pods. I never bothered buying the kit but just used an old one, drilled a hole and stuck a bung in to test. Works but what is the point. There is a page on that site which shows you where to buy them the cheapest though, compares the prices on high street and internet. I would really like to get the Delonghi 4200, they seem like the best cheap proper coffee maker.
 
Bought a delonghi magnifica a few years ago. Took vacuum in for a repair and mentioned does he sell coffee machines, he didn't but I said " there's a guy I have seen sells they on eBay". They were a good bit cheaper then retail, but obviously returns. Guy in shop,who is a cousin 3 X removed or whatever on wife's side said "yes I know him he is at Hucknall, and am going over on Thursday". I gave him two delonghi makes and asked to get a price. Three days later he rings me back and said " the dearer one he would not sell me coz they are Rammel and always breaking down". Bought the other and it was a steal. Does beans and ground and it is fantastic.

I know this was a few years back but how did you find the Delonghi? Was it the 4200? I have been looking at one of those for a while now but would appreciate any feedback from someone who has actually used it for a while.
 
Flipping eck Blue man ave just turned the house upside down looking for the paperwork. It is a Delonghi Magnifica 4200 and still going strong. Got to be honest it is Missis T who makes the coffee. She don't know she is making me one in 10 mins 😉
Ave just asked her if she had the choice now between the delonghi and a pod machine, she would go for the delonghi. The pod one is easier to make and clean. But the delonghi gives you multiple choices of coffee. Both bean and ground. She says the smell when making a cup could sell your house. If it was crap I would tell you.
Hope it helps me man.
 
I like coffee, we drink instant in work usually douwe eggberts it's fine for work but on a weekend I'd like something a bit better, we have a tassimo which is fine but I'm thinking of grinding my own beans etc. Any tips or recommendations thanks
 
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