Coffee. Grinder and Cafetiere or Pods in a machine

Coffee. Grinder and Cafetiere or Pods in a machine

Author
Discussion

RobbieTheTruth

1,881 posts

120 months

Sunday 23rd May 2021
quotequote all
Prawo Jazdy said:
RobbieTheTruth said:
My advice would be join Coffee Forums (or search eBay) for a used Gaggia Classic (pre 2014) with the PID and pressure dropped to 9 bar. These can be found for £200-£300. Don'y buy a new once - without these mods, they results will be as inconsistent as the Delonghi.

Also, try and get a Solo grinder for about £400.
I’ve already got a bit lost by Coffee Forums - there’s always something else/more spending needed to make things perfect hehe

Edited by Prawo Jazdy on Saturday 22 May 20:27
There is, but I'm happy with what I have now and haven't really felt the urge to upgrade as I'm delighted with the coffee I'm making.

Once you've got Machine sorted with the mods and Grinder, you'll need scales and good tamper. You'll ideally want a naked portafilter, nice competition basket and maybe a distribution tool, then you're done.

paralla

3,536 posts

136 months

Sunday 23rd May 2021
quotequote all
I think the size and type of cup you drink coffee from influences the experience but is often overlooked.

I really like the Bodmin PAVIINA series of double wall glasses. They come in lots of sizes, are cool to touch, you can see the coffee, how milky it is, how much foam there is, dishwasher safe and I like the neatness of not having handles.

If one guest asks for a flat white and another asks for a latte I serve them in different size glasses from the same range which I think is a nice touch.

https://www.bodum.com/gb/en/k4558-10-pavina-set

Turn7

23,630 posts

222 months

Sunday 23rd May 2021
quotequote all
Quiet Sunday has left me watching Mr Hoffman again....

I’m starting to think a Flair Neo could be the answer for me.....

Possible to modify/upgrade if required ,low
Level of initial investment , ease of use and initially ,
No huge requirement for a grinder....

Talk me out of it ?

RobbieTheTruth

1,881 posts

120 months

Sunday 23rd May 2021
quotequote all
Turn7 said:
Quiet Sunday has left me watching Mr Hoffman again....

I’m starting to think a Flair Neo could be the answer for me.....

Possible to modify/upgrade if required ,low
Level of initial investment , ease of use and initially ,
No huge requirement for a grinder....

Talk me out of it ?
I wouldn't.

You still need a good grinder.

How much are they?

Turn7

23,630 posts

222 months

Sunday 23rd May 2021
quotequote all
RobbieTheTruth said:
Turn7 said:
Quiet Sunday has left me watching Mr Hoffman again....

I’m starting to think a Flair Neo could be the answer for me.....

Possible to modify/upgrade if required ,low
Level of initial investment , ease of use and initially ,
No huge requirement for a grinder....

Talk me out of it ?
I wouldn't.

You still need a good grinder.

How much are they?
Basic model is about 110....

-Ad-

887 posts

176 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
paralla said:
I think the size and type of cup you drink coffee from influences the experience but is often overlooked.

I really like the Bodmin PAVIINA series of double wall glasses. They come in lots of sizes, are cool to touch, you can see the coffee, how milky it is, how much foam there is, dishwasher safe and I like the neatness of not having handles.

If one guest asks for a flat white and another asks for a latte I serve them in different size glasses from the same range which I think is a nice touch.

https://www.bodum.com/gb/en/k4558-10-pavina-set
Fantastic glasses and handy to be able to dishwasher them.

If the coffee looks cool in the glass then it will probbaly taste better also wink


Baron Greenback

7,000 posts

151 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
Turn7 said:
RobbieTheTruth said:
Turn7 said:
Quiet Sunday has left me watching Mr Hoffman again....

I’m starting to think a Flair Neo could be the answer for me.....

Possible to modify/upgrade if required ,low
Level of initial investment , ease of use and initially ,
No huge requirement for a grinder....

Talk me out of it ?
I wouldn't.

You still need a good grinder.

How much are they?
Basic model is about 110....
I recently bought a Flair Neo and loving the coffee, norm for me is Latte. You don't need a fine grinder if going stock as its designed for supermarket pre-ground size. I struggled as my Wilfa Svart grinder was set too fine and takes too much pressure to push through and no chance above 14 grams load.

I am also tempted to change the basket but cant see me spending more money on another grinder to get espresso size grind as liking my coffee as its stands, may later. Just wish I could make a larger helping without going through hassle of double brew and cant make above 14 gram brew for a stronger brew,

Turn7

23,630 posts

222 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
Baron Greenback said:
Turn7 said:
RobbieTheTruth said:
Turn7 said:
Quiet Sunday has left me watching Mr Hoffman again....

I’m starting to think a Flair Neo could be the answer for me.....

Possible to modify/upgrade if required ,low
Level of initial investment , ease of use and initially ,
No huge requirement for a grinder....

Talk me out of it ?
I wouldn't.

You still need a good grinder.

How much are they?
Basic model is about 110....
I recently bought a Flair Neo and loving the coffee, norm for me is Latte. You don't need a fine grinder if going stock as its designed for supermarket pre-ground size. I struggled as my Wilfa Svart grinder was set too fine and takes too much pressure to push through and no chance above 14 grams load.

I am also tempted to change the basket but cant see me spending more money on another grinder to get espresso size grind as liking my coffee as its stands, may later. Just wish I could make a larger helping without going through hassle of double brew and cant make above 14 gram brew for a stronger brew,
So does it make good Espresso ? Hoffman seemed to like it....

Baron Greenback

7,000 posts

151 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
Turn7 said:
So does it make good Espresso ? Hoffman seemed to like it....
Sorry not a clue never drink espresso.

Baron Greenback

7,000 posts

151 months

Monday 24th May 2021
quotequote all
-Ad- said:
paralla said:
I think the size and type of cup you drink coffee from influences the experience but is often overlooked.

I really like the Bodmin PAVIINA series of double wall glasses. They come in lots of sizes, are cool to touch, you can see the coffee, how milky it is, how much foam there is, dishwasher safe and I like the neatness of not having handles.

If one guest asks for a flat white and another asks for a latte I serve them in different size glasses from the same range which I think is a nice touch.

https://www.bodum.com/gb/en/k4558-10-pavina-set
Fantastic glasses and handy to be able to dishwasher them.

If the coffee looks cool in the glass then it will probbaly taste better also wink
Love the doubled walled glass cups keeps the heat v well and looks great. I went for https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judge-JDG30-Double-Cappuc...

trowelhead

1,867 posts

122 months

Tuesday 25th May 2021
quotequote all
Baron Greenback said:
-Ad- said:
paralla said:
I think the size and type of cup you drink coffee from influences the experience but is often overlooked.

I really like the Bodmin PAVIINA series of double wall glasses. They come in lots of sizes, are cool to touch, you can see the coffee, how milky it is, how much foam there is, dishwasher safe and I like the neatness of not having handles.

If one guest asks for a flat white and another asks for a latte I serve them in different size glasses from the same range which I think is a nice touch.

https://www.bodum.com/gb/en/k4558-10-pavina-set
Fantastic glasses and handy to be able to dishwasher them.

If the coffee looks cool in the glass then it will probbaly taste better also wink
Love the doubled walled glass cups keeps the heat v well and looks great. I went for https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judge-JDG30-Double-Cappuc...
Thanks for this - just ordered some of those Bodum ones!

trowelhead

1,867 posts

122 months

Tuesday 25th May 2021
quotequote all


Ok so with thanks to this thread and James Hoffmanns videos i decided to invest in some new kit

In the past i've drunk mainly filter coffee - usually aeropress from a budget grinder which was decent enough for about £110 all in

Also had a moccamaster which i quite liked too.

Decided to try the Sage oracle touch as i'm lazy and reviews make this look like a great fit- also got a niche zero grinder to use when i can be bothered

Rave beans - good but open to suggestions?

At the moment its making very nice coffee - probably say 7.5/10 to 8/10 - i feel like that's on me not the kit however.

When tamping my own shots im not sure if im pressing hard enough or not too much etc. Espresso comes out at 8 seconds and stops around 25 secs - using 18g coffee ground at 15 on the niche espresso scale...

One thing to note since getting all this kit - i have gone from buying 1 to 2 coffees a day "out and about" to pretty much zero - i maybe think one in the last week (which was underwhelming) So probably will save a decent bit of cash over the long term - i legit 100% think nah il'll wait until i'm home!

Does anyone have any suggestions in eking out a bit more from this lot? Probably different beans, or mods to the machine / portafilter etc?

What's everyone's milk of choice btw if lactose intolerant / mild ibs?

Oh and my mrs (who doesnt like coffee) is absolutely thrilled at having all of this sat on the countertop biggrin


Edited by trowelhead on Tuesday 25th May 17:34

RobbieTheTruth

1,881 posts

120 months

Tuesday 25th May 2021
quotequote all
trowelhead said:


Ok so with thanks to this thread and James Hoffmanns videos i decided to invest in some new kit

In the past i've drunk mainly filter coffee - usually aeropress from a budget grinder which was decent enough for about £110 all in

Also had a moccamaster which i quite liked too.

Decided to try the Sage oracle touch as i'm lazy and reviews make this look like a great fit- also got a niche zero grinder to use when i can be bothered

Rave beans - good but open to suggestions?

At the moment its making very nice coffee - probably say 7.5/10 to 8/10 - i feel like that's on me not the kit however.

When tamping my own shots im not sure if im pressing hard enough or not too much etc. Espresso comes out at 8 seconds and stops around 25 secs - using 18g coffee ground at 15 on the niche espresso scale...

One thing to note since getting all this kit - i have gone from buying 1 to 2 coffees a day "out and about" to pretty much zero - i maybe think one in the last week (which was underwhelming) So probably will save a decent bit of cash over the long term - i legit 100% think nah il'll wait until i'm home!

Does anyone have any suggestions in eking out a bit more from this lot? Probably different beans, or mods to the machine / portafilter etc?

What's everyone's milk of choice btw if lactose intolerant / mild ibs?

Oh and my mrs (who doesnt like coffee) is absolutely thrilled at having all of this sat on the countertop biggrin


Edited by trowelhead on Tuesday 25th May 17:34
Looks a good set-up!

You'll get better results from the Niche.

I've not used that machine before. Why does it stop at 25 seconds - is it pumping through a certain amount of water?

If so, try and override that and manually stop the shot when you've got 36g of liquid from 18g of grinds. Aim for that to take 30 seconds. If it's taking 25, go a touch finer.

Rave signature blend is a decent bean and I like it in the Moka pot but it makes unremarkable Espresso. Much better than supermarket grade stuff, like Illy/Lavazza but there are better options. Try something from HasBean, or Sweetshop from Square Mile.

trowelhead

1,867 posts

122 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
RobbieTheTruth said:
trowelhead said:


Ok so with thanks to this thread and James Hoffmanns videos i decided to invest in some new kit

In the past i've drunk mainly filter coffee - usually aeropress from a budget grinder which was decent enough for about £110 all in

Also had a moccamaster which i quite liked too.

Decided to try the Sage oracle touch as i'm lazy and reviews make this look like a great fit- also got a niche zero grinder to use when i can be bothered

Rave beans - good but open to suggestions?

At the moment its making very nice coffee - probably say 7.5/10 to 8/10 - i feel like that's on me not the kit however.

When tamping my own shots im not sure if im pressing hard enough or not too much etc. Espresso comes out at 8 seconds and stops around 25 secs - using 18g coffee ground at 15 on the niche espresso scale...

One thing to note since getting all this kit - i have gone from buying 1 to 2 coffees a day "out and about" to pretty much zero - i maybe think one in the last week (which was underwhelming) So probably will save a decent bit of cash over the long term - i legit 100% think nah il'll wait until i'm home!

Does anyone have any suggestions in eking out a bit more from this lot? Probably different beans, or mods to the machine / portafilter etc?

What's everyone's milk of choice btw if lactose intolerant / mild ibs?

Oh and my mrs (who doesnt like coffee) is absolutely thrilled at having all of this sat on the countertop biggrin


Edited by trowelhead on Tuesday 25th May 17:34
Looks a good set-up!

You'll get better results from the Niche.

I've not used that machine before. Why does it stop at 25 seconds - is it pumping through a certain amount of water?

If so, try and override that and manually stop the shot when you've got 36g of liquid from 18g of grinds. Aim for that to take 30 seconds. If it's taking 25, go a touch finer.

Rave signature blend is a decent bean and I like it in the Moka pot but it makes unremarkable Espresso. Much better than supermarket grade stuff, like Illy/Lavazza but there are better options. Try something from HasBean, or Sweetshop from Square Mile.
Awesome thanks!

I'm really not sure about the timings of the machine as it sometimes can take 30 secs - perhaps it is dispatching a certain amount of water and the only variable is the grind and or the tamp pressure if i'm doing it myself?

When i use the machines auto grind and tamp it is pretty consistent as you would expect, and grind is the only variable - is it possible i'd get more consistent results with that for the time being as i can adjust grind until i get some parameters that are working well

When i'm using the niche i think i'm tamping it differently all the time and i'm sometimes getting hardly any coffee coming out or its way too loose and too much liquid etc

Thanks, at the moment with the machines grinder/tamp it's about 30g of liquid in 25 secs from 18g so i'll see if i can get closer to what you said

Thanks i'll try sweetshop - looks good!!




Baron Greenback

7,000 posts

151 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
My trouble is I over tamp and that has a big difference on my pressure needed and no way buying OCD tamper!

trowelhead

1,867 posts

122 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
Baron Greenback said:
My trouble is I over tamp and that has a big difference on my pressure needed and no way buying OCD tamper!
There are some cheap versions on amazon no idea if they are any good?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Distributor-Espresso-Dist...

That one does the distribution and seems to have an adjustable level tamper too - worth a go?

number2

4,321 posts

188 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
Baron Greenback said:
My trouble is I over tamp and that has a big difference on my pressure needed and no way buying OCD tamper!
Over-tamp? https://www.baristahustle.com/blog/how-hard-should...

What's the problem you think your tamping is causing?

silentbrown

8,856 posts

117 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
number2 said:
Baron Greenback said:
My trouble is I over tamp and that has a big difference on my pressure needed and no way buying OCD tamper!
Over-tamp? https://www.baristahustle.com/blog/how-hard-should...

What's the problem you think your tamping is causing?
^this^. It sounds like you're grinding too fine, then trying to undertamp to compensate.

Baron Greenback

7,000 posts

151 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
number2 said:
Baron Greenback said:
My trouble is I over tamp and that has a big difference on my pressure needed and no way buying OCD tamper!
Over-tamp? https://www.baristahustle.com/blog/how-hard-should...

What's the problem you think your tamping is causing?
Tamping too hard make my flair neo brew too long! May go for a larger basket but need better grinder then!

LordGrover

33,549 posts

213 months

Saturday 29th May 2021
quotequote all
We ALL need a better grinder!