Coffee. Grinder and Cafetiere or Pods in a machine
Discussion
S6PNJ said:
RobbieTT, what's your view on the Mazzer Super Jolly? What would a good price be for a second hand unit with no history etc?
Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
From what I understand, the Super Jolly is a fantastic grinder. Big, ugly, heavy and not very user friendly but the end result is great.Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
If I din't have a grinder, I'd register for Niche and in the meantime, try and get a Super Jolly for under £200. You'll likely recoup what if you spend when you sell it.
If your kitchen is big, or you have a separate area for your coffee, I'd be inclined to keep it.
I'd rather a Super Jolly over the JX Pro.
RobbieTheTruth said:
S6PNJ said:
RobbieTT, what's your view on the Mazzer Super Jolly? What would a good price be for a second hand unit with no history etc?
Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
From what I understand, the Super Jolly is a fantastic grinder. Big, ugly, heavy and not very user friendly but the end result is great.Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
If I din't have a grinder, I'd register for Niche and in the meantime, try and get a Super Jolly for under £200. You'll likely recoup what if you spend when you sell it.
If your kitchen is big, or you have a separate area for your coffee, I'd be inclined to keep it.
I'd rather a Super Jolly over the JX Pro.
A pic speaks a thousand words:
Whilst our kitchen has space (the Delonghi B2C is currently filling it, though it might move to another worktop area if needed), I'm not sure the 'foreman' would approve, I think I pushed my luck with my nearly 4' tall floor standing speakers in the lounge!
S6PNJ said:
RobbieTheTruth said:
S6PNJ said:
RobbieTT, what's your view on the Mazzer Super Jolly? What would a good price be for a second hand unit with no history etc?
Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
From what I understand, the Super Jolly is a fantastic grinder. Big, ugly, heavy and not very user friendly but the end result is great.Would I be mad to consider one of these against say a 1Zpresso JX Pro? I've registered on CFUK but they don't seem an overly friendly bunch so far. Maybe that's just my 'feeling' but no responses to a few new members from any of the regulars saying Hi, welcome, etc etc.
If I din't have a grinder, I'd register for Niche and in the meantime, try and get a Super Jolly for under £200. You'll likely recoup what if you spend when you sell it.
If your kitchen is big, or you have a separate area for your coffee, I'd be inclined to keep it.
I'd rather a Super Jolly over the JX Pro.
A pic speaks a thousand words:
Whilst our kitchen has space (the Delonghi B2C is currently filling it, though it might move to another worktop area if needed), I'm not sure the 'foreman' would approve, I think I pushed my luck with my nearly 4' tall floor standing speakers in the lounge!
Buy it for 200, clean it up, use it for a bit and sell it when the Niche comes available. Or keep it - the Niche won't be noticably better, just smaller and much easier to use.
Some guy on there has just listed a Gaggia Classic, and said he's going to list another soon fully modded with POD, pressure gauge etyc.
RobbieTheTruth said:
Some guy on there has just listed a Gaggia Classic, and said he's going to list another soon fully modded with POD, pressure gauge etyc.
I've seen the post, just not sure on the ettiquette of 'jumping in' and unsure as to who has first dibs etc! They seem to be quite a stickler for keeping to the rules when selling or placing wanted adverts! There are a couple of used Gaggias on eBay I'm also watching.As mentioned before, my only real experience of "real" coffee was Starbucks/Nero/Costa. Plus some horrific barista type coffee at the golf club made on a hugely expensive Italian machine: far worse than the chain shops' stuff, made with boiling hot milk that takes about an hour to cool down, and even then, you can't taste the coffee.
But the other day, braving house arrest, I visited a local beardy hipster place for a take-away. I assume this is what is known as 3rd wave - they roast the beans on the premises. Ordered a flat white. Came in a tiny cup. Tried it. Quite amazing. Tasted of coffee and milk. Not too strong, not too milky. Texture was really nice too. Puts my microwave milk to shame. Not sure I could taste the jasmine and plums or whatever, but the coffee taste was exceptional. And just the right temperature too. I am used to having to wait for about 30 minutes before shop-bought coffees cool down, bit this was drinkable immediately. The only downside was that I would need about 3 or 4 of them at a time - it was tiny. Would end up being about £12 per big mug. Went straight back and got another one for the walk home, plus some ground beans for the Aeropress (I've been using that more than my Nespresso recently).
Anyway, I now do feel the need to try to replicate this at home - without the hassle of modifying 2nd hand kit - jumping in at slightly higher than basic entry level, but not at the point of true madness.
Now looking at Lelit Elizabeth. Seems to ticks a few boxes. Not too big. Not too bling. Some degree of push-button simplicity (hiding complex settings should I ever feel the need to start tinkering). And there does seem to be stock actually available to buy in the UK.
Anyone got experience of Lelit machines?
But the other day, braving house arrest, I visited a local beardy hipster place for a take-away. I assume this is what is known as 3rd wave - they roast the beans on the premises. Ordered a flat white. Came in a tiny cup. Tried it. Quite amazing. Tasted of coffee and milk. Not too strong, not too milky. Texture was really nice too. Puts my microwave milk to shame. Not sure I could taste the jasmine and plums or whatever, but the coffee taste was exceptional. And just the right temperature too. I am used to having to wait for about 30 minutes before shop-bought coffees cool down, bit this was drinkable immediately. The only downside was that I would need about 3 or 4 of them at a time - it was tiny. Would end up being about £12 per big mug. Went straight back and got another one for the walk home, plus some ground beans for the Aeropress (I've been using that more than my Nespresso recently).
Anyway, I now do feel the need to try to replicate this at home - without the hassle of modifying 2nd hand kit - jumping in at slightly higher than basic entry level, but not at the point of true madness.
Now looking at Lelit Elizabeth. Seems to ticks a few boxes. Not too big. Not too bling. Some degree of push-button simplicity (hiding complex settings should I ever feel the need to start tinkering). And there does seem to be stock actually available to buy in the UK.
Anyone got experience of Lelit machines?
Edited by 1 on Sunday 14th February 14:34
1 said:
As mentioned before, my only real experience of "real" coffee was Starbucks/Nero/Costa. Plus some horrific barista type coffee at the golf club made on a hugely expensive Italian machine: far worse than the chain shops' stuff, made with boiling hot milk that takes about an hour to cool down, and even then, you can't taste the coffee.
But the other day, braving house arrest, I visited a local beardy hipster place for a take-away. I assume this is what is known as 3rd wave - they roast the beans on the premises. Ordered a flat white. Came in a tiny cup. Tried it. Quite amazing. Tasted of coffee and milk. Not too strong, not too milky. Texture was really nice too. Puts my microwave milk to shame. Not sure I could taste the jasmine and plums or whatever, but the coffee taste was exceptional. And just the right temperature too. I am used to having to wait for about 30 minutes before shop-bought coffees cool down, bit this was drinkable immediately. The only downside was that I would need about 3 or 4 of the at a time - it was tiny. Would end up being about £12 per big mug. Went straight back and got another one for the walk home, plus some ground beans for the Aeropress (I've been using that more than my Nespresso recently).
Anyway, I now do feel the need to try to replicate this at home - without the hassle of modifying 2nd hand kit - jumping in at slightly higher than basic entry level, but not at the point of true madness.
Now looking at Lelit Elizabeth. Seems to ticks a few boxes. Not too big. Not too bling. Some degree of push-button simplicity (hiding complex settings should I ever feel the need to start tinkering). And there does seem to be actually available to buy.
Anyone got experience of Lelit machines?
That's exactly it! You've now tasted the potential, and you can now strive to recreate that latte at home - rather than just have a convenient, standard latte.But the other day, braving house arrest, I visited a local beardy hipster place for a take-away. I assume this is what is known as 3rd wave - they roast the beans on the premises. Ordered a flat white. Came in a tiny cup. Tried it. Quite amazing. Tasted of coffee and milk. Not too strong, not too milky. Texture was really nice too. Puts my microwave milk to shame. Not sure I could taste the jasmine and plums or whatever, but the coffee taste was exceptional. And just the right temperature too. I am used to having to wait for about 30 minutes before shop-bought coffees cool down, bit this was drinkable immediately. The only downside was that I would need about 3 or 4 of the at a time - it was tiny. Would end up being about £12 per big mug. Went straight back and got another one for the walk home, plus some ground beans for the Aeropress (I've been using that more than my Nespresso recently).
Anyway, I now do feel the need to try to replicate this at home - without the hassle of modifying 2nd hand kit - jumping in at slightly higher than basic entry level, but not at the point of true madness.
Now looking at Lelit Elizabeth. Seems to ticks a few boxes. Not too big. Not too bling. Some degree of push-button simplicity (hiding complex settings should I ever feel the need to start tinkering). And there does seem to be actually available to buy.
Anyone got experience of Lelit machines?
You won't really get tasting notes when you add the textured milk - but you'll get a rich delicious latte. Next time you go, have a latte, then ask for a shot of espresso. If they have a guest bean on, with tasting notes that sound good try that.
You're right about size. The coffee is better and richer, so you don't need as much - but people are used to huge servings thanks to Starbucks etc so it's bard to wean off that. Also, they are so nice you don't want it to end! These coffees will likely contain more caffeine than Starbucks etc because they are lighter roasted
I think a Lelit Elizabeth is a perfect machine. Ticks every box really. End game machine. It's about £1200, but you'll use it for life.
If you wanted to save a bit of money, you could go Lelit Victoria. That ticks every box too, but it's a single boiler. About £800
Dual boilers (Elizabeth) have separate boiler for coffee and milk. Single boilers (Victoria) share the same one. It's not much of an issue, you just pull the shot, then flick the boiler switch and the temperature rapidly rises from 92 to 145 so you can steam the milk.
What grinder will you be using?
Got my name on the list for a Niche grinder. No idea when that will be available. So need to think about something for immediate use if I order the Elizabeth immediately.
Bella Barista seems to have Lelit machines in stock. Probably makes sense to get a grinder from there as part of the same order / delivery. Maybe the Eureka Mignon. Although I possibly prefer the look of the Rocket Faustino. Still exploring this.
My available space is a bit limited for grinder + espresso machine. Not sure they can be next to each other. But I am working on solving that.
Bella Barista seems to have Lelit machines in stock. Probably makes sense to get a grinder from there as part of the same order / delivery. Maybe the Eureka Mignon. Although I possibly prefer the look of the Rocket Faustino. Still exploring this.
My available space is a bit limited for grinder + espresso machine. Not sure they can be next to each other. But I am working on solving that.
1 said:
Got my name on the list for a Niche grinder. No idea when that will be available. So need to think about something for immediate use if I order the Elizabeth immediately.
Bella Barista seems to have Lelit machines in stock. Probably makes sense to get a grinder from there as part of the same order / delivery. Maybe the Eureka Mignon. Although I possibly prefer the look of the Rocket Faustino. Still exploring this.
My available space is a bit limited for grinder + espresso machine. Not sure they can be next to each other. But I am working on solving that.
They don't need to be next to each other.Bella Barista seems to have Lelit machines in stock. Probably makes sense to get a grinder from there as part of the same order / delivery. Maybe the Eureka Mignon. Although I possibly prefer the look of the Rocket Faustino. Still exploring this.
My available space is a bit limited for grinder + espresso machine. Not sure they can be next to each other. But I am working on solving that.
Also, once you've nailed your technique, making a coffee is a quick process. Getting your coffee into 18g portions is a good idea. I use the below and take 5 mins whenever I get a new bag to portion it up.
On a single doser like the Niche, you'll just tip one of those tubes in and it will spit out the 18g instantly into it's cup.
bigandclever said:
Nice looking thing. Of course, I laughed at the price. Then I looked at the cost of the bean counter 
Yeah, I actually got a cheaper version. About £140 I think.
These are relatively new, so cheaper ones will come to the market. There is a guy making them on Etsy for about £50, but you then have to buy your tubes separately.
A Chinese one has popped up on wish, but its £35 without shopping, only holds 4 and looks awful, but more will emerge.
The Elizabeth is most probably the machine I shall upgrade to in the near future as it has all I would need, quick heating time, steam wand on the right hand side and size especially when it comes to depth.
As the water fed into these machines is very important have you got or thought of some sort of water purifier ?
As the water fed into these machines is very important have you got or thought of some sort of water purifier ?
I bought some test tubes from Amazon and a piece of wenge wood that was a sample from a kitchen bench manufacturer that matches the wood handles on my coffee machine, drilled some holes in it and put some felt feet on the bottom of it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RP16B3J/ref=cm_sw_e...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07RP16B3J/ref=cm_sw_e...
TX1 said:
The Elizabeth is most probably the machine I shall upgrade to in the near future as it has all I would need, quick heating time, steam wand on the right hand side and size especially when it comes to depth.
As the water fed into these machines is very important have you got or thought of some sort of water purifier ?
Short answer: no. I live in a soft water area and don't have problems with calcification, so had not considered that I might need one.As the water fed into these machines is very important have you got or thought of some sort of water purifier ?
But I do have a question about milk. To get the level of foam quality, do I need to go back to using full-fat milk. Or can you make decent foam with semi-skimmed? I much prefer the taste of full-fat or even gold-top, but can't drink that in the quantities I tend to consume.
I use skimmed milk for my wife's cappuccino, it comes out fine however I suspect semi skimmed would be the ideal choice.
Not wanting to press the point regarding the water however I also supposedly come from a soft water area and a few weeks back descaled my electric kettle, within two weeks the bottom was full of scale again.
When I dismantled my Silvia boiler in summer what I found inside came as a huge shock even though once in a while I descaled the machine.
I think you can purchase a simple kit that will tell you what your water is like.
Not wanting to press the point regarding the water however I also supposedly come from a soft water area and a few weeks back descaled my electric kettle, within two weeks the bottom was full of scale again.
When I dismantled my Silvia boiler in summer what I found inside came as a huge shock even though once in a while I descaled the machine.
I think you can purchase a simple kit that will tell you what your water is like.
I'm surprised neither of those test tube kits use coloured glass. It's not something I've tested but I know it's generally accepted that light isn't good for flavour, which is why coffee storage jars and wine bottles don't use clear glass.
The little storage jar that came with my Comandante grinder (really useful for when I visit my client's office) is brown glass.
The little storage jar that came with my Comandante grinder (really useful for when I visit my client's office) is brown glass.
Flibble said:
Volvic is not particularly soft, it world be considered hard water by most standards.
I have never descaled my kettle (nor my coffee machine), it's scale free. We have very soft water here though.
Volvic has been working well for me for the past 10 years. I live in London where tap water scales everything up. I have never descaled my kettle (nor my coffee machine), it's scale free. We have very soft water here though.
https://coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/12936-best-water-...
paralla said:
Flibble said:
Volvic is not particularly soft, it world be considered hard water by most standards.
I have never descaled my kettle (nor my coffee machine), it's scale free. We have very soft water here though.
Volvic has been working well for me for the past 10 years. I live in London where tap water scales everything up. I have never descaled my kettle (nor my coffee machine), it's scale free. We have very soft water here though.
https://coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/12936-best-water-...
Or do you think bottled water is better ?
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