Calling all Coffee connoisseurs

[tris]

I make my coffee in a stove top maker - you know the good old octagonal aluminium thing that pushes the water from the bottom chamber through the coffee and into the top chamber

I heard a radio programme a while back about the Aeropress and how good it was - allegedly was able to make an espresso

https://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/

Anyone using one and do they match up to the hype??

Cheers

Tris

[Chuck in Indiana]

I make my coffee in a stove top maker - you know the good old octagonal aluminium thing that pushes the water from the bottom chamber through the coffee and into the top chamber

I heard a radio programme a while back about the Aeropress and how good it was - allegedly was able to make an espresso

https://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/

Anyone using one and do they match up to the hype??

Cheers

Search is your friend on this one. There have been *many* threads on the Aeropress.

Tris

[elvisboy77]

I have one and it makes very good coffee, very smooth.  They are not very expensive, either!

[tris]

Search is your friend on this one. There have been *many* threads on the Aeropress.

DOH - that never even occurred to me!!

I shall take a look see

Cheers

[Fuzzy]

Never tried it, but highly recommend this type:

https://www.amazon.com/Clever-Coffee-Dripper-Large-Ounces/dp/B00EOM5RN0

[sliphorn]

I make my coffee in a stove top maker - you know the good old octagonal aluminium thing that pushes the water from the bottom chamber through the coffee and into the top chamber

I heard a radio programme a while back about the Aeropress and how good it was - allegedly was able to make an espresso

https://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/

Anyone using one and do they match up to the hype??

Cheers

Tris

=====

Aeropress works well enough but can not make a true espresso. Espresso requires far more pressure than can be achieved with an Aeropress.

I roast my own coffee and also own just about every type of coffee maker known to mankind and my preference is for the pour over method. My favorite pour over system is the Hario. In fact, I'm drinking a cup as I type this. A nice Congo Bweremana roasted to full city+.

=====

[Cool Runnings]

It's not the coffee, it's the water.

[azguzzirep]

I use an old fashion perkalator. 

I don't like coffee from little packets and such things. I also am too unrefined to understand  espresso.

I like mine hot, black and large.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I like mine hot, black and large.

  

[redrider]

I grind my own every morning. Cuisinart dripper with integral water filter. And the water I fill it with comes from a Brita with Zero Water cartridges. Eight-o-Clock whole beans. I have tried some of the gourmet types with a couple of likeable ones but the flavor does not justify the expense, IMO. I do not order coffee outside of my home. Nasty, flat, over brewed bilge water(starbucks). Pre-ground coffee like Maxwell House and starbucks has been ground, packaged and stored for over a year before even hitting the shelves. Already stale when purchased. Oh, the percolator type over cooks the coffee by recycling it through the grounds. Once brewed, remove the basket. Use the un bleached filters as well. It does make a big difference. Finally, do not use the pour a cup while brewing feature. Drip coffee starts out very strong and the brew gets weaker as the cycle progresses. Wait until the brew cycle is complete for smooth, even flavor.

[leafman60]

la Pavoni !


https://www.wayfair.com/La-Pavoni-Romantica-Professional-Espresso-Maker-PGL-16-L914-K~LAP1067.html?refid=GX107983253306-LAP1067&device=c&ptid=187400907626&gclid=CjwKEAjw1qHABRDU9qaXs4rtiS0SJADNzJiswyL3B_rRjdGc9gdDT1XDD7LBIY90aAUe3sdmBx02MBoCeCbw_wcB

[kidsmoke]

I'm a grind my own/Brita/french press(ubiquitous Bodium) agent here. other than the chewable residue in the bottom of every cup, it works well. I've come close to trying the Hario, but it's a bunch of money for something that may only be incrementally better, for this reason, it hasn't happened. Would love a competent Espresso maker, but, see above.

[atavar]

Eight O'clock Columbian whole beans are as good as any out there at a half or a third of the price. Just leave an empty bag from one of those expensive foo-foo brands laying around and everyone will rave about your coffee. Even Consumer Reports agrees.
The water indeed makes a huge difference.  Good pure water is best.  I prefer filtered water but not distilled.  I do grind my beans 1 TBSP per cup as needed.
A surprising thing is that coffee tastes better when drunk from a ceramic cup with a white inside. In a properly brewed cup of coffee you should not be quite able to see the bottom when full. 
Don't ask me why but the appearance affects the perception. If someone offers you coffee in a paper or aluminum cup kick them in the shins.  PTUII! While you are at it if they try to give you any of those chemically flavored trendy coffees just have them go to Dairy Queen for a milkshake instead.  I am a purist though, when I want coffee I want coffee, not dessert. When I want whiskey I want whiskey, not soda pop. Now sometimes a dollop of irish may find it's way in to my coffee..   

[ken farr]

I use an old fashion perkalator. 

I don't like coffee from little packets and such things. I also am too unrefined to understand  espresso.

I like mine hot, black and large.

Folgers crystals.  Add hot water, done.

The coffee guys are all now pressing "ignore" by my name......


kjf

[Guido Valvole]

I use an Aeropress when I travel. Perfect for that as it's plastic and sturdy. I seem to have more French press plungers than glass containers...  There are "aftermarket" metal filters, an improvement over the (included) paper one. Think of an Aeropress as a semi-pressurized French press. Results are similar.

The daily go-to at home is a La Pavoni. The basic one, not the fancy one Leafman linked to. Makes the best ristretto, with experience it works as well for that as any pro megabuck machine. Finicky, not particularly well made, and I think they use the same low-grade gaskets as Dell Orto. Parts are readily available and if you can rebuild a Dell Orto carb you can rebuild a La Pavoni.
cr

[Guido Valvole]

Instant coffee?!? Not in my system. But there is a legit use for it -- as black & white film developer! 

http://www.caffenol-cookbook.com/

cr

[normzone]

Instant coffee?!? Not in my system. But there is a legit use for it -- as black & white film developer! 

http://www.caffenol-cookbook.com/

cr

Guido, that's a fun article, thank you. I really miss having a darkroom.

[Gliderjohn]

We use a modern brewer that also grinds the beans and has a water filter in it. We also use water from an osmosis system. For coffee, generally keep about six to eight different non-flavored varieties on hand from two different roasters in the area.
Will use a french press when only making single cups. Very good in it's own way. Have an Expresso machine but tend not to use it much due to the hassle.
Good coffee, one of those wonderful little pleasures in life.
GliderJohn

[Texas Turnip]

. 
Don't ask me why but the appearance affects the perception. If someone offers you coffee in a paper or aluminum cup kick them in the shins.  PTUII! While you are at it if they try to give you any of those chemically flavored trendy coffees just have them go to Dairy Queen for a milkshake instead.  I am a purist though, when I want coffee I want coffee, not dessert. When I want whiskey I want whiskey, not soda pop. Now sometimes a dollop of irish may find it's way in to my coffee..   

During the flood at the National in Money Creek there isn't coffee, however some folks that were full timers at the campground offered me a cup of instant coffee in a paper cup. That was a number of years ago and I still remember how good the cup of instant coffee was. This is 8 AM and I've normally gulped a pot by then.

I've never had a bad cup of coffee at a Guzzi campout. Five AM and us early risers are enjoying who knows what kind of coffee. A Punch cigar makes it taste good.

Tex

[Tom]

 :1:  It's all perspective.  I had a cup of instant with the others that survived the "Bike Drowning" at Money Creek too.  Zoom Zoom, myself & BMW Bob shared a blue tarp till there was a fire going.  The locals then appeared and offered what they could at day break. 

Good coffee starts with good water 1st then 2nd good coffee.  The brewing method after that becomes important.  I have the first 2.    I use a regular drip with unbleached filters.  I have French presses but use it more for show. 

The coffee I get from a friend that has a coffee farm.  The water from the well that supplies our subdivision is from the aquifer that has layers of lava rock for a filter.  The water out of the tap is very good to drink.  Just for perspective I live on the lower end of Hualalai Mountain which is a dormant volcano.  Kona, Hawaii.  They grow good cacao too. (chocolate). 

[adventurelounger]

I am about to blaspheme the living beans out of this thread. I used to have a Gaggia superautomatic. I used to by my beans at Oren's Daily Roast. I used to think I liked my coffee.

Then I got...a Nespresso Pixie. And it makes a cup of heaven (small and Euro-style) that consistently beats the pants off of anything else.

I know I know...the little aluminum pods are "expensive" (70 cents/cup). They're more landfill fodder.

But I defy you to find something that makes a better crema or a richer, more satisfying cup. And it's easier than turning on the lights. It is the modern Moto Guzzi V7II of coffee machines. I LOVE it.

[Scott of the Sahara]

I a another one who went the other way and purchased a Nespresso espresso maker. It uses pods like a Keurig machine. I am totally impressed with the quality of the Espresso. It also came with a really cool milk frother heater.
I am able to get other brand pods for .50 each.

[pressureangle]

I make my coffee in a stove top maker - you know the good old octagonal aluminium thing that pushes the water from the bottom chamber through the coffee and into the top chamber

I heard a radio programme a while back about the Aeropress and how good it was - allegedly was able to make an espresso

https://www.aerobie.com/product/aeropress/

Anyone using one and do they match up to the hype??

Cheers

Tris

I've seen them all, and I've had a Bialetti Stainless Steel stovetop espresso maker for...21 years now. The secret to great coffee is keeping it clean; the best thing for that is Barkeeper's Friend. Mix a paste, soak the tight spots for 2-3 minutes rinse and presto! like new again.

https://www.bialettishop.com/index.php

https://www.barkeepersfriend.com/cleaning-products/cleanser-polish/

[Rich A]

I've been making cold-brew lately.

If not that, I use an old-fashioned Chemex.

Rich A

[OlDogface]

I have an Areopress and love it. Well worth the $35 I paid at Bed Bath & Beyond. I use the Areopress nearly every day when I travel and often at home. It is perfect for travel as it's plastic and sturdy and you can fit a number of filters (I use paper) and enough coffee for a weekend in the handle. Plus it makes great, ground-free coffee. Taste wise, the coffee is similar to a good French press.

When at home I usually opt for the speed and convenience of my Bunn drip coffee maker but I will occasionally pull out the Areopress if I want a better cup o' Joe.

My recipe:  2 teaspoons of nearly any coffee (regular old Maxwell house/Folders works just fine), fill with near boiling water to just above the 4 line, stir for 10 seconds, press into normal "American sized" coffee mug.

Remember to rinse the Areopress and spoon immediately otherwise the coffee foam will stick like glue once it dries.

[kidsmoke]

I use the Areopress nearly every day when I travel and often at home. It is perfect for travel as it's plastic and sturdy and you can fit a number of filters (I use paper) and enough coffee for a weekend in the handle. Plus it makes great, ground-free coffee. Taste wise, the coffee is similar to a good French press.

question: as packing efficiently is something I kind of geek out on. What do you do to produce boiling water, and where are you coming up with a proper ceramic mug, while traveling?

Any sales guy here will tell you, hotel rooms, even nice ones, are coffee deserts. never mind camping/touring. The little drip coffeemakers with filtered pouches are terrible. One of these could address part of the problem. Just curious what you whack jobs connoisseurs do to address this

[Noguzznoglory]

a little off the original post but coffee related:
anyone have a good source for whole bean kenya coffee? used to buy from community coffee in new orleans but they stopped importing it. everything else i found on the web just wasn't fresh

[Dean Rose]

question: as packing efficiently is something I kind of geek out on. What do you do to produce boiling water, and where are you coming up with a proper ceramic mug, while traveling?

Any sales guy here will tell you, hotel rooms, even nice ones, are coffee deserts. never mind camping/touring. The little drip coffeemakers with filtered pouches are terrible. One of these could address part of the problem. Just curious what you whack jobs connoisseurs do to address this

Jetboil Caffee Press


a2:outdoor_recreation_ a2_other:na:PLA_345660780_23687 049180_pla-161678903100:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&ds_c=gen_sporting_goods_a2&ds_cid=&ds_ag=outdoor_recreation_a2_other&product_id=02c17bb31dc14e07ae4aff4e3baaf2b0&product_partition_i d=161678903100&gclid=CjwKEAjw-abABRDquOTJi8qdojwSJABt1S1ORatTiFpwY-YtTGXDX_sIZ5eSyUAo_ICqSckv-h1pLRoCAV_w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds" class="bbc_link" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://jet.com/product/detail/02c17bb31dc14e07ae4aff4e3baaf2b0?jcmp=pla:ggl:gen_sporting_goods_ a2:outdoor_recreation_ a2_other:na:PLA_345660780_23687 049180_pla-161678903100:na:na:na:2&code=PLA15&ds_c=gen_sporting_goods_a2&ds_cid=&ds_ag=outdoor_recreation_a2_other&product_id=02c17bb31dc14e07ae4aff4e3baaf2b0&product_partition_i d=161678903100&gclid=CjwKEAjw-abABRDquOTJi8qdojwSJABt1S1ORatTiFpwY-YtTGXDX_sIZ5eSyUAo_ICqSckv-h1pLRoCAV_w_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

[Rough Edge racing]

 We drink Costa Rican organic coffee ground fresh from beans every morning..Use a entry level Mr Coffee drip machine...It's seems to have less caffeine that other types...About 11 bucks a pound at Wegman's supermarkets...

[KraZ440]

a little off the original post but coffee related:
anyone have a good source for whole bean kenya coffee? used to buy from community coffee in new orleans but they stopped importing it. everything else i found on the web just wasn't fresh

Buy the green beans from Sweet Maria's and roast them yourself. It is really not that hard or expensive to do entry-level roasting, and you wont' be able to find coffee any fresher.