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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 1, 2021 15:37:09 GMT
So my new toy is a stovetop maker which was a free gift from a coffee supplier I had been using. I've not mastered it fully yet but am already getting delicious coffee. I'm using an espresso blend which is ground medium fine especially for stovetop - espresso grind is too fine. This will give you an idea of what to expect - What you get is a coffee that isn't quite the same as an espresso made through a proper machine in terms of crema and intensity but is an absolute pleasure to drink. Also, the gear is cheap, very cheap - buy a pot for around 25 quid - there are different sizes available. I like to drink it cappuccino style but what I need to improve most is my milk frothing. I had really mastered it when using my old Gaggia's steam wand but for this I was using a handheld frother I received as a present - it's not really doing the job so have ordered a well reviewed one from Amazon for a tenner. Hopefully better milk foam tomorrow! Shout out to Roost Coffee - this is my second order from this excellent Yorkshire supplier. Very fresh, flavoursome coffee with super quick delivery. Highly recommended. We have one of those too. Worth trying it out methinks |
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Post by MartinT on Oct 1, 2021 16:18:54 GMT
I don't think you've quite grasped the point of money, Mike.
It's to spend on things you enjoy!
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 1, 2021 17:40:50 GMT
LOL.
I managed to OD on caffeine today - 3 double shots of espresso proved way too much for me, to such a degree that I didn't recognise one of my neighbours earlier, it was so embarrassing!  |
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 1, 2021 17:46:38 GMT
I don't think you've quite grasped the point of money, Mike. It's to spend on things you enjoy! Got that and I'm on the case for things I enjoy Still not certain about coffee The few days I missed my one whole cup were not a problem |
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espresso
Oct 1, 2021 17:59:44 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 1, 2021 17:59:44 GMT
Er, what about Mrs Music??
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 1, 2021 19:28:27 GMT
Money no object Sir  |
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 2, 2021 15:09:44 GMT
Today I’m completely satisfied with my cappucino.  I modified the Moka pot brewing technique after a little research and the espresso came out perfectly - there are a number of things to pay attention to. I also got my new milk frother and managed to get a lovely microfoam after a short while, not bad for £11. Overall I reckon it’s as good as I’m going to get without a ‘proper’ machine, so job done.  |
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Post by Slinger on Oct 2, 2021 15:15:02 GMT
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 2, 2021 15:38:26 GMT
That's *very* cheap isn't it ?
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espresso
Oct 2, 2021 15:57:00 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 2, 2021 15:57:00 GMT
Problem with those little machines is that they don't create enough pressure to make a true espresso - that one is rated at 3 bar whereas industry standard is 9 bar with some preferring 15 bar.
I'd also be concerned about reliability. Better to invest in a higher quality machine that should last longer IMO.
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Post by Slinger on Oct 2, 2021 16:15:32 GMT
Surely your Bialetti Moka stovetop only produces 1 to 1.5 bar at the maximum? That's why I suggested it as an alternative. Tower are a decent brand, it has a 3-year warranty, and it's got a steam wand.
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 2, 2021 17:29:02 GMT
I don't really see the Moka pot as something that claims to make a 'true' espresso whereas machines like that are trying to mimic a proper machine as far as they can. Anyway I don't have room for a full on machine in my kitchen but would be happy to fork out a few hundred if I did. I'm really happy with the compromise of a Moka pot - used right it makes very acceptable coffee for my taste and it's very low maintenance unlike a machine. That's why millions of Italians use them at home and go to a coffee bar if they want something different.  |
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 2, 2021 18:02:38 GMT
This is a cool video - a blind-tasting of 38 instant coffees!
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 3, 2021 9:54:29 GMT
Wondered if there was a better way How to make cafetiere coffee"Boil your kettle and warm up your cafetiere by rinsing it out. Add your coarse ground coffee and pour in ⅓ of your hot water. Leave for 30 seconds, this allows the coffee to bloom, this is when the coffee releases CO2, blooming enhances the flavour of the coffee. Add the remaining ⅔ of water and gently stir being careful not to get coffee grinds up the side of the cafetiere. Leave for 3 minutes Place plunger on top and push slowly. Serve and share with us @secretcaffeineclub |
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Post by MartinT on Oct 3, 2021 10:03:04 GMT
I do that except I don't let the kettle quite boil and I just pour in all the water.
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espresso
Oct 3, 2021 13:14:59 GMT
via mobile
Post by julesd68 on Oct 3, 2021 13:14:59 GMT
Yes water should never be boiling hot.
To be precise -
The optimum water temperature for brewing coffee is between 91 and 96 degrees Celsius (195-205 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Post by MartinT on Oct 3, 2021 13:58:08 GMT
I had 88C lodged in my brain from a long time ago.
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 3, 2021 15:33:34 GMT
Ah.
Finger in the air guys
How long do we leave the kettle after boiling to achieve that temp ?
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Post by julesd68 on Oct 4, 2021 12:23:22 GMT
Stick your hand in the kettle to test it Mike. I did an interesting tweak to Aeropress brewing today - tried using two paper filters instead of the usual one. I believe I can taste a slightly brighter, cleaner and less bitter coffee. Give it a try! |
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Post by MikeMusic on Oct 4, 2021 14:40:13 GMT
Don't have an Aeropress
The boss was quite impressed after trying the cafetierre SoP as above though
I'll try it tomorrow
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