I don't like applying undue pressure as it invites a horrible accident involving mug, hot coffee, trousers and bits of exposed skin.

Some Adventures with Aeropress today.

First up, I tried the recipe as used by the dude who invented the Aeropress! In short, you brew a small amount of concentrated coffee that you then dilute to taste with hot water. My results were dreadful. A very bright and clean coffee but totally lacking in depth of flavour. Yuck!



Now this recipe is worth your time. Basically it’s the polar opposite of the one above and uses an extended brew time. It might be more hassle than your usual recipe - you need to use weighing scales and a timer, but it’s definitely one you must try, even if you can’t be bothered to do this each day.  I ended up with a *very* smooth and flavoursome coffee without even a hint of bitterness. I made two tiny tweaks to the recipe - after putting the plunger in a cm or so, I pull back on it a tiny bit to create a vacuum that doesn’t let any coffee start dripping through, and also I used two paper filters.

Isn't that the instant coffee slurping guy?

Yes Mike, small circular filters.

Very brave if you are thinking of buying second-hand!

Me too.

It's impossible to know how the coffee machine has been treated unless buying nearly new.

They are a bit like cars - they need regular maintenance, cleaning, sometimes service, very susceptible to wear and tear over time, parts need replacing. Some people are meticulous about this and some will do nothing.

You might get lucky, you might not.

Stopped my bid on a Delonghi....

Gaggia looks good

No !
Saw "Sage" and thought of the Sage that used to supply me with eye wateringly expensive payroll software

Moka pot coffee is delicious but so frustrating. I had two failed attempts this morning. After looking at *all* the possible reasons for the coffee sputtering and not flowing properly I reasoned that there was maybe too much coffee in the basket. Third time lucky - it's a beautiful sight to see it flowing properly.

The downside is that when it goes wrong it takes so long to dismantle it and clean it, mainly due to the fact it is scalding hot - such a pain to prise the basket out with fingernails.

The other downside is that one pot, which gives a large cappuccino, is really my caffeine for the day in one hit, so no more coffee to look forward to!!