Coffee

[TINY]

About a tablespoon per cup

I did that, but it tasted really weak…not sure if I’m doing too much water

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

I did that, but it tasted really weak…not sure if I’m doing too much water

30g to 500ml is considered 'optimum'.

Volume measurements such a Tsp, Tbsp ect. don't tend to work very well as they don't account for density (grind size).

 

[oldius]

Having used a variety of methods, I have settled on a Moka pot and Aldi or Lidl single-origin ground coffee.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Here's a useful piece on extraction theory:

An Intuitive Guide To Coffee Solubles, Extraction And TDS (handground.com)

 

[urban genie]

I find the smell of coffee beans wonderfully aromatic but the taste to be vile

 

[remember arthur mann]

I find the smell of coffee beans wonderfully aromatic but the taste to be vile

Sniff.

 

[PragueBlue]

I find the smell of coffee beans wonderfully aromatic but the taste to be vile

I find the taste of coffee to be awful. I have tried it a few times to see if it is an acquired taste but not for me.

I have no sense of smell so cannot comment on the aroma.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

I find the smell of coffee beans wonderfully aromatic but the taste to be vile

A well extracted cup of coffee should have a natural sweetness. Either you've never had a decent brew (never really had a decent instant coffee that's been anything more than functional in topping up my caffeine levels), or you just don't like the taste.

 

[urban genie]

A well extracted cup of coffee should have a natural sweetness. Either you've never had a decent brew (never really had a decent instant coffee that's been anything more than functional in topping up my caffeine levels), or you just don't like the taste.

The taste

 

[urban genie]

Sniff.

Yes the coffee beans, they are quite aromatic

 

[lefty goldblatt]

Having used a variety of methods, I have settled on a Moka pot and Aldi or Lidl single-origin ground coffee.

Me, too.
I have a cafetierre (which I rarely use), and got rid of an espresso machine (to an obese dipper fan, after it had broke, TWICE in two years. Paid £60 sold for £30), and a filter/paper machine. Can't be arsed using anything but a Moka pot, now.
Lidl's Deluxe blends are my personal fave, and tend to be on offer, about once every six weeks. Bargain.

 

[fulabeer]

Any coffee nuts on here. I have started experimenting with my filter coffee machine. Using boiling water, pour over coffee grounds first before putting in machine (fresh coffee beans from a coffee roaster) and it has made a huge difference to the taste of the coffee. I have disliked instant coffee for years and only used to drink tea.

I have been toying with the idea of getting a new machine - Sage Precision Brewer - as I don’t really want to go down the road of an espresso machine but I have been toying with the idea of using an aeropress or a V60 as you can, allegedly, get almost as good a brew for a fraction of the cost. Has anyone any experience of either of these methods or will I get a better brew with the Sage?

My advice is to stop right now! Buy a Senseo pod/pad machine and have done with it.
You are opening Pandora's box and will never enjoy coffee quite the same again.
Under extracted, over extracted. Did the milk have perfect microfoam?
Why is this bitter? Is it the beans or me?
Every cup becomes a critical review.
James Hoffmann should be banned from Youtube!

Says the guy now sat looking at his dual boiler coffee machine and burr grinder.

 

[somapop]

The 'bloom' phase. Also makes a difference if you make a little well in the middle of the coffee when you put it in the filter paper.

I use an Aeropress daily with freshly ground beans (game changer). Aeropress needs careful work to achieve consistency (grind size, brew time, temperature, agitation, brewing method), and V60 similarly.

Have a look at James Hoffman's channel on YouTube. He's a bit posh, but VERY knowledgeable.

Recently bought an aero press and prefer it to my stove top and French Press.
Use the inverted method but still open to experimentation. More of grind size issue perhaps.
Open to tips/advice.

Getting good beans is a must and you'll never get these in a supermarket.
Lots and lots of quality roasters in the UK now (me and mate run a coffee listing project as a 'side biz' and list around 550 roasters now.

The likes of North Tea Power, Takk, Federal, Foundation, Ancoats, Coffee Fix in Manchester all serve really, really good coffee.

My Gaggia espresso machine needs fixing (those old school metal ones) but you can get close to perfection with those, but many variables.

Would love a decent dual boiler machine and better burr grinder mind....

 

[Tuearts right boot]

I thought boiling water on coffee was a no no.
Anyway here it’s a cafetière for two daily mugs and a Moka pot for stronger after dinner coffee.

Water boiled, coffee spoiled.
80 degrees centigrade so they say for percolated coffee.

 

[paulchapo]

I use a cafeteria and Waitrose Kenyan AA coffee. I've tried loads of different ones in my time but this is definately the best tasting. It's pricey at £3.50 but they often have it on offer and I stock up when they do. Aldi do a great alternative, a Java I think at about £2.

 

[TINY]

30g to 500ml is considered 'optimum'.

Volume measurements such a Tsp, Tbsp ect. don't tend to work very well as they don't account for density (grind size).

Thanks mate. And on grind size, what should I be aiming for?

 

[sir baconface]

A cafetière does the job nicely for me. Quick, simple, cheap and effective.

Sainsbury’s sell a very nice Sumatran ground coffee. There are plenty of decent ones around though.

Sometimes I’ll get the grinder out instead but most times I’m too lazy.

 

[decmancity]

Can't recommend Aeropress enough. Gets a cracking coffee out in a few mins. I use Rave grounded coffee, really nice stuff. I just buy the "taster packs" or whatever they are. Slightly different flavors, everything keeps fresh and never a bad brew.

I just use the "inverted" method for the aeropress then top up with hot water. Done.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Water boiled, coffee spoiled.
80 degrees centigrade so they say for percolated coffee.

Depends on the coffee. As a general rule, the darker the roast the easier it is to extract. Blonde roast tends to favour a hotter brew temperature.

 

[Trevor Morley's Tache]

Can't recommend Aeropress enough. Gets a cracking coffee out in a few mins. I use Rave grounded coffee, really nice stuff. I just buy the "taster packs" or whatever they are. Slightly different flavors, everything keeps fresh and never a bad brew.

I just use the "inverted" method for the aeropress then top up with hot water. Done.

Inverted method is good because you don't end up either that first drip of really sour coffee in the cup which can affect the balance of the brew. Easier to get a consistent brew.