☕ Coffee ☕: Ingredients, Roasting, Grinding, Brewing, and Tasting

[bierhaus15]

Anyone have experience with the Flair espresso maker? Bought one on a whim and have only used it 3-4 times, with moderate success. Have most of the upgrades for it - stainless piston and pressure gauge. I typically prefer pour overs (kalita/v60) but would like to try and get the espresso manual process dialed in.

edit: Per coffee fragrance, a few years back I got to spend a day learning about coffee at a very large coffee roaster and the roasted coffee aroma/dust permeates everything. I ended up having to wash my work shoes weeks later as the oxidized coffee smell coming off them was still too strong for wearing around the office or driving.

 

[TrickyDick]

Fresh Coffee!!
Ahh! I haven’t drank a cup of new drop in quite a while!

 

[MaxStout]

edit: Per coffee fragrance, a few years back I got to spend a day learning about coffee at a very large coffee roaster and the roasted coffee aroma/dust permeates everything. I ended up having to wash my work shoes weeks later as the oxidized coffee smell coming off them was still too strong for wearing around the office or driving.

I get that. When I roast a pound or so in my attached garage, the smell doeasn't leave for a couple days, even after I open the overhead door. It gets in the house and my clothes, too. I can imagine you really pick it up in a facility that roasts huge amounts.

 

[TallDan]

We don’t need candles or air fresheners in my house. We have coffee. It’s better.

I looked at the flair and robot a little while back and was really tempted to buy one of them, but haven’t. From what I read, you can get top notch espresso out of both of them.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

A buddy of mine lived in Houston, I went to visit him a few years back and when we got out of the car at his place I said, "someone roast coffee in your neighborhood?" because it smelled like roasting greens right there outside his place. Turns out there is a MASSIVE roasting plant near his townhouse that roasts coffee for the big, canned, preground companies. A lot of it is roasted in the same place even though it is advertised by different names.

I don't mind it in doses but I'm really no fan of the smell of roasting coffee. I can't imagine living next to the roasting facility like he did.

 

[Br3w4u]

Fine grind with secura burr grinder

 

[Br3w4u]

Coarse grind with secura burr grinder

 

[Br3w4u]

It’s a very even grind but the coarse grind seems more like a medium to me. The fine grind is like powdered instant coffee which is pretty cool. I didn’t notice a huge difference in the quality of my coffee but my wife said it was much better. I did notice that there wasn’t as much powdered coffee grounds in the bottom of my cup which was good. My blade grinder would leave some whole beans behind too so this is much better. I think I will clean the blade grinder and just use it for spices now.

 

[TallDan]

I think I will clean the blade grinder and just use it for spices now.

I said that many years ago. I've moved it to new homes at least four times and I don't think I've used it once.

I know at least a couple people here do cold brew, what's your process? French press?

 

[Br3w4u]

I said that many years ago. I've moved it to new homes at least four times and I don't think I've used it once.

I know at least a couple people here do cold brew, what's your process? French press?

Usually French press. I have a drip coffee maker, espresso maker, and pour over but I prefer the French press. Really I prefer espresso but I don’t have time to make it before work most days. I think the fine grind will be great for espresso. It might clog it up. We’ll see. I might try it out at lunch today.

 

[MaxStout]

It’s a very even grind but the coarse grind seems more like a medium to me. The fine grind is like powdered instant coffee which is pretty cool. I didn’t notice a huge difference in the quality of my coffee but my wife said it was much better. I did notice that there wasn’t as much powdered coffee grounds in the bottom of my cup which was good. My blade grinder would leave some whole beans behind too so this is much better. I think I will clean the blade grinder and just use it for spices now.

I noticed that as well, that the coarsest grind is more medium-ish. But that grind works well with the press and the Clever dripper thing. Also good in the K-cup inserts I use in the Keurig. The only time I switch the grind is when I make espresso, and I didn't have trouble with the fine grind clogging on my machine.

 

[Br3w4u]

Well the burr grinder made a huge difference in my espresso. I like it a lot.

 

[applescrap]

Thinking about getting one for work. I think it would be perfect for me there just the convenience factor alone.

 

[Br3w4u]

I thought about it but people in the office already look at me funny when I make a pour over at my desk so I can only imagine their reaction when I turn on the coffee grinder LOL

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I kept my old blade grinder and now it's my travel grinder for when I stay at hotels and with my inlaws. Since they are pretty small it packs easily.

I would really like an espresso machine for work but the company doesn't pay for that stuff and I don't see any of our staff putting money in for it (understandably). I'd honestly be fine with a Nespresso...maybe I should keep an eye on craigslist and low ball someone (channeling you @applescrap ).

 

[MaxStout]

Thinking about getting one for work. I think it would be perfect for me there just the convenience factor alone.

Be advised: it's loud AF. Hopefully you have understanding coworkers or a break room that's kind of isolated from work areas.

 

[MaxStout]

I kept my old blade grinder and now it's my travel grinder for when I stay at hotels and with my inlaws. Since they are pretty small it packs easily.

I would really like an espresso machine for work but the company doesn't pay for that stuff and I don't see any of our staff putting money in for it (understandably). I'd honestly be fine with a Nespresso...maybe I should keep an eye on craigslist and low ball someone (channeling you @applescrap ).

I have this one at home. Not bad for the money if you don't want to drop a small fortune for a work machine. The reviews on Amazon are kind of mixed, but I have no complaints.

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

I have this one at home. Not bad for the money if you don't want to drop a small fortune for a work machine. The reviews on Amazon are kind of mixed, but I have no complaints.

I can just see it at work:
Coworker: "Barista HarborTown, may I please have a latte with almond milk?"
HTB: "I'm sorry but I'm really busy reviewing a contract."
Coworker: "But I need one. Like 5 mins ago."
HTB: "ughhh alright, let me just put on my plaid vest and curl my mustache, then I can make you one."

 

[Inkleg]

For me it would go like this.

Coworker: “Barista Inkeg, may I please have a latte with almond milk?”
Inkleg: “Here ya go.”
Coworker: “But this looks like black coffee.”
Inkleg: “It is. Now pull up your big boy panties and enjoy.”

 

[applescrap]

I kept my old blade grinder and now it's my travel grinder for when I stay at hotels and with my inlaws. Since they are pretty small it packs easily.

I would really like an espresso machine for work but the company doesn't pay for that stuff and I don't see any of our staff putting money in for it (understandably). I'd honestly be fine with a Nespresso...maybe I should keep an eye on craigslist and low ball someone (channeling you @applescrap ).

Same here. I travel with my blade grinder. I use a delonghi with ppf at work.

 

[applescrap]

I have this one at home. Not bad for the money if you don't want to drop a small fortune for a work machine. The reviews on Amazon are kind of mixed, but I have no complaints.

That's the one I use and pshankstar to now. Did you remove ppf?

 

[pshankstar]

That's the one I use and pshankstar to now. Did you remove ppf?

@MaxStout I’ve enjoyed this unit too. Although I have nothing to compare it to but it’s the gateway drug for espresso machines. I’m sure I’ll invest in a more expensive unit down the road when this one gives on me. But I don’t see that happening anytime soo.

 

[MaxStout]

That's the one I use and pshankstar to now. Did you remove ppf?

No. What does removing it do?

 

[Kealia]

Ooh, that's pretty cheap. Would you guys recommend for somebody that wants to give espresso a go but doesn't want to drop $400? The wife has been interested and Mother's Day is coming up...

 

[TallDan]

Personally, I’d go with a flair or robot for anything under about $600.

 

[Kealia]

My issue is that I don't know if she'll like/drink espresso and I don't want to invest in a $600 (or $400) espresso machine. For $79.00 I wouldn't mind upgrading later if this is a decent starter machine. And maybe it will serve her needs and she'll be happy with it...?

 

[pshankstar]

My issue is that I don't know if she'll like/drink espresso and I don't want to invest in a $600 (or $400) espresso machine. For $79.00 I wouldn't mind upgrading later if this is a decent starter machine. And maybe it will serve her needs and she'll be happy with it...?

My wife was giving me a hard time for buying the DeLonghi for $40 when I brought it home. Once I tried to make a cappuccino (nothing like any coffee shop) she has been hooked. Almost every weekend she asks me to make her one. After I do, I usually pull an espresso shot for myself. Again, I call this unit the "Gateway Drug" to espressos and espresso machines. Its cheap enough to start dabbling with espressos without breaking the bank, but if and when it breaks you will probably want to upgrade to something bigger, better and probably much more expensive. I know I will if and when that time comes...

 

[HarborTownBrewing]

My parents have a similar "cheap" espresso machine and honestly it's fine. Don't get me wrong, it's not as good as the shots I'm pulling at home on my $400 Gaggia, but I am surprised how good of shots I get out of my parents ~20 year old machine.

Main thing is, if you are using fresh, home roasted coffee that's going to help the taste exponentially vs. buying an older bag at a grocery store.

 

[Kealia]

Cool, I appreciate the input (from all parties).

 

[MaxStout]

I've had mine for 2 years and never a problem. I get good, if not spectacular, espresso from it. Good for the money.