Newbie seeking advice

yiorgos

Hi guys,

Even though I have been drinking "plain" coffee for years I am new to the pursuit of "proper" coffee and I have been following the threads in this forum for a while now.

A few months ago, I bought myself a cheap DeLonghi espresso machine from argos and I have not been able to make anything that does not look and taste like dishwater. Originally I thought it was the machine's fault and looked for options on buying a new one, thinking that the ground Lavazza I was using was good enough.

After reading this forum I will follow everyones advice, starting with a decent grinder. As the budget is on the low side, I am considering the Iberital MC2 auto. Where is the best source to buy it and being a novice, would I find it too hard to adjust the grind settings?

Also, would my DeLonghi produce any better espresso with the fresh ground coffee? Or shall I forget espressos and enjoy some coffee from the french press or the mocha pot, until I get myself a proper machine.

I am quite keen on trying roasting some beans too with a popcorn maker. Is there any sources in Ireland for green beans?

Thanks in advance

Doodee

For the Grinder, afaik happydonkey.co.uk have the best prices. But you have to email them first to arrange delivery to Ireland.

If you don't mind hand grinding then the Kyocera or Hario hand grinders are very good and not that expensive (about 40euro depending on sources).

Regarding the coffee, well it might be an idea to invest in a Aeropress. They are only 40euro from Amazon but make a great cup.

Personally, I wouldn't go out and spend more money on a machine unless you were going for a proven pedigree like a Gaggia Classic/Baby or Silva etc. You're far better off using the French Press, Mocha pot or Aeropress and Saving up.

when you do get your grinder etc don't forget to try the Bolivia Machacamarca from hasbean.co.uk it will definately change your perseptions


Good luck.

yiorgos

Thanks Doodee...

I will probably stick to the iberital; even though it is twice the price, I think the manuals seem quite expensive (for being manual), or you may need to point me towards the right direction!

Ι was wondering how good those gismos -like the aeropress or the presso- are actually. I am glad to hear they are quite good, and I might pick one up until I get to buy a proper gaggia.

hasbean.co.uk looks the business, thanks for the tipoff. I will start using them soon...

Doodee

yiorgos wrote: »

Thanks Doodee...

I will probably stick to the iberital; even though it is twice the price, I think the manuals seem quite expensive (for being manual), or you may need to point me towards the right direction!

Ι was wondering how good those gismos -like the aeropress or the presso- are actually. I am glad to hear they are quite good, and I might pick one up until I get to buy a proper gaggia.

hasbean.co.uk looks the business, thanks for the tipoff. I will start using them soon...

Good to hear.

I ordered from them yesterday and it was at my desk by 4pm today. Mind you I used DHL instead of standard post (Royal Mail suck ass).

If you are ordering from hasbean consider getting an Aeropress from them also. And don't forget to check out the video blog from Steve called In my mug, it will have tip on what methods bring out the best in the beans.

I can't express just how well the aeropress works. You should really consider one.

yiorgos

ok Doodee, you convinced me...
The aeropress is on the way, as well as a few coffee beans from hasbean. I also ordered the MC2 from happy donkey.

I can see me not being able to get any sleep at all next week!

Gran Hermano

yiorgos wrote: »

ok Doodee, you convinced me...
The aeropress is on the way, as well as a few coffee beans from hasbean. I also ordered the MC2 from happy donkey.

I can see me not being able to get any sleep at all next week!

Great shopping choice and I reckon you'll be well happy with that setup.

yiorgos

A big thanks for the help. I have found myself drinking much better coffee that I ever did.

I am very happy with the grinder, the difference between freshly ground and supermarket ground coffee is indeed massive!

I just need another bit of advice. As I said before, my coffee machine won't set the world on fire and I am looking on the options I have. I have come across some second hand Rancilio Silvias at a decent price. They have a few years (3-4) on their back.
Should I or shouldn't I??? What signs of un-fixable damage shall I look out for checking out the machine?

I have also seen a lot of parts for it on various websites. What parts would I be looking to change to service the machine if I end up with one?

Thanks again for your help.

Gran Hermano

yiorgos wrote: »

A big thanks for the help. I have found myself drinking much better coffee that I ever did.

I am very happy with the grinder, the difference between freshly ground and supermarket ground coffee is indeed massive!

I just need another bit of advice. As I said before, my coffee machine won't set the world on fire and I am looking on the options I have. I have come across some second hand Rancilio Silvias at a decent price. They have a few years (3-4) on their back.
Should I or shouldn't I??? What signs of un-fixable damage shall I look out for checking out the machine?

I have also seen a lot of parts for it on various websites. What parts would I be looking to change to service the machine if I end up with one?

Thanks again for your help.

Your best bet is to see it in action working before buying.
See if the water is flowing properly from the group head and steam wand.
If you're in the house of the person selling see if you can sneak a peek
inside their kettle to see if any evidence of hard water there (if it's a new
kettle it will not help!). Make sure the pump is not unusually noisy.
Run some water through the group head and taste it, will help identify
whether it's dirty. fill up the basket with coffee, tamp well and pull a shot
checking to make sure there are no leaks around the grouphead.

Have a look at similar thread here

No reason why a well maintenained Silvia shouldn't run for years.

Note that the GBP/EUR exchange rate at the moment means buying
new from the UK is pretty attractive.

Mr Magnolia

What type of coffee would you normally drink/prefer?

yiorgos

Thanks Gran Hermano, I will keep that in mind.

Mr Magnolia, I am trying to develop a taste for espresso, even though I would normally drink americanos or lattes. Everyone else in the house (the missus) and friends that come over are into cappuccinos.

yiorgos

Thanks to Khannie, I am now a very happy owner of a lovely Gaggia Classic. The espresso from it is great; I can't see myself getting too much sleep over the next few days...

Khannie

Glad it's gone to a good home to be honest. Hope you enjoy it!