Disappointing new coffee equipment

duckworth

I'm looking for some advice:

After discovering 3FE this year, I've become a bit of a coffee nut - but never bothered at home. My family kindly bought me the following equipment for Christmas

This Coffee Maker:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gordon-Ramsay-Professional-Coffee-Maker/dp/B002OB5FGM

And This Grinder:
http://www.amazon.com/DeLonghi-KG40-Electric-Coffee-Bean-Stainless-Steel/dp/B0028Y4FXO

They also bought me two packs of beans from Starbucks.


The coffee I've made has been fine, but nowhere near as good as I thought it might be. I know the beans weren't great, but they were still good quality. Also, I swear I'm getting a plasticky taste off the coffee - as if the machine was tainting the taste. I'm wondering if it is the permanent filter you wash after each go.

I'm not sure if I'm doing something wrong, or if the gear is just too cheap. The grinder has no settings - so I'm don't know if I'm grinding fine enough or too fine (is this possible?)

I'm thinking of ditching the machine (and taking it out when the family visit), and either getting a French Press or those glass jug things (forget what they're called).

Any Advice?

Tar.Aldarion

What would be good electric ones? what do people look out for? mmm good coffee.

I too would like to know if it is better than the the non-electric alternatives.

nesbitt

Wondered what you think of the De Longhi grinder you have been using?

They are in stock in Argos for 26euro or thereabouts....

donnacha

The grinder and beans are the main offenders. Your best bet is to pick up some beans from coffeeangel or 3fe to test on the machine. Though a decent grinder should be your priority as an investment

nesbitt

donnacha wrote: »

The grinder and beans are the main offenders. Your best bet is to pick up some beans from coffeeangel or 3fe to test on the machine. Though a decent grinder should be your priority as an investment

I am going to wait until I have more disposable yo-yos for a competent grinder. I am coming around to the idea that I could spend more in the next few months on cheapo equipment only to come to conclusion that I need to invest a bit to get good coffee at home:(;)

RE*AC*TOR

Yeah, get a Baratza Maestro. Whirly blade grinders = unhappiness.

The brewer might be ok-ish. I mean it probably won't deliver water at the right temperature (in the 92-96 range) But so long as it's not boiling and not really freezing it should produce something drinkable.

You may prefer to get paper filters if you can find ones that fit the basket instead of the (I assume) plastic resusable filter included. Paper would give you a much cleaner cup.

MaureenMac

Duckworth, I suggest that you save for a decent grinder .........in the meantime, get some quality fresh beans and use a french press or "Clever Coffee Dripper".

M

mandarin

If looking for a decent grinder for little money, go for good burr hand grinder. Have a hario mini mill myself (€40 approx from hasbean.co.uk), vg for french press and well regarded among coffee geeks in general. Hario also do the Skerton, which is available through coffeeangel. Good comparison of the two here.
http://prima-coffee.com/content/hario-skerton-vs-mini-mill

For a summary - 'Both of these grinders produce excellent results that you won't find in any home grinder under a hundred bucks and can compete with many grinders over that price point. If you're constantly brewing for more than two people then the Skerton is the way to go. If you're brewing for yourself and one other I would recommend the Mini Mill.'

nesbitt

mandarin wrote: »

If looking for a decent grinder for little money, go for good burr hand grinder. Have a hario mini mill myself (€40 approx from hasbean.co.uk), vg for french press and well regarded among coffee geeks in general. Hario also do the Skerton, which is available through coffeeangel. Good comparison of the two here.
http://prima-coffee.com/content/hario-skerton-vs-mini-mill

For a summary - 'Both of these grinders produce excellent results that you won't find in any home grinder under a hundred bucks and can compete with many grinders over that price point. If you're constantly brewing for more than two people then the Skerton is the way to go. If you're brewing for yourself and one other I would recommend the Mini Mill.'

I will give one of the hario budget hand grinders a go & see how I get on. I got a budget electric one but would not mind comparing the resulting coffee.
Better coffee at home is becoming a new pursuit!