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Coffee newb

  • 06-04-2011 1:33pm
    #1
    D'Agger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,385 ✭✭✭✭


    Hey guys,

    I'm working in IT so I can appreciate a good cup of coffee however I'm not exactly on the cutting edge of coffee utensils :(

    What I'm looking for is somebody to recommend a decent, cheap device with which I can make americanos/expressos.

    I work in IT and I'm currently using a filtered coffee machine like This in my office. It's alright but would prefer something a bit stronger.

    If I just get an expresso machine I can always just use boiling water to create an americano. My main question would be this - If I purchase a basic expresso machine like this will I also have to buy a grinder? Will the coffee be of better quality if I buy good quality beans and grind them myself or should I stick to buying ground coffee?

    Apologies if these questions are a bit stupid but need to get up to speed at some stage - would appreciate if somebody could fill me in or even point me in the direction of a factual site where I can learn for myself.

    Thanks in advance :)


Comments

  • #2
    marathonic
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,684 ✭✭✭marathonic


    I'm on the same boat. If you read my post a couple below this, you'll see what I ended up ordering. Unfortunately, no review yet - I'm expecting it in tomorrow's post.

    Like you, I considered one of those machines but, after reading numerous reviews on Boards.ie and multiple other sites, I opted for the grinder and Aerospace equipment. As far as I've read, hours after grinding, you can taste a difference in the coffee (not even days). Therefore, you are better grinding your own. A good electric grinder costs hundreds but I've read good reviews about the two I mentioned in my post. They'll just involve a little more effort.


  • #3
    arabica69
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 88 ✭✭arabica69


    Quality burr grinder should be your first priority - please don't underestimate the importance. There is plenty of advice within the forum and plenty of contributors who - I'm sure - will offer their opinions. Digital scales (at least 1 gram increments) should also be high on the purchase list.

    Next source quality coffee. Again lots of advice here.

    Finally find a brewer that suits your needs. This needn't be a big investment and bells & whistles don't mean much if you don't understand the brewing process. Check out www.brewmethods.com to give you a sense of the varying methods out there, along with tutorials from some of the coffee industry's best.

    My advice is not to invest in anything too complicated - something like a cafetiere, V60 or Aeropress should suit. Then get to know your grinder, your coffee & all the variables that make up your perfect cup.


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