Moving from Nespresso to beans advice.

Zimmerframe

I have had for years and still like my Nespresso machine with my two favourite capsules being "Arpeggio" and "Dharkan". I don't like "pure" espresso, but one of the above capsules in a Lungo sized cup with a little milk and I'm all happy.

Just purchased one of those DeLonghi "bean to cup" machines from "Bargain Alerts" , and yes I know I know it's subjective etc. etc but was wondering could someone recommend a "starter" bean to try out, based on the above preferences.

Batesy

Those would be my 2 favourite Nespresso pods too and I really like the Blackwater Blend from Badger and Dodo in Cork and the Black Magic Blend from Coffee Mojo in Wicklow.

You can get a bag delivered for around €8 I think.

Zimmerframe

Batesy wrote: »

I really like the Blackwater Blend from Badger and Dodo in Cork.

Will try this one first, 2 packs on the way.

Cheers m8.

Padraig Mor

Batesy wrote: »

I really like the Blackwater Blend from Badger and Dodo in Cork

That was the first beans I got when I got a bean to cup. I found them incredibly bitter, even in a capuccino.

Batesy

How you finding the Blackwater Blend Zimmerframe?

Zimmerframe

Batesy wrote: »

How you finding the Blackwater Blend Zimmerframe?

I do like them m8.

So far I Have tried:

1. The above Blackwater
2. Tesco Java & Summatra
3. Tesco Columbian
4. Bewley's Espresso Beans
5. Tesco's Robert Roberts beans.

I have even tried my extremely scientific method of placing all of the above in a glass jar, and shaking to achieve a personal blend.

I love the machine, and don't regret getting it, but so far I have not had a
"WOW, this is so much better than my Nespresso moment"

eclectichoney

Hi Zimmer
How are you finding the Bean to cup? Do you notice a difference from the nespresso?

Zimmerframe

I love the "bean to cup" machine, wouldn't be without it. Love the coffee smell and quite fond of the grinding noise, followed milliseconds later by the "wife noise" complaining about the grinding noise (mostly during Coronation St.). It's just as easy to use and nearly as quick as the Nespresso.

That said, I never had any issues with the Nespresso, it's also very handy if you want a decaf too. The Nespresso is not that much more expensive unless you drink a lot of coffee.

So I can see that I have cleared up nothing for you.

eclectichoney

Lol thanks Zimmer
Is there more maintenance (weekly cleaning etc.) with the Bean to cup v the Nespresso?

Zimmerframe

There is no hassle whatsoever with maintenance/cleaning. Just as handy as the Nespresso.

dolallyoh

Zimmerframe wrote: »

There is no hassle whatsoever with maintenance/cleaning. Just as handy as the Nespresso.

fazenda pantano from coffeemojo.ie for me, tried loads of others but few come close. use a de longhi esam 4200 magnifica. i microwave the milk, stir in sugar then do the coffee for max thickness.

which machine did you get. if same i can give you some tips.

btw no comparison between fresh roasted beans and store bought ones. you ideally need to consume the beans within a week or roasting.

donnacha

dolallyoh wrote: »

you ideally need to consume the beans within a week or roasting.

Complete nonsense.

Zimmerframe

dolallyoh wrote: »

use a de longhi esam 4200 magnifica......
which machine did you get. if same i can give you some tips.

same machine, awaiting tips.

dolallyoh

Zimmerframe wrote: »

same machine, awaiting tips.

Well I take it white.... I buy the beans on a monday, they get delivered on a wed. For about 6 days after you receive the beans they produce a bright thick orange crema. After 6 days it disppears (becomes a pale brown) despite the useful informative "nonsense" comment above. Just a preference, I prefer them freshly roasted.

I have grind set to its lowest 1 - you can only change this when its grinding btw..., water dial at 10.30am, strength at max (5pm). If coffee only drips out pull the strength dial back a little to 3pm. I only usually have to do this when the beans are 1-2 days old.

So I microwave the milk, add sugar and stir (gives it really good head) then do the coffee part. About 5 parts milk, 1 part coffee.

Don't forget to clean out the middle part once every 2-3 weeks - you can just rinse it under the tap if you don't have time to soak it. When you first get it you do a PH test and set the water hardness. Am in Dublin so i selected lowest setting. Had it a year before it asked me to descale.

Couldn't go back to a non fresh roasted bean.

PS Tried the Badger coffee, as said above, didn't like it myself. Some of the coffees you can order taste absolutely foul.

Enjoy your machine.

Curry Addict

I have tried almost every bean under the sun in my bean to cup I recommend this for price/flavour its unbeatable....

http://www.pennineteaandcoffee.co.uk/Kenya+Peaberry+Roasted+Coffee+%281kg%29/0_CAAA007/PRAA146.htm#.U2H6t1fyn94

delivery by parcel motel and order over £100 for lowest cost.