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Life is too short for bad coffee - The Off Topic thread

24567…25

Comments

  • #52
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    donnacha wrote: »
    Recently bought the 1 litre below on Amazon and I'll brew 800ml on the chemex at 7am and it'll still be perfect at 3pm: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B008F7O3EY

    That's incredible!


  • #53
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Mr Magnolia wrote: »
    That's incredible!
    The vacuum flasks are brilliant nowadays, stuff can still be boiling after half a day. The only problem I have found with keeping coffee in it though is you have to be careful to wash it all out after. I left coffee in mine and it ruined the rubber gasket, never got rid of that smell no matter what I did.


  • #54
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    Not specifically coffee related so this thread probably suits.

    What descaler do ye all use?

    Looking for a citric based descaler like the official gaggia stuff but was really hoping to not have to pay the €15-€20 price tag it commands.

    Any suggestions?

    Ideally in an actually shop but open to online if necessary or cheaper.

    I'll be using it in my Gaggia Classic.

    Thanks.


  • #55
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    A local store to me sells a DeLonghi eco-friendly descaler, although it's €11 for 2 uses, not the best value. There are places online that sell the solution in a litre bottle online but you have to wait of course.


  • #56
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    I use dezcal, got it off ebay cheap enough. Not sure where you'd get it in Dublin though. Coffeeangel have some descalers on their site which I'm sure would also work well.

    EDIT: Actually got the Dezcal off amazon...

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Urnex-Dezcal-Descaler-Powder-sachets/dp/B00RVPP994?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00


  • #57
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I use dezcal, got it off ebay cheap enough. Not sure where you'd get it in Dublin though. Coffeeangel have some descalers on their site which I'm sure would also work well.

    EDIT: Actually got the Dezcal off amazon...

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Urnex-Dezcal-Descaler-Powder-sachets/dp/B00RVPP994?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00

    I'lol give coffeeangel a try. Didn't think of them. Thanks


  • #58
    P. Breathnach
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,089 ✭✭✭✭P. Breathnach


    murphyebass wrote: »
    ...
    Looking for a citric based descaler like the official gaggia stuff but was really hoping to not have to pay the €15-€20 price tag it commands.

    Any suggestions?
    ALDI are selling a citric acid descaler this week in packs of 5 sachets. It's a powder, so there's a little bit more faffing about, but not too much for those really intent on getting value for money.


  • #59
    Fakman87
    Closed Accounts Posts: 789 ✭✭✭Fakman87


    Lads I'm considering buying the delonghi ec820b and just wondering if that's a good choice? Thanks.


  • #60
    Hollister11
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,482 ✭✭✭Hollister11


    The best coffee I have had is insomnia in custom house quay.

    I can't get one to suit my tast elsewhere. Even there two o their shops down the road aren't as nice.


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  • #61
    alec76
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,603 ✭✭✭alec76


    murphyebass wrote: »
    Not specifically coffee related so this thread probably suits.

    What descaler do ye all use?

    Looking for a citric based descaler like the official gaggia stuff but was really hoping to not have to pay the €15-€20 price tag it commands.

    Any suggestions?

    Ideally in an actually shop but open to online if necessary or cheaper.

    I'll be using it in my Gaggia Classic.

    Thanks.
    Currys descaler
    http://www.currys.ie/Product/ecozone-coffee-machine-cleaner-and-descaler-500-ml/325154/396.3.5


  • #62
    Day Lewin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,688 ✭✭✭Day Lewin


    Deary me - you don't need any descaler for an enamel mug and a strainer.


  • #63
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    katemarch wrote: »
    Deary me - you don't need any descaler for an enamel mug and a strainer.

    Huh? A Gaggia Classic is an espresso machine :pac:


  • #64
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    I'm lost


  • #65
    Day Lewin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,688 ✭✭✭Day Lewin


    LOL - that's how I make my coffee! No electric required. #minimalism


  • #66
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    I remember when this was all just green fields.


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  • #67
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    I just drink water from a stream. #moreminimalistthanyou

    Actually, I've returned to my AeroPress, while I find a replacement gasket for my Gaggia Classic's steam tube. Had forgotten just how good the coffee was, and how quick and clean the job of making the coffee is.


  • #68
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    apologies if posted before
    38waystomakeaperfectCoffee_541aafbba6bcb.jpg


  • #69
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    There's definitely some crazy types of coffee out there.

    Never seen the idea of dripped coffee and espresso in the one cup. Also never heard of the lemon in the espresso, don't think I'll be trying it either.


  • #70
    mossym
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 8,766 Mod ✭✭✭✭mossym


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Also never heard of the lemon in the espresso,

    love how the decaffinated is called the lazy eye, and the triple espresso with coffee is a dead eye.


  • #71
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    It's always an interesting poster no matter how many times it's been posted.

    On the espresso front and I'd be interested in people's thoughts on this one.

    3fe use a 2:1 ratio of water:coffee

    So for example a double shot of 18g coffee would be 36g/ml water.

    They use a 30second extraction time.

    I've tried to dial this in at home. Getting closer to it since I changed the gasket on my Classic but need to get more consistency.

    I'm not sure this extraction is what everyone thinks of when they think double espresso though.

    The poster give 60ml of water for a double.


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  • #72
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    I'd heard 1.55 input to output, so 18g * 1.55 would give 27.9g of output, which is pretty much what I'd aim for, hopefully in 25-28 seconds.

    When you say 36ml of water, do you mean 36 mls of coffee or they add 36mls of water to the 18g of coffee?

    I took this from here, back in the day...

    https://colinharmon.wordpress.com/2010/10/24/falling-in-love-with-espresso-1-55-times-over-again/


  • #73
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    adrian522 wrote: »
    I'd heard 1.55 input to output, so 18g * 1.55 would give 27.9g of output, which is pretty much what I'd aim for, hopefully in 25-28 seconds.

    When you say 36ml of water, do you mean 36 mls of coffee or they add 36mls of water to the 18g of coffee?

    I took this from here, back in the day...

    https://colinharmon.wordpress.com/2010/10/24/falling-in-love-with-espresso-1-55-times-over-again/

    I mean as in extract 36mls coffee in the 30 seconds.

    I was on the barista course a couple of weeks back. The barista giving the course said it used to be the 1.55 input you're talking about but they now use a 2:1 ratio over 30seconds.


  • #74
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    They use the same ratio for every type of coffee they use?


  • #75
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    adrian522 wrote: »
    They use the same ratio for every type of coffee they use?

    As far as I know yes.


  • #76
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Seems a good deal in a too good to be true sort of way

    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057584614


  • #77
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    Actually, I've returned to my AeroPress, while I find a replacement gasket for my Gaggia Classic's steam tube.

    Perhaps this belongs in a different thread (suppliers), but just wanted to point out that I scoured t'internet for a replacement Gaggia Classic Steam wand gasket (tiny rubber ring, about the size of a coffee bean). I got the part name/number from this parts diagram, and eventually identified a couple of UK suppliers who would sell this item as part of a Gaggia Classic repair kit with a load of other gaskets/replacement parts (typically around £10-£15, incl. P&P). Some further searching based on part numbers, and I located a company in Dublin - Catering Parts. A week and a half later, I had four replacement gaskets arrive at my workplace, for the princely sum of €0.66. It pays to shop around and shop local!


  • #78
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    Perhaps this belongs in a different thread (suppliers), but just wanted to point out that I scoured t'internet for a replacement Gaggia Classic Steam wand gasket (tiny rubber ring, about the size of a coffee bean). I got the part name/number from this parts diagram, and eventually identified a couple of UK suppliers who would sell this item as part of a Gaggia Classic repair kit with a load of other gaskets/replacement parts (typically around £10-£15, incl. P&P). Some further searching based on part numbers, and I located a company in Dublin - Catering Parts. A week and a half later, I had four replacement gaskets arrive at my workplace, for the princely sum of €0.66. It pays to shop around and shop local!

    Definately no 66cent but I highly recommend this. Attaches directly onto you Gaggia classic.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00MZA8OVU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1460638696&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=gaggia+classic+steam+wand+rancilio&dpPl=1&dpID=31gxbNHGy-L&ref=plSrch


  • #79
    Muahahaha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,688 ✭✭✭✭Muahahaha


    For descaling you can buy 100g of citric acid granules for €1.50 or so in many of the Asian shops. The brand is East End who also do lots of the main spices for Indian cooking. Spices are much value than buying the tiny Schwartz jars in Tesco.

    I de-scale by dissolving 2 teapoons of citric acid into a near full water resevoir, works a treat.


  • #80
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Great to know - will grab some and give it a go descaling!


  • #81
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    murphyebass wrote: »
    Definately no 66cent but I highly recommend this. Attaches directly onto you Gaggia classic.

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B00MZA8OVU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1460638696&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=gaggia+classic+steam+wand+rancilio&dpPl=1&dpID=31gxbNHGy-L&ref=plSrch
    I actually have a Rancilio Silvia steam wand. The gasket is part of the steam tube (into which you connect the Rancilio Silvia steam wand.


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  • #82
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    I actually have a Rancilio Silvia steam wand. The gasket is part of the steam tube (into which you connect the Rancilio Silvia steam wand.

    Sorry. Just when you said Gaggia steam wand. There's a crazy difference between the two isn't there.


  • #83
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    murphyebass wrote: »
    Sorry. Just when you said Gaggia steam wand. There's a crazy difference between the two isn't there.
    Absolutely! It's the difference between a big cup of foam and my continued attempts to perfect the flat white!


  • #84
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Losing pressure in steam wand... it's spluttering and producing some terrible flat milk :( I guess it's time for a good thorough descale!


  • #85
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Yeah, descale usually helps with this.

    My problem currently is with the Vario. It's close to the coarsest setting for the V60 and its still probably too fine. For espresso its on the second finest setting and is just right. It'll soon only be good for one or the other by the looks of things.


  • #86
    donnacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭donnacha


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Yeah, descale usually helps with this.

    My problem currently is with the Vario. It's close to the coarsest setting for the V60 and its still probably too fine. For espresso its on the second finest setting and is just right. It'll soon only be good for one or the other by the looks of things.

    Maybe ask the lads in Marco to take a look Adrian? Burrs might need replacing. I have a set of spare ceramic burrs as I'd upgraded mine to a steel set to use as my filter grinder. Happy to gift these if you find yours need replacing.


  • #87
    donnacha
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,259 ✭✭✭donnacha


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Yeah, descale usually helps with this.

    My problem currently is with the Vario. It's close to the coarsest setting for the V60 and its still probably too fine. For espresso its on the second finest setting and is just right. It'll soon only be good for one or the other by the looks of things.

    You might also want to calibrate the Vario to give you finer settings. Loads of guides and pdfs around. The V60 I found tricky enough getting the slow pour right hence my chemex love. Again loads of guides and techniques around that might be worth testing out.


  • #88
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    donnacha wrote: »
    You might also want to calibrate the Vario to give you finer settings. Loads of guides and pdfs around. The V60 I found tricky enough getting the slow pour right hence my chemex love. Again loads of guides and techniques around that might be worth testing out.

    Yeah, I'd say an adjustment may be needed, adjusted it before when espresso wasn't fine enough so may need going back in the other direction slightly.

    Could probably do with a good clean too as opposed to the grindz method I've been using.


  • #89
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    I'm off to Mayo for the weekend. Any good coffee shops about the place. Westport for example.


  • #90
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    No idea about Mayo but I think it would be a great idea for people to post up good coffee places in places they've visited in Ireland or further afield.

    Maybe a new thread for that?


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  • #91
    cmac2009
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭cmac2009


    adrian522 wrote: »
    No idea about Mayo but I think it would be a great idea for people to post up good coffee places in places they've visited in Ireland or further afield.

    Maybe a new thread for that?

    Great idea. One of the first things I check when in a new town/city. Bit sad really!


  • #92
    Mr Magnolia
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 10,436 Mod ✭✭✭✭Mr Magnolia


    Belt away, I've been in the same boat many times myself.


  • #93
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    It's unanimous so. A thread about good coffee shops. Is like to a see a criteria though personally.
    No chains particularly.
    And again personally I'd like it to be cafes with baristas that actually know what they're at.


  • #94
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Agree, but sometimes it might be the case of "the best of a bad lot". May not have great Baristas, or really excellent coffee, but still better than other places in the vicinity, if you know what I mean?


  • #95
    murphyebass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,553 ✭✭✭murphyebass


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Agree, but sometimes it might be the case of "the best of a bad lot". May not have great Baristas, or really excellent coffee, but still better than other places in the vicinity, if you know what I mean?

    Fair enough point. But maybe a note to say it's either a great place or the best of a bad bunch just to differentiate.


  • #96
    rubadub
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 32,382 ✭✭✭✭rubadub


    don't know if this is any use.

    Enjoy FREE Nespresso Delivery Direct to your Parcel Motel
    http://www.parcelmotel.com/news/item/enjoy-free-nespresso-delivery-direct-to-your-parcel-motel/


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  • #97
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    adrian522 wrote: »
    Seems to be like an exhibition for specialty coffee rosters etc. The World Barista Championship and Brewers Cup are on there as well I think.

    The link is here:

    http://www.worldofcoffee-dublin.com/

    I think some these parts attended last year.

    Tickets here:

    https://www.eventhaussecure.com/

    Code for free entry...(before May 31st)
    woc16free


  • #98
    Coffee Fulled Runner
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 435 ✭✭Coffee Fulled Runner


    Can anyone recommend shops in Galway for coffee beans?


  • #99
    J_E
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5,734 ✭✭✭J_E


    Coffee Fulled Runner wrote: »
    Can anyone recommend shops in Galway for coffee beans?

    Badger & Dodo, for sure.


  • #100
    Krusty_Clown
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 19,533 ✭✭✭✭Krusty_Clown


    Traveled to Kenya for a couple of weeks (where you'd imagine the coffee would be really great, but in fact was truly awful), but was fortunate enough to stop-over for a couple of hours in Istanbul airport, travelling in both directions. Got to enjoy my first ever taste of Turkish coffee and wow, it totally blew me away. Admittedly I went for the 'with sugar' option, so would like to have a pop at making some myself, though I'm not sure my Sage grinder will be up to the job. It does grind fine enough to clog my Gaggia Classic, so certainly worth a pop, given the low outlay for producing this type of coffee (a cizve). Will start looking out for one over the coming weeks (I did notice that Jezek posted an eBay link to some cheap options).

    The coffee in the remote part of Kenya we were staying in, was really awful. It was a high altitude region (2,400m so too high to produce/farm coffee beans), but Kenyans don't seem to consume coffee at all, as it is more economical to sell coffee and drink the more cost effective output of the tea plant (in the form of the equally awful Chai tea!). So coffee was typically instant. In the one place we found an espresso machine, they didn't use it very well. An Americano was made with instant, a Latte was served in a pint glass, and an espresso was very watery. The Chai tea was the mainstay, but for the western palate, the milk used is very unappealing (it's boiled and kept heated, typically in a thermos - probably traditionally for hygiene reasons). The same milk is used for making other drinks, albeit without the addition of the tea leaves (tea with a tea bag, and coffee). Just as well I had the Turkish coffee book-ending both ends of the trip!


  • #101
    adrian522
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 16,139 Mod ✭✭✭✭adrian522


    Krusty_Clown wrote: »
    Traveled to Kenya for a couple of weeks (where you'd imagine the coffee would be really great, but in fact was truly awful), but was fortunate enough to stop-over for a couple of hours in Istanbul airport, travelling in both directions. Got to enjoy my first ever taste of Turkish coffee and wow, it totally blew me away. Admittedly I went for the 'with sugar' option, so would like to have a pop at making some myself, though I'm not sure my Sage grinder will be up to the job. It does grind fine enough to clog my Gaggia Classic, so certainly worth a pop, given the low outlay for producing this type of coffee (a cizve). Will start looking out for one over the coming weeks (I did notice that Jezek posted an eBay link to some cheap options).

    The coffee in the remote part of Kenya we were staying in, was really awful. It was a high altitude region (2,400m so too high to produce/farm coffee beans), but Kenyans don't seem to consume coffee at all, as it is more economical to sell coffee and drink the more cost effective output of the tea plant (in the form of the equally awful Chai tea!). So coffee was typically instant. In the one place we found an espresso machine, they didn't use it very well. An Americano was made with instant, a Latte was served in a pint glass, and an espresso was very watery. The Chai tea was the mainstay, but for the western palate, the milk used is very unappealing (it's boiled and kept heated, typically in a thermos - probably traditionally for hygiene reasons). The same milk is used for making other drinks, albeit without the addition of the tea leaves (tea with a tea bag, and coffee). Just as well I had the Turkish coffee book-ending both ends of the trip!

    I always find it strange how countries I associate with excellent coffee don't really have great coffee setups locally, especially outside the major cities. Thinking Colombia, Brazil, Cuba etc.

    Always pack an Aeropress and a bag of beans.


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