Coffee Catch-All

Enix wrote:

Unless you have TWO slightly-used burr grinders lying around, TB, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. I saw this Mr. Coffee grinder at Target the other day and was sorta tempted because it's the cheapest electric one I think I've seen. But the reviews are iffy.

I just bought that exact grinder off Amazon today - it had 4 stars with 250+ reviews. I'll post impressions in a couple of days.

I really like the look of the ceramic one I have but it just doesn't keep it warm for more than 15 minutes. I do add milk but it is "steamed" (microwaved). I pre-warm the mug and it doesn't help. I found a cheap one at walmart for $5 but it is temporary until I find something perfect or just order the Zojirushi (front runner so far). I looked at some other ceramic ones on amazon and they dont seem to keep things hot.

Boudreaux wrote:
Enix wrote:

Unless you have TWO slightly-used burr grinders lying around, TB, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the matter. I saw this Mr. Coffee grinder at Target the other day and was sorta tempted because it's the cheapest electric one I think I've seen. But the reviews are iffy.

I just bought that exact grinder off Amazon today - it had 4 stars with 250+ reviews. I'll post impressions in a couple of days.

First impression - thumbs up. I'd like for it to be a little smaller, but I'll manage. Operation is simple, and the coffee grind has been great for the two brews I've made so far (one fine for my Aeropress, one medium for the drip pot). I like that I can click the Grind button and walk away while it does its thing. The whole "oh no the grind cup is plastic; static electricity will be the death of me" issue is pretty much a non-issue. Yes, grounds stick to the sides, but a couple of taps on the counter fixes that. It's no worse than my old blade grinder.

IMAGE(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k225/petrie55/2A469E3E-F35F-4D12-8155-BEA6FD74B1C3-2952-000003973FB563A9_zps75c7b1c5.jpg)

This is happening. I may have a problem...

Dummy buys vacuum pot before chemex or cold brew setup despite nice tall man telling him otherwise.
More at 11.

Nice! Hopefully, you saw my thoughts posted earlier in the thread. Hopefully that saves you from some of the trial and error that I went through. Keep in mind that vacuum pots are different. How does the valve work on that one? My Bodum one gets held closed by a spring unless there is enough pressure in the bottom chamber to pop it up. I think some valves have a filter.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Nice! Hopefully, you saw my thoughts posted earlier in the thread. Hopefully that saves you from some of the trial and error that I went through. Keep in mind that vacuum pots are different. How does the valve work on that one? My Bodum one gets held closed by a spring unless there is enough pressure in the bottom chamber to pop it up. I think some valves have a filter.

There's a little spring and hook combination that holds it closed. I've used it twice now, and it works beautifully! I actually found someone who has the same grinder and vacuum pot as I do, and they told me the grind level they use to get the best result. I am a little wary of making half-pots; I'm worried that if I don't have enough water or coffee, the results will be different.

Just ignore the "nice tall man." The Bodum one has the same type of valve. So, the Bodum one has a 6 cup and 8 cup mark. The 6 is about a 2/3 pot and works great. I haven't tried a half pot and would be wary as well. 2/3 pot is definitely safe, though. Don't be afraid to let it bubble in the top pot on the stove for a couple minutes as I mentioned a few weeks ago. It makes a world of difference. Just make sure to not to push the top chamber all the way down. You need a half inch or so of water to remain in the bottom while it's bubbling.

I like that handle. The Bodum one isn't exactly stable when you take it off the stove.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:

Just ignore the "nice tall man." The Bodum one has the same type of valve. So, the Bodum one has a 6 cup and 8 cup mark. The 6 is about a 2/3 pot and works great. I haven't tried a half pot and would be wary as well. 2/3 pot is definitely safe, though. Don't be afraid to let it bubble in the top pot on the stove for a couple minutes as I mentioned a few weeks ago. It makes a world of difference. Just make sure to not to push the top chamber all the way down. You need a half inch or so of water to remain in the bottom while it's bubbling.

I like that handle. The Bodum one isn't exactly stable when you take it off the stove.

I always ignore that nice tall man, generally.

The handle's sturdy as hell, but it's so close to the pot that it gets f*&king HOT. I have to use an oven mitt to take it off the heat.

Don't get me wrong, I'm totes jealous of the vacuum pot. It's next on my list of things to get.
I was merely pointing out that surely certain other hassle free brewing methods could be purchased first.

boogle wrote:

Don't get me wrong, I'm totes jealous of the vacuum pot. It's next on my list of things to get.
I was merely pointing out that surely certain other hassle free brewing methods could be purchased first.

It's totally not a hassle. *goes back to cleaning the final piece of his vacuum pot left over from making coffee in the morning*

On the subject of thermal mugs they are the only thing I ever buy in Starbucks. I got one, and now every coffee lover I know gets them for Xmas or a birthday.

It's only a matter if time until they set engraving the logo on, since I see a lot where it has been scraped off!

trichy wrote:

IMAGE(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k225/petrie55/2A469E3E-F35F-4D12-8155-BEA6FD74B1C3-2952-000003973FB563A9_zps75c7b1c5.jpg)

It's probably just me, but I was wondering why this pic is in the coffee thread.

See, I have that same exact mushroom canister in my kitchen.

Enix wrote:
trichy wrote:

IMAGE(http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k225/petrie55/2A469E3E-F35F-4D12-8155-BEA6FD74B1C3-2952-000003973FB563A9_zps75c7b1c5.jpg)

It's probably just me, but I was wondering why this pic is in the coffee thread.

See, I have that same exact mushroom canister in my kitchen.

THE QUOTE IS COMING FROM INSIDE MY HOUSE!

As this is a regular theme. Ceramic travel mugs are half off at Kohls right now.

Just found TWO new local roasters in Nashville. I'm very pleased about this. Means I don't have to drive thirty minutes to get decent coffee any longer.

trichy wrote:

Just found TWO new local roasters in Nashville. I'm very pleased about this. Means I don't have to drive thirty minutes to get decent coffee any longer.

Nice. The problem is, you are now inviting fixies to be parked all around your city.

tuffalobuffalo wrote:
trichy wrote:

Just found TWO new local roasters in Nashville. I'm very pleased about this. Means I don't have to drive thirty minutes to get decent coffee any longer.

Nice. The problem is, you are now inviting fixies to be parked all around your city. :mad:

Worth it. Hell, one is opening a drive through, and I can just zip through and be handed beans roasted that morning without ever having to get out of my car.

Heading to NYC next week with my daughter for a few days. I used to live there back during the Dinkins administration (he was before Giuliani for all you whippersnappers).

Any not-to-miss coffee bars?

I figure a few of the cafes along Bleecker and whatnot have survived the rent increases and the usual retail churn. But I frankly don't remember a lot of stand-alone coffee places. I usually had a couple of coffees (light, no sugar) in the morning with a bagel.

Hard to remember a NYC before Starbucks (which I assume is on every corner just like it is in DC), but, dammit I do.

Enix wrote:

Heading to NYC next week with my daughter for a few days. I used to live there back during the Dinkins administration (he was before Giuliani for all you whippersnappers).

Any not-to-miss coffee bars?

I figure a few of the cafes along Bleecker and whatnot have survived the rent increases and the usual retail churn. But I frankly don't remember a lot of stand-alone coffee places. I usually had a couple of coffees (light, no sugar) in the morning with a bagel.

Hard to remember a NYC before Starbucks (which I assume is on every corner just like it is in DC), but, dammit I do.

The two that are pretty much must-do IMO are Abraco on 7th street and Stumptown (I know, I know, it's an import from Portland, but it's amazing).

Heheh... I knew there was a Stumptown in NY now but didn't mention it because I may be a little biased.

Blue Bottle is also in NYC now, can't vouch for them there but the SF stores are pretty incredible at what they do.

Goddamn cat broke my vacuum pot! I am so angry right now. The replacement part is $20, but they're going to charge me $15 to ship it.

I'm going to boil the damn cat, see if I can get some caffeine out of her ass.

trichy wrote:

Goddamn cat broke my vacuum pot! I am so angry right now. The replacement part is $20, but they're going to charge me $15 to ship it.

I'm going to boil the damn cat, see if I can get some caffeine out of her ass.

A vacuum pot broke?
Next thing you'll be telling me I didn't really buy the brooklyn bridge from that nice Croatian man I met in Jersey City.

boogle wrote:
trichy wrote:

Goddamn cat broke my vacuum pot! I am so angry right now. The replacement part is $20, but they're going to charge me $15 to ship it.

I'm going to boil the damn cat, see if I can get some caffeine out of her ass.

A vacuum pot broke?
Next thing you'll be telling me I didn't really buy the brooklyn bridge from that nice Croatian man I met in Jersey City.

Don't you sass me, missy, or I'll have Justin Bieber record the Ballad of Boogle.

Wow there is some serious coffee dedication in this thread...and a lot of work just to get a cup going.

Have you considered simply ordering good fresh coffee and having it overnight shipped?

Tastes about the same. No. Seriously.

I have this delivered.

http://www.kauaicoffee.com/

Pretty much all their coffee is good but if you are a picky coffee drinker, I have yet to see anyone not love their Estate Reserved Coffee.

It goes from their field to packaging same day, and they can overnight it to you (for a surcharge).

Well worth it, not too expensive, and no fussing with gadgets to get it.

On a side note, if you like tea, this is some good stuff too.

http://www.teaforte.com/

Oh and to snack while drinking, try some of this.

Goes fantastic with coffee.
http://www.popcornopolis.com/

cheers
/ESA

trichy wrote:

Goddamn cat broke my vacuum pot! I am so angry right now. The replacement part is $20, but they're going to charge me $15 to ship it.

I'm going to boil the damn cat, see if I can get some caffeine out of her ass.

GOD DAMNIT MITTENS! THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!

KingGorilla wrote:
trichy wrote:

Goddamn cat broke my vacuum pot! I am so angry right now. The replacement part is $20, but they're going to charge me $15 to ship it.

I'm going to boil the damn cat, see if I can get some caffeine out of her ass.

GOD DAMNIT MITTENS! THIS IS WHY WE CAN'T HAVE NICE THINGS!

Meh, everyone knows cats are pets and dogs are people.

/Let the pet flame wars begin!

PS: That Kauai Coffee really is scrumptious.

IMAGE(http://i1262.photobucket.com/albums/ii601/Suepsyd/8cd03c83.jpg)

EvilShawnAndrich wrote:

Wow there is some serious coffee dedication in this thread...and a lot of work just to get a cup going.

Have you considered simply ordering good fresh coffee and having it overnight shipped?

These sound like the words of someone who doesn't know how hobbies work.

Ranger Rick wrote:
EvilShawnAndrich wrote:

Wow there is some serious coffee dedication in this thread...and a lot of work just to get a cup going.

Have you considered simply ordering good fresh coffee and having it overnight shipped?

These sound like the words of someone who doesn't know how hobbies work. ;)

Sure, I mean anyone can just crush some beans with a hammer and boil them in a sock on an open fire, but some like to do things with a bit more precision.