Search found 21 matches
- June 21st, 2012, 2:54 pm
- Forum: Grinders
- Replies: 389
- Views: 66268
HG one grinder - a precision hand grinder
FWIW I think this looks like a fantastic project. It's beautiful. Looking forward to hearing how it works. The general construction looks well suited to customization and DIY tweaking, which is a good thing. I'd start with a much more massive base
- February 20th, 2012, 10:26 pm
- Forum: Coffees
- Replies: 106
- Views: 16128
Nominees for "Favorite Espresso Blends 2012" review
{link} I don't know if Grumpy is flying below the radar or not, but they've been producing some consistent roasts with unique flavor profiles for many years. Grumpy's Heartbreaker blend is always in rotation here, alongside Barrington #165 and various Counter Culture offerings
- May 10th, 2011, 9:24 pm
- Forum: Buying Advice
- Replies: 47
- Views: 9601
Rancilio Silvia: With or Without PID?
FWIW, I've been using Miss Silvia with a Le Lit grinder for about 3 years, sans PID. Fresh high-quality beans, a good grinder and consistent technique make all the difference. At the time it was the right equipment at the right price for us and has served us well. No problems, but I know there is ne...
- May 6th, 2011, 11:50 pm
- Forum: Buying Advice
- Replies: 12
- Views: 1864
Buying an espresso machine with $800-$1000 budget
I would not recommend starting with Miss Silvia. If you can, start with a machine that has better temp stability. Temp surfing is not easy to learn, adds a level of inconsistency to the process and gets old after a while. In my experience the newer generations of Miss Silvia are less well finished, ...
- May 6th, 2011, 11:29 pm
- Forum: Espresso Machines
- Replies: 3
- Views: 314
Silvia issues
You need to be methodical with Miss Silvia and work with her moods. I suggest limiting your variables to grind as you learn. Get 2 pounds of fresh espresso blend beans from a reputable local roaster. I dunno who's good in Seattle now. Look around the Coffee forum here for some tips. For simplicity, ...
- March 24th, 2011, 5:34 pm
- Forum: Coffees
- Replies: 50
- Views: 4879
Nominees for "Favorite Espresso Blends 2011" review - discussion
+1 for Counter Culture Apollo
- March 13th, 2011, 4:37 pm
- Forum: Lever Espresso Machines
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1182
Bringing a Sama Export back to life
Apologies for years of no updates on this project. I did, finally, get our Sama into a working state last spring and we we used it as a travel espresso machine last summer. Via Good Coffee Company I sourced a new screen, portafilter gasket, some baskets, and a rebuilt cap/cup warmer. Cleaned and pol...
- March 13th, 2011, 4:05 pm
- Forum: Grinders
- Replies: 6
- Views: 1185
Le'Lit PL53 users - need your input
I also have a PL53, and use a cut-down yogurt cup as a sleeve into a 58mm portafilter. Still some mess, but not too bad. In order to avoid having all the grounds mound up on one side, I start with the portafilter handle at an angle, grind a bit, tap to settle, shift the portafilter handle over to the
- March 8th, 2011, 12:29 am
- Forum: Coffees
- Replies: 4
- Views: 378
Pod reviews
When I first started making espresso at home, I started with Miss Silvia and pods. We have a very small kitchen, so space and mess were mitigating factors against a grinder. We used pods for about a year and tried most of the available brands. I thought the Lucaffe pods made the best, most consisten...
- April 16th, 2010, 7:30 pm
- Forum: Coffees
- Replies: 11
- Views: 1756
Starter recommendation for Starbucks-only drinker
As a relative newbie who started out with similar gear (Miss Silvia + LeLit PL53) and similar feelings about Starbucks (bitter), I think clumeng's advice is spot on. Black Cat is an excellent starter. I now prefer Counter Culture Toscano and Aficionado. When you are ready for something different, tr...