Coffee Drinkers? (or other hot beverages)

[grawk]

the lelit is a solid machine

[blubliss]

40 minutes ago, HemiSam said:

I am leaning towards this beauty given the wifey has provided an option with more counter space.  

Any thoughts?  I like the looks and the idea of flow control.  But then again...that's all in my head at this point.

https://prima-coffee.com/equipment/lelit/pl162t-lelit-sp

HS

I have that machine and like it a lot. 

Edited November 29, 2021 by blubliss

[EdipisReks1]

I’d go for it, Sam!

[EdipisReks1]

Also, I don’t know if you have bought from Prima before: they rule. Also pretty local to me (I haven’t been to the current location, though).

In other coffee news, if anybody is interested in a small drip machine that attempts to replicate a pour over, more or less, I’ll let you know how the Zojirushu Zutto is after Christmas.

Heather had complained about the quality of coffee at her college (apparently the Ember travel mug I got her isn’t enough for 10 hours of lecture: go figure), but I also know she doesn’t have a ton of room in her office. The Zutto really looks like a baby version of the Bonavita. I figure she’ll mostly use pre ground coffee, or grind at home, but a Hario Electric Solo and a Mini Slim Plus should take care of any grinding needs. The Solo shouldn’t have the issues with grinding for filter that I experienced when trying to grind espresso with the Option-O. I think it’ll be a nice small setup. Will replace some piece of shit Mr. Coffee or whatever. 

I’ve ruined her for coffee; when I met her she eyeballed an amount of whatever she got from Trader Joe’s and hoped for the best. It was… well, it was coffee. 

Edited November 30, 2021 by EdipisReks1

[HemiSam]

2 minutes ago, EdipisReks1 said:

Also, I don’t know if you have bought from Prima before: they rule. Also pretty local to me (I haven’t been to the current location, though).

They look like a serious outfit, ER.

I went with Clive Coffee.  They are reputable and are offering a Pearl with purchases over $1500...thought a good scale would be a nice to have.

HS

[EdipisReks1]

Hey, Clive is great too, and that’s a nice promotion! French Press is another store I’ve bought from. I get Prima stuff next day, though.
 

BTW: I really like the Crema coffee palm tamper/distributors. I like them enough that I have it in four sizes for my various setups. Highly recommended. I would also get a precision basket. I like IMS, but this is a lot less important than a good tamp. 

Edited November 30, 2021 by EdipisReks1

[EdipisReks1]

Flair 58 finally shipped! Once I get it I can decide on the next espresso machine, I guess. 

[EdipisReks1]

I don’t think I posted this. I’m going to scan it and have it framed to go over my coffee bar, I think. Yeah, yeah, yeah: I’m a Hoffman fanboy, I’m aware. His videos got me back into coffee after a few years of being disinterested, so I’ll wear that fanboy-ism on my sleeve. Or in a frame on my wall, anyway. 
 

Also it’s a Balac, and his New Yorker covers are pretty wonderful.

Edited November 30, 2021 by EdipisReks1

[grawk]

Based on the above, I ordered a Zutto as well.  I liked my prior zoji, which I gave away, so I had need for a drip machine.

[EdipisReks1]

Had my first cup of the Esteban Garcia. It’s absolutely delightful. Bright and rich and sweet and endearingly nutty, with a funkiness that is interesting and sort of rounds things out. I would happily buy this if it were to ever be available for sale, which it almost certainly never will be. 

[EdipisReks1]

Just tried the Bellman. That thing works! Lots of dry steam. I don’t know why people are scared of these: if you can safely operate a pressure cooker you can safely operate this. I’ll try a latte tomorrow if I feel up to it (Moderna booster yesterday kicked my butt, but I feel a lot better now).

[EdipisReks1]

I just realized I have $700 in coffee scales. What am I doing with my life? Other than enjoying very good coffee, I mean. 

I should probably get a Smart Espresso Profiler for the Flair 58, to make the scales worthwhile.

Edited December 2, 2021 by EdipisReks1

[HemiSam]

More is moar....

HS

[Covered_Ears]

11 hours ago, EdipisReks1 said:

I just realized I have $700 in coffee scales. What am I doing with my life? Other than enjoying very good coffee, I mean. 

I should probably get a Smart Espresso Profiler for the Flair 58, to make the scales worthwhile.

Huh, I looked up the Smart Espresso Profiler. They seem to require an Acaia. It brings a lever machine closer to a DE1+, which is quite nuts.

Though, the Uniterra Nomad probably still takes the cake for "wait, this costs 235 dollars?" I made a blooming espresso a few days ago with it and was very pleased. Could've dialed that in but even without that it was pretty interesting.

 

[grawk]

They don't currently sell the DE1+ tho, the DE1 Pro is the cheapest machine they sell anymore, so $3500 is the minimum entry, plus you'll want a bluetooth scale with that, as well.

[EdipisReks1]

I really do think the profiler is in my future, as I’ll finally be able to really use the full capabilities of the Acaias. Plus, as Sam said, Moar is Moar!

It’s something to do. 
 

Regarding the Nomad, did you see Brian Quan’s recent video on his, Alex?

[Covered_Ears]

I know of it, but I haven't watched it. For some reason I need to be in a particular state of mind to watch coffee YouTube.

[grawk]

That nomad seems to have a pressurized portafilter.  Seems like a good alternative to an aeropress for travel, but not an upgrade over most home machines.

[EdipisReks1]

53 minutes ago, grawk said:

That nomad seems to have a pressurized portafilter.  Seems like a good alternative to an aeropress for travel, but not an upgrade over most home machines.

The pressurized part, which they call “True Crema Valve,” is removable, and then it’s like any other portafilter. 

1 hour ago, Covered_Ears said:

I know of it, but I haven't watched it. For some reason I need to be in a particular state of mind to watch coffee YouTube.

I have to be in a particular state of mind not to, but I’m a weirdo.  Anyway, he really likes the Nomad, and Quan has certainly used plenty of espresso machines. 

Edited December 2, 2021 by EdipisReks1

[Covered_Ears]

I did see Quan's comment on Lance Hedrick's video. Blooming espresso/extra long preinfusion are both possibilities with it.

And yes, the TCV is removable. I have it stored somewhere but haven't used it since getting a Lido E (then later a Sette 270).

[grawk]

ok, sounds fantastic then

[EdipisReks1]

My attempt at buying coffee from LeverCraft failed. Looks like they are going out of business. 

[grawk]

I know they closed the coffee shop last month but he said he was going to focus on the bean and grinder sales. Hopefully he comes back online. 

[n_maher]

7 hours ago, EdipisReks1 said:

My attempt at buying coffee from LeverCraft failed. Looks like they are going out of business. 

Failed how so?  The online shop interface still seems to be working, not that I'm going to attempt to go all the way through the process to pre-order $200/lb coffee beans.  I have my limits. 

[EdipisReks1]

I was not able to to buy the coffee I wanted and the main page says “we are going out of business,” though in more words. They can’t exist without the shop and are selling existing stock. 
 

Edited December 3, 2021 by EdipisReks1