post yours! (i think i might be the only one here.)
BOOM
gaggia classic espresso machine
rancilio rocky doserless burr grinder
reg barber stainless steel tamper (hot pink powder-coated, 58mm, RB logo)
rattleware medium-sized tamping mat
grindenstein gray knock box
two shot glasses (line at 1 fl. oz., rim at 1.25 fl. oz.)
update thermometer
update frothing pitcher (12 fl. oz.)
berlino spoon (8.25 in.)
BOOM
gaggia classic espresso machine
rancilio rocky doserless burr grinder
reg barber stainless steel tamper (hot pink powder-coated, 58mm, RB logo)
rattleware medium-sized tamping mat
grindenstein gray knock box
two shot glasses (line at 1 fl. oz., rim at 1.25 fl. oz.)
update thermometer
update frothing pitcher (12 fl. oz.)
berlino spoon (8.25 in.)
I just have a drip coffee maker ...
I even use intant *gasp* coffee at times *shame*.
I even use intant *gasp* coffee at times *shame*.
oh, i also drink instant coffee (starbucks via or nestle taster's choice).
i also have a ten-cup chemex, a two-cup porcelain drip filter holder, and a braun water kettle for them.
i also have a ten-cup chemex, a two-cup porcelain drip filter holder, and a braun water kettle for them.
I just got a job at a local coffee roaster/ coffee house. I'm pretty excited about becoming a coffee geek. philsebastian.com
Currently I have a slick bodum press, and a terrible grinder. I use a cone filter to clean up the mess from the terrible grinder.
Currently I have a slick bodum press, and a terrible grinder. I use a cone filter to clean up the mess from the terrible grinder.
heh.. in nyc one of our more well known coffee shops was just in the news. Apparently all the employees quit in protest over one of the owners not stepping down.
crazy bastards take their jobs seriously.
crazy bastards take their jobs seriously.
its a pretty intense world, and it doesn't help matters much that everyone is over caffinated.
true
i wouldn't mind a double boiler machine. i'd have precise scientific control over extraction temperature, because i can set the exact brew temperature using buttons. that bad thing is that it's much more expensive, a heavier machine, a larger machine, it takes more time to heat up, and if you don't use it consistently, water will stagnate in the brew boiler.
the other option is a heat exchange machine. control over extraction temperature is more of an art, as it depends on how you flush it before extraction. it's a less expensive option, a lighter machine, it takes less time to heat up, and brew water never stagnates.
i'm going with the romantic, less expensive option.
rocket cellini, come to me
the other option is a heat exchange machine. control over extraction temperature is more of an art, as it depends on how you flush it before extraction. it's a less expensive option, a lighter machine, it takes less time to heat up, and brew water never stagnates.
i'm going with the romantic, less expensive option.
rocket cellini, come to me
i need to get my shit together and buy some gear. i'm still using lr's chemex. i need some espresso.
wanna buy my setup from me?
i can't justify owning my setup, considering my income.
i can't justify owning my setup, considering my income.
wow, the rocket cellini has a very low volume used market on ebay.
what is your setup again? i might be interested. would also save me some considerable sales tax.
i should probably keep it. i just kinda regret getting into it to begin with, because of my low income.
i'll proceed to discuss home espresso, though!
--
if you don't know the difference between heat exchange (HX) and double boiler (DB) machines, you should become acquainted. DB machines require a lot more electricity than HX. i have a HX (the rocket espresso cellini premium plus), and at my new apartment (built in the eighties), when the heating element turns on and off, it browns-out the apartment:
1) lights dim noticably
2) fans will slow audibly
3) my UPS for my file server will sound an alert and try to pad the line supply using the battery
4) if i use the electric kettle at the same time, it will blow the breaker
that this didn't happen at my old apartment, but it's a shitty situation to be in. if i had a double broiler machine, it might not work at all in this apartment--it might blow the breaker every time!
i've heard that american homes typically can't handle double boiler machines, but that's hearsay. i'm having trouble finding sources on it at the moment.
i'll proceed to discuss home espresso, though!
--
if you don't know the difference between heat exchange (HX) and double boiler (DB) machines, you should become acquainted. DB machines require a lot more electricity than HX. i have a HX (the rocket espresso cellini premium plus), and at my new apartment (built in the eighties), when the heating element turns on and off, it browns-out the apartment:
1) lights dim noticably
2) fans will slow audibly
3) my UPS for my file server will sound an alert and try to pad the line supply using the battery
4) if i use the electric kettle at the same time, it will blow the breaker
that this didn't happen at my old apartment, but it's a shitty situation to be in. if i had a double broiler machine, it might not work at all in this apartment--it might blow the breaker every time!
i've heard that american homes typically can't handle double boiler machines, but that's hearsay. i'm having trouble finding sources on it at the moment.
machine options
tempurature surfers
Rancilio Silvia -- this is the cheapest machine i'd recommend. i'd tell anyone that if you don't want to spend this much, then avoid espresso at home. you can make good coffee with these, but you might be occasionally frustrated, and you'll probably want to upgrade to the next level (HX or DB).
heat exchange
Quick Mill Andreja -- i think this is probably a great machine, a good alternative to mine
Rocket Cellini v2 -- almost what i have. it's a great machine, my only issue is the small drip tray.
double boiler
La Marzocco GS3 -- the type of machine i'll have when i'm settled in a career job and have a nice apartment or house. i don't think i'd bother with any other DB machine.
--
if you want to discuss specific things, let me know!
tempurature surfers
Rancilio Silvia -- this is the cheapest machine i'd recommend. i'd tell anyone that if you don't want to spend this much, then avoid espresso at home. you can make good coffee with these, but you might be occasionally frustrated, and you'll probably want to upgrade to the next level (HX or DB).
heat exchange
Quick Mill Andreja -- i think this is probably a great machine, a good alternative to mine
Rocket Cellini v2 -- almost what i have. it's a great machine, my only issue is the small drip tray.
double boiler
La Marzocco GS3 -- the type of machine i'll have when i'm settled in a career job and have a nice apartment or house. i don't think i'd bother with any other DB machine.
--
if you want to discuss specific things, let me know!
here's a video of me making a latte on my setup a year ago...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TyB5r_6UY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89TyB5r_6UY
good advice on HX vs DB. I think I'm going with the Rocket Cellini v2 - that's what I thought you had, and why I was interested. But I certainly don't blame you for wanting to hang onto it!
basically, at this point, i'll keep my setup. but i regret getting it to begin with. although an espresso is very nice after dinner, i get frustrated when i make less than perfect drinks, and i don't have a good enough income to justify owning at the price i originally paid. i think i can justify it at the price my used equipment would get in the market.
want a couple like-new, clean monin pumps for free? i don't use them
want to buy two like-new 32oz airscape lavendar containers for $20 (half price) with $10 for shipping? negotiable. i don't really use them much. i have other vacuum sealed containers. these are great, though.
want to buy two like-new 32oz airscape lavendar containers for $20 (half price) with $10 for shipping? negotiable. i don't really use them much. i have other vacuum sealed containers. these are great, though.
i might be interested in the containers. let me investigate further.
i think you'll like the cellini v2. you'll have a lot to learn and perfect. :)
also, make sure that you get a good grinder.
i'd recommend the rancilio rocky doserless or the mazzer mini electronic type a.
there's an anecdote widely repeated that everyone who gets a rancilio rocky eventually gets a mazzer mini. i will make the switch myself when it doesn't seem like such an extravagant purchase (maybe after saving up for it for a couple more years). the rancilio rocky has provided me with three years of good service so far. however, if i had the money, i would have done it right from the start.
i'd recommend the rancilio rocky doserless or the mazzer mini electronic type a.
there's an anecdote widely repeated that everyone who gets a rancilio rocky eventually gets a mazzer mini. i will make the switch myself when it doesn't seem like such an extravagant purchase (maybe after saving up for it for a couple more years). the rancilio rocky has provided me with three years of good service so far. however, if i had the money, i would have done it right from the start.
goddamn it lr
getting the mazzer a and the rocket cellini v2. this weekend. need to do a couple measurements in my kitchen before i hit buy.
whoa.
it's been five years since i've wanted to do this, i figure now that i can afford it there is absolutely no reason not to pull the trigger!
i'm going to be jealous of your mazzer, your second manometer, and your boiler insulation!
i can't wait until you get it and are ready to show it off! :)
i can't wait until you get it and are ready to show it off! :)
man, it's such a beautiful machine. link
optimal pressure! link
using vivace vita. link
oh man, i love this video. link
optimal pressure! link
using vivace vita. link
oh man, i love this video. link
time to talk about the tampers i've owned and loved. made by reg barber in victoria, bc, ca.
hot pink powder-coated, 58mm flat stainless steel base. link
zebrawood, no delron, 58mm flat stainless steel base. link
i really enjoyed the weight of the powder-coated tamper, because it's an all-steel tamper. but the zebrawood is lovely, and it adds class to the setup.
--
i'll post more about accessories i've used, giving my opinion.
hot pink powder-coated, 58mm flat stainless steel base. link
zebrawood, no delron, 58mm flat stainless steel base. link
i really enjoyed the weight of the powder-coated tamper, because it's an all-steel tamper. but the zebrawood is lovely, and it adds class to the setup.
--
i'll post more about accessories i've used, giving my opinion.
made you a video, bpa. link
my credit card got flagged for fraud last week and now i can't buy anything over $250.
guess it will have to wait :(
guess it will have to wait :(
I 3d printed a tamper. http://www.flickr.com/photos/openfly/83902480 … hotostream
quick update on this. waiting on a local canadian site to get the rocket back in stock, then going for it. surprise upside on the tax return will pay for both rocket and the mazzer. woohoo.
nny: cool. i hear that breville is a pretty nice machine, too.
office device. =/
ordered the rocket cellini v2 - think i'm picking up the mazzer locally.
you are nuts man =P. though i've always said... invest in the things you use often. if you drink coffee often at home, may as well do it right.
totally. i didn't drink coffee at home when i was an investment banker because i worked loser hours and was always rushing in the morning -- now that i work relatively 'normal' hours it just makes sense. i've wanted a home espresso setup for >5 years (even posted about it here in 2007/2008). the upfront cost is offset by the massive reduction in coffee spending, and i am confident i'll enjoy the process too.
rocket arrived this week. mazzer next week. hand grinding for now - getting some fresh coffee tomorrow night (cfa exam tomorrow).
how did the exam go? having fun with the rocket?
exam went well. pretty confident i passed. my mean score on practice exams was 3-5 standard deviations away from the highest possible failing score.
i pulled 4 shots on sunday with the rocket - having issues getting grind settings right on my hario. mazzer should sort it out.
i pulled 4 shots on sunday with the rocket - having issues getting grind settings right on my hario. mazzer should sort it out.
and, finally got a mazzer mini (E type A).
that was actually like 5 years in the making or something (rocket + mazzer). i take too long to make big decisions.
lr, is the 58.0mm reg barber the perfect size for the cellini v2? for some reason i'm having trouble finding google references of people who own both a cellini and a reg barber tamper.
just bought a breville reconditioned on woot...
http://home.woot.com/offers/breville-the-duo- … so-machine
Breville RM-800ESXL Breville the Duo-Temp™ Espresso Machine
so i shall finally be making espresso at home.
http://home.woot.com/offers/breville-the-duo- … so-machine
Breville RM-800ESXL Breville the Duo-Temp™ Espresso Machine
so i shall finally be making espresso at home.
> finally got a mazzer mini (E type A).
exactly what i want. i think i should either get rid of the rocket or buy the mazzer. the rancilio doesn't cut it.
> lr, is the 58.0mm reg barber the perfect size for the cellini v2?
my 58.0 mm tamper base is not a snug fit at the level of the grounds. but the filter is slightly tapered, and if you insert the tamper all the was into an empty filter, it becomes snug.
i think you should go with the standard 58.0 mm, and if you want to snug it up later, order another base at 59.0 mm or whatever seems perfect for you. i don't know the manufacturing tolerances on the filters, or if they change slightly, so be careful if you're looking for perfection. also, the snug fit may depend on the volume of ground coffee you like to use, or which size filters you like to use (even though the double is the only one most people bother with).
also, unfortunately, my cellini is a v1.
do you have any plans on getting the thermometer kit from chris coffee? there might also be a canadian dealer. i'd like one to really see what i'm doing to temps when i flush and do long pre-heats, etc.
nny: let us know how it goes!
exactly what i want. i think i should either get rid of the rocket or buy the mazzer. the rancilio doesn't cut it.
> lr, is the 58.0mm reg barber the perfect size for the cellini v2?
my 58.0 mm tamper base is not a snug fit at the level of the grounds. but the filter is slightly tapered, and if you insert the tamper all the was into an empty filter, it becomes snug.
i think you should go with the standard 58.0 mm, and if you want to snug it up later, order another base at 59.0 mm or whatever seems perfect for you. i don't know the manufacturing tolerances on the filters, or if they change slightly, so be careful if you're looking for perfection. also, the snug fit may depend on the volume of ground coffee you like to use, or which size filters you like to use (even though the double is the only one most people bother with).
also, unfortunately, my cellini is a v1.
do you have any plans on getting the thermometer kit from chris coffee? there might also be a canadian dealer. i'd like one to really see what i'm doing to temps when i flush and do long pre-heats, etc.
nny: let us know how it goes!
great. i'll get the 58mm.
will probably buy the thermometer. there is a domestic distributor and i don't have a tamping mat, knockbox, etc.
will probably buy the thermometer. there is a domestic distributor and i don't have a tamping mat, knockbox, etc.
i'm not a huge fan of tamping mats. i think getting some bleach-safe coffee towels is nice to wipe out the basket after use, then you can simply use the towel as a mat before use. minimal capital!
yeah i am a bit sketched out by the absurd cost of accessories here. i'll probably just go with the knockbox and the thermometer.
yeah, i spent way too much on shit back in the day. here's what i'd buy again:
- a reg barber tamper from a reseller -- either on sale or a cheap one
- bleach-safe black towels like mine
- one graduated 4 oz shot glass like mine
- two libbey gibraltar glasses
- two espresso cups like these i was given
- a few mugs suitable for lattes and americanos -- i've collected a few diner-style mugs for this
- a 12 oz. frothing pitcher
- a milk thermometer
- a nice grouphead cleaning brush with spare heads
- back-flush detergent
- descaler
i think that's all i really use, but i like having each item.
- a reg barber tamper from a reseller -- either on sale or a cheap one
- bleach-safe black towels like mine
- one graduated 4 oz shot glass like mine
- two libbey gibraltar glasses
- two espresso cups like these i was given
- a few mugs suitable for lattes and americanos -- i've collected a few diner-style mugs for this
- a 12 oz. frothing pitcher
- a milk thermometer
- a nice grouphead cleaning brush with spare heads
- back-flush detergent
- descaler
i think that's all i really use, but i like having each item.
need a recommendation for a burr grinder ( i think burr is the way to go ). nothing too crazy.
I've got this hand one and I like it but I have a feeling your want electric.
these are probably the best choices for the four main price points:
hario/kyocera hand grinder (~$35)
baratza encore (~$130)
rancilio rocky (~$340)
mazzer mini (~$775)
burr is the only way to go!
man, i'd love to sell my rancilio rocky and get a mazzer mini. looks like a working rocky sells for about $200 on ebay, so they hold their value nicely! but i can't put $575 into a grinder upgrade. espresso is such a money sink. i should have stuck with drip until i got a career job. nestor did it right.
hario/kyocera hand grinder (~$35)
baratza encore (~$130)
rancilio rocky (~$340)
mazzer mini (~$775)
burr is the only way to go!
man, i'd love to sell my rancilio rocky and get a mazzer mini. looks like a working rocky sells for about $200 on ebay, so they hold their value nicely! but i can't put $575 into a grinder upgrade. espresso is such a money sink. i should have stuck with drip until i got a career job. nestor did it right.
this stuff doesn't have the replacement cycle of lots of other big ticket items -- so i don't think it's terrible to buy early. smooth that consumption right? life's too short for bad coffee.
I was thinking about using amex reward points on the kitchenaid grinder
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Line-Series- … roduct_top
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Line-Series- … roduct_top
god damn.
> this stuff doesn't have the replacement cycle of lots of other big ticket items -- so i don't think it's terrible to buy early. smooth that consumption right? life's too short for bad coffee.
i totally agree, but i've done this a lot already. i'm feeling the pressure of my debts looming.
nny: would you be interested in a used rancilio rocky grinder?
i totally agree, but i've done this a lot already. i'm feeling the pressure of my debts looming.
nny: would you be interested in a used rancilio rocky grinder?
nah rather save coin with amex points =P
ugh, so that chris coffee e-61 grouphead thermometer kit is just a $10 taylor thermometer with some stainless steel fittings. i wonder if i can source those fittings myself.
better yet is the Scace TTD, but it's $300.
better yet is the Scace TTD, but it's $300.
i feel the same way about the e-61 grouphead thermometer
i ended up ordering a ton of accessories - cleaning gear (that i badly needed), knockbox, bottomless rocket portafilter, milk frothing gear, etc. couldn't find a gibraltar glass place that would ship to canada so will need to keep looking or buy something offline.
i ended up ordering a ton of accessories - cleaning gear (that i badly needed), knockbox, bottomless rocket portafilter, milk frothing gear, etc. couldn't find a gibraltar glass place that would ship to canada so will need to keep looking or buy something offline.
they're pretty common glasses. look for:
libbey duratuff glasses
duralex glasses
try a commercial restaurant supplier, even. you can find good deals with them, even for small quantities, sometimes!
libbey duratuff glasses
duralex glasses
try a commercial restaurant supplier, even. you can find good deals with them, even for small quantities, sometimes!
i really really want to nail the temperature, though. i don't know the best value (bang/buck) for doing so, though.