Coffee Appreciation

Don't worry about getting a fancy, expensive tamper by the way, it's a flat metal disc with a handle. I recommend popping into Algerian Coffee Stores in Soho and checking some out if you can. For me the most important bit (aside from it being the right diameter) is how it feels to hold.

Monmouth prices are twice what "normal" prices are.

Head to Doppio Coffee (3 locations in London) and get it ground in smaller batches at different levels.

At least you'll waste less money!

Even closer is in Peckham

https://oldspikeroastery.com/

Next to Pedlers / Bahn Bahn and across from Mr. Bao

https://goo.gl/maps/n8P7nEgNg6sFck3RA

Salter scales stopped working suddenly. Any scales with a timer built in? Not wanting anything too spendy

I bought a set of these which have been good for the price: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07D4N3M4C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.shadesofcoffee.co.uk/pre-2018---original-gaggia-classic-espresso-machines/slim-drip-tray-complete-with-long-vent-tube

If you take the battery out, then reinsert, do the scales come back on?
It may be that the power switch has broken.

These models both have switches that easily water damage. An easy fix with a soldering iron and a new momentary switch (10p). I repaired a pair I had this way.

1 Attachment

Battery change does nothing - do you have any more info on the solder fix? I've no experience soldering but my step dad might be able to help...

Been enjoying the home roasting so decided to pull the trigger on one of these:

Quite excited!

Basically, they usually switch on when you put a battery in (provided the battery isn’t flat). If it switches on when you insert a new battery, but not when you press the on button, it suggests the switch has broken. If it appears completely dead even with a working battery I’m not sure what it could be! The scales are easy enough to dismantle with a Phillips screwdriver and a set of mini screwdrivers. Having a look at the circuit board might give you an indication as to what the problem is. Look for discolouration or corrosion. It’s harder to tell if a switch is knackered without destructively dismantling it.

Replacing the switch is a simple enough affair. Remove the solder on the switch using a soldering iron and a solder sucker of some sort, then bang a new momentary switch on.
I used these, 6x6x4.3mm
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/231957884472

I'll have a 250g bag please. Do you take PayPal? ;)

Hah! I'll leave to pro stuff to @StevePeel

I think that little roaster would struggle to roast 250g in a single batch! Granted that's a good improvement over the Nuvo I'm using now which struggles with more than 65g at a time (though I can definitely recommend that if you're looking to dip a toe into home-roasting).

I’ve been through two bags of YB espresso beans on a Sage smart grinder pro /Gaggia Classic and I cannot get a shot to behave itself.

Even cranking it down to grind size 4 and a large-ish dose it just gushes through. Switched to a bag of Red Brick and everything is spot on with grind set at 8 same as previous bags of RB.

Are light espresso roasts problematic on mid range domestic kit?

Having lived in a van for a long time and travelled quite a lot I've always used hand grinders. Moved into a 'normal' house so thinking about getting an electric grinder. What's the recommended kit for around 50-80? Happy to go 2nd hand

If you're not looking for espresso, can't go far wrong with a Wilfa Svart. Might be at the top and of your budget brand new though.

I changed my Gaggia MDF down to 3 from 4 when I started on the YB espresso. 18g > 36g but in about 20 ish secs as the OPV was still set to 12 bar.

Still using the MDF for the Lelit Mara but back up to 4. Shots are consistently better than the classic,

Before I started with YB I was using Taylor Street classic or Notes Espresso blend and had the MDF set to 4. This was standard for about 3-4 years...

I use a bialetti. Ill check out the Wilfa Svart cheers

There's a couple of reviews by James Hoffmann that might be worth a watch on YouTube.

I'll check them out, thanks

Thanks for this, my kettle is sparkling!

Anyone got or used a Rok espresso machine?

Wilfa and v60.
Is there a foolproof method? Sometimes i drink what's made and think "while this is strong and provides a lift, I'm not sure it should be this strong" and other times I've thought "this is a bit mellow birds". Mostly it's good.

I'm a tired dad with loads to do in the morning. I just want a standard routine, beans vary (modern.standard or has bean), that'll give me decent coffee.

I use 72g/l or 18g for 250ml. Aim for 3 minutes total time, you should be reyt. As a fellow tired dad with loads to do, my recommendation would be to buy a good quality electric drip machine and set it up with a timer the night before.

In other news I’ve had to stop drinking alcohol due to an attack of acute pancreatitis which is shit. Never been a heavy drinker but I do really enjoy it from a tasting point of view, applying my coffee tasting training to beer wine and spirits is big love of mine and helps with my general sensory skills. Annoying really.

Technivorm Cup-One?
No experience with it, but it sure looks nice : )