Coffee Appreciation

Thanks for the insight!

New bag of beans just arrived too.

Great stuff, thanks for ordering.

YB now on batch in my local cafe in Peckham!

How does one descale an espresso machine?

With my filter machine it has a "scale" button that runs a 20minute cycle that pulls through 500ml of water/descaler (I used citric acid crystals dissolved in water) in intervals (presumably sucking some up, leaving it to work, pass it through, repeat)

I should probably give my espresso machine some love sooner rather than later.

Edit: RTFM!

If you’d be amenable to selling on the dosing funnel separately (would need to be posted) I would be keen. I want to buy one but can’t justify the price new.

Did lol

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2pGfIZvVz-

if you're paying any amount of money then one of the metal ones for £10 on amazon are probably going to give you better results anyways if i'm totally honest. this one is not amazing hence why i'm throwing it in for free

Fuck me.

Oi, cunty - ever heard of a thermos?

was it summer when he sat down?

I just watched it again and the casually tossed ferrero rocher killed me.

Yeah the Ferrero Rocher seemed incredibly out of place. Was surprised they didn't roast the beans to start!

I was finding it mildly funny until I realised right at the end that it wasn’t a complete pisstake

Ahhh dark mother, once again I sickle at thou Smokey teat

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Would anyone be interested in a basically new Joy Resolve Groove Compact grinder? This was a Christmas gift, but we got a replacement for it as the fit and finish wasn't quite 100%: the aluminium casing has a slight crease and doesn't sit perfectly flush (photos below). I ground one cup's worth with it and it works just fine.

I've used the replacement one for a month now and I'm quite impressed. The grind is quite consistent and can go very, very fine (fine enough to completely stall my espresso machine). It's nice and compact and fairly easy to use (nice being able to weigh directly into it). Essentially it's a USB rechargeable hand-grinder-size grinder (if that makes sense). £45 posted?

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Anyone got a Cafelat Robot? Are they ok? Or are there better alternatives?

I use aeropress at home, but want the occasional espresso so don't want to buy a big technical thing that needs maintenance.

Really like how they look too, and obs would be putting googly eyes on it asap.

I have one about 3 years now, I think it’s great. I can pull consistently good shots from it but it took me a while to get to grips with it coming from a modded gaggia classic. Wouldn’t go back now though

Fairly sure @withered_preacher has one and is a big fan.

Think the main options are that or the Flair. I'd be going with the Robot myself, or you could join team Europiccola here ;)

Don’t forget the ROK.

I don’t see why people have such beef with it. I think it’s great.

Yep, as @mmccarthy says I love mine, never want for anything more - actually it's been at least the equal in terms of quality shots that better makers than I have pulled in cafes in multiple cities.
Dialling in was easier for me than some because of my preferred dark mixed roasts.

Very true! And there'd be no need for any googly eyes to be added:

Yes, big fan. You’ll need a espresso quality grinder to go with it.

Tbh I'd probably just buy pre ground coffee from a decent supplier.

Loads of good news, think I'll get one 👌

You’ll need to dial it in to the right grind for the individual coffee.

Same for all espresso machines but if it’s too coarse it will run through too fast and weak. If it’s too fine it won’t flow at all or very slow and thick/bitter.

The middle ground between these two is the search for the perfect espresso for the coffee.

Dialing in the right grind is not enough - oxidisation of pre-ground beans will mean it will simply not work for espresso because there go all the volatile compounds that make up your crema. It will run fast and weak and channel regardless of grind. Or choke if you go turkish espresso grind, no in-between. If you don't have a grinder don't bother with trying to make your own espresso imo (it works on nespresso because the pods minimise O2 content).

Cafelat provide a restricted basket for that very purpose, dealing with second rate or preground coffee.