Coffee Appreciation

Any tips for coffee choking a cloth filter (in a Kalita Wave if that makes a difference). I've tried a bit coarser but it feels like I'm already not fully extracting the coffee - and it didn't seem to have much impact on brew time anyway

Depends on the grinder, but grinding coarser can introduce more fines in my experience (mostly with handgrinders like the Porlex or Rhino though), I found grinding finer actually sped up the overall extraction in those cases.

Ta, will experiment going the other way then 👍

I'm in London this weekend, staying around Nothing Hill. Any cafes nearby to check out?

You’ll be spoilt for choice try as many as you can

Can’t tell if srs? I don’t know of anything around there. I’d make a trip more central and try and get to the likes of Kaffeine, Workshop, Prufrock, Colonna, Rosslyn, Formative, Origin… probably more I'm forgetting. Especially if you’re on bike / hire bike.

It's arrived! So excited gonna give it a go now...

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Top tip. You can use a cut up teabag as an effective aeropress filter.

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Enjoy!

Last time I went to Hermano on Portobello road I had a decent cup

Nice! My colour too.
Soon after I got it I set the mat aside, just another thing to clean, embraced the inevitable little scratches et cetera.

I was wondering about the mat. They're very insistent that I use it in the documentation that came with it, but it adds a bit of height too...

Made first espresso, even with my poor skills and first go at the right grind it tasted remarkably nice!

Does anyone use the two way spout? Is that only if I'm making a double in two cups? Doesn't seem to mention it at all in the manual.

Its such an easy and pleasant machine to use. Congrats! Can safely say I never ever used the double spout. But I live by myself.

Great. I’m my opinion the beans are the biggest factor. Amazing beans can be very forgiving. Bad beans and you’re going to get rubbish coffee.

You’re better off without the spout then you can see how the espresso is flowing.

Nice one!

From what I recall from the (obligatory) James Hoffmann video was that the spout was basically pointless (unless you're splitting a shot of course). Seems like just another thing to clean, and why would you decide to not watch a naked portafilter extraction?!

Ace, ditch the spout and the mat.

I’m sure you’ve realised but the hands hold the tamper when not in use.

Yea I've ticked a few of them off my list of previous trips (Rosslyn was standout) was hoping there might be somewhere close to where I am.

Ahh I see, I reckon there must be some nowadays but nothing on my map!

hands hold the tamper

I had not! Will try that.

There's a couple on your list I hadn't heard of though so hopefully I get to them!

It’s hand grinder time. Sold my gaggia mdf.

After a deep dive I’m arrived the knock feld47.

Any other options I’ve missed?

I only drink espresso.

Finally used an Aeropress for the first time. Metal filter, upside down method.

I like it. Pretty simple to use and easier to clean as well as not requiring my fugged brain work out which hotplate i'm turning on. I reckon I might get my own to use instead of the moka pot I've been using. I don't mind stovetop coffee, in place of a can of Monster.

Where's a good place to grab one (I guess they're pretty common now) and is there a best kind of metal filter to get?

Lanceropress method, in case you weren't sold on the Hoffropress.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jz9fH5ODVFU

I use the Koffi Disc Ultra fine and has been good for me.

Also, when I got the Sage off HatBeard, it came with this Dosing Funnel.

Doesn't work for my needs and seems a waste to sit on it, anyone want it for cost of postage (or free if youre near Portsmouth)?

Probably about £3.50 due to not being envelope size.

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