Javajabbers Senior Member Joined: 15 Dec 2003 Posts: 93 Location: Oregon Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Old dog-using Aeropress for... Grinder: Solis Maestro Plus Vac Pot: on the Wish list Drip: Commercial pour-over Mr.... Roaster: CO/UFO and/or SC
Posted Tue Oct 25, 2005, 11:18am Subject: Help on an espresso variety/roast...& maybe a grinder
Okay, I have dusted off my espresso maker (don't ask...it's a non-impressive pump) and have a strong desire to start roasting for espresso. But the question I haven't been able to adequately answer by reading so far is where to start for a good bean variety for that purpose. I love brightness, but depth is essential for a good espresso as well. I'm looking for something to sing to me. I did roast an El Salvador variety dark and tried it. I did enjoy it but I am thinking I need help on the roasting process as well. I tried slowing it down to take it darker without leaching out the oils, but I'm not sure I got it dark enough.
And then there is my grinder. I have a ::tah dah:: Mr. Coffee Burr grinder (I can hear all of you groaning...stop it!) that cannot grind quite fine enough so my crema is rather paltry. So here's the deal: I need to go cheap as possible but want something that will give me a good quality grind. What say ye? Can that be done?
Yes, I will eventually address the espresso machine issue, but I need to see if I want espresso more than drip before I invest. I go through phases, and put the machine away during my low-carbing years, but have found the Carb Countdown milk to be quite effective in a latte. So I may find my way back to a point where it's an espresso variety every day, but will wait on a new machine for awhile until I know for sure...
Posted Tue Oct 25, 2005, 2:14pm Subject: Re: Help on an espresso variety/roast...& maybe a grinder
I am sure you have read on this forum that you shouldn't worry about the espresso machine until you get a good grinder. If you want to do that on the cheap I would say that the Solis machines are at the threshold. The Bodium Antigua has the same burr set as the Solis. I think the construction is a bit flakey. They are cheap and if you are willing to monkey with it you might get by.
Also the Capresso Infinity is a good one to look at. I've never used one but looking at them in the store I get the idea that the burr carrier is better than the Solis and they are cheaper.
Posted Tue Oct 25, 2005, 2:23pm Subject: Re: Help on an espresso variety/roast...& maybe a grinder
I've been getting excellent results with the Maximo grinder from www.vanelis.com (currently on sale for $129). It's my personal value-leader for espresso grinders right now.
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