Posted Sat May 5, 2012, 11:40am Subject: Re: NS Oscar and ESE pods
cappuccinoboy Said:
(you probably would be first person unable to detect your top espresso versus a pod espresso poured in a big milky latte, if blind tasting....) Ciao, Pietro
Pietro, I actually participated in such a test, and all but 2 of us (out of about 15, I believe) were easily able to pick out the 10oz pod built latte from the QM Anita shot pulled 10oz latte. IMO, it wasn't close. The pod tasted like it was made with Maxwell House.
Where I agree with you is that the OP's significant other would prolly be fine with it, and if that's OK, than who am I to object?
Unlike Rob, I have not participated in such a tasting. However, as someone who has make a living actually tasting (albeit wine, not coffee), I'm inclined to doubt your statement. The pods I've tasted are so obviously deficient in their flavor and character, I am positive I could detect them in a straight shot, and confident I could detect the pod in a 10 oz latte.
There is certainly a role for ESE pods in the world. Same goes for K-cups, Nespresso capsules, and even instant coffee . . just perhaps not on a site focused on excellent coffee. ;^)
dyno Senior Member Joined: 20 Nov 2011 Posts: 41 Location: Burnaby BC Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Oscar Grinder: Super Mini / Super Mini E
Posted Sat May 5, 2012, 1:31pm Subject: Re: NS Oscar and ESE pods
The pod diffuser is quite different from the regular one. It has a raised brim that I presume seals against the edge of the pod.
I currently do pre-ground decaf (gasp!) with a French Press and for awhile switched between beans in my Preciso. Neither are acceptable to me so I have a second grinder (an Ebay'd used Anfim Best) coming. You might consider a hand grinder if space on your countertop is at a premium.
You could probably get her pretty worked up while spinning that grinder if you do it right.
cappuccinoboy Senior Member Joined: 27 Jun 2009 Posts: 789 Location: MILANO Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Milano pod, Milano fully... Grinder: grind on demand
Posted Sat May 5, 2012, 2:51pm Subject: Re: NS Oscar and ESE pods
IMAWriter Said:
Pietro, I actually participated in such a test, and all but 2 of us (out of about 15, I believe) were easily able to pick out the 10oz pod built latte from the QM Anita shot pulled 10oz latte. IMO, it wasn't close. The pod tasted like it was made with Maxwell House.
Where I agree with you is that the OP's significant other would prolly be fine with it, and if that's OK, than who am I to object?
Unlike Rob, I have not participated in such a tasting. However, as someone who has make a living actually tasting (albeit wine, not coffee), I'm inclined to doubt your statement. The pods I've tasted are so obviously deficient in their flavor and character, I am positive I could detect them in a straight shot, and confident I could detect the pod in a 10 oz latte.
There is certainly a role for ESE pods in the world. Same goes for K-cups, Nespresso capsules, and even instant coffee . . just perhaps not on a site focused on excellent coffee. ;^)
Sorry, I owe you both an apology for keeping the matter on very broad general terms, sure you would be able to detect instantly a shity pod from premium coffee (even in a big milky latte, in that sense I am luckier than you since I can get pods of the same premium blend, from some of my roasters, and believe me it is almost impossible to detect difference if the ground coffee is the same. Still I was just pointing out the convenience of pod in specific situations, although I did not consider that having to replace the diffuser (that I normally call pod adapter) is anyway a waste of time. In fact Illy have a proprietory system that makes it possible to use ground coffee on a pod machine, where the removable bottom part of a tamper sits on ground coffee as reverse adapter for the pod diffuser group. I realise that coffee geek site is focused on excellent coffee, but frankly how many members or just visitors do really get at that level ???as far as I know to the majority of people coffee just represents one of the pleasures of life "per se", pleased with just fair decent quality, with no need to constantly prove that you can have it best every time .... Ciao, Pietro
epengr Said:
To clarify, CC sells a NS pod adapter kit: http://www.chriscoffee.com/products/home/e61groupparts/nspodkit
which includes: Single pod insert basket Double pod insert basket Brass diffuser Shower screen Center screw
The new diffuser and screen have a smaller radius so all the water is channeled onto the 45mm pods sitting in a nest in the middle of a 58 mm basket.
My question is: Can you get away with just the pod basket for very occasional use, or is swapping the diffuser a must?
Sorrry, I do not think you could get away that simply: you could use ground coffee in a pod machine (as I explain above), but in a ground coffee machine you do need fixed pod diffuser/adaptor, unless.... but I am not familar with NS system... Ciao, Pietro
germantownrob Senior Member Joined: 2 Dec 2007 Posts: 2,013 Location: Philadelphia Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Duetto 3, A Dead Oscar Grinder: Vario-W, Preciso w/Esatto,... Drip: Brazen Roaster: Diedrich IR-1, HT B
Posted Sat May 5, 2012, 5:55pm Subject: Re: NS Oscar and ESE pods
I have not actually seen the pod adaptor for the Oscar but pictures make it look like you need the entire kit to make a seal on the pod. $59 to do an occasional pod but the other side is to dump your hopper and dial in the decaf shot and then dial back in to your normal routine, that can be some serious waste over a year.
If you are set on a pod kit I suggest asking in the BST part of the forum, many people have received or picked up Oscars that came with the pod kit and may sell you it on the cheaper side. The time to unscrew a the screen and diffuser and replace with the pod diffuser will be much quicker then dialing in a grinder with a shot or two and then hope to get back to your normal setting in less then 1 or 2 more dial ins.
IMO I have never had a decaf espresso that closely resembled its high test brother so I don't know what all the fuss is about pulling a decaf pod shot for someone else's palet. I roast plenty of decaf for people for drip and I taste what I roast, I can get it good but I can not get it great tasting to me, they love it, I have tried plenty to get a good espresso roast and just fail every time. discalimer, I am sure there are pro roasters have figured it out but I just don't care enough to spend the money to find out.
Dyno, LMAO, I usually only get roaring laughter from my wife when I am naked and tamping my PF, maybe I need a hand grinder (or a less goofy stance while tamping).
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