(Coffee) Pic of the Day

[SuperT]

Keep on postin'! I started home roasting about a year and a half ago, I chronicled my whole thing too via pictures (now lost at another website's crash). I've got the pictures, just not the 'story'.

After home roasting, I went CraZy with the espresso. . . now I can't stop!

[Lumpold]

[Lumpold]

and what it looked like straight from the popper....

[Mister Moo]

Attachment 6838 (Cafe Clikkity)

Pre-NYC vacation leftover I don't know what coffee(s) all thrown into the vacpot made a nice cap of false crema, smelled great and drank pretty darn good. Better than pretty darn good, ektually - it was right smart o' good. 36 ounces brewed 2min30sec and not a hint of bitter.

Inset: rare "Devil's Tower" formation of spent grounds in the north pot. Richard Dreyfus would kill for this coffee. Close Encounters of the Arabica Kind.

[LasciviousXXX]

Man I love this thread!!!

I know I don't post much in the coffee thread but I lurk a whole hell of a lot. I've become addicted to coffee now as well thanx to you bastage's.

Apparently I've got a Gaggia Evolution Espresso machine on the way hehe

Can't wait for that shit. And now I've started buying fresh roasted beans from a local place here in Sedona instead of buying bagged beans from the Supermarket. I don't have the time nor the patience to roast my own so a fresh supply from the Coffee Roaster's shop is a must.

Thanx for pushing me guys. Keep posting those beautiful pic's!

XXX

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

Man I love this thread!!! ...I've become addicted to coffee now as well thanx to you bastage's...

Bwa...

[LasciviousXXX]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Bwa...

I know the Gaggia is entry level into the world of Espresso machines but overall how does it stand up?

I read the reviews on CoffeeGeek but there were only 2 reviews. Any general thoughts on Gaggia as a brand?


Thanx guys,

XXX

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

I know the Gaggia is entry level into the world of Espresso machines but overall how does it stand up?

I read the reviews on CoffeeGeek but there were only 2 reviews. Any general thoughts on Gaggia as a brand?


Thanx guys,

XXX

(mwa ha ha....) Dustin, I've never used this Gaggia but owned another model a few years ago - I worked fine. Entry Gaggia Carezza in particular, has been well regarded.

58mm basket is very good - more coffee in the basket means more punch in your cup; aim for 1.5oz shots, max., not 2 oz.

The Gaggia aluminum boiler is always picked on by big snooty brass boiler boys, but it will do the job.

First main thing is what grinder? Second main thing is how even is the water temp during the shot and how hot does it run?

If grinder does the job, learn the heat characterisitics of the machine (warm, hot, too hot) during a shot; with most machines, esp. entry to mid-level, there is a "sweet spot" of temperature than can be located (or surfed) according to when the boiler heating element cycles on (or off). Use the moment of maximum water heat (heating element cycling on) or coolness (element cycling off) to determine when you press the "brew" button. The coffee quality will tell you when you need to cycle the brew; use the same (best) moment every time you brew to get the most consistancy.

some crazy sport, home espresso. (bwa ha)

[Jack1000]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

I know the Gaggia is entry level into the world of Espresso machines but overall how does it stand up?

I read the reviews on CoffeeGeek but there were only 2 reviews. Any general thoughts on Gaggia as a brand?


Thanx guys,

XXX

Gaggia's are great entry level espresso machines. Most models put out a lot of pressure. I used a gaggia espreso for 4 years--same guts as the carezza and it worked well-- actually still have it, but I upgraded a while back. Takes a little getting used to, but you will get quality shots out of them. Really nothing else comparable for the price. If you do some searches in the coffee geek forum you will find good info on how to get the most out of it. Get a good grinder and fresh roasted beans-- you can't get good espresso without a good grinder.

[Lumpold]

A bit of a lighter roast...


Bout 150grams for about 3 minutes 10 seconds.

[JPH]

Originally Posted by SuperT

I'm still learning my new set-up, but a few from the last day or two. . .

This is going to sound stupid probably, but I have been drinking coffee for about 15 years (since i was 10..prolly earlier).What the heck is this stuff??..is this what comes out when you roast your own beans than brew them? These pics are going to make me get some green beans I bet (I have an pop corn air popper I heard that will do the roasting!!!

EDIT:...Alright through further investigation this is expresso...i just got an expresso maching from my g/f's grandparents and there is no booklet but I'm going to attempt some soon...I bet it dont look like that stuff though.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by JPH

EDIT:...Alright through further investigation this is expresso...i just got an expresso maching from my g/f's grandparents and there is no booklet but I'm going to attempt some soon...I bet it dont look like that stuff though.

Could you post a picture of the machine so we can see what you've got? Making good espresso at home seems to be something for folks who like smoking cigars; you're for sure in the right place and the (p)odds are in your favor.

[SuperT]

Originally Posted by LasciviousXXX

I know the Gaggia is entry level into the world of Espresso machines but overall how does it stand up?

I read the reviews on CoffeeGeek but there were only 2 reviews. Any general thoughts on Gaggia as a brand?


Thanx guys,

XXX

Gaggia machines are the best 'entry level' machines made, IMO!

I posted this on another board, I'll edit and only post what pertains to the Gaggia (as the post is LONG and possibly boring!).

For the best machine, in the range you are looking, that is capable of pulling great shots - Gaggia hands down. I wouldn't look at anything else. All Gaggia machines have the same innards, the higher end $400-500 (Classic, Baby, Baby D) offer a three way solenoid valve that relieves pressure and enables you to pull shots back to back. It can be done without (as I did it for some time with a Gaggia Evolution), but it can make a little mess. Gaggias also come up to steam temp really quickly for milk based drinks. If you are making no more than one or two at a time – it’ll do the job. Don’t plan on entertaining and doing numerous milk based drinks as it’ll run outta steam (pun slightly intended) in a hurry. Straight espresso shots, a few drinks a day – this is your machine!

Okay – Gaggia has a few shortcomings. First off it has a small aluminum boiler versus some of the more expensive machines that have large brass. Is it a negative? I personally don’t think so. It will be HOT and ready to pull in a matter of minutes (5ish) versus something like the Silvia (the next logical step up from a Gaggia) that has a larger brass boiler and a cult-like following that will take 15 or so. Most home models (until you get into the pro-sumer/semi-commercial end) can’t be left on all day. Once the boiler runs dry the machine can burn out, they don’t auto-prime (refill). Other than that, and some models having an obscenely small drip tray (more trips to the sink, increased possibility of spills), they are solid. Cheap enough and parts readily available enough to fix and keep running for years. Gaggia machines run $200-500 and can be found refurbished from time to time. I’ve got a few ‘sources’ should you be interested!

[SuperT]

Oh, and a few pics . . .

[JPH]

Originally Posted by Mister MaDuroo

Could you post a picture of the machine so we can see what you've got? Making good espresso at home seems to be something for folks who like smoking cigars; you're for sure in the right place and the (p)odds are in your favor.

I'm sure it's not a really good one or anything, but for free I'll take it (and did) It's a BrAun espresso and cappuccino pro..here are the pic's of what I've got..plus a grinder that they gave me too. If it's absolute you can tell me, it was free.