whats a good way to make a single serving of coffee at home? I pretty much cook breakfast every morning so i want to have it with me at breakfast instead of having it at school. I have no idea how coffee is made to be honest. Ive seen these coffee press things, they seem simple enough but im not sure if its the best choice. Advice?
I like my Keurig a lot. Also, the hot cocoa K cups are awesome. [thumbsup]
is that a brand? lol i dont have a clue about making coffee. i just know i hand the guy 2 bucks and he hands me a cup of it. :p
Just get a french press. Very cheap.
With the Kuerig, you hand the guy $125 for the machine and then about $.50 for each container of ground coffee, good for one cup. They are extremely idiot resistant and it's a decent cup of coffee.
Coffee 101
Coffee cherries grow on a tree.
(http://a-hui-hou.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/img_0201.jpg)
Juan Valdez and his trusty ass harvest them.
(http://www.thepanamadigest.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Juan-Valdez.jpg)
Huge multi-national companies buy the coffee beans from Juan and his trusty ass. The cherries are then dried.
(http://www.gourmet-coffee.com/files/images/design/coffee_patio_drying.jpg)
Once they're dried, they're husked.
(http://coffeetroupe.com/coffeetroupe/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/Beans-removed-from-the-cherry.jpg)
The pit at the center is the coffee bean.
To give it the characteristic dark color and toasty flavor, the beans are roasted.
(http://eat.wasabigelatine.com/images/int_cool_beans.jpg)
When that's done, the beans are ground and water is strained through the grounds, resulting in coffee.
(http://cdn.sheknows.com/articles/paper-coffee-cup.jpg)
Philistines like myself then pollute the shit out of this coffee with refined sugar and dairy products.
Quote from: Dan on February 16, 2012, 04:54:32 PM
With the Kuerig, you hand the guy $125 for the machine and then about $.50 for each container of ground coffee, good for one cup. They are extremely idiot resistant and it's a decent cup of coffee.
and idiot proof is the best way to do it at 4am ;D
I would offer yet another option. The moka pot. Quick and easy and cost starts around $20.
(http://whatscookingamerica.net/Beverage/MokaPot2.jpg)
You guys are overcomplicating this.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAow6Peagqv-8mV6IIKCvas2jNtpOCSDFNLY2h4YQ4XaGZQ9ZvnAKyJuuI_Q)
we have a Bosch Tassimo.....works well, not a huge amount of waste...and the coffee is good and consistant!
The question is, what kind of coffee do you want to drink? If it's just a plain old cup o' joe, get a cup filter.
http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6 (http://www.amazon.com/Melitta-Ready-Single-Coffee-Brewer/dp/B0014CVEH6)
put that on top of a cup, put in a filter, put grounds in filter, pour in boiling water.
I've got a Keurig, I've got a MokaPot, I've got a cuisineart 12 cup coffee maker......my advice: get a braun hot water maker and Starbucks VIA microground instant coffee packets. $19 for the plug in hot water pot+ $.50/packet=money ahead!
Those single cup machines are really expensive if you figure it out by the pound. You are paying for convenience.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/dining/single-serve-coffee-brewers-make-convenience-costly.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2012/02/08/dining/single-serve-coffee-brewers-make-convenience-costly.html)
SOMETIMES it’s hard to tell how much coffee costs, even if you know what you spent. At least that’s the case with many of the single-serve brewing machines that are soaring in popularity.
The Cost of Coffee From Single-Serve System
For example, the Nespresso Arpeggio costs $5.70 for 10 espresso capsules, while the Folgers Black Silk blend for a K-Cup brewed-coffee machine is $10.69 for 12 pods. But that Nespresso capsule contains 5 grams of coffee, so it costs about $51 a pound. And the Folgers, with 8 grams per capsule, works out to more than $50 a pound.
That’s even more expensive than all but the priciest coffees sold by artisanal roasters, the stuff of coffee snobs.
We have
1. a french press
2. a Krups carafe brewer
3. a Breville K-cup brewer
4. a Miele espresso maker
It's sort of musical chairs for us. Mrs Ducatizzy is into the french press right now and I'm enjoying americanos lately. eventually i get back to the regular brewers.
the k-cups are great for parties if you have a lot of picky asshole friends who like flavored coffees or want tea. the coffee in them isn't bad and they nitrogen flush them for freshness so they keep fresh for a long time.
the small one-cup press is pretty neat though. not a lot of upkeep you just put 2 scoops into it and pour boiling water on top.
we also make cold brew coffee with mason jars.
we like coffee.
As what was already said, those single cup machines that make coffee, tea, hot chocolate, etc are expensive. The initial investment isn't terribly bad, but the refills are quite expensive as Monkey Toes said above.
The french press is a good option. Definitely one of the best ways to enjoy coffee. If you buy whole bean, you will need a good grinder so you can get a rather corse grind so it works better. A fine grind will yield a gritty cup of joe with all the coffee grounds.
Another good option is what as known as the "poor over" technique. It is a single cup serving. Boil your water, add coffee to the device (in a filter of course) and pour the water over.
Here is a link on how it works:
http://coffeegeek.com/guides/howtouseapourover (http://coffeegeek.com/guides/howtouseapourover)
Link to purchase one:
http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Pour-Overs-s/679.htm (http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/Pour-Overs-s/679.htm)
Enjoy.
Brian R.
oh, we also have a finjan.. that's similar to the pourover technique except you pour directly from the boiled brew.
and you have to like a little grit.
Quote from: ducatiz on February 16, 2012, 06:13:01 PM
oh, we also have a finjan.. that's similar to the pourover technique except you pour directly from the boiled brew.
and you have to like a little grit.
Those are pretty nice. If I want a strong, gritty cup of coffee, I will go for my turkish coffee pot. Now that is some strong stuff.
I still love my LaPavoni, but it is a manual process that takes a bit of time.
i used to drink cafe turk before bed. i would get this local made grind with the spice.. (hyil? i forgot the english name)... make your mouth sing
Quote from: ducatiz on February 16, 2012, 06:18:41 PM
i used to drink cafe turk before bed. i would get this local made grind with the spice.. (hyil? i forgot the english name)... make your mouth sing
I am still working on perfecting my cafe turk, as you call it. Fell in love with the stuff when the wife and I went to Turkey a few years ago. Couldn't get enough of it.
those single serving machines are nuts. i was actually talking more about something like those french presses. id like to avoid using paper filters if possible. I have a coffee grinder....actually its a seahorse grinder. (not a lie, and yes sea horse as in the those strange sea creatures with stouts).
So between a french press and a Moka pot, what would you guys prefer? pros and cons?
if i email juan valdez, do you think he can hook me up with cherry flavored coffee? or do i need cough syrup for that? [cheeky]
Quote from: He Man on February 16, 2012, 06:35:40 PM
So between a french press and a Moka pot, what would you guys prefer? pros and cons?
if i email juan valdez, do you think he can hook me up with cherry flavored coffee? or do i need cough syrup for that? [cheeky]
both are snobby and hipsterish
i prefer the press.
Quote from: He Man on February 16, 2012, 06:35:40 PM
if i email juan valdez, do you think he can hook me up with cherry flavored coffee? or do i need cough syrup for that? [cheeky]
Throw in some Ny
Quil and robotrip your way thru class?
Using a press is by far the purest way to get all the oils from the beans for a good cup of coffee. Just don't heat your water too hot as you will get some acidity and bitter taste to your cup.
Quote from: ducatiz on February 16, 2012, 06:42:43 PM
both are snobby and hipsterish
i prefer the press.
any recommendations on presses? they all look the same too me.
Quote from: He Man on February 16, 2012, 06:54:45 PM
any recommendations on presses? they all look the same too me.
they all are the same.
just make sure the filter part disassembles so you can clean it. you usually jsut rinse it but sometimes it's good to take it apart and boil. brown stuff comes off.
Get a Bodum. They are priced well and a quality one. I've had the same one for almost 10 years.
A sub $20 moka pot is snobby? The coffee my Zia Nina makes in Naples in a similar contraption, is magical and I have yet to reproduce anything like it.....I'm trying!
Last time we installed a built in miele, the unit was north of $2k.
Quote from: rgramjet on February 16, 2012, 07:09:59 PM
A sub $20 moka pot is snobby? The coffee my Zia Nina makes in Naples in a similar contraption, is magical and I have yet to reproduce anything like it.....I'm trying!
Last time we installed a built in miele, the unit was north of $2k.
snobby in a bohemian hipster sort of way
Luckily I'm too much of a redneck to be a bohemian or a holster!
;D
Hipster.......dyac!
Quote from: rgramjet on February 16, 2012, 07:13:47 PM
Luckily I'm too much of a redneck to be a bohemian or a holster!
;D
rednecks can be hipsters too
(http://i.qkme.me/35b6l6.jpg)
Lack of flannel. Redneck misdiagnosis.
You have to look beyond hte person.
particle board wall panels in imitation wood design is the dead give away.
Quote from: He Man on February 16, 2012, 07:44:34 PM
You have to look beyond hte person.
particle board wall panels in imitation wood design is the dead give away.
Doesn't outweigh the duran duran shirt.....
Quote from: rgramjet on February 16, 2012, 07:50:13 PM
Doesn't outweigh the duran duran shirt.....
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
If you want an excellent single cup of coffee for cheap, try an Aeropress (http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm).
You can avoid paper for your filter by purchasing a gold filter of the appropriate size. French presses make good coffee. Bodum makes both plastic and glass. You should be able to find a plastic one for less than $20, glass for less than $100. Finjan? I like it, but many don't. Try a cup at the Olive Vine on 7th and Union. I'm not a fan of the Mocha pot, though I am an espresso fan. Short of a pump espresso machine this is my Italian favorite http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot) I have not experienced the Aeropress but it gets good reviews.
We have this
http://www.brevilleusa.com/beverages/espresso/the-barista-express.html (http://www.brevilleusa.com/beverages/espresso/the-barista-express.html)
and a small and large Krups filter pots with gold filters.
Quote from: ducatiz on February 16, 2012, 07:22:42 PM
rednecks can be hipsters too
(http://i.qkme.me/35b6l6.jpg)
Complete fake, it should be Deere, not Deer
This should keep the cost of the K-Cups down, just add your own ground coffee
Ekobrew Refillable K-Cup for Keurig K-Cup Brewers, Twin Pack, 2 Ea
(http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/public/CORFpVpRxXmOfz2gM6DOFhu59uzLu4papxl8fYPOSrLphfyE0tqoYTuHfpNa4uttruQtgdxJfmvMEzx_9jxe7RqP42aLnkGGwg7TfiVNHmrjxT4GEut0siDfTRfvBKr-WHwaX9xC3GU98H43Jj4Kjdw)
Quote from: ducatiz on February 16, 2012, 07:22:42 PM
rednecks can be hipsters too
(http://i.qkme.me/35b6l6.jpg)
[clap] [laugh]
Oh so true.
I don't see the press or moka as being hipsterish. Hipster pretentiousness needs an audience, doubt most of them make coffee at home. I use my mokapot for single cup and the my press when I am sharing with someone else. You really can't go wrong with either.
I have a 12 cup drip machine and a full-size french press I use at home on the weekends, one of the refillable k-cups tini posted for the office coffee maker, and a mini french press I keep on my desk (a co worker has an electric tea pot I borrow to boil the water). I used to have a moka pot, but i gave it to a friend who didn't have any coffee maker. I also have a small Phin filter at home, and used to have a cheap espresso machine ($30).
The k-cup machine can't be beat for single cup convenience, and the reusable filter really cuts down on the cost and waste, plus it majorly ups your options for what kind of coffee to use. The downsides are the up-front cost of a Keurig machine and that it's only one cup at a time.
The moka pot is easy to use and makes a decent cup of coffee, but it can be a bit time consuming and can be annoying to clean.
The Phin filter is tiny, dirt cheap and easy to clean, but it does take a decent amount of practice to learn to consistently get a good cup of coffee out of it. If you ever do any kind of camping I recommend picking one up to toss in your pack and take with you.
The french presses make consistently great coffee, the downside is that you have to wait for the water to boil and clean it after every use.
Then again, you could just pick up a couple cases of cans of ice coffee to keep in the fridge...
I'm a fan of french press. As already mentioned, get an electric kettle, and you're ready to start brewing in under 5 minutes.
Set the water to boil, grind your beans and fill the press, and then your water is ready.
IKEA has the KAFFE for $13 and makes a decent cup, or you can go to Bodum or elsewhere for more expensive presses.
Quote from: lethe on February 16, 2012, 04:48:36 PM
Also, the hot cocoa K cups are awesome. [thumbsup]
This ^
We have one in our conference room. Even though I despise meetings, I'm going to try to get invited to more for the hot cocoa.
Quote from: somegirl on February 16, 2012, 08:29:05 PM
If you want an excellent single cup of coffee for cheap, try an Aeropress (http://aerobie.com/products/aeropress.htm).
ding, ding, ding!!!!!!
for $35 an aeropress trumps any french press, bodum, or drip coffee maker every made.....anywhere, ever, anywhere. Did I mention anywhere or ever?
In fact an aeropress trumps most espresso makers.
Quote from: pitbull on February 17, 2012, 01:25:13 PM
ding, ding, ding!!!!!!
for $35 an aeropress trumps any french press, bodum, or drip coffee maker every made.....anywhere, ever, anywhere. Did I mention anywhere or ever?
In fact an aeropress trumps most espresso makers.
Hell, it's so good it trumps aero-planes.
An Aeropress takes all the fun out of making coffee. For me, part of the experience is making it.
If you've ever used a manual espresso machine, then you understand. Anyone can push a button; not everyone can press a good cup of espresso or coffee.
Quote from: pennyrobber on February 17, 2012, 01:51:11 PM
Hell, it's so good it trumps aero-planes.
Won't crash and kill your ass either.
Coffee is the ultimate gateway drug.. better off to just steer clear of the devils weed I mean brew, yeah that's it.
Quote from: pennyrobber on February 17, 2012, 01:51:11 PM
Hell, it's so good it trumps aero-planes.
But, will it make coffee on a treadmill?
Quote from: pennyrobber on February 17, 2012, 01:51:11 PM
Hell, it's so good it trumps aero-planes.
WWW.sadtrombone.com (//http://)
That stuffs for grownups - never touch it
I've never understood single cup brewing.
I set my timer on my coffee maker for 10 minutes before I wake up.
Drink 1 cup while I'm getting ready and then dump the remaining 7 in my Stanley thermos and drink them on my way to work.
Then I feel like taking a nap around 11am.
Quote from: Rameses on February 17, 2012, 04:07:33 PM
I've never understood single cup brewing.
What brand of coffee do you drink? Do you grind or buy pre-ground? Do you have an account with coffeegeek.com?
Quote from: CayoHueso on February 17, 2012, 04:28:45 PM
What brand of coffee do you drink? Do you grind or buy pre-ground? Do you have an account with coffeegeek.com?
I drink the kind that comes out of my coffee pot, whatever that happens to be at the time.
Pre-ground. Coffee is not something I'm willing to put a lot of effort into.
No.
My buddy from PA comes out every spring with his Norton Commando and his coffee paraphenalia - green beans, roaster, special grinder, special coffee maker, special frother, etc, etc, etc.....
Every evening he roasts is beans for the next morning, brews it, stores the excess in his thermal carafes - just makes my soul tired.....
Same with the Commando - special mixes to adjust octane, special drip chain lubricant, special dance and offerings to the gods for starting.......
[evil] [laugh]
Quote from: WarrenJ on February 17, 2012, 05:21:34 PM
My buddy from PA comes out every spring with his Norton Commando and his coffee paraphenalia - green beans, roaster, special grinder, special coffee maker, special frother, etc, etc, etc.....
Every evening he roasts is beans for the next morning, brews it, stores the excess in his thermal carafes - just makes my soul tired.....
Same with the Commando - special mixes to adjust octane, special drip chain lubricant, special dance and offerings to the gods for starting.......
Quote from: Rameses on February 17, 2012, 05:10:09 PM
I drink the kind that comes out of my coffee pot, whatever that happens to be at the time.
Pre-ground. Coffee is not something I'm willing to put a lot of effort into.
No.
Then the brewing method or the bean really doesn't make a difference.
I look at coffee as a hobby. I enjoy searching for a great bean and brewing a good cup. Just another snooty hobby of mine.
Quote from: Rameses on February 17, 2012, 05:10:09 PM
Coffee is not something I'm willing to put a lot of effort into.
Yeah, it's pretty difficult. :D
I'm just trying to save a few minutes of waiting in line, maybe like $30 bucks a month in buying coffee thats too expensive. Id like to have it quick cheap and black. New Orleans anyone?
I'm actually going to go to REI tomorrow and buy their double shot french press mug. its $30 bucks, and i can just seal it, dump it in my bag and finish it at school which is pretty cool.
http://www.rei.com/product/792857/rei-double-shot-press-mug (http://www.rei.com/product/792857/rei-double-shot-press-mug)
Quote from: cupcake on February 17, 2012, 06:36:52 PM
Yeah, it's pretty difficult. :D
It seems like some people try to make it as difficult as possible.
Quote from: He Man on February 17, 2012, 09:56:13 PM
I'm actually going to go to REI tomorrow and buy their double shot french press mug. its $30 bucks, and i can just seal it, dump it in my bag and finish it at school which is pretty cool.
http://www.rei.com/product/792857/rei-double-shot-press-mug (http://www.rei.com/product/792857/rei-double-shot-press-mug)
That mug looks awesome. I have a french press mug that is similar but lacks that crucial "seal & dump in bag" part. I may get myself one of these, thanks He Man!
[thumbsup]
(http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6901991381_366b4e8e66.jpg) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23081877@N02/6901991381/)
[laugh] [laugh]
It amazes me he owns an iron. ;D
Quote from: Speeddog on February 16, 2012, 05:36:13 PM
You guys are overcomplicating this.
(http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTAow6Peagqv-8mV6IIKCvas2jNtpOCSDFNLY2h4YQ4XaGZQ9ZvnAKyJuuI_Q)
the choice of champions for, what?, 50 years?
Quote from: Dan on February 19, 2012, 06:19:21 AM
You gotta wax your skis
I forgot...
I haven't ski'd since...
well let's just say it was the last century. ;D
Quote from: ducpainter on February 19, 2012, 06:25:06 AM
I forgot...
I haven't ski'd since...
well let's just say it was the last century. ;D
Nate and pals:
(http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0036/2852/files/3_guys_on_old_skis.jpg?1271986440)
Quote from: CayoHueso on February 17, 2012, 02:09:43 PM
An Aeropress takes all the fun out of making coffee. For me, part of the experience is making it.
If you've ever used a manual espresso machine, then you understand. Anyone can push a button; not everyone can press a good cup of espresso or coffee.
I looked and couldn't find the button on my aeropress that switched to not making the coffee.
I have a manual espresso pot. It sits unused and unloved since we purchased the aeropress and will remain so ;)
I got the REI Mug. Works great. but i cant really vouch for how durable it is since ive never seen another french press. The press itself seems flimsy at best, but i dont see how you can really make it anybetter without making it cost a million bucks.
I paid $32 after taxes (not including the REI discount for members). the real cost of this thing is the double stainless steel wall design. The handle is detatchable, and it is NOT spill proof. the button that covers the mouth piece does allow some liquid to seep, so you do need to keep it upright.
I was at rei this weekend. Saw the mug and its cool. I spent nine more bucks and picked up the 32oz insulated coffee press. Works great! Can't wait to take it camping!
been using it for the past few days. i bought some fine ground hazelnut, its a bit too fine, if you pour it onto a cup and then let it settle, its perfect. otherwise its sort of gritty. doing it this way actually gets you stronger coffee (strong as in more caffeine) since you are having it about as fine as drip brew, but your letting it sit for a much longer period of time.
i am using 2 tablespoons for 12oz of water, which really isnt enough for my increasing caffeine intake. 3 table spoons will make me have jitters and want to run around the block so i havent really found that happy medium yet.