(GPGT)Espresso machine hoot

[qwe7410]

just gonna start small n enjoy myself first. then once upgrade can use the current one as decoration. i did thought of buying those $2k ones but i'm afraid i won't have the time to learn and use properly till i grad so no point getting one, it will be left untouched.
btw any recomendation for bitter but chocolatey coffee?

It's actually much easier to use a heat exchanger machine.

 

[derazor]

It's actually much easier to use a heat exchanger machine.

He or she doesn't have the budget. Let's recommend something that is within budget

 

[blimey]

I am the odd ball here, I don't stay here so my comment worth nothing IMHO

I online or get it brought over.
Going to Chicago in a few weeks time maybe getting intelligensia or bow truss. Goshen coffee looks good, shipping for very reasonable

Need to do reading
Best Espresso Competition

i bought from intelligensia before. problem is they don't ship direct to singapore. had to use comgateway. trying to find a more affordable way to get them online.

 

[tortoise18]

Thanks! I'll try highlander supremo then. Learnt a lot from u guys.

 

[patryn33]

Can porlex or hario hand grinder do e job for espresso? Time nt a factor, strength wise since I'm a girl?

haha.. i'm starting it casually cos i'm still a student. maybe once i graduate then i'll go into the serious stuffs.
meanwhile to store coffee beans any recommended tins? below $10 for 250g pls

just gonna start small n enjoy myself first. then once upgrade can use the current one as decoration. i did thought of buying those $2k ones but i'm afraid i won't have the time to learn and use properly till i grad so no point getting one, it will be left untouched.
btw any recomendation for bitter but chocolatey coffee?

He or she doesn't have the budget. Let's recommend something that is within budget

didn't sound like she has a budget issue now.
student no serious stuff, iirc there is Elshan a local ivy student into serious watches, owns like $30-50K watch and now starting business. is student even a valid reason... hmm..

 

[patryn33]

i bought from intelligensia before. problem is they don't ship direct to singapore. had to use comgateway. trying to find a more affordable way to get them online.

wouldn't it take too long to get them?
by the time U get them u only have like 1 week to finish the 12oz beans.
cannot buy more to save on shipping.

try this next time "Won 3rd place in the America’s Best Espresso Competition at Chicago Coffee Fest 2013."
http://bowtruss-retail.myshopify.com/collections/coffee/products/foundation-espresso

http://www.coffeefest.com/newsletter/NewsletterImages/PressRoom/Chicago2013NEWS.pdf

America's Best Espresso Competition
The NEW America's Best Espresso Competition presented for coffee roasters is also a head-to-head,
bracket style competition in which coffee roasters from the Central region of the U.S. and Canada
showcased their espresso. During each round, a panel of Latte Art competitors judged and evaluated one
shot from each competitor based on the virtues of 1) Flavor Complexity, 2) Mouth feel & Appeal, and 3)
Aftertaste. Once the 124 shots were extracted, consumed, and evaluated, the winners were:
* 1st place - Winning Championship first place trophy: Sunergos Coffee, Louisville, KY
* 2nd place - Winning second place trophy: Goshen Coffee – Edwardsville, IL
* 3rd place - Winning third place trophy: Bowtruss - Chicago IL

http://www.coffeefest.com/newsletter/NewsletterImages/PressRoom/Seattle2012RecapNEWS.pdf

The NEW America’s Best Espresso Competition presented for coffee roasters is also a head-to-head,
bracket style competition in which coffee roasters from the western region of the U.S. and Canada
showcased their espresso. A panel of chefs and restaurateur judges evaluated one shot from each
competitor based on the virtues of 1) Flavor Complexity, 2) Mouthfeel & Appeal, and 3) Aftertaste. Once
the 192 shots were extracted, consumed, and evaluated the winners were:
1st place – Winning a first place Trophy – Blue Star Coffee Roasters of Twisp, WA
2nd place – Winning a second place Trophy – Conduit Coffee Company of Seattle, WA
3rd place – Winning a third place Trophy – Bowen Island Roasting Co. Ltd of Bowen Island, BC, Canada

2014
http://www.coffeefest.com/newsletter/NewsletterImages/PressRoom/PDX Best Espresso Championships.pdf

The 17 Roasters that have qualified and will be competing are:
Blue Star Coffee Roasters – Twisp, WA
Bold Bean – Jacksonville, FL
Bowen Island Roasting Co – Bowen Island, BC
Bowtruss – Chicago, IL
Ceremony Coffee Roasters – Annapolis, MD
Coffee Labs Roasters – Tarrytown, NY
Conduit Coffee Company – Seattle, WA
Goshen Coffee – Edwardsville, IL
Kuma Coffee – Seattle, WA
Olympia Coffee Roasters – Olympia, WA
Resilient Coffee Roasters – Richland, WA
Sump Coffee – St. Louis, MO
Sunergos Coffee – Louisville, KY
Thirty-Thirty Coffee Co. – Peoria, IL
Tony’s Coffee – Seattle, WA
Victrola Coffee Roasters – Tacoma, WA

 

[me_jul]

He or she doesn't have the budget. Let's recommend something that is within budget

Been looking through this thread as I myself am looking for a budget espresso machine to make a decent Espresso/Latte on the weekends. Seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people who understand the dynamics behind a good cuppa and are willing to spend to achieve that. However there are others that just want a better and yet budget setup to make a decent cup of latte. Yes, the budget ones can never be as good as the commercial or higher end models, but I should think that they will be better than just using an aeropress and heating milk on the stove just to make a latte? Or issit that there are hardly any differences between the budget models?

 

[dibromoethene]

Been looking through this thread as I myself am looking for a budget espresso machine to make a decent Espresso/Latte on the weekends. Seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people who understand the dynamics behind a good cuppa and are willing to spend to achieve that. However there are others that just want a better and yet budget setup to make a decent cup of latte. Yes, the budget ones can never be as good as the commercial or higher end models, but I should think that they will be better than just using an aeropress and heating milk on the stove just to make a latte? Or issit that there are hardly any differences between the budget models?

In other countries such as OZ, low end espresso machines were very common. Thermoblock machines which can be had for 2-300AUD can make quite decent espresso shots when paired with a decent grinder and unpressurized filter. Plus they come with traditional steam wands for good microfoam.

Some will say that thermoblocks have poor temperature stability, but if I had to start on a $2k investment I would never have even considered trying. It's far better to start on a cheap thermoblock and then evaluate your interest putting in big bucks.

But sadly in SG, the market is either super low end or super expensive... No in betweens.

If you have friends in australia, maybe you can consider a cheap sunbeam or breville? Do note that there are some machines marketed as high end, but actually just a thermoblock...

 

[qwe7410]

Been looking through this thread as I myself am looking for a budget espresso machine to make a decent Espresso/Latte on the weekends. Seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable people who understand the dynamics behind a good cuppa and are willing to spend to achieve that. However there are others that just want a better and yet budget setup to make a decent cup of latte. Yes, the budget ones can never be as good as the commercial or higher end models, but I should think that they will be better than just using an aeropress and heating milk on the stove just to make a latte? Or issit that there are hardly any differences between the budget models?

If you are talking about making a coffee drink, you can just use a filter and get one done.

If you are talking about an espresso, it's not just about applying a little pressure and pull one without any standard.
It needs to be at an optimal range of temperature with adequate pressure to blossom out all the flavours.
As for latte/cappuccino you need sufficient strong steam to properly froth it well.

That's why i was saying, if you are on a tight budget, may want to think of making a good coffee than making good espresso/latte.
The lowest cost for a proper HX machine that can froth and brew properly in SG is $1398, not too high imo.
You need proper machines to properly deliver results set out in a certain set of parameters.

Of course it's not impossible to use aeropress and press out.
But you need to measure the temperature of the water and figure out the pressure(Which i don't know how).
The frothing will be another problem.

The process of making should also play a big part.
If you are using a hand grinder, pull with an aeropress den froth with a hand whizzer on a pan or whatever.
It may be a big chore which you can't commit daily.
Imagine cleaning the aeropress, clearing the mess and washing the milk pan/pot just to make one latte.
I think you will need to waste a lot of powder to finally figure out, those are cost too.
As well waste a lot of time making and cleaning. (Cost to me too )

If you are a student, with a limited budget, no choice.
If you can afford it, i think it's better to go for a better machine straight.
Makes more ecnomical sense in the long run.

 

[derazor]

If you are talking about making a coffee drink, you can just use a filter and get one done.

If you are talking about an espresso, it's not just about applying a little pressure and pull one without any standard.
It needs to be at an optimal range of temperature with adequate pressure to blossom out all the flavours.
As for latte/cappuccino you need sufficient strong steam to properly froth it well.

That's why i was saying, if you are on a tight budget, may want to think of making a good coffee than making good espresso/latte.
The lowest cost for a proper HX machine that can froth and brew properly in SG is $1398, not too high imo.
You need proper machines to properly deliver results set out in a certain set of parameters.

Of course it's not impossible to use aeropress and press out.
But you need to measure the temperature of the water and figure out the pressure(Which i don't know how).
The frothing will be another problem.

The process of making should also play a big part.
If you are using a hand grinder, pull with an aeropress den froth with a hand whizzer on a pan or whatever.
It may be a big chore which you can't commit daily.
Imagine cleaning the aeropress, clearing the mess and washing the milk pan/pot just to make one latte.
I think you will need to waste a lot of powder to finally figure out, those are cost too.
As well waste a lot of time making and cleaning. (Cost to me too )

If you are a student, with a limited budget, no choice.
If you can afford it, i think it's better to go for a better machine straight.
Makes more ecnomical sense in the long run.

Correct le.

Seriously aeropress/french press/ kalita wave + manual grinder is a very good start to the world of third wave coffee. At least now your beans are fresh ( buy from specialty cafe ) and grinded on demand. Pls pls start from here or YOLO spend o 2,000 on a proper machine and grinder.

 

[dibromoethene]

A friend of mine was told to buy the best bicycle he can or don't buy anything.
Today, his $3k investment has become a coat and umbrella holder.

If you're just starting out, are u sure your 2k coffee machine will not end up as an expensive decor?

Espresso can be messy too. The grinds spill during grinding, then during dosing and tamping a bit ends up on the table. And then there's a drip tray which you could overfill. Making espresso is a bit more time consuming. Who knows, time might be such a big concern that you might one day just buy a nespresso and be happy with it?

Actually, there are consumer grade espresso machines out there to start with. If u look overseas, the coffee machine + a reasonable burr grinder can be had for 500+. Most importantly find one which an unpressurised basket is available and has a traditional steam wand.

Yes, they don't have an E61 head, they don't have super powerful steam pressure. They don't have that super stable temperature parameter, u might have to wait before steaming, you might have to purge steam before brewing. Or they don't come with a lot of stainless steel. But hey, there are many variables like beans freshness, grinding, tamping, dosing before the machine comes into the equation

 

[IntelFlash]

If he don't mind over-burn coffee which is flat and bitter or instead too low temp/pressure for something sour and acidic. Which he has no control.
Yes one can temporary get by with those extremely economical machines.
I used the word temporary because what you pay is what you get.

If someone is on an extreme tight budget, rather than buy a cheap machine, i'll rather that he press it out and make a half fug "espresso".
At least those hand press are not expensive.

Those plastic economical machines sold at the dept stores, don't expect to last that long.
Previously my ex colleague bought those delonghi or krups thermoblock from courts, the plastic froth wand cracks and has to be changed once every few months.

After less than a year with limited use, the machine leaks, something gave way and melt inside and it's not a surprise since it's mostly plastic dealing with heat inside.
Every time he has to go to the Bishan area to service wasting time and money.
You pay less, they have to build the money with less cost, what can we do?

If your machine was purchased from overseas, then even worse.
Zero local support.

 

[EatSnakeWarrior]

haha.. i'm starting it casually cos i'm still a student. maybe once i graduate then i'll go into the serious stuffs.
meanwhile to store coffee beans any recommended tins? below $10 for 250g pls

I get mine at Lam Yeo Coffee Roasters @ Balestier. More than $10 for 250g though

 

[Lazy_Tiger]

came across the bachi espresso maker around $500 bucks. Results looks very impressive and the machine has been around since 2009. You need your own heat source though. Works by hydraulics to release the water at 9 bar.

Can get it from Coffee in a place
Bacchi Espresso Maker | CAP

I might just give this a try.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlLd0zSmlRg

Coffee in a place is selling it with a bellman stove top milk steamer for $100 bucks. So i think its possible to get quite a decent set up for $700 bucks.

 

[qwe7410]

hiya, go rob go steal.
Just go buy a proper hx machine la.

Sell that time sure got demand and value.
So plus minus won't lose totally.
There's almost 20kg of metal inside, kanung guni also will surely take.

It's like car like that, minus the coe plus it's freehold.

You buy those funny machines from the departmental store, get ready for 100% loss and waste a lot of time figuring out.
No need to think of future upgrade that easily too.

 

[patryn33]

came across the bachi espresso maker around $500 bucks. Results looks very impressive and the machine has been around since 2009. You need your own heat source though. Works by hydraulics to release the water at 9 bar.

Can get it from Coffee in a place
Bacchi Espresso Maker | CAP

I might just give this a try.

Bacchi Espresso Machine - YouTube

Coffee in a place is selling it with a bellman stove top milk steamer for $100 bucks. So i think its possible to get quite a decent set up for $700 bucks.

interesting, good find.. this setup missing grinder and tamper..

I saw ROK used on TV... maybe such buddle would do too.
Build a ROK Bundle | Espresso Unplugged

 

[chikyblink]

Just a heads up:
Oz cafe has shifted and changed its name to pacamara boutique coffee roasters. They're still along upper Thomson road though. Check out their FB and instagram.
Their all white 3 group synesso with wooden handles is ******* beautiful! Along with a all white EK43 too.

Sent from GAGT Android App

 

[dibromoethene]

You buy those funny machines from the departmental store, get ready for 100% loss and waste a lot of time figuring out.
No need to think of future upgrade that easily too.

Actually I think HX does need some figuring out. If I anyhow whack, I can end up steaming my puck and topping it off with bubbly cooked milk right?

And nobody is immune to upgradetitis...

 

[compuser]

It's certainly alot easier to pull a decent shot or froth better milk with a heat exchanger, double boiler or even a single boiler than to pull a mediocre shot without one.
Temperature and pressure does play a big part.

Invest in a proper grinder at least.
Upgrade your machine when you are sick of using those thermoblock or manual machines.

BTW, can check if there's second hand heat exchanger's or single boilers in the market. Last I checked around 6 months ago, not many heat exchangers.

 

[qwe7410]

Recently i lazy.

Froth milk directly in my cup then extract an espresso in.
About 50ml milk with double shot 50ml espresso.
Taste pretty good.

Done in less than one minute.