Ultimate Coffee Tech Thread

[thedigitaldoctor]

I was going to start something like "Ultimate Coffee Thread", but after re-reading the OT rules, I decided it would be better to focus on coffee tech.

 

I'll start the thread with a story and a couple of questions.

Story:

My espresso machine (Gaggia Classic) had a leaking boiler seal that needed to be replaced.  I'd tried to open it up but got frustrated by stuck bolts.  I couldn't find any buyers that would take it "as-is", so I decided to take another run at it.

Spoiler

I got the boiler out, but was faced with one last stuck bolt holding the boiler and the base together:

Spoiler

It ended in a broken bolt.  I'm going to see if I can find a small enough bolt extractor (AKA easy-out) and a replacement bolt locally.  If not, I'll just replace the machine.  It's been faithful for 8 years; not bad for a ~$600CAD machine (that I got for less than $600).  Might be time to upgrade to something with a PID.  Speaking of which...

 

Question:

Has anyone here added a PID to their espresso machine?

 

I see that there's lots of retailers offering store-installed PIDs with full warranty.  Last time I researched this you had a buy a kit and, to quote Linus, "void the crap" out of the warranty.  I've even found a few manufactures that make variants of their machines with built-in PIDs.

 

If I have to replace my machine, I'm not sure if I'd buy one with a store-installed PID, or one that the manufacture designed into the unit.  Thoughts?

 

Question:

I have two Behmor 1600 roasters.  The newer one has a updated control panel with a "safety" feature that requires you to push the Start button part way through the roast cycle.  The problem with this is there is not auditory alarm, so you have to set a timer then stare at the screen until you see it flashing.  If you miss it, the roaster will go into cooling mode.  This has been the cause of at least four pounds of ruined coffee.  I am now officially cheesed.

 

I've read a few posts (on other forums) about modding the Behmor to be controlled via computer.  I have no experience with micro-computers (ie Raspberry Pi, Arduino, etc); any hints/recommendations/pearls of wisdom when considering a project like this?

 

Question:

Does anyone here have a computer/network/IoT coffee maker?  Do you like it?  Is it just a novelty, or would you recommend it to other people?

Ie. http://smarter.am/, http://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-F7C050/

[Okjoek]

I haven't had coffee regularly since High School and even then I wasn't the one making it. I watched this Moden Marvels a few years ago where they described like half a dozen ways to make coffee

 

I actually don't know how to make coffee in any fashion myself though. I mean I could probably figure out one of those old fashion percolator ones, but that's it. If I were to learn it would have to be the instant stuff because it's more affordable. What's the most efficient device for making instant coffee would you say?

[thedigitaldoctor]

11 minutes ago, Okjoek said:

What's the most efficient device for making instant coffee would you say?

Instant Coffee in Two Steps:

Step !: Throw instant coffee in the garbage.

Step 2: Buy fresh-roasted coffee and use that instead.

 

In all seriousness though, instant coffee is pretty terrible.  If you're looking for something quick, affordable, and tasty, try pour over.  As the guy explains in this video, you can even do it with a funnel and a regular coffee pot paper filter:

https://youtu.be/bcBSYQZAn3w

 

The key is to buy fresh-roasted coffee.  You can tell its fresh if it has a roast date somewhere on the package.  "Best Before" and "Expires On" are to be ignored.

[GeekJump]

I can't make coffee to save my life....

 

I've tried those single serve cups - taste blend

I've tried instant - taste like rotten ass

and w/e I made it myself = taste less like but still rotten ass.

 

After trying the fancy blends at cafes, I also noticed I much prefer dark roasts/bold vs milder stuff. I get Folgers Black Silk....I don't know if that makes me the coffee equivalent to a console peasant but hey...

[Okjoek]

1 hour ago, thedigitaldoctor said:

Instant Coffee in Two Steps:

Step !: Throw instant coffee in the garbage.

Step 2: Buy fresh-roasted coffee and use that instead.

 

In all seriousness though, instant coffee is pretty terrible.  If you're looking for something quick, affordable, and tasty, try pour over.  As the guy explains in this video, you can even do it with a funnel and a regular coffee pot paper filter:

https://youtu.be/bcBSYQZAn3w

 

The key is to buy fresh-roasted coffee.  You can tell its fresh if it has a roast date somewhere on the package.  "Best Before" and "Expires On" are to be ignored.

What's the difference between the instant coffee grounds and the fresh roasted ones? Are they made differently?

 

I wonder if I can buy it in bulk to get good deals on it without running out of it in those tiny bags they come in at the store.

 

Also how do you prefer to heat up your water/ keep the brew from cooling off too quickly? I know the coffee maker my parents used to have was a drip machine that heated the water up itself and had a heating plate underneath the pot.

 

EDIT: Actually I just remembered in the documentary it was this method called a French Press what looked really cool and simple.

[Speakerator]

Since I am a student and am not a big fan of cleaning alot of stuff after my single pot of morning coffee I simply do pour-over. We recently inherited an "automatic coffee machine" (dunno what they are called in english exactly) - some Jura Impressa Something something. Tastes alright, especially since it can freshly grind the beans, somethin I though about getting as a standalone device for my pour-over-filter method^^

[thedigitaldoctor]

6 hours ago, Okjoek said:

What's the difference between the instant coffee grounds and the fresh roasted ones? Are they made differently?

Instant coffee is coffee that has been brewed, strained of grounds, dried, then powdered.  Instant coffee is essentially dehydrated coffee that you re-hydrate before consuming.

 

Fresh roasted coffee is whole green coffee beans that have been roasted, sold to the customer, then ground and brewed, all within 2 weeks.  After 2 weeks it's no longer considered fresh.  Also, coffee that has been ground is only considered fresh for about 20 minutes.  As you can see, the fresher the better.

 

 

6 hours ago, Okjoek said:

I wonder if I can buy it in bulk to get good deals on it without running out of it in those tiny bags they come in at the store.

You'll really only want to buy a maximum of 2 weeks worth of coffee at a time to maintain freshness.  Also, none of the fresh roasted stuff can be bought in bulk.  However, you can buy green beans in bulk (a whole shipping container if you like), so you if buy a small roaster you can roast your own as often as you like, and have a constant supply of fresh coffee!  Green beans are also cheaper than roasted ones, so there's some cost savings too.

 

 

6 hours ago, Okjoek said:

Also how do you prefer to heat up your water/ keep the brew from cooling off too quickly?

Ideally you'll make your coffee a single serving at a time, so there's no need to keep it warm.  As for water, I use a Bonavita degree-accurate kettle for my pour over and French Press, but any kettle will do when you're first starting.

 

 

5 hours ago, Speakerator said:

...something I though about getting as a standalone device for my pour-over-filter method^^

Definitely worth it.  Hardcore coffee nerds will tell you to spend $1000-$1500CAD on a really good grinder, but honestly, any grinder is better than no grinder at all.  When I was vacationing in Hawaii I bought a portable grinder at a local Wal-Mart for ~$20USD.  It worked just fine for the few weeks I was there.

[Okjoek]

23 minutes ago, thedigitaldoctor said:

 

Ideally you'll make your coffee a single serving at a time, so there's no need to keep it warm.  As for water, I use a Bonavita degree-accurate kettle for my pour over and French Press, but any kettle will do when you're first starting.

I'm looking at the french press system right now. It looks remarkably simple according to some you tube videos. If I were to get the beans whole rather than pre-ground what is a method of grinding it? Some sort of machine to be bought separately or something basic that could be done with a pestle and mortar? If it's too much trouble I'd probably just get it already ground for up to about two weeks ahead of time like you mentioned.

[Zodiark1593]

I'm a fan of the french press myself. Makes it easy to brew up a cup of whatever strength I see fit. I also use a $20 blade grinder, no need for fancy when a coarse grind is needed. If I was making Espresso though, I'd probably spring for a burr grinder.

[thedigitaldoctor]

55 minutes ago, Okjoek said:

Some sort of machine

Yes, a coffee grinder.  When starting out pretty much any will do, but most (and Zodiark1593 above) would recommend a "burr grinder".  The difference between a burr grinder and everything else is that a burr grinder crushes the beans instead of chopping them, which helps to preserve the flavour.

 

I have one of these: https://www.bodum.com/int/en-us/shop/detail/10903-01EURO/

Or if you would rather have a hand grinder (generally cheaper and quieter, but more work): http://www.hario.jp/seihin/productlist.php?midclass=6

[Mirdon]

But I like my instant coffee

[thedigitaldoctor]

9 hours ago, Mirdon said:

But I like my instant coffee

To each their own   Different people, different taste buds, different preferences.  You'll have no judgment from me.  But I am happy to share my love for my fancy, sometimes expensive, hobby with anyone who asks.