One of man's inevitable searches...

AggieMike88

AggieMike88

Touchdown! Greaser!
Joined
Jan 13, 2010
Messages
20,803
Location
Denton, TX
Display Name
The original "I don't know it all" of aviation.
Home Airfield
KDTO (Denton Enterprise)
... Is for a good cuppa joe at home or the office.

I need some I put on good small batch coffee makers for home use. My normal consumption is a travel mug in the morning currently filled at the local RaceTrac. And lately, I've been wanting a taste in the late afternoon. Maybe a refill in late morning. So I don't need a larger 10 or 12 cup monster.

The Kuerig 2.0 is off my list due to the bad reviews I've found. But I'm not closed to the k-cup idea.

What brands and models are the winners amongst this crowd?
 
AggieMike88 said:
... Is for a good cuppa joe at home or the office.

I need some I put on good small batch coffee makers for home use. My normal consumption is a travel mug in the morning currently filled at the local RaceTrac. And lately, I've been wanting a taste in the late afternoon. Maybe a refill in late morning. So I don't need a larger 10 or 12 cup monster.

The Kuerig 2.0 is off my list due to the bad reviews I've found. But I'm not closed to the k-cup idea.

What brands and models are the winners amongst this crowd?
Click to expand...

Get a french press....unless your happy with the overpriced hipster crowd.
 
Pressure brewing is the way to go. I don't like the k-cups so I went with pod brewing. Bunn is good and has great customer service. They had problems with hose clamps in older models (like mine) so I replaced it with a Grindmaster OPOD. The OPOD is better than the Bunn (so far) with the exception that it doesn't produce the nice creme that the Bunn does with it's blower.

Cheaper pod brewers can be had but I wanted automatic water fill.
 
If you're going Keurig, don't screw around with the home models. I made that mistake after enjoying the hell out of the commercial one at my old employer's office.

The home one is built very cheaply and mine has had a number of failures that I've been able to fix at the cost of way too much of my time, while that commercial unit hammered out probably 200 or more cups of various drinks a day for years at the office.

One particular failure is a failure to prime the pump if it runs the tank dry, which I've found that when you're grumpy and want your morning coffee, percussive maintenance will bust up the bubble of air in the line enough to get it to prime. I just beat the hell out of the stupid thing hoping it will die so I have an excuse to replace it with a K150. Plus if parts would break off and fly across the room at least I'd be entertained before having to drive to the corner store for coffee.

Get the Keurig K150 if you're buying Keurig. Designed long before they went into the home market and over-engineered. Don't bother with the B150 either. Or any of the smaller rounded off newer "business" models. Get the one back when engineers and entrepreneurs were running the company and built stuff they hoped people would buy.

And if you're really serious about it, get the water hookup to your plumbing and the required filter to not void the warranty. The one at the office wasn't hooked to the water line, but we filled the huge water container from the filtered water dispenser.
 
I like the Kureig k150, fill the reservoir with spring water. Can use the adapter cup when your favorite k cup coffe is not available.
 
I've got a Hamilton Beach Brewmaster. It does up to 12 cups, keeps it pretty fresh for up to 4 hours, and is quick!!!. The last is a selling point for first cup of the morning. I also use Dumkin Donuts Dark Roast to the tune of a pound a week. Made strong, most people do not like MY coffee.
HB has a new Brewmaster with has a K-Cup side to it. You can either get K-Cups, use their refillable K, or a one cupper. Since normally, my pot doesn't make it 2 hours, the one cupper for me would be mid morning. I'll just do another pot instead.
 
"percussive maintenance" :rofl::rofl:

You may need to lay off the stuff for a few days! On second thought, please don't miss your daily dose... we might all be in trouble.

I used to play with coffee making equipment but as our little town has grown up, gentrified and hipsterized, we now have a few good and at least one kick ass coffee shop that is more than worth the trip, Cocoa Cinnamon.

They artfully installed their shop in an old gas station down the block from the old Durham Bulls Stadium. When we moved to the area, the rundown industrial district was scary and deserted and we made our coffee at home.

Now we turn out of our air park at the end of Geer Street and travel 8 miles to the other end of Geer Street where Cocoa Cinnamon serves up coffee that continues to surprise and delight. And it's on the same street our airport is on!

I am typically the oldest person in sight and lack most of the hipster accoutrements so I have my plain latte in a take-out cup because I just don't care about making the scene any longer, but damn the coffee is good!
 
The french press is fun but it takes some time to dial it in so you are not making way too strong coffee. Cleaning is a bit more and heating the water is more manual.

I did that for awhile

I have a keureg that is only for the days when I am running late to work (read every day)

The best coffee I ever have is actually just an old Mr. Coffee and get a bean grinder.
Go to Central Market and find coffee beans that suit your tastes. They have an amazing variety

Only thing I would say to completely avoid is Parks coffee. We have that at work and I have tried every variety and really not having to drink their crap anymore is the only thing good about my company going out of business. The reason I mention them is because they are local (Carrollton) so they probably have some local visibility.

But yeah, go with the bean grinder. Your office will smell great too!
 
AggieMike88 said:
... Is for a good cuppa joe at home or the office.

I need some I put on good small batch coffee makers for home use. My normal consumption is a travel mug in the morning currently filled at the local RaceTrac. And lately, I've been wanting a taste in the late afternoon. Maybe a refill in late morning. So I don't need a larger 10 or 12 cup monster.

The Kuerig 2.0 is off my list due to the bad reviews I've found. But I'm not closed to the k-cup idea.

What brands and models are the winners amongst this crowd?
Click to expand...
"You kill the 'jo, you make some mo!"

http://youtu.be/RzToNo7A-94
 
AggieMike88 said:
... Is for a good cuppa joe at home or the office.

I need some I put on good small batch coffee makers for home use. My normal consumption is a travel mug in the morning currently filled at the local RaceTrac. And lately, I've been wanting a taste in the late afternoon. Maybe a refill in late morning. So I don't need a larger 10 or 12 cup monster.

The Kuerig 2.0 is off my list due to the bad reviews I've found. But I'm not closed to the k-cup idea.

What brands and models are the winners amongst this crowd?
Click to expand...

I have used all the Kuerig machines and don't find problems with them, I run vinegar through them regularly to keep down the scaling. Meliitta and Gevalia make my favorite cups for them.

I would avoid the Nesspresso machine/system, the cups are expensive and hard to find (unless you order on the Internet, that doesn't normally work out when you're on a boat) as they are only sold in Nesspresso stores, which are typically a PITA to get to. Plus the coffee is mediocre.
 
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French press is the only way to go. I've had a few Keurig units that all hit the trash. Having to buy pre-measured k-cups that are overpriced as can be just isnt worth it. You have more control over a French press, small changes can make vastly different flavors. If its all about quick and simple, just buy instant, or one of the devices that ruins good coffee. Good coffee is like anything worth doing, it takes skill and practice to make it right, shortcuts ruin it.
 
cooks3in11.jpg
 
SomeTexan said:
French press is the only way to go. I've had a few Keurig units that all hit the trash. Having to buy pre-measured k-cups that are overpriced as can be just isnt worth it. You have more control over a French press, small changes can make vastly different flavors. If its all about quick and simple, just buy instant, or one of the devices that ruins good coffee. Good coffee is like anything worth doing, it takes skill and practice to make it right, shortcuts ruin it.
Click to expand...

You don't have to buy K-cup coffee, there is also a basket cup to put whatever you want in that is the same hassle level as a French press.

You can't compare the coffee between the espresso process and the steeping process either, completely different taste result.
 
SixPapaCharlie said:
The french press is fun but it takes some time to dial it in so you are not making way too strong coffee. Cleaning is a bit more and heating the water is more manual.

The best coffee I ever have is actually just an old Mr. Coffee and get a bean grinder.
Go to Central Market and find coffee beans that suit your tastes. They have an amazing variety
Click to expand...
I used to use a French press - same experience.

I now use x-brand drip and a bean grinder - agree again.

When I was into it, I gleaned 2 things from the coffee connoisseur blogs that have helped with my home efforts:
  1. Four minutes of brewing is about optimal no matter what you are doing
  2. Water can always be added after the fact (but it can't be taken away)
So, say for French press operations, put in the amount of coffee beans you want to brew, pour in sufficient boiling water, time the brew for 4 minutes. If it's too strong, water to taste.

Or for an auto-drip machine, figure out how much water takes 4 minutes to run thru the machine (the 4 cup line on my current machine's carafe). Always only use that much water no matter how much coffee you put in.

So if I'm making '8 cups' (that's roughly 8x6oz), I load 8 cups worth of ground bean but I only pour 4 minutes worth of water into the machine. I leave the other 4 cups of cold water in the carafe. This may take some microwaving to get it all up to temp after brewing but it will taste good. Keeps it from getting harsh and bitter.

I'm going to try that right now!
 
We brew a carafe in the Cuisinart each morning for go-thermos and random sippage, and iced coffee. We use Keurig and French press to top off postprandially.
 
I bought the home version Keurig 6 years ago and it;s still going strong. Never had a single mechanical problem with it and I have a hot cup of joe ready in just a couple of minutes (drinking it now).

The K-Cups are good enough for me, but with the adapter cup I recently reacquainted myself with some fresh ground and that's what is in my cup as I type this. It really is better. For sheer convenience in the morning as I'm headed out the door, you just can't beat the Keurig, IMO.

As for percussive maintenance, maybe that's why the originals have such a loud and boisterous pump? My maker sits on a mouse pad to dampen the rattling. A youtube vid demonstrated that the new units are much quieter.
 
Circuit Flyer said:
We brew a carafe in the Cuisinart each morning for go-thermos and random sippage, and iced coffee. We use Keurig and French press to top off postprandially.
Click to expand...

I'll admit. I had to google postprandially
 
Was it a word? I think I might have hit the random letter generator by accidvgryvcbhuent.
 
I think I've had maybe 5 cups of coffee in the past 3 years.
 
EdFred said:
I think I've had maybe 5 cups of coffee in the past 3 years.
Click to expand...

Yeah, regular coffee hasn't been working well lately for me either, I'm thinking of trying the new Methcafe brand, it's by the makers of Jolt cola.
 
I was drinking so much coffee several years ago (10) that I woke up Saturdays with a dull headache if I tried to sleep in. Ever since, I cut my 6+ cups a day with decaf and water. I'm cannot drink strong coffee but I gotta have something to kickstart the day.
 
Henning said:
Yeah, regular coffee hasn't been working well lately for me either, I'm thinking of trying the new Methcafe brand, it's by the makers of Jolt cola.
Click to expand...

I've been caffeine free since June, and haven't noticed any difference in energy levels.
 
Henning said:
You don't have to buy K-cup coffee, there is also a basket cup to put whatever you want in that is the same hassle level as a French press.

You can't compare the coffee between the espresso process and the steeping process either, completely different taste result.
Click to expand...

I've heard of those, by the time I've messed with that, I could have just used the French press and have better coffee.

Yes, one is a time honored, right way to make coffee, the other was a mild improvement over the perculator. And I don't think any device has ruined as much coffee as perculators over the years.

Unfortunately, the older I get, the less my body likes coffee, so I limit my intake. If I have to limit my favorite drink, I will not tolerate second rate stuff. Coffee makers are built for those seeking their "fix" as quickly and easily as they can, not for the enthusiast of good coffee. A good cup of joe takes work to get it right, but the reward is worth it.
 
Saeco Vienna Plus. The best home coffee maker I've ever had, and I've had a bunch. My wife's Starbucks bill dropped by about 75% when we got this machine, too.
 
Tea for me.

That said, the Keurigs - even the commercial ones - produce weak drinks. Had one person in my former office that would run 2 cups of extra bold to get one cup of coffee. The new machines include means of detecting the brand of K-cup to ensure that you're using a Keurig-licensed product.

French press doesn't take very long if you have a supply of very hot water.
 
Circuit Flyer said:
Was it a word? I think I might have hit the random letter generator by accidvgryvcbhuent.
Click to expand...

Yes and it fits your sentence perfectly. You fat fingered something and came off sounding really smart

postprandially: "after eating a meal"

and your accidental sentence:

"We use Keurig and French press to top off postprandially."


You should have just gone with it.
 
Moka pot. Make sure you get stainless and not aluminum. You can get them cheaper then that, Ikea sells stainless ones cheap but last I looked they weren't in their online catalog.
 
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ClimbnSink said:
Moka pot. Make sure you get stainless and not aluminum. You can get them cheaper then that, Ikea sells stainless ones cheap but last I looked they weren't in their online catalog.
Click to expand...

Your link leads to Michael Hasting's Wikipedia page.:lol: But I think I know what you're talking about. The two piece pot with the espresso cup in the middle that you fill with coffee. Fill the bottom with water, put the coffee in the middle, screw on the pot/top, and set it on the stove. When the water has moved from the bottom to the top you have a cup.

I really like them as well.
 
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@ Greg K -- nice pic... I used to say the coffee was ready when we could float a lug nut in it. But now I prefer flavor over a "bug your eyes out" caffeine buzz.
 
EdFred said:
I've been caffeine free since June, and haven't noticed any difference in energy levels.
Click to expand...

And I'm not seeking it for energy. Just enjoy the taste and resulting "fell good" brain chemical release.
 
wsuffa said:
The new machines include means of detecting the brand of K-cup to ensure that you're using a Keurig-licensed product.
Click to expand...
Which is why the 2.0 version is off my list. Plus I'm seeing notes about manufacturing quality being worse than what Nate shared.[/quote]
 
I have a Keurig now, used a French Press and ground my own beans for years (still enjoy that when I have time).

I've not used any of the following, but I'm looking at a 2014 Consumer Reports "high end appliances buyer's guide" right now, and their top 6 best buys (in no particular order) were as follows (prices are LIST, and you can get these for a LOT less online):

  • Cuisinart Crystal SCC-1000 Limited - $200 - PerfecTemp Edition DCC-2800 - Best drip coffee maker, with excellent carafe heating and performance, a brew strength control and a small batch setting, and it's programmable. Doesn't have a thermal carafe, however, this unit's only drawback.
  • Kalorik CM25282 - $80 - Nice Price - Convenient operation and easy carafe handling, if not brewing to industry guidelines, put this 12-cup drip model on our list of picks. It's programmable, and you can remove the carafe mid-brew to fill cups [EDITORIAL: isn't that a standard feature these days, like seatbelts in a car?]. It has a clear reservoir and an auto-shutoff after two hours.
  • Starbucks Verismo 600 - $150 - Fans of Starbucks will appreciate this pod model. First- and second-cup delivery were speedy, and each cup was uniform size. But is has limited options for brew strength. Our experts found the taste so-so, no worse than the best of the pod coffeemakers tested. [EDITORIAL: if so-so, how did it make the Winners circle/top models list??]
  • iCoffee RCB100-BC12 - $170 - This electric French-press makes the most coffee at a time, and brews through a special process. Jets in the basket spritz and circulate the grounds in hot water before they fill the carafe. Remington says the process eliminates the bitter aftertaste of drip coffee. [EDITORIAL: as a french press coffee lover, this may be worth a try! Pretty good reviews on Amazon.com, and under $100 Amazon.com Prime with free shipping.]
  • Delonghi Esam 5500 - $1800 - [EDITORIAL: :yikes: :eek: ] - If you love espresso, you might be willing to pay a premium for this model, which was the best one we tested. It makes an excellent tasting drink and top-notch froth, though it didn't quite earn recommended status.
 
ClimbnSink said:
Fixed I hope. http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-Expr...=UTF8&qid=1416673442&sr=8-3&keywords=moka+pot
Click to expand...

Yep, that's what I thought you meant. I love the coffee they make, however they take a while and are inefficient on an electric stove as they only absorb about 1/3rd or less of the energy consumed. Gas flames they are fine (although slow when low enough to keep efficient), but where they really shine is camping! I used to prep it before bed and in the morning usually there are enough coals left that I can just set it in there. By the time I get back from the trees taking care of other business, voila, a cup of coffee is waiting for me.
 
Walboy said:
I have a $19.95 Sunbeam drip coffee maker I bought at Target several years ago after replacing a Mr. Coffee that I used for about 12 years of daily use. You can make up to 12 cups or as little as 1 cup. I buy the big tub of Folger's from Costco. Since the water here is extremely hard, I only use RO water.

Over say 5 years of owning the Sunbeam the cost is about $.003644/cup so far. The cost of coffee is about $.029/cup. The cost of a filter is about $.009950 each or $.003317/cup. Total cost per cup is about $.036/cup. No doubt you could lower the cost even more buy using an off brand of coffee.

At the local convenience store a cup of coffee with your own cup is $.79 or about $.754 over the cost of making it cheap yourself. This doesn't factor in the wear and tear on a vehicle (and possibly extra gas) for the convenience of stopping somewhere to buy coffee. At 3 cups/per work day over 25 years...(ignoring the time value of money) the savings is $14,703. That's the cost of a new GTN650 and CDI installed. Apply this analysis to ONE daily stop at Starbucks and you might be able to buy a GTN750 and a GDL88 installed with spare change for an annual database subscription.

I'm not a coffee snob. I was in the Navy...any coffee is good coffee.
Click to expand...
Ha! I'm with you. We have a (let's see, how long have I been married?) 31-year old Farberware "Fully Automatic" 12-cup percolator that we got as a wedding present. I don't drink coffee daily, but I do on most weekends, and that plus some grocery store coffee seems to work out well for me.

I do find much of this discussion a little disturbing, as in "French press? Please surrender your man card" sort of way. :D
 
My coffee fix comes from the cute little coeds at the local coffee shop in my village.

The coffee may be just ok, but the girl's smiles makes my day.
 
SixPapaCharlie said:
Yes and it fits your sentence perfectly. You fat fingered something and came off sounding really smart

postprandially: "after eating a meal"

and your accidental sentence:

"We use Keurig and French press to top off postprandially."


You should have just gone with it.
Click to expand...



D'oh!
 
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