National Homebrew Club Ireland

General Discussions => Chit Chat => Topic started by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 10:43:14 AM

Title: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 10:43:14 AM
I'm thinking about buying this: http://www.debenhams.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10052_10001_325004024797_-1

Anyone have one of these? I use a Moka usually, just on the hob, and it makes lovely espresso - but I like gadgets too! :P

Anything better available?

Thanks!  ;)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 10:53:54 AM
I own one plus the matching grinder & base (ive been told by a few people the best coffee in Galway is at my house ) Its way better than a mocha pot but also more expensive. Only down side to them is they dont have a temp or pressure gauge. When you get nerdy into coffee you'll find yourself wanting these features.

I bought mine on ebay for 180e.  Much cheaper than any store here. In a nut shell its the best of all those entry level machines.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 11:11:33 AM
I bought this exact set-up for the base (with knock box) & grinder for 80 quid from ebay UK & i then sold the machine to a mate for 50e.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-GAGGIA-coffee-grinder-italy-Espresso-Coffee-Machine-BAR-pavoni-/330896462719?pt=Coffee_Machines_Makers&hash=item4d0af7537f

The MDF grinder is 180 new on ebay & the base is another 65e or so. Worth buying an old set-up like that for the base & grinder to go with your shiny new Gaggia classic.

The tamper that comes with the machine is shite. As is the steam wand (both plastic) but you can buy better ones on ebay if you want.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: JimmyM on March 26, 2013, 11:24:36 AM
Jyyaysus lads - would yas not just have a mug a tae!

I can get "all the tea in china" for the prices being bandied about there :)

Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 11:34:39 AM
You'd buy a lof the of dutch gold for the cost of all your homebrew kit too. Who wants to drink shit beer/coffee though?  ;D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 12:03:50 PM
QuoteI bought this exact set-up for the base (with knock box) & grinder for 80 quid from ebay UK & i then sold the machine to a mate for 50e.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BABY-GAGGIA-coffee-grinder-italy-Espresso-Coffee-Machine-BAR-pavoni-/330896462719?pt=Coffee_Machines_Makers&hash=item4d0af7537f

The MDF grinder is 180 new on ebay & the base is another 65e or so. Worth buying an old set-up like that for the base & grinder to go with your shiny new Gaggia classic.

The tamper that comes with the machine is shite. As is the steam wand (both plastic) but you can buy better ones on ebay if you want.

Wow - thanks. Having the grinder would be really useful as I prefer beans over pre-ground stuff - i've always found the flavour to be that bit more distinct - say using Lavazza Espresso pre-ground over whole bean version. Out of interest, what's wrong with the machine in that ad that I would go off and buy the shiny new one!?

Hmm - I wonder does the machine come with the picture of that guys family too?

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJlbAUYE-ls[/media] :D

Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: DEMPSEY on March 26, 2013, 12:04:17 PM
You can never have enough coffee making machines. ;)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 12:21:54 PM
Quote
QuoteOut of interest, what's wrong with the machine in that ad that I would go off and buy the shiny new one!?

Ive owned both. The white baby gaggia was grand. A bit cheap feeling & looking as its made of plastic. But the coffee was good. Id bid on that lot on ebay as the grinder is class & worth it alone.  I bought the gaggia classic based on reviews of machines in that price bracket. Its a great machine.

Re: coffee - You should try some of http://hasbean.co.uk single origin whole bean. They've a few different ones every few months. Best coffee ever! Amazing. A few coffee shops in Ireland use it as there house coffee now.

Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 12:41:16 PM
Cool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 01:12:46 PM
QuoteCool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!


Long story. I bought a keggerator kit from a US company over two months ago. Parcel never arrived & Im having a dispute with UPS & the US homebrew company. During that period the beer was in a cornie with no C02 on it. Thought it'd be grand as I batch primed it but tasted last week & it was sour. Had to dump it :(
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Ciderhead on March 26, 2013, 02:05:21 PM
Quote
QuoteCool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!


Long story. I bought a keggerator kit from a US company over two months ago. Parcel never arrived & Im having a dispute with UPS & the US homebrew company. During that period the beer was in a cornie with no C02 on it. Thought it'd be grand as I batch primed it but tasted last week & it was sour. Had to dump it :(

Hijack Alert
ya doirty egit I could of let you borrow or flushed co2 into a cornie for you!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: newToBrew on March 26, 2013, 02:17:15 PM
sweet jebus 270 quid for a coffee machine !!!!

I've been looking around for one myself - bought a delonghi burr grinder for 50 quid a while ago - had one of the whirly choppy ones prior to that
Am still using a french press - but the grinder upgrade improved the coffee a lot
I've been nosing on adverts and done deal for ages looking for a low end espresso machine, have seen one or two but they would require me to travel !! 

recently stuck me head into a local elecrical shop having a sale - saw one one in there for 100 notes

walked out with out it - for some reason - I just couldn't fork out the money !!!
I mean I love my coffee - but 270 notes ? phew !!!

*edit *

Sorry man - I shouldn't be like that - each to there own - and we all have our passion for things - don't mind me - I'm just jealous !!!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 02:47:06 PM
Boys and their toys haha. I payed 180e for mine new from an ebay seller in Italy. The mdf grinder & base cost 30 GBP (total bargain)

It really depends on your budget. Same for brewing. Some ferment is buckets & others in stainless steel conicals.


Re: C02: Thanks for the offer Ciderhead. Kev sorted me with C02 for my last brew there. We were gona do the stout then too but it was gone bad. I just had the best news. Keg Connection are going to re-ship my order & settle the problem themselves with UPS so I dont have to wait any longer. Delighted!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Rossa on March 26, 2013, 03:38:22 PM
Try an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: CARA on March 26, 2013, 03:47:54 PM
QuoteTry an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.

I use an aero press I got from 3fe-20yo's with all the bits and filters included, makes fantastic coffee PLUS you get pure joy from popping the spend grinds into the bin!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 03:56:18 PM
Ive one in work. Better coffee than a mocha pot imo.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Rossa on March 26, 2013, 03:56:46 PM
The coffee is so smooth too.

Quote
QuoteTry an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.

I use an aero press I got from 3fe-20yo's with all the bits and filters included, makes fantastic coffee PLUS you get pure joy from popping the spend grinds into the bin!
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: newToBrew on March 26, 2013, 04:01:13 PM
i've heard they're good alright - work buddy has one - must borrow it and give it a whirl  ;D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 04:13:16 PM
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iFQsmaopufg[/media]
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Ciderhead on March 26, 2013, 04:21:09 PM
I bought one on Rossa's advice, for something so simple, they are the Tescos Meatballs.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 04:26:09 PM
Here is some Gaggia Classic porn just for balance :)

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CVsZzSEZLI[/media]
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Hop Bomb on March 26, 2013, 04:49:24 PM
FAO Ciderhead ;D :

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA6HYvaXdHU[/media]
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 04:53:29 PM
QuoteTry an Aeropress. http://www.aeropress.com/ about 25€ but it makes incredible coffee. Worth a punt before you splash out.

That looks pretty awesome - and if I go hell for leather on coffee and become a real addict, I can hook it directly to my arm, as it's basically a massive syringe... :D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 04:56:24 PM
Quote
QuoteCool, that looks like a great site.
Thanks for the advice!

Seeing as you know your stuff about coffee:
I wonder what your Coffee and Oatmeal Stout is like!? ;-)

Edit: Coffee, Oatmeal & Chocolate!


Long story. I bought a keggerator kit from a US company over two months ago. Parcel never arrived & Im having a dispute with UPS & the US homebrew company. During that period the beer was in a cornie with no C02 on it. Thought it'd be grand as I batch primed it but tasted last week & it was sour. Had to dump it :(

Ah crappity smack.. that' s a real bummer man - sorry to hear. Well at least if you make any more, the coffee will be sublime ;-)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Ciderhead on March 26, 2013, 05:17:53 PM
QuoteFAO Ciderhead ;D :

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA6HYvaXdHU[/media]

In a sense of decency I deleted my post but glad you saw it.

There is nobody that I have seen yet that can beat Mr Jinx from "Date Movie", especially his match at the end. Toilet humour at its best.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyLFhr2GSrk[/media]
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Beerdoh on March 26, 2013, 05:36:20 PM
Quote
QuoteFAO Ciderhead ;D :

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PA6HYvaXdHU[/media]

In a sense of decency I deleted my post but glad you saw it.

There is nobody that I have seen yet that can beat Mr Jinx from "Date Movie", especially his match at the end. Toilet humour at its best.

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyLFhr2GSrk[/media]

Clay Davis had this to say:
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1dnqKGuezo[/media]
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: rukkus on March 26, 2013, 08:04:35 PM
I have a nespresso machine. Its one of the most used things in the house.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Ciderhead on March 26, 2013, 08:10:07 PM
I use them in the hotels I stay in but can never get the water warm enough :(
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: rukkus on March 26, 2013, 09:02:59 PM
You have to heat the cup / mug first ;)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Ciderhead on March 26, 2013, 10:51:25 PM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Garry on March 27, 2013, 09:13:35 AM
I'm still using kits. Might brew a few more tins of nescafe before taking the plunge to AG  :D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: johnrm on March 31, 2013, 08:13:01 PM
 ;D
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: johnrm on June 23, 2013, 11:00:52 AM
I picked up an aeropress.
Hmmm...
It's ok, but I get a better coffee from my espresso machine.
Any recommendations on beans/grind for it? I have a grinder.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: LordEoin on June 23, 2013, 02:10:46 PM
Try here (http://maps.google.ie/?ll=51.898127,-8.469751&spn=0.001322,0.003484&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.898075,-8.469992&panoid=DGtwyehqG_n3AXqUlICkDA&cbp=12,135.53,,1,12.42)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: johnrm on June 23, 2013, 06:15:03 PM
I assume there is a Bean store behind the scaffdolding!
I'll wander in over lunch Monday.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: LordEoin on June 23, 2013, 06:29:23 PM
Yup yup, they were pretty good as far as I remember. You can also try here (http://maps.google.ie/?ll=51.901359,-8.470185&spn=0.001322,0.003484&t=m&z=19&layer=c&cbll=51.901455,-8.470159&panoid=5Gzb5NDIPlNLriOBzVwYfA&cbp=12,66.11,,0,0.83), not been in there but I think they do the same
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: johnrm on June 23, 2013, 07:17:38 PM
I'm at the bottom of a bag of Cork Coffee Roasters Growler.
I'm not a Coffee Connoisseur, but I still like good coffee.
I like Americanos - Shot of Espresso, topped off with hot water.
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Eoin on June 24, 2013, 10:39:45 AM
So have any of you drank civet poop coffee ever?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak

(http://realkopiluwak.com/wp-content/uploads/Luwak-pooh.jpg)

Not so appetising really :)
Title: Re: Espresso Machines
Post by: Eoin on June 24, 2013, 10:46:56 AM
Quote from: Il Tubo on June 24, 2013, 10:45:28 AM
Coffee made with that was reviewed on the radio a few months ago. They said it tasted like shite. No pun intended!

Well at least it does what it says on the tin, so that'd be the good shit they tried :)