Affordable cupping supplies

[Vinitasse]

Hi there... I am looking for 2 dozen cupping bowls and would like to know if anyone knows of a wholesaler, or retailer, that sells them in bulk for a good price. In the absence of finding affordable (under $5 ea) cupping bowls has anyone had any success with reasonable facimiles? Any suggestions?

Also, I need a few cupping spoons. Apparently the choices are Sterling, silver plate or stainless. What are the pros and cons of each and which way would you go? Other than "official" cupping spoons how substitutable would cream soup spoons be? Suggestions again please.

Thanks heaps.

[acoggins]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

You could give site sponsor coffeeparts a call. I cant see anything listed on their website, but theyd be the most obvious site sponsor to sell them.

Failing that, theres an American based company selling cupping bowls for USD2.89 each, which at the moment is about 1 for 1 in terms of cost. Google Espresso and Parts and you should find them.

Cupping spoons are deeper than a soup spoon and the plating on the outside is meant to not interfere with the flavour of the coffee. You could use soup spoons, but I think youre better off getting the real deal.

[TC]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

I think that if the real McCoy is too exxy, you will need to find a substitute or import them in bulk (by the pallet?) and then try to auction some as our buy prices are quite a lot more than a fiver.

Buying a few from the US most probably wont work as shipping will gobble up the savings and thats assuming they arrive intact.

Roasting parafernalia does cost as its a relatively specialised (small retail quantity, large import volumes + local costs). These are one off costs and in the big picture, the effort of saving $50-100 is eaten up by the time wasted trying to save it.

We can get them, but not for $5 I am afraid.

Chris

[beanflying]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

I saw cupping spoons at $20 each in Melbourne yesterday

For spoons do the rounds of the local op shops old silverplate soup spoons will be a good size I reckon and they dont really need to match.

Drop Market Lane a line along with the pourover cones they are sourcing they may have been bringing in bowls too.

Espresso parts in the US did have some bulk packs on offer but as Chris mentioned possible breakage and shipping will chew into any savings.

[Dennis]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

Look here: http://www.bomborasupplies.com.au/home.php?cat=8532

Around $10 for the cups and $6 for the spoons, plus delivery.

As youre in Melbourne, and Bomora are wholesalers, if you ask Chris nicely he might get them in for you?

[TC]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

Look here: http://www.bomborasupplies.com.au/home.php?cat=8532

Around $10 for the cups and $6 for the spoons, plus delivery.

As youre in Melbourne, and Bomora are wholesalers, if you ask Chris nicely he might get them in for you?

We have about 10 in stock. Issue is that we dont sell stuff at well under cost price. A wise bloke once told me you go broke when you do that :

[Wushoes]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

Check your local Chinese bargain shops. Theyll have bowls that are cupping size for around about $2 each!

As for spoons, just use regular soup spoons. They work and theyre cheap. Otherwise youre up for $$$ for silver plated spoons. I own 2 silver plated spoons and theyre both tarnished to buggery because I havent polished them in a long long time and they cost me a shite load of money. Of course you can buff them back to normal

[Vinitasse]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

Thanks for the input guys... time for some shopping

What about the whole silver vs stainless issue? Wouldnt stainless be more neutral than silver taste wise?

[ccc2]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

Unless your palate is very developed (experienced) from years of cupping, you wont notice the difference in spoons to any great extent.

You are more likely to have difficulties in variables related to achieving correct roast level (for cupping), grind and ratio of coffee to hot water and of course how to "suck it up". These are the more important things to focus upon and even after doing it 200 times, you still may not be getting it right.

Cupping bowls are just a certain size and shape that makes it easy for the person filling up the bowl with hot water and for when you break the crust.

The alternative is to get a plastic jug with measurement index on the side, so you know how much water is dispensed, or simply put a painted mark on your bowls for the fill level.

Or, if you want to be serious, just spend the money as it really is minor in comparison to other costs associated with running a commercial coffee business.

[Vinitasse]

Re: Affordable cupping supplies

As a certified Sommelier and wine maker with 20 years in the trade I am pretty certain my palate is up to the challenge of cupping and I certainly look forward to many years of programming my palate with the plethora of tastes, sensations and aromas that the noble arabica bean has on offer. I certainly appreciate the need for maintaining standards for a consistency in cupping sessions and will abide by your suggestions to get it right from the get go.

Still curious though... why are sterling silver spoons the historical standard anyway? Doesnt silver oxidize far more than stainless thus imparting a greater level of impurities into the cupping experience?