Help me choose cheap beans

[CoffeeNewb1]

After quite a few failed attempts at finding the right beans I thought I'd better consult with the pros. Having recently tried the expensive roasters I'm trying to find the closest substitute that'll be friendly to my student budget. I realise the mass-market old roast beans are not going to match the local ones but I'm willing to compromise.
In my opinion most brands do a pretty bad job at describing the flavour palate, it's almost like a horoscope, any description applies to any other coffee.

Ones I've tried this week, with descriptions from the websites...I'm leaning towards the more acidic I think
Perfect: 5Senses - Harvest: Clean, elegant acidity & sweet finish
Very close: Loaded Coffee - Seasonal blend:Fudge, stone fruit and berry. Stewed orange acidity following into a cherry and cacao finish
Pretty bad: Rubra - Chantico: Smooth and sensuous blend (??!)

Cheaper options
Lavazza - Arabica Gold -
- Il Perfetto
- Tierra Intenso
Harris - Reserve Colombian
- Espresso


Sorry if this comes off as a rant, but now that I'm hooked on a good cup of espresso I'm just desperate to find a cheaper alternative haha
Thanks in advance!

[Barry O'Speedwagon]

Where are you located and how are you making the coffee (i.e. what machine / device, what grinder)?

[shortblackman]

I don't roast coffee. Many on here do, though. It's a very cheap way to drink coffee, fun ( well , I've tried it once) , and you don't have to spend a fortune on equipment . Back to the experts, though.

[TOK]

In Australia, and in consideration of the kind of coffee our market now expects, the coffees you listed under the heading "Cheaper options" are actually extremely expensive at any price because after you brew the first cup you will understand the necessity to run out and buy something else that is more palatable.

Too often people are trying to buy and drink fancy labels. We dont know where you are, but I would suggest trying any established professional roaster local to you. I also advise buying/trying a roaster's "house blends" instead of their most expensive or "fancy" origins, for the reason that a good pro roaster will put out a range of blends made with good "FAQ" ingredients that make good drinking.

Remember, whatever you buy, FRESH IS BEST, you need to brew it properly for whatever method you are using, and you need to have a good/ suitable grinder. Buy beans not grinds, & buy regularly so the coffee doesnt go stale on your watch (ie dont stockpile, its counterproductive).

Hope that helps.

[CoffeeNewb1]

Thanks for the reply guys.
I completely realise that the brands that I listed won't hold a candle to a fresh local roast, just thought there might be a 'sleeper' blend that some of you may like.

I'm in Perth and use a Sunbeam em7000 with a basic Bialetti blade grinder.

[Sketchy]

You could try Dimatini in Osbourne park. Good range of blends and SO to try.

[Javaphile]

I'm in Perth and use...a basic Bialetti blade grinder.

The best thing you can to to improve what's in the cup would be to buy a burr grinder. Using a whirlybird grinder just doesn't cut it.


Java "Bad equipment = bad coffee" phile

[CoffeeNewb1]

A burr grinder is definitely on my purchase list.
I think I should've emphasised my student life atm..... 'champagne lifestyle on a beer budget'

[Javaphile]

Even with good beans you won't get a great espresso using a smash'em up grinder. First things first. Get a burr grinder, then worry about the beans.

Put up a Wanted to Buy ad in the For Sale section explaining your position and stating how much you can afford to pay. You might be surprised at the responses you get.


Java "Gotta have a burr!" phile

[CoffeeNewb1]

Thanks Java "burr is a must" phile...I'll get on it

[saoye]

Quite a few sunbeam cafe series owners and they are known to be able to deliver decent espresso shots, but without a burr grinder you have no chance to get anything decent no matter how much you tamp and try to squeeze into the portafilter. Since you have a sunbeam why not try finding a used EM0480? You can pick one up upwards of $50 if you look out for them. Even the EM0450 is reasonable. These are conical burrs and really do a good job for the price. I've used both EM0480 and EM0450 and both are more than able to grind espresso with the consistency you need. No need to break the bank.

[hamm]

+1 on buying a burr grinder. Will definitely make the biggest difference in your setup. Then you can more accurately narrow down what beans you like/dislike.

As said before, even the cheapest like the sunbeam em0450/480 will do fine look for one second hand in the snob 'hardware for sale' forum!

[CoffeeNewb1]

Ok resounding Yes to upgrading my grinder.

However, the budget beans question still remains. Surely there are a couple of brands (when used with a burr grinder) which have the flavour profile that I mention in the op?

[shortblackman]

When you talk about brands, nothing from a supearket could be considered reliable in what you're after. I'd have thought ( from the other side of the country) that anything from a local roaster would be a bargain at $13 per 250g.
If you find a small roaster, experiment with their range til you find what pleases you.

difficult to provide quality coffee for less than that I imagine, and it seems to me like you're ready for quality.

[CoffeeNewb1]

Yeah probably time to face that I've got the bug haha...I'll start with 5 Senses. Thanks!