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Coffee Snobs Home Truths

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  • au_d2
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Originally posted by 042B22203708242B24222028202B31450 link=1224157582/44#44 date=1241482797

    Considering the ongoing requests for info and many wishing to obtain more info...

    1:  Location and other info ? should be part of the sign up (Y/N)

    2:  Sticky or  Primary Level  section with Fixed Topics... Covering off on much of the great work done by other previous to this post...  

    Just my 2 cents worth...
    How about its own Clickable TAB .. Home/ Help/ Search/ .... n00bs [ ]

    Leave a comment:


  • A_M
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Originally posted by 404A5F4848475355260 link=1224157582/43#43 date=1225084353
    OK, its growing. Andy has suggested overcoming the character limit by spreading over several  posts. Didnt stipulate what, but I imagine General, Coffee Equipment and Coffee Roasting would be the topics in question. So I would need expert help on adding the info to these.

    Under Coffee Equipment perhaps have the following categories:
    Manual equipment
    Sub-$1000 Espresso Machines   (I think it worthwhile having the manual equipment as a separate category)
    Single boiler Machines >$1000
    Heat Exchanger Machines
    Double Boiler Machines
    Commercial Espresso Machines
    Automatci Coffee Machines
    Grinder - domestic
    Grinder - Commercial (not sure if two categories are needed)

    Under Coffee Roasting I suggest these as a possible starting point:
    Coffee Bean Primer
    Single Origin Coffees
    Coffee Blends
    Home Roasting Method
    Home Roasting Equipment

    As far as a wiki goes this probably wont happen so consider it off the table. We need to work within the current YaBB limitations.


    Considering the ongoing requests for info and many wishing to obtain more info...

    1: Location and other info ? should be part of the sign up (Y/N)

    2: Sticky or Primary Level section with Fixed Topics... Covering off on much of the great work done by other previous to this post...

    Just my 2 cents worth...

    Leave a comment:


  • flynnaus
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    OK, its growing. Andy has suggested overcoming the character limit by spreading over several posts. Didnt stipulate what, but I imagine General, Coffee Equipment and Coffee Roasting would be the topics in question. So I would need expert help on adding the info to these.

    Under Coffee Equipment perhaps have the following categories:
    Manual equipment
    Sub-$1000 Espresso Machines (I think it worthwhile having the manual equipment as a separate category)
    Single boiler Machines >$1000
    Heat Exchanger Machines
    Double Boiler Machines
    Commercial Espresso Machines
    Automatci Coffee Machines
    Grinder - domestic
    Grinder - Commercial (not sure if two categories are needed)

    Under Coffee Roasting I suggest these as a possible starting point:
    Coffee Bean Primer
    Single Origin Coffees
    Coffee Blends
    Home Roasting Method
    Home Roasting Equipment

    As far as a wiki goes this probably wont happen so consider it off the table. We need to work within the current YaBB limitations.


    Leave a comment:


  • flynnaus
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    More that "Coffee Snobs Home Truths" are what we believe is good advice rather than what we say is the ultimate truth.

    Leave a comment:


  • beanflying
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Truths like the best coffee is made with water in the 91-93 degree temp. rather than an absolute answer or 92.5 It would be like placing a comment on the best machine a HX and not a DB ;D Keep the content fairly general and simple to avoid the your wrong I am right attitude is important.

    Simple title like "Coffee for Trainee Snobs", "Coffee Primer for Snobs" ....

    Leave a comment:


  • flynnaus
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Agreed. I would keep this thread or the other usual CS threads going as a discussion area. When something is considered worthy of becoming a CS Home Truth then it can be moved to the new area.

    I dont think Truth can be separated from Coffee Snobs as it isnt absolute, just what CSers agree on. Coffee Snobs Home Truths is a somewhat whimsical title I thought might be fitting for the thread, not an indication of its overall veracity. But who am I to question the greater knowledge of the CS cogniscenti? 8-)

    Leave a comment:


  • beanflying
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    What is started here to my way of thinking is not designed for discussion "truth" is in the title so it needs to be general and uncomplicated and correct (ie not up for discussion or questioning) so a limited wiki or certainly locked threads are in order BUT ...

    An overall monitored comments or suggestions section would be in order so it stays a living and up to date document. So many items on the web that start with great ideals finish up dated fairly quickly especially with hyperlinks are concerned. So no disecting of each post by the masses.

    A CS Wiki is sounding more and more like a good idea.

    Leave a comment:


  • flynnaus
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Thanks.

    As posts have a 5500 car limit (icl. YaBB code) there wasnt much more I could add to it.

    I think the in-depth material such as what BF and Luca have put forward could be spread over different posts where it has thematic relevance but it is then more difficult to administer when editing is required. I have emailed Andy and suggested a Coffee Snobs Home Truths Forum - a completely new section containing both the above faqs and the in-depth stuff.

    If we have a wiki, I dont think it should be open to all but to those with good knowledge of an area (and I dont include myself in that description)

    Leave a comment:


  • Koffee_Kosmo
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Looking good so far
    And agree with BF to link on expanded info
    KK

    Leave a comment:


  • beanflying
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Hi Flynn,

    I sent Andy an email about the yabb code question and "The content might not live in YABB… it might go in a wiki or similar but I’ll wait for the content creation and bedding-down before I decide where it lives." was his thoughts so maybe a little more structured might be in order.

    Looks like about the correct level of text for each of the initial sections. It might read even easier if it was put into sections of perhaps the following would suit a Wiki type page better.

    Coffee, Beans & Storage
    Storage dos and donts. (what you have is fine)
    Bean Types - Aribica, Robusta & blends.
    Home Roasting - mention it can be as simple as a bowl and wooden spoon and heat to small commercial automated roasters or home made. then refer to more info section.

    Brew Equipment & Methods -
    Instant - YUCK still deserves a mention and why it is evil
    Manual - what you have is a good starting point then link to methods (such as Lucas posts) and even a good utube video of a Syphon method.
    Semi Auto Machines and then link to methods (Milk, Late Art, Grind, Tamping etc along with basic errors) also good utube video links for the different detail sections.
    Fully Automatic - you get what you pay for and maintainence intensive issues.

    Grinders
    Manual
    Electric Blade types and why they are best avoided
    Electric Conical or Flat Burr types (what you have is good maybe just mention figures of $200 - $1000+ ?)

    Just my thoughts but while refering to a specific forum section is great the content will bamboozle most newbies so referring them to a specific well thought and concise post on each of the sections is a better thing to do (where available) as well as referring them to the specific forum section might be best.

    Leave a comment:


  • vasanna
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    hi flynn,
    This is a well thought out and easy to understand  Q and A .As a relative newbie here ( still think i will be on p plates for years  he he )
    So much of your time and effort has gone into this post.
    I find the helpful folks here at CS a wonderful source of info and encouragement . well done flynn and all other members who contributed to this informative project.
    Makes us newbies  feel better informed and makes our coffee journey a little less intimidating.
    happy sippin vasanna  ;D

    Leave a comment:


  • flynnaus
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    OK folks. The draft list of Coffee Snobs Home Truths. This is about as much as I can fit into a single post. There isnt room to fit Lucas suggestions for answers to storage and brewing methods. Will need to link to these posts I think

    What sort of machine should I buy?
    First you need to tell us a few facts to help us such as your budget, coffee preferences (short or long black, latte, cappuccino, etc), how much coffee you consume daily.

    If you are new to the world of coffee, we suggest you spend some time looking through some of the Brewing Equipment threads to get an idea of what others have bought and their experiences.

    If you are still confused then your best bet is to look at the list of sponsors on the left. Many sponsors have a range of coffee equipment set up in their shops. You could look at a range of options and possibly even try out a few. Our sponsors are very experienced and knowledgeable and only too happy to help. And guess what? You may even get a CoffeeSnobs discount on your first purchase.

    How much should I spend on a good espresso maker?
    This is up to you. Espresso machines can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand. Having an expensive machine is no guarantee of superior coffee making. You can also get very nice coffee from plunger or filter coffee. Many Coffee Snob members are also using manual espresso making equipment with excellent results. See the next question.
    However, your most important purchase could be a coffee grinder. Freshly ground coffee from a good quality grinder is more likely to provide a great cup of coffee than using pre-ground coffee.

    I have a coffee plunger/filter. Should I buy an espresso machine?
    No, it isnt necessary. Manual equipment is capable of making excellent coffee and some members with expensive espresso machines swear by this kind of equipment. It is the quality of the bean which is the biggest factor in the quality of cup of coffee. Some other options are siphon, stovetop, Aeropress and Presso

    What sort of grinder should I buy?
    If you are considering upgrading your current coffee making equipment then a good grinder should be your first consideration as this may improve the coffee produced from your current brewing equipment. Generally speaking buy the best grinder you can afford! Have a look in the Grinder forum for ideas.

    What grinder you buy can depend on how much coffee you intend to make. High volumes of coffee need a grinder that will be able to cope with the work. Our sponsors (listed on the left) will be able to provide you with the correct advice on a range of machines at varying prices. Avoid the blade kind also used for grinding spice. Prices can vary but if you are lucky you might get a bargain from the Coffee Hardware for Sale section.

    What about hand grinders?
    Certainly, these can be suitable but take a more effort and time to produce ground coffee. Buy a good one. Zassenhaus is the better brand of hand grinder to look out for - available for around A$100

    What is the best coffee to buy?
    Everyone has different tastes. What tastes good to someone may not suit your tastebuds. Try different brands. Whatever you settle on, it should be freshly roasted. Coffee beans can be stored for up to 3 or 4 weeks after they have been roasted.

    Should I store my beans in the fridge or freezer?
    Not recommended. Coffee contains volatile oils which create the flavour. Not storing your beans carefully may reduce or even ruin the flavour. Store your beans in an airtight container kept in a cupboard. The resealable bags that your beans were sold in are also OK to store your beans in for a short time.
    Remember the "Rule of 3" for bean storage: 3 YEARS for green beans. 3 WEEKS for roasted. 3 MINUTES for ground.

    Many here roast their own beans.  What should I do when the Home Roasting Bug Bites?
    Home roasting is not for everyone, but the cost savings are substantial not to mention the opportunity of having the freshest beans always on hand for your espresso pleasure.
    Search the Home Roasting threads for ideas to get you started.
    Green Beans are available from Bean Bay

    Help. I have a good machine and grinder but I still cant make good coffee
    Dont worry. Learning to use a new machine will take practice and patience if you are not familiar with making coffee. There are a number of factors involved in achieving a great tasting coffee. The best thing to do is to book into a Home Baristra course as offered by many of our sponsors listed on the left.

    How do I steam milk?
    This depends on your machine but check here for some good tips.

    How do I make latte art?
    This also takes a lot of practice but starts with having the milk steamed in the right way. Attending a latte art course is recommended

    Leave a comment:


  • Dimal
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Originally posted by beanflying link=1224157582/20#32 date=1224640551
    Is this enabled or possible to be enabled on this forum?
    See above.....
    Originally posted by Mal link=1224157582/20#30 date=1224594382
    Id suggest dropping Andy an email with these questions to see whats the easiest thing to do for now, and then let us all know.
    Mal.

    Leave a comment:


  • beanflying
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    Yabb Code issue?

    I have seen that some Yabb versions allow [iurl] ... [/iurl] as a code this would then go to the post in the same page rather than opening a new page like the code above. It would then just skip down to the mentioned post.

    Is this enabled or possible to be enabled on this forum?

    Leave a comment:


  • Koffee_Kosmo
    replied
    Re: Coffee Snobs Home Truths

    I have been thinking about Lucas comment
    I can see both points Quick and easy guide or Detailed Guide

    They are both equally important
    The only way that I can see for it to work is a marriage or combination of both

    If one has more penmanship than me the solution is simple
    The answer came to me when I tested Beanflyings (post 26 link)

    I hope this will work ?? as it is achievable

    The quick and easy answer to a particular heading should be formulated in this way
    The easy guide should form the first part of the complete answer

    The more detailed answer is a continuation of the easy guide

    This detailed answer to be linked like BFs suggestion

    I imagine would be of interest to newbie’s to at least consider. Particularly if they are also interested in home roasting
    For mechanical things such as roasters the CS posts have so much information including guides it is easier to link to it

    It is dependent on the readers own ability to build or to buy a device for roasting

    KK

    Leave a comment:

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