After comments in another thread about the quality of advice offered at times I figured it was time we created a list of "Coffee Snobs Home (Barista) Truths" which is the sort of standard FAQs that you often see on other forums advising new people to read before posting the usual questions we get. Perhaps these could be placed in a sticky and Andy puts a link to these in his autogreeting message.
OK I also know that these are also often not read so someone will ask that question anyway but I thought it might also be useful to hone some of the advice offered so at least its consistent. Even so, it might assist the lurkers who are afraid to ask. I must say that CS is one of the friendliest forums I have ever participated in. Fire extinguishers rarely get a work out - very civilized. Anyway, here goes, feel free to add or correct anything I contribute
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.
However, 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.
However, we all agree that your most important purchase could be a coffee grinder. Freshly ground coffee from a good qulaity grinder is more likely to provide a great cup of coffee than using pre-ground coffee.
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.
It should be a good quality burr grinder, not the blade kind that may also be used for grinding spice. The type of grinder you buy also depends 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.
Prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand but if you are lucky you might get a bargain from the Coffee Hardware for Sale section.
What is the best coffee to buy?
Everyone has different tastes so what tastes good to someone may not suit your tastebuds. However, whatever you settle on, it should be freshly roasted. Coffee beans are generally at their best for up to 3 or 4 weeks after they have been roasted. They need to stored properly too.
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. Beans are often sold in resealable bags that have a one-way valve. These are also OK to store your beans in.You can also buy containers which allow you to pump out the air.
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.
(thanks for the tip KK!)
OK I also know that these are also often not read so someone will ask that question anyway but I thought it might also be useful to hone some of the advice offered so at least its consistent. Even so, it might assist the lurkers who are afraid to ask. I must say that CS is one of the friendliest forums I have ever participated in. Fire extinguishers rarely get a work out - very civilized. Anyway, here goes, feel free to add or correct anything I contribute
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.
However, 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.
However, we all agree that your most important purchase could be a coffee grinder. Freshly ground coffee from a good qulaity grinder is more likely to provide a great cup of coffee than using pre-ground coffee.
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.
It should be a good quality burr grinder, not the blade kind that may also be used for grinding spice. The type of grinder you buy also depends 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.
Prices can range from a couple of hundred dollars to several thousand but if you are lucky you might get a bargain from the Coffee Hardware for Sale section.
What is the best coffee to buy?
Everyone has different tastes so what tastes good to someone may not suit your tastebuds. However, whatever you settle on, it should be freshly roasted. Coffee beans are generally at their best for up to 3 or 4 weeks after they have been roasted. They need to stored properly too.
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. Beans are often sold in resealable bags that have a one-way valve. These are also OK to store your beans in.
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.
(thanks for the tip KK!)
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