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Koffee_Kosmo · July 2011

on 1311282450:

hi all, I registered here a while ago but i'm going to try to post more often from now on. You all seem like such a nice bunch - Richard Manley

A warm welcome Rival81 KK

beanflying · July 2011

The forum is at risk of being overrun by Queenslanders

Welcome anyway.

cheers Tim who is just jealous of the winter climate up there.

Brett H · July 2011

on 1311300124:

The forum is at risk of being overrun by Queenslanders Welcome anyway. cheers Tim who is just jealous of the winter climate up there.

Mate, it is honest to God cold enough up here at the moment to freeze a Cane Toad in the shade. The temperature fair dinkum got lower than the 20's yesterday! ;D

Cuppacoffee · July 2011

Brett, you had me going there for a minute! :-[ ;D

Lacehim · July 2011

Still no QLD social organised yet though...

Welcome to all the new folk. I missed all the excitement of late. I've been entertaining family visiting from the UK.

Aktion · July 2011

G'day peeps, Newby from Melbourne. Looking forward to learning from the pros.

Koffee_Kosmo · July 2011

on 1311852001:

G'day peeps, Newby from Melbourne. Looking forward to learning from the pros.

Welcome to crema forum Aktion, glad you are on board KK

Aktion · July 2011

on 1311853647:

Welcome... Interesting User Name ? Care to give us a hint as to your coffee background and what your interested in... As some might be true professionals the rest of us are just here because we think we know coffee ;D

background: I spend more hours drinking coffee than attending lectures. Eventually I graduated and that's the last time I enjoyed a better than "good" coffee. 15+ years later I got my hands on a borrowed giotto. That rekindled my love for coffee. (eventually I'll have to return it, or purchase it) interested in: Brewing a shot better than 98% of the Cafes I've been. interested in: Roasting coffee that works for ME. To reflect my taste and mood... I should be getting delivery of a KKTO in a week or so. Thanks Paul. nickname: yours is more intriguing, than a plain... Aktion. It comes from RC background, the K comes from my cultural background. Thanks for the warm welcome

Koffee_Kosmo · July 2011

And I thought that it was a European version of Action as in (Action Man) ;D You will have great fun roasting coffee KK

Bad Latte · July 2011

Ola! I am a cliche writer who loves his coffee. I love being up in the morning, but I can rarely gather the will to do so, until the possibility of a fresh coffee is on the table, then I'm up before I even know I'm awake. I've found that when working in bars and cafes, almost every staff member will have a different way of making coffee, and each tells you to ignore the others. I'm glad there are places online like this where people know what they're talking about when it comes to coffee - I am keen to learn everything I can to better my skills. Oh, and also my name is Chris. Nice to meet you all!

Koffee_Kosmo · July 2011

Welcome on board Chris What books have you written so I can help out with a purchase and put few pennies in your pocket KK

Bunghulio! · August 2011

G'day everyone

I am a noob when it comes to everything about coffee, except ofc drinking waaay too much of it (arguably).

Suffering serious injuries including a broken neck recently I've had to cut down on my intake of another favoured brew of mine, Beer. :D Have been brewing on and off for about 10yrs now and It's a great hobby to have. Brewing good coffee has many similarities it seems ... albeit that the brewing time is significantly shorter.

Now that I am living on Painkillers to get by I'm finding that any more than a few Beers makes me feel sick, so I am now drinking large quantities of coffee to replace the previous habit ... probably an average of 30 cups a day. (I have always indulged in numerous coffees per day, never quite this much though). Unfortunatly it is Instant Coffee I am drinking currently. :o But I am dedicated to changing that ! ... Starting from today :D It was actually a few days ago. I was thinking about my Life and everything in it ... thinking of ways to improve it whilst also Saving some dollars at the same time. (I know that to some people this would seem impossible as so many feel they need More money to improve their lives .. but I don't see it that way).

I've owned a plunger and dripper or two before and tried a variety of grinds available at the supermarket and elsewhere ... but since my last plunger cracked I've been on the Instant again (for years). SO the other night I had a bit of a 'light bulb moment' (plz excuse the phrase) and decided to see if anyone sold Fresh Coffee Beans online .. starting with Ebay. Well Ebay didn't quite have anything of Interest to me but I found the 'MyCuppa' site and excitedly realized that they were selling what I was after .. and at a seemingly reasonable price.

I looked around for some more alternatives but couldn't really find any ... Was a spot of good luck that the best I found was the first I found. (Not to say there are no other contenders and maybe I'll get some more input about that here). So I'm just going to order a 4-pack (today) to try a few different blends. Will also buy a Plunger today if I can manage to get the bus to the shopping centre. (Is there any 'bushie' or DIY method for brewing coffee if I can't get one today?) Anyway ... While looking for more info I came across this site ... and although it appears I may be a little 'out of my element' around here for now ... I figured I may aswell sign up and say hello as I will inevitably have questions about the entire process and how I can improve the brew that ends up in my Cup. :D I am interested in the process, aswell as the final result ... (much like many of my hobbies come to think of it) ... also interested in Fresh Organic Produce , Natural Medicines, Nutrition, Health and the like, to which Coffee relates for me. Although Ground (over Instant) usually turns out stronger and therefore impacts the liver more, I feel that Freshly Ground coffee has other health advantages over Insant. I was recommended to drink, at the very least, Pre-Ground coffee (if not Freshly Ground) over Instant by a Nutritionalist years ago for some quite important reasons relating to the liver and general health but I cannot remember the exact details. I have the added disadvantage now of also losing my spleen in the accident and I have not been feeling at all well and totally lethargic. A few lifestyle changes are needed .. especially nutritional .. so what better way to start than with the beverage I consume the most of now, Coffee! (oh, you guessed it was coffee didn't you)

. heheheh ;D Well, I think I've probably typed enough for now ... Plz forgive my erratic writings ... I am tired and have run out of coffee lol. :D I might not post very much initially as my PC is on the fritz and I am waiting for a new one. I look forward to gaining a better insight into all things coffee and I'm sure I'll be able to benefit from the collective wisdom of the members here. Thankyou for hosting such a friendly site and I look forward to learning and conversing more ... into the future. My other interests are too numerous to mention here ... Music and Guitars, Gardening, Reading, Writing, Science, Technology, Fishing & Camping, Brewing, Martial Arts, Philosophy, Movies, Gaming, People and Conversation are just a few of them ... maybe I'll elaborate a little more next time.

For now I have got to go ... and get some Coffee. Cheers All ... Glad to make your aquaintance.

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

Mate your very welcome on Crema No doubt we will we will get to know you better in time The 5 easiest ways to make coffee is 1) French Press or plunger 2) Pourover through a filter 3) Syphon 4) Cold press 5) Greek / Turkish style For a good cup of coffee with any method, it is important that you use 1) fresh beans & ground fresh before you make it 2) water temperature Water to hot = burnt coffee Water to cool = sour coffee Temperature should be in the range of 89 to 92 C As an easy reference boil your jug and let it sit a few minutes rather than pour while still boiling Thats all for now KK

UNM · August 2011

Firstly welcome. Secondly you need to cut down your instant coffee consumption by approximately 30 cups a day. Thirdly, there are many ways of brewing, but one method requiring minimal equipment is: Take one part coffee to four part water at room temp. Place in a container overnight. Pour off the extract (can strain through a paper towel if desired). Enjoy diluted with water to taste. Can be served hot or cold. Don't know what your mobility is like, but you can grind beans yourself with a mortar and pestle, rolling pin, or even a mallet. Theres plenty other ways, you just need to get creative.

Bunghulio! · August 2011

Wow, Thankyou everyone for the warm welcome

I am learning already thanks to your informative posts ... Unfortunatly I couldn't get to the Shops today ... too unwell ... but tomorrow is a definate (Can't go another day without, Drinking cheap tea atm, yuck!) and will pick up a plunger and possibly a grinder if I can find one under about $30. I did just Place my order at MyCuppa though for these: http://www.mycuppa.com.au/4x500-variety.html Got a reply from the fella and he seems very friendly ... (Is that one of you guyz?)

He's going to grind just a portion for me incase I don't have grinder yet ... although I just remembered after replying that a mate left his Mortar & Pestle here and It's a huge (2L maybe) quality one so That will work.

Hi Koffee Kosmo, The 5 easiest ways to make coffee is: 1) French Press or plunger ... Yes, this is how I will be starting off as it's cheap

2) Pourover through a filter ... Totally forgot about filters, thanx fort the remind. 3) Syphon ... Hmmm, curious! :o heheh, will have to read up on that. 4) Cold press ... Again ... will have to read more about it. 5) Greek / Turkish style .... Same as above.

For a good cup of coffee with any method, it is important that you use 1) fresh beans & ground fresh before you make it ... Understood. ;D 2) water temperature ... This is one of those things that one picks up on through trial and error me thinks ... Have been aware of this for a long while.

Water to hot = burnt coffee ... Yep, I am not a fan of Bitter coffee, always cool the water for a minute or 2 after the Boil. In fact, I have always added milk first (to Instant) for this reason ... I know It's not 'proper' to have Milk and even sugar for some ... But I know what I like. All I can say is that .. the better the coffee .. the more drinkable I find it Without Milk & Sugar.

My habits may change yet though. Water to cool = sour coffee ... Didn't really know this ... but now you mention it I think I've recognized this before ... though it is probably rarely a factor.

Temperature should be in the range of 89 to 92 C - Important information no doubt ... Like Beer and whatnot, brewing temps are essential. :D Thanks mate ... pleased to make your aquaintance. And Hi UNM, Thanks for the welcome ... and this: "Secondly you need to cut down your instant coffee consumption by approximately 30 cups a day." ... lol, your not wrong there! ;D heheheh I will try out your method, most definatly ... never seen that done. As for my mobility ... It's not too bad thanx, I'm very lucky in that aspect (although as I had to point out to many after the accident "It would have been luckier If I wasn't actually IN a Car Accident.

Heheh, to which ofc they can only agree. No doubt I'll elaborate on what happened another time ... as It's such a defining factor of my life now. (Happy to still be here to tell the tale ofc)

And Hello AngerManagement, Fresh is Best, Fresh is Best, Fresh is Best!!! :D Yes, I no doubt agree with you ... on more levels than one.

I saw those wooden box grinders on Ebay and my initial thought was that they seemed overpriced also ... actually I had exactly the same thought of possibly picking them up from Vinnies or similar for a much cheaper price. I have that mortar (Kaboom!) and pestle so that will do in the meantime. I was looking at Electric ones but wouldn't know where to start ... Was thinking of ordering a Cuisinart Coffee Grinder ... on sale for $50 ... I think they are usually $70 and up ... Is this worth the money?? http://www.kitchenwaredirect.com.au/Coffee-Tea/Coffee-Grinders/Cuisinart-Coffee-Grind-Central

RichardM · August 2011

Ok, you've said a lot in your post, but I'll focus on the grinder aspect. Blade grinders (which that one you have linked is) are bad for two reasons - they generate heat through the beans on contact, and they don't grind evenly enough. What you are looking for is a Burr Grinder. To be honest, the mortar and pestle would be fine as long as you have fine enough filters - or you can just pour hot (not boiling) water over it, and let it settle in the cup which is "Turkish coffee". Just don't buy a blade grinder - no matter what - If you can get a Sunbeam EM0480/450 for about $100 second hand that would be the best bet if you're skimping. Jeff from mycuppa is very active on these forums, and he appreciates feedback, and really has a passion for what he does.

Bunghulio! · August 2011

Continued from previous post ... Woah! ... PC is going haywire ::) ::) ::) I never even posted that, it did it automatically lol (at least I didn't lose it all) Was basically finished anyway

Just wanted your opinions on that grinder if you would be so kind ... I guess I don't mind spending $50 if it's worth it. This is a 'low-heat' blade grinder as opposed to the conical burr grinders (which I gather are better). but it is stainless steel so it will be easy to clean when necessary (and looks nice too) :D Are there better machines at this price? And may aswell finish replying ... A: Couple of heaped tea spoons of fine ground roasted beans ... Almost but not quite turkish Wink - I'll find out .. but is 'Turkish' here referring to the fine grind? B: Add a sugar or two Shocked ... heheh, no doubt I will

C: Add water off the boil ( as per KK's comment above) ... will do. D: Let it Bloom - The Coffee Bloom is when hot water is poured over newly roasted ground coffee. Due to the freshness of the coffee, chemical reactions takes place that cause the release of CO2 which leads to a sudsy bubbling of the grounds Grin Grin Grin Grin ... niiice, can't wait.

E: Give it a soft stir (Some say to the left other say the right Shocked ) - and what .. good sir, do you say? (I usually go both ways ... ahem) ;D F: Let it sit and the grinds and bloom will settle out Cool - No filter? G: Sip or gulp, depending on the need BUT NEVER DRINK THE MUD Shocked Roll Eyes Grin Grin - lol, I will not drink the mud ... Yuck! Actually I always used to hate coffee from cafes and the like ... to me it always tasted like mud/dirt. The general quality has improved 100 fold these days with the advent of Barista courses becoming common. (My oldest friend got interested before most in the area actually and still teaches all the cafe's around the local area, best coffee I've had ... and what little I know learnt from him ... He got into it so much he even built an outdoor 'Coffee Bar' on the deck above the pool (very Tahitian Resort-Like ... or something like that ... awesome place to have a chat and a brew. I must try and visit again one of these days). Well, that about does it from me (hears the collective sigh of relief lol) :D Will be online on and off tonight ... keen to hear if that grinder is worthy ... And ofc any other advice, comments or questions are most welcome. Cheers all ... Have a brew for me won't you. 8) P.s. Sorry for the long posts ... have never been able to keep them short.

mycuppa · August 2011

on 1312194608:

Wow, Thankyou everyone for the warm welcome I did just Place my order at MyCuppa though for these: http://www.mycuppa.com.au/4x500-variety.html Got a reply from the fella and he seems very friendly ... (Is that one of you guyz?) He's going to grind just a portion for me incase I don't have grinder yet ... although I just remembered after replying that a mate left his Mortar & Pestle here and It's a huge (2L maybe) quality one so That will work.

Warm welcome Bunghulio! and yes that was me (Jeff) - straight onto it like a dog with a bone

Thanks for purchasing the coffee and yes, I am still here roasting tonight right now, some of the beans coming off the roaster about 10pm will be in your packs tomorrow and on their way to you - I will put "wait until" dates on the packs. Learn as much as you can from our talented members and mods - they are all very experienced and willing to help you on the journey. Jeff

Bunghulio! · August 2011

on 1312195595:

Ok, you've said a lot in your post, but I'll focus on the grinder aspect. Blade grinders (which that one you have linked is) are bad for two reasons - they generate heat through the beans on contact, and they don't grind evenly enough. What you are looking for is a Burr Grinder. To be honest, the mortar and pestle would be fine as long as you have fine enough filters - or you can just pour hot (not boiling) water over it, and let it settle in the cup which is "Turkish coffee". Just don't buy a blade grinder - no matter what - If you can get a Sunbeam EM0480/450 for about $100 second hand that would be the best bet if you're skimping. Jeff from mycuppa is very active on these forums, and he appreciates feedback, and really has a passion for what he does.

Thanks for the Reply Richard ... much appreciated

So ... Definatly Don't buy it? ... Sure would come in handy (for more things than one). I should put most of my funds toward my new PC so won't be spending $100 on a grinder anytime soon but I'll remember the suggestion and keep my eyes out. I guess when tehy say 'low-heat motor' they are probably right but that it is the blades themselves spinning at supersonic speed that creates the heat? That would make sense ... but how much does this truly effect the coffee and taste thereof? (from my brief researching ... I know it is not advised) ... Would it be o.k. for just those times that coffee is needed Quick-Stat! I will explain, just briefly my need (for speed) to have coffee with zero effort or prep-time. The painkillers that I am on really knock me around ... when I get up in the morning (or afternoon .. or middle of the night) I am withdrawing something chronic and that on top of the pain makes it very hard to do anything. I feel like I'm clinically dead for the 1st 5 minutes after I arise ... It's all I can do to quickly scoop a few teaspoons of sugar and instant into a mug, pour on some milk followed by hot water ... then it is straight back to the chair to sip, smoke and let the Medz kick in. So you see ... there is no way that I'm going to use the pestle for at least 45 minutes. In a situation like this ... Then would it be worth it to get a cheap 'Whizzer' as we called them in High-School?

Thanks.

RichardM · August 2011

For a similar price you could get the Sunbeam EM0430 burr grinder, which isn't great for espresso (or turkish), but at least it is consistent for the manual methods that you are talking about (filter etc). Would certainly be better than the blade grinder. Let me stress, however, that if you could find an EM0480 or EM0450, you would get a much more consistent grind (bear in mind, I'm giving this advice having owned an EM0480 and currently using a Mazzer Super Jolly (>$1000 grinder), so it's really at the very low end of spectrum for what is the most important part of coffee making. For speed (of making coffee), you could make up a batch of coffee and freeze it into ice cubes :D - I do that in summer to make iced coffees. Not sure what it would be like refreshing it in hot water though???? I can think of at least three people I could expect to chirp in as to whether that is a good or bad idea.

Bunghulio! · August 2011

on 1312197223:

Warm welcome Bunghulio! and yes that was me (Jeff) - straight onto it like a dog with a bone Thanks for purchasing the coffee and yes, I am still here roasting tonight right now, some of the beans coming off the roaster about 10pm will be in your packs tomorrow and on their way to you - I will put "wait until" dates on the packs. Learn as much as you can from our talented members and mods - they are all very experienced and willing to help you on the journey. Jeff

Lol :D Wow, the rate of reply around here is amazing! Must be all that quality coffee

Hey Jeff ... yeheh mate ... Never have I ever been contacted so quickly. Excellent stuff! ;D You must really enjoy your work ... (and why wouldn't you .... must smell absolutely fantastic around there!) Didn't realize you literally took orders 24/7? Very impressed so far and I can't remember looking forward to taste-testing something as much as I am your coffee. Even if I find another sellers blends to try I can assure you I will be back for more of your product. Will also let others know. Cheers ... and I'll seeya round the joint. 8) Oh and P.s. Just noticed your next reply Richard ... Thanks mate I'll go have a look

And P.s.s. Someone asked how I found this site ... It was basically through finding MyCuppa first ... and then I googled it to find out more and the 1st click was this site ... and that, as they say ... Is how the cookie crumbled. (do they say that? ... probably not lol)

mycuppa · August 2011

on 1312198075:

Lol :D Wow, the rate of reply around here is amazing! Must be all that quality coffee Hey Jeff ... yeheh mate ... Never have I ever been contacted so quickly. Excellent stuff! ;D You must really enjoy your work ... (and why wouldn't you .... must smell absolutely fantastic around there!) Didn't realize you literally took orders 24/7? Very impressed so far and I can't remember looking forward to taste-testing something as much as I am your coffee. Even if I find another sellers blends to try I can assure you I will be back for more of your product. Will also let others know. Cheers ... and I'll seeya round the joint. 8) Oh and P.s. Just noticed your next reply Richard ... Thanks mate I'll go have a look And P.s.s. Someone asked how I found this site ... It was basically through finding MyCuppa first ... and then I googled it to find out more and the 1st click was this site ... and that, as they say ... Is how the cookie crumbled. (do they say that? ... probably not lol)

Thanks - yep the online world is a 24/7 beast........besides all the best roasting is done at night and weekends.......quiet as a mouse.........you know what they say - an artist cannot be disrupted or distracted. :P

UNM · August 2011

Just off to bed, but thought I'd mention that Breville factory clearance centres have cheap burr grinders (BCG450) that are cheaper than pretty much anywhere else for a new, warrantied product. Obviously only good if you are in a metro area and can get to one. There is also a chance someone near you can help out with a used grinder, so it wouldn't hurt to update your profile. Good to hear you can manage the basics - with serious injuries, full use hands is not a given. I understand though that your 'luck' is relative. Another option is a manual hand grinder. Usually $50-$100. Probably best for you to get electric.pO

AlexT · August 2011

Morning team, My name is Alex and I enjoy coffee. I make most of my coffee at home on an old Faema Express S87 two group, roast on a KKTO and grind on a Fiorenzato F5 which has been rebadged anumber of different ways and can't see that changing any time soon. I have a number of plungers that I'd like to play more with, along with a Presso that I used almost exclusively before I had room for an espresso machine / grinder and a grindripper that I take for travel because its incredibly light and makes a decent cup. I've recently harvested a crop of cherries from a family friends coffee tree and have them drying out at the moment. Must be almost time to have another Brisbane get together I think.... maybe we can have some home-processed/roasted beans there

Alex

UNM · August 2011

Welcome Alex, another one processing their own coffee, seems to be getting more common nowadays. I'll be interested to know how it goes and compares to commercially harvested/processed.

admin · August 2011

welcome guys - at least the newbies: Aktion, Bad Latte & Alex... UNM assume you must have changed password, as we've already exchanged pleasanteries a couple of weeks ago!!

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

Alex welcome to Crema Forum Haven't seen you since the visit for the KKTO upgrade Hows the family ? little one walking by now ? KK

Old Cromwell · August 2011

My coffee addiction started through our son who lives in Melbourne. He has a Miss Silvia and starts every day with an espresso. My wife and I stayed with him for a few days and caught the bug. On return home to the South Island of NZ we bought a small Sunbeam to see whether we would get enough use to warrant the purchase of something better. That was a year or two ago. We now have 2X via venezias, one at home and the other at a holiday cottage. Also have an EM450 and an EM480. The via venezias both have replacement portafilters without the spring/seal contraption so we get a half reasonable brew. The two properties will be consolidated into one in the next few months and so I already have a breville smart grinder and was going to buy a Miss Silvia until the discussion about the Breville double boiler emerged. As a result of this I am sitting on my hands until I get some feedback from users. When not drinking espresso, making espresso, reading about espresso and dreaming of the ultimate espresso machine I am the H&S Manager for a commercial construction company. I look forward to participating in the forum. Cheers

Koffee_Kosmo · August 2011

Welcome to Crema OC We all learn and bounce ideas off each other Thats how we all learn and move forward KK

AlexT · August 2011

Hey KK, family is going good, little one is walking and doing a stumbly run even.... time goes fast. Speaking of catching up I need to talk to you about my KKTO, will PM you. Cheers Alex

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