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I've been toying with the idea of buying a drip brewer for my morning fix. I tend to start the day with a cup of tea followed by a coffee and then one more for the commute. This tends to mean making two 15-18g V60s. I was thinking of trying to source a Wilfa Precision (or failing that, a Moccamaster/alternative) to brew up a morning batch whilst I'm getting ready so that I can enjoy a cup at home and one more for the road. My question is, has anyone else done this and what are people's opinions on pourover versus machine drip in the cup. Is the simplicity of automatic worth the trade off of a greater level of control? Thanks!

I couldn't see this mentioned anywhere. Another crowdfunded, portable coffee brewing kit that could lighten the wallets of many a coffee fan... https://paktbags.com/pages/coffee It's a pourover kit with an insulated mug, dripper, and electric (!) kettle. The company seems to have a decent reputation having made a popular 'minimalist' travel bag a few years ago, another crowdfund I think that's become something of a cult. We all know how crowdfunding projects can go, but given their track record I'm holding out a bit more hope than some others I've seen; not sure if they will get a UK version out though. Keen to hear thoughts!

Bodum Chambord French Press - 8 Cup/1 litre in chrome. Sitting in the back of my coffee cupboard for a while, used only a handful of times. £18 posted RM 2nd Class

Clever Coffee Dripper plus Size 4 Filtropa filters (approx. 50). This is the smaller model (300ml, I believe) Good condition, I've used it a few times, but it's just not for me. £18 posted RM 2nd Class

Has anyone got any user experience/comparisons of these two brewers? I'm looking at getting one for home use and at work, when I have more time and at weekends etc I'll be using the v60 and chemex but a brewer such as these would be really useful. I was at a local roastery last week and chatting to them, they have a Wilfa precision brewer and said it was excellent and their go to day to day but that they also use the Classic+ and it's really good. James Hoffmann has done a review of the precision and many of the features he picks out as good are the same on the Classic+. e.g. adjustable collar. I'd be interested to see what people say and also anyones opinion on glass carafes or thermos flasks?

I’ve loved my Royal for the last 3 years for espresso.. it really has been something else. But will it deliver flr brewed? ( we only drink black coffee ) or should I sell and get a Vario ?

Another Kickstarter that keeps popping up in my Facebook feed. Can't say I'll be investing myself...!

So that suggestions on blends of readily available bottled water are more easily searchable, here's a new thread split away from the general/making water for brewed thread, as that now seems to be concentrating more on making/enhancing water for coffee.http://coffeeforums.co.uk/showthread.php?21305-Water-for-Coffee For those that just want to pick up one bottle from the supermarket & brew away, then Volvic & Waitrose Essential are pretty good datums (of course, these can be blended with each other too). Currently liking: 1 part Strathmore to 2 parts Glaceau to 3 parts Volvic. 2 parts Harrogate to 3 parts Glaceau. A/B'd these 2 and really couldn't tell a difference. (Red figs highlighted in yellow are estimated). [/url]

Sadly I've outgrown by trusty Gaggia Cubika after buying it 4 years ago for £99 refurbished from Gaggia when I was 17 and my older brothers got me hooked on making coffee. However, I can no longer handle the unpredictability of it especially as it hasn't aged well. All this has been further exacerbated since getting the Mignon...upgradeitus has truly hit! As I'm now 21 and about to graduate I am in no financial situation to upgrade so have switched to only brewed. I love brew methods but do find myself missing the process as much as the product of espresso! Anyway...here is my (tame) setup for the foreseeable future, when I took this pic my 'Mizudashi' cold brew pot was full in the fridge. --- The svart isn't mine, I got my housemate hooked on coffee and got him to buy the wilfa and an aeropress ---

Maybe it's just because I've recently found love for brewed coffee that I'm enjoying it more, but does anyone else find themselves wanting to try new beans all the time? I literally get through half a bag of something and want to order more of something else, it's not that I'm not enjoying the beans (and I do end up finishing the bags), I just have an itch to try more and more tastes, roasts and origins. I feel like I'm some sort of addict trying to find that perfect coffee - last time I had this was with headphones...My wallet didn't fare well

I'm in Mumbles for the week and although I hav1e an aeropress and a bag of good beans I'd like to be able to have a good coffee out. Particularly brewed if possible... Any shoutouts would be very helpful, I'd be particularly pleased with any medium and light roast options

Hi All, For sale is my Wilfa Svart Grinder (Purchased from Square Mile - May-17). Boxed/Instructions and maintained in fantastic condition. A great brewed grinder, surplus to requirements. £75 delivered - perfect condition Many Thanks Andy

I was wondering how many people take milk with their brewed coffee and if so, how? I'm thinking that it probably flattens out a lot of the more subtle flavours in good coffee and for me personally the point of drinking good coffee is to taste these flavours. Should I therefore be thinking of ditching the white stuff? (I realise it's ultimately personal preference but this is more about how to optimise the flavour that I'm working hard to achieve) I'm currently using an aeropress and feldgrind/sage sgp but looking in to a kalita and chemex potentially

Pretty much as the title says. Excellent condition, hardback edition. £15 + £2.90 P&P

I've had a Vario for a good few years and whilst I've gotten a lot of good use out of it there have been a number of quality/build issues. Had to switch the motor out about 5 months ago and recently the new one burnt out too, so think it might be time to move on. I mostly make brewed coffee at home - Kalita wave, v60, chemex, aeropress, french press. I do have a Gaggia Evolution for espresso that still ticks along okay although also getting on a bit, but I do enjoy making espresso on the weekends. In looking for a replacement I'm hearing some concerning things re the Sette, which might have been the obvious replacement. What I am understanding generally is that there isn't going to be a good solution for both brewed and espresso grinds, so I may need to move to a two-grinder set up instead. Looking for any advice or recommendations anyone can share. Not keen on going down the hand grinder route for brewed, mostly as I think others in the family might struggle with making adjustments for different grinds, and I'm a bit lazy in the mornings! Have heard good things about the Wilfa Svart which goes for £105, so would leave more cash to go towards a separate espresso grinder. Or would this be a big step down for brewed from the Vario? If so, any suggestions for better alternatives. Think that at the moment for grinders my total budget would be around £500, so £100 for a Wilfa would leave £400 for an espresso grinder. Obviously more spent on the grinder for brewed means less money for the espresso one. Anticipate I'll probably get the itch to upgrade the espresso machine in the long run too, maybe able to spend £500-£700, so am thinking the investment in the separate espresso grinder might still be worthwhile even if it's overkill for the current set up. Thanks in advance!

As mentioned in an earlier post, I decided to purchase an analogue/optical refractometer to try and analyse my brew TDS%. This is therefore a follow up to let you know how I got on. You can follow this link to see the unit I purchased for £20 (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Refractometer-synthetic-machining-low-concentrated-solutions/dp/B01NBYE6ER/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1488591393&sr=1-1&keywords=Brix+Refractometer+Range+0-10%25+Brix+Testing+synthetic+machining+Coolants%2C+maple+sap) It arrived within a week and was already calibrated to 0 with water. I calibrated it slightly, easily done with the supplied screwdriver, with Waitrose Essential water as that is what I primarily use for both v60 and espresso. As this refractometer is not designed to read TDS in coffee, but rather the refractive index of sugar containing solutions you have to apply a conversion to obtain TDS. Multiplying Brix% x 0.85 = TDS%. This thread from the inventor of the aeropress is worth looking through if you are interested, he uses the Atago digital refractometer which also measures Brix (http://coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines/203992). I opted for the analogue/optical 0-10% range refractometer with a resolution of 0.1% as opposed to the 0-32% one (resolution of 0.2%), as for brewed coffee you would rarely be looking at values above 1.8. I also downloaded the Android VST Coffee tool app for £24 to plug in the numbers and get an EY% and cool looking graphs. So, I wasn't expecting great things obviously seeing an actual refractometer costs £600, but was curious to see whether I can get ballpark readings which I could then correlate to perceived flavour, ie get a feeling for what 1.2 %TDS vs 1.6% TDS tastes like or 18% vs 21% EY with the same beans but with minor alterations in brew conditions. I tested 6 samples, 4 of which were v60 brews and 2 espresso samples. You can find all the values and tables in the file attached (pdf version also available through dropbox link https://www.dropbox.com/s/t3l6zk46csc1tn4/Optical%20vs%20VST%20refract.%20.pdf?dl=0). The v60 samples were not filtered as the hario paper does an excellent job of retaining undisolved solids. Te espresso sample on the other hand was filtered through a 0.22um filter. You only need to place 3-4 drops of your well stirred, cooled down brew on the glass, close the lid and you're ready to go. You need to find a bright lightbulb, point the refractometer directly at it and look through. If you get the light just right you can see a clear separation and with a bit of practise you can fairly easily see 0.1% differences. It might have been my imagination or perhaps I was getting lightheaded staring through it for too long but some samples seemed to fall within the 0.05% range so I made a note that it was for example between 1.6 - 1.65 %Brix. I noted down all parameters as best as I could as well as the taste of each brew and saved test samples of each brew. Espresso results were much harder to interpret. Acknowledging the fact that a typical shot will be in the 10% TDS range (11.7% Brix) it was out of range of my refractometer, so I diluted the samples 1:2 with water using equal drops of each hoping to halve the value so that it is readable, and by doubling it I would get my true TDS.. yeah right.. But after all this messing about how do I know that the values I'm getting are even marginally close to actual TDS readings and they are not just fictional over or underestimated values? Luckily, the extremely generous Mr @Phobic agreed to run my stored samples on his 3rd gen VST refractometer!!! He took 10 reads of each and sent me the results same day, thanks again so much! And the answer is... the cheapo refractometer is not that horrendously off! I must say, I was pleasantly surprised that in some instances with the v60 samples it came so close. Although the n number is far too low to draw any serious conclusions, I'd say that with the optical refractometer I am overestimating the TDS by So although it may not be incredibly accurate and will not allow you to meaningfully compare TDS and EY values with someone using the same beans but with a digital VST-type refractometer, I think it is useful in determining a trend for your brews and help you understand solubility and extraction rate of different coffee, how that can be pushed in either direction by altering grind size or pouring/stirring technique and most importantly of all how that may improve taste. Hope I haven't bored you out of your minds! How did it end up being 3am.. Optical vs VST refract. rreduced.pdf

Just got an email from union roasted that sounds interesting... LAS CAMELIAS ESTATE - TASTING SELECTION (4 X 60G, WHOLEBEAN), EL SALVADOR £20. Inc delivery UK All from the same estate the only difference is the variety. GEISHA - 60G, Wholebean Notes of: Raspberry, Tea Rose and Vanilla Geisha is an early descendant of an Ethiopian varietal. It has a genuinely different but delightful floral characteristic and is very difficult to grow, making it one of the rarer varieties. KENYA (SL28) - 60G, Wholebean Notes of: Citrus, White Grapes and Caramel Officially and un-poetically named SL-28, this coffee was discovered and identified by Scott Labs in Kenya as a drought resistant coffee. It’s unique and delicious cup quality makes this coffee a must try. PACAMARA - 60G, Wholebean Notes of: Blackcurrant, Butter, Dark Chocolate The only varietal in this collection that is native to El Salvador. Pacamara Is easy to recognise due to the larger size beans. ISLA REUNION - 60G, Wholebean Notes of: Blackberry, Passionfruit. Milk Chocolate Also known as Laurina or Bourbon Pointu this coffee was discovered on the French island of Reunion. It is renowned for the fact that it is a naturally occurring low caffeine varietal. Roast: Light Process: natural Any thoughts ? Anyone going to give it a try ?

I'm selling this grinder as I haven't used it since buying the EK (as you might expect). I bought it from HasBean and think I've had it for around 14 months or so. It's got a nice simple way to adjust the grind by turning the hopper and can grind from espresso to coarse grind sizes (I've never used it for espresso). It's had relatively light use, as I've always had a dedicated espresso grinder and switched between having mainly espresso or brewed over time. Their isn't really much to show of the grinder itself, hence I'll put up one picture for now - if you're interested let me know and I can post others. I have the espresso attachment fork to rest a portafilter on (not that I've ever tried to use it) and the original box. If purchased to be delivered, I'll double box with some form of packing in between. It may take me a day or two to get it posted, as I don't think I have a suitable "outer" box at the moment. If you're close enough feel free to collect or I might be able to drop it off.

Hi all. Been lurking for a while and learned some useful tips. I have been using Aeropress for a few months and have recently started experimenting with the 02 size plastic V60, which I think I prefer, partly due to the larger volume of coffee it can make. I have been alternating between a Dualit 75015 electric grinder and hand grinders, namely the Rhinowares mini grinder and a Hario Skerton I picked up cheaply on a whim. It could be psychological, but I think the flavour from coffee ground manually is a bit better than when using the Dualit. I wonder if the effort of hand grinding makes me "think" it's better! Whilst the Dualit is more reliable than some of the other cheapie grinders I've come across and I have been fairly content with it for a year or so, I wonder if a more expensive model would make a significant difference for pour over? I have seen a second hand Baratza Virtuoso on a well known site. I only make brewed coffee and have no plans to do espresso at home. I know the Dualit doesn't have the greatest rep compared to the more upmarket models available, but it seemed reasonable at the time, just wondering whether the grind quality on a Virtuoso or similar would really make a noticeable difference in the cup? What do you folks reckon? Jon

Hi, been away for a while enjoying LSOL - rhinoware hand grinder used to the point I've definately got my money worth! I've hardly used the classic and mignon. I'm seriously considering selling my mignon and trying to secure a Baratz Settle 270w so I have an electric grinder that I can use for brewed and espresso as the mignon is not easy to dial in / move back and forth.... Looking for opinions please? 270w a worthwhile purchase or are there other suggestions? Cheers

Hello, Just started on the brewed and spotted this as an alternative to papers. https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B019QTBOK0/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3ALD1RL3M3WMZ Has anyone used it and have and comments on it before I pull the trigger on one? Thanks in advance!

Today is the first day since.........a long time, that my ECM hasn't been turned on. Instead I've had a cpl of Aero's and a Sowden. All down to now owning a Rhino hand grinder (that i just bought for travel) I was thinking about using my Royal for espresso and SJ for brewed but i don't think the SJ is suited to brewed? Dunno the finer details of why though, anyone? What is the top / middle and bottom of the range for brewed grinders?

So I have just bought two batches of Ethiopian beans from Rave: Ethiopia Hunkute #3 and Ethiopian Yirgacheffe G1Natural Konga One is obviously washed and the other is natural. I have a classic and the espresso I get from these is fine but I just can't help but think that a lot of the more delicate fruity notes do not come through in espresso so I'm missing out. Therefore I went ahead and ordered a Hario Skerton hand grinder in order to attempt brewed. Now I am wondering what is the best way to do this? the only brewed-related instruments I have at home is a cafetiere and a vientamese coffee brewer thingy. What do you guys recommend for getting the best out of these beans? as a side note, I will be the only one drinking it so would basically need to be able to make one cup at a time. Thanks.

I recently got hold of an Atago Pal Coffee TDS in order to look at extraction yields of my brewed coffee. I already had a cheap conductivity meter, a £40 ish HM EC/TDS/TEMP COM-100 bought from Amazon so out of curiosity I tested 4 of my brews plus for fun, 2 espressos. As the Com-100 contacts need to be submerged in the coffee I used a shot glass to test. The sample for the Atago was taken from this glass as well, which was allowed to cool down to 20-25c so that the coffee was close to the device temperature. One brewed sample, was watered down with a known qty of water to and tested as BREW4 Also two espresso were done, one measured as is, one filtered via a dry V60 paper as I don't have the specialist filters. Below are the results ___________ATAGO. _______COM-100 _______TDS. ___EY. ______TDS. ___EY BREW1. 0.87%. 13.65%. ___0.89% 13.96% BREW2. 1.41%. 19.96%. ___1.40% 19.82% BREW3. 1.35%. 19.32%. ___1.39%. 19.89% BREW4. 0.63%. 17.37%. ___0.69% 19.03% (WATERED) ______________Atago_____________Com-100 ESPRESSO_____TDS____EY_______TDS____EY 1 UNFILTERED. 12.04% 19.22% ___6.33%. 10.11% 1 FILTERED. 12.27%. 19.59%. __6.27%. 10.01% 2 UNFILTERED. 12.51%. 22.17%. __7.30%. 12.94% 2 FILTERED. 12.10%. 21.44%. __7.05%. 12.48% I didn't expect the Com-100 to be close to the Atago in the brewed range. However, for espresso I think the numbers are so far out from what is designed for that the only way you might get reasonable measures is to do a controlled dilution to bring the TDS number more in range. I may try this later to see if it makes a difference. I will continue to measure my brews with both machines to see if this pattern continues. If it does, then it might be a cheap way to get measuring extraction yields as long as the variances are within your own personal tolerances. After a while I'm sure I can see how close the Com-100 is but probably only use it when the Atago is not around.

Hey guys I hope you're all well. I browse the forum regularly but very rarely have much to offer as I just use my B2C machine mostly. However I fancy getting back into brewed coffee with a chemex. My question is, can I make one cup of coffee in the 3-6 cup style or do I need to get the 1-3? I'll be making enough for one mostly but then sometimes 4 or 5 so I'd like to have enough capacity to do that. But want to make sure that I can use the larger chemex for single brews without it effecting the outcome? James