Luminous Landscape Forum

The Art of Photography => The Coffee Corner => Topic started by: Adam L on April 08, 2013, 07:38:05 am

Title: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Adam L on April 08, 2013, 07:38:05 am
What better place to ask this question than the Coffee Corner.   I am looking for a new coffee pot and would like recommendations.   I bet there are a lot of coffee aficionados in Lula.

Here are my requirements:

Size needs to be smallish.  I have a small countertop and need to conserve space.
I usually want only a single cup before I head out in the day, would love to brew single servings but do NOT want one of those premade cup devices.
I like to grind my own.   Having a separate grinder is fine but having a built in one is a bonus.
Easy clean up. 

One would think this is an easy buying decision.  I've been looking for several weeks yet can't seem to decide. 
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Lloyd Mayeda on April 08, 2013, 08:03:14 am
This is my favourite small coffee maker:

http://www.blackanddeckerappliances.com/products/coffee-and-tea/coffee-and-tea-makers/5-cup-switch-coffee-maker-dcm600w.aspx
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: WalterEG on April 08, 2013, 09:11:57 am
I wish to nominate the Bialetti Moka Crystal.

http://compare.ebay.com.au/like/261132528565?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 08, 2013, 09:38:27 am
Why don't you simply buy a jar of Nescafé?

We have had several different percolators, and over the decades tried umpteen types of beans. At the end of the day, you realise that it's all a huge con - a game of brands designed to lighten the load of your wallet from off your shoulder. At least, nobody (as far as I know) talks about 'nose' or it being a 'good traveller' or anything quite like that - yet; but give it time.

If you want good coffee, you won't make it at home. And you won't find it in a franchise, either. But you will find all manner of froth, which might really be someone's thing; can be quite cute when your girlfriend raises her head with a tiny bead of creamy foam on the tip of her nose. The danger of the dreaded cappucchino, what had you imagined?

The battle is already over. You never stood a chance.

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on April 08, 2013, 09:46:12 am
If you get one that steams you must be sure to either use distilled water all the time, or run one of those demineralization packets through it now and then.
It is the way they always go to the trash can here.
All mineralized and unable to allow water through the ports
Title: Re: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: AzD on April 08, 2013, 10:02:41 am
Hot water kettle and an Aero Press. Small, cheap, simple and great coffee.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on April 08, 2013, 10:25:04 am
One of my GO TO places for such info and unbiased reviews is Cooks Illustrated. They just did a review of coffee makers (brewers).

http://www.cooksillustrated.com/video/default.asp?newVideo=y&docid=42138

Not sure if you'll be able to see this without logging in (sorry I have an account and subscribe to the mag).

What they consider critical is the water temp! How consistent and at the 'correct' temp. As such, here's the winner and best buy:

Quote
Technivorm Moccamaster 10-Cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
Certified by the SCAA, the updated version of our old favorite (the KBT 741, now also $299) meets time and temperature guidelines with utter consistency. As a result, it produces a “smooth,” “velvety” brew.

BEST BUY
Bonavita 8-Cup Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe
Simple to use and SCAA-certified, this brewer spends most of the cycle in the ideal temperature range. Its coffee had “bright,” “full” flavor that was a bit more “acidic” than the Technivorm’s.

That said, I'm a big fan of 'manual' coffee made from Chemix and different but equally good (strong and flavorful) a French Press. But for an automatic coffee maker, I've heard other great reviews for the expensive Technivorm machine.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jim Pascoe on April 08, 2013, 10:32:40 am
Why don't you simply buy a jar of Nescafé?

;-)

Rob C

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE JOKING!

 ;D
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: BobDavid on April 08, 2013, 11:16:15 am
Get a Bunn. Not the smallest or the cheapest (around $100 US), it brews a damn good cup of coffee. My apologies for the muddy monochrome photo.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Adam L on April 08, 2013, 12:22:37 pm
Thanks everyone but I have to be honest and say that I'm still stuck.    I guess I want something that's not yet on the market.  None of the above choices grinds the coffee and sends it to brew.   I have a machine at work that does this but it's hugh and expensive.   There doesn't seem to be one on the market that makes 1-4 cups.

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Schewe on April 08, 2013, 12:54:34 pm
Thanks everyone but I have to be honest and say that I'm still stuck.    I guess I want something that's not yet on the market.

I used to care about all that stuff but I've actually settled on a different approach, I make Starbucks VIA French Roast (http://www.starbucks.com/coffee/dark/french-roast/via). Yeah, I know...it's not fresh ground and brewed...and if you like that sort of process, Via will prolly not suit you. But I'm really only interested in a really good cup of coffee with as little hassle as possible.

I first started getting Via for travel...when you're out in the middle of nowhere you can rarely find anything other than brown water so I started packing Via to use either as fortification or simply ask for hot water. I got to actually like the taste–the French Roast is really nice and strong depending on the water amount you add. Heck, I've even eaten the darn stuff directly from the path when I was out in the Australian outback with no hot water! (it will sorta dissolve in cold water but I though I would give eating it with some sugar a try–I prolly won't do that again).

At $9.95 for 12 servings, it's a bit pricy...but still cheaper than buying a cup of coffee from Starbucks...and it's real easy–just boil water. Nothing to clean and only the package to throw away.

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on April 08, 2013, 01:10:03 pm
Thanks everyone but I have to be honest and say that I'm still stuck.    I guess I want something that's not yet on the market.  None of the above choices grinds the coffee and sends it to brew. 

This does everything (and I use it to make Coffee as well as expresso etc):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009314RQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You want a Super-Automatic. I've had this unit since 2006, still going strong. I know the French Press makes better, but if you want really good coffee after pressing a single button (which is configurable), this is for you.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 08, 2013, 01:19:59 pm
Why don't you simply buy a jar of Nescafé?...

To stay within the usual stereotypes, shouldn't Brits (and Scots?) refrain from giving advice on coffee or food? ;D

Any tea advice would be, however, highly appreciated.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Kevin Gallagher on April 08, 2013, 02:15:12 pm
Ouch!!   ;D
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Kevin Gallagher on April 08, 2013, 02:16:21 pm
Hiya Andrew, it seems like it's taken quite a price drop sine I got mine a couple of years back!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 08, 2013, 02:29:37 pm
To stay within the usual stereotypes, shouldn't Brits (and Scots?) refrain from giving advice on coffee or food? ;D

Any tea advice would be, however, highly appreciated.



But, this one is part-Italian and has lived abroad a lot of his time.

Poor old Maggie went today; a great lady who by killing off the Dollar Premium made it possible for impecunious muts like me to buy abroad. Had I a hat I'd take it off.

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on April 08, 2013, 02:31:39 pm
Hiya Andrew, it seems like it's taken quite a price drop sine I got mine a couple of years back!

I think I paid like $1200 for it so yes. Worth it however. With well over 10K cups brewed and still going strong.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 08, 2013, 02:43:29 pm
... Poor old Maggie went today; a great lady..

Oh, uh... get ready for a storm of different opinions... or shall we say a tempest in a teapot? Or is it coffee pot, to stay within the topic ;D
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: alban on April 08, 2013, 03:14:41 pm
I wish to nominate the Bialetti Moka Crystal.

http://compare.ebay.com.au/like/261132528565?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes

+1
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 08, 2013, 04:16:36 pm
Oh, uh... get ready for a storm of different opinions... or shall we say a tempest in a teapot? Or is it coffee pot, to stay within the topic ;D



They already started earlier today. A mining union chappie was interviewed... Whilst seeing his point pefectly clearly, it made me think of film v. digital and the utter hopelessness of trying to Canute a tide. In the end, everything changes and wishing things were ever as they were doesn't work. I know this. The great problem is in how to adapt, and not many of us really can unless we are still very young when confronting the enormity of life-changing forces. It's often simply too much to handle and we crumble.

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Sheldon N on April 08, 2013, 04:55:00 pm
Forget a drip coffee machine. Get yourself a nice burr grinder (I have a Barazta Virtuoso) and make yourself either a small french press or learn how to do pour over coffee. Finally, make sure you get some decent coffee beans that were recently roasted (not more than a couple weeks old). I'm partial to Stumptown since it's local for me in Portland, OR. If I go to the coffee shop on the right day of the week I can get beans that were roasted just the day prior.

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: WalterEG on April 08, 2013, 05:27:16 pm
To stay within the usual stereotypes, shouldn't Brits (and Scots?) refrain from giving advice on coffee or food? ;D

So true Slobodan,

The only good cup of mocha-java I could ever get in Blighty was at Café Diana near Notting Hill Gate and opposite the back door to Kensington palace.

Just as well I love a cup of tea.

Much as I do use the Bialetti for convenience, my preferred brew is powdered Turkish coffee made over very low heat in an ibrik.

Cheers,

W
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Gordon Buck on April 08, 2013, 06:13:41 pm


... do NOT want one of those premade cup devices.
 


Although I don't refill my own coffee pod, it can be done, see

http://www.wral.com/refillable-coffee-pods-are-affordable-alternative-to-k-cups/12290633/
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: NancyP on April 08, 2013, 06:20:57 pm
I am afraid that I run low-tech for American style coffee. Grind the coffee in a rotary motorized grinder, dump into cone-shaped paper filter sitting in a funnel, drip. I do espresso in one of those aluminum two-piece pressure cooker pots (Bialetti moka). Turkish coffee - that is too strong for me, unless it comes with a piece of honey pastry (baklava). Mississippi mud, that Turkish stuff is.

Tea is easier. Plus, you get a free fortune in each cup.  ;)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Chairman Bill on April 08, 2013, 06:59:56 pm
To stay within the usual stereotypes, shouldn't Brits (and Scots?) refrain from giving advice on coffee or food? ;D

Any tea advice would be, however, highly appreciated.

New York (pop as at 2011 - 8,244,910) has about 70,000 more people than London (8,174,100), and one more Michelin star restaurant. Just saying.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: luxborealis on April 08, 2013, 07:01:24 pm
It's not a "pot" or a "perk" but it makes a great cup of coffee: a Melita filter, a heaping measure of fresh grind with a kettle of not-quite-boiling water does the trick.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: WalterEG on April 08, 2013, 07:01:35 pm
Tea is easier. Plus, you get a free fortune in each cup.  ;)

I have a Greek friend who, in over 40 years, has never once offered me a coffee without tipping over the finished cup and read the dregs.

A piece or two of Turkish Delight can be a wonderful accompaniment — Rose or Almond?

Regards,

Walter
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 08, 2013, 07:33:39 pm
... my preferred brew is powdered Turkish coffee made over very low heat in an ibrik...

Ah, the true connoisseur! That's the type of coffee I grew up with.

Also known as Greek coffee (though in Greece only - where you would get a death stare if you'd order "Turkish" coffee ;))
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 08, 2013, 07:36:02 pm
New York (pop as at 2011 - 8,244,910) has about 70,000 more people than London (8,174,100), and one more Michelin star restaurant. Just saying.

Right, Bill. That's like judging the quality of life in third-world countries by their fenced, five-star resorts ;)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Justan on April 08, 2013, 11:21:14 pm
Being from the home to some of the bigger thugs in coffee I thought I’d add a few coffee details.

Green Mountain coffee has their own brand of beans and is also the new mother ship for Tullie’s. They offer the Keurig line which is a complete “capsule” kit, just add water http://www.greenmountaincoffee.com/keurig-brewers?cm_mmc=Brand+Sites-_-Tullys-_-Products+Page-_-Keurig+Learn+More

Illy coffee has a wide variety of coffee makers, and some of my favorite coffee.
http://shop.illy.com/online/store/category_machines_us

Illy also offers “capsule” machines, similar to the ones that Green Mountain offers.
http://shop.illy.com/online/store/category_iperespresso-capsule-system_us

That other coffee company who’s name escapes at the moment has a wide variety of coffee makers
http://www.starbucksstore.com/verismo/verismo-machines,default,sc.html?cm_sp=HPA1US-_-verisimosale-_-040413

Lastly, these guys have some of the nicest coffee makers in the area. the following link is their home selection and they also provide several retail sized offerings http://www.visionsespresso.com/home-machines/

Of course, in this area, you have to plan very carefully to go more than a few blocks without finding a coffee shop, or two…
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Peter Mellis on April 09, 2013, 10:58:05 am
Best coffee and easiest cleanup is either "pour over" (Melitta type set up) or a French Press; you will also need a decent grinder and air tight storage for your beans. Currently, I make one 32oz. press (2 people) every morning; grind beans, boil water, let the stuff sit 4-5 minutes and you get a really good cup. Very little space required and minimal cleanup; the press can be washed and left to dry. My biggest issue is finding beans that I like.

Aeropress is good also, once you get th hang of it.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: captzoom on April 09, 2013, 03:25:38 pm
Why let the paperfilters absorb all flavorful oils? French press is the way to go.  The other benefits have already been described.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on April 09, 2013, 06:35:48 pm
The pot makes little difference unless you use top quality beans, freshly roasted and freshly ground. I get my beans from local roasters (organic, fair trade, etc., of course) and mix my own blend, which always includes some Sumatra in a dark roast.

Naturally, I always play late Beethoven string quartets to the coffee while it is brewing...

Yum!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Chairman Bill on April 09, 2013, 06:38:24 pm
Right, Bill. That's like judging the quality of life in third-world countries by their fenced, five-star resorts ;)

Blimey. Are things really that bad outside of New York?
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 09, 2013, 07:11:16 pm
Blimey. Are things really that bad outside of New York?

He, he... nice one Bill!

In all fairness, both countries are saved by ethnic restaurants. Last time I was in London, Turkish cuisine was all the craze. How many of those Michelin-star London restaurants are serving authentic English cuisine? The same question applies to NY, of course.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Tonysx on April 09, 2013, 08:30:43 pm
He, he... nice one Bill!
In all fairness, both countries are saved by ethnic restaurants. Last time I was in London, Turkish cuisine was all the craze. How many of those Michelin-star London restaurants are serving authentic English cuisine? The same question applies to NY, of course.
One ought to ask when you were last in London? Turkish cuisine has never - to my recollection - been "all the craze". Popular sometimes but .....
I agree that neither the USA nor England is graced with good coffee. Perhaps the problem is places like Starbucks, McDonalds etc where the coffee is truly revolting. Burned beans, stewed coffee.
But for the OP who wants a cup or 2 at a time, get a French press or cafetière. You'll also need a kettle and a coffee grinder. But the combination of all 3 will provide very acceptable results. As for your coffee beans - they keep very well in a freezer. I buy mine in 10lb (approx) bags and grind as required.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Ed B on April 09, 2013, 10:32:50 pm
Good fresh ground beans in this thing makes the best cup of coffee I've ever had.

http://www.evasolo.com/productinfo/567590/
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Tim_Smith on April 12, 2013, 09:56:49 am
A small hand-crank burr grinder and a french press has recently transformed my understanding of what coffee can be. Nothing beats the convenience of setting up your auto-drip maker the night before to brew 5 minutes before you wake up—but it's a weak facsimile of coffee. When I first started using the french press I found it a bit fussy and mentally reserved it for "special" occasions or Sunday mornings. Now, I have rearranged my morning schedule to include it. For me, it's well worth the 7 or 8 minutes it requires to make it happen.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on April 12, 2013, 10:00:26 am
A small hand-crank burr grinder and a french press has recently transformed my understanding of what coffee can be. Nothing beats the convenience of setting up your auto-drip maker the night before to brew 5 minutes before you wake up—but it's a weak facsimile of coffee. When I first started using the french press I found it a bit fussy and mentally reserved it for "special" occasions or Sunday mornings. Now, I have rearranged my morning schedule to include it. For me, it's well worth the 7 or 8 minutes it requires to make it happen.

Can't disagree one bit! I have a Super Automatic which is great for us lazy people first thing in the morning. The coffee is quite good. But it can't touch the same beans, ground in a burr grinder and then brewed in a french press! But it IS messy and more work. It takes some time to gauge how long you want to let the coffee and water live together. I read somewhere, never more then 10 minutes...
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: RFPhotography on April 12, 2013, 10:17:38 am
French press or percolator.  Percs make terrific coffee.  And yes, a burr grinder.  But if you really want to amp up your coffee experience, roast your own beans. 

I've been doing this for a couple years and it's the best coffee I've ever had.  You can buy home roasters but those can be expensive.  I use a simple stove-top popcorn popper called a Whirley Pop (http://www.popcornpopper.com/stovetop-poppers.html).  Works tremendously well.  Takes about 15 to 20 minutes to roast, then another 5 minutes or so tossing the beans in a metal colander to get out the chaff and start the cooling process.  Then just let the beans sit in the colander till cool and bag.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on April 12, 2013, 10:19:47 am
But if you really want to amp up your coffee experience, roast your own beans. 

I've toyed with the idea! Glad to hear you like it, this does sound like fun. I've even hear some do this in a popcorn popper with reasonable success.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: RFPhotography on April 12, 2013, 11:16:00 am
I've toyed with the idea! Glad to hear you like it, this does sound like fun. I've even hear some do this in a popcorn popper with reasonable success.

That's what I use, Andrew.  That's what I linked to.  And more than reasonable success, for sure.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 12, 2013, 12:02:33 pm
... french press! But it IS messy and more work. It takes some time to gauge how long you want to let the coffee and water live together. I read somewhere, never more then 10 minutes...

Good points about the French press. The problem I had with the original French press design, the glass one, is that the coffee gets cold while brewing. I used to wrap it up in a kitchen towel, until I found a stainless-steel, double-wall insulated pot. Like this one (http://www.amazon.com/Bodum-1308-16-Columbia-Stainless-Steel-Thermal/dp/B00005YY9X).
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: RFPhotography on April 12, 2013, 12:33:01 pm
I do the same when I use a French press.  I'd imagine one of those teapot covers would work too.  $80 for that one you linked is obscene!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Tim_Smith on April 12, 2013, 12:39:24 pm
I justified the cost of my Frieling double-wall stainless press by going with a less expensive (but more than adequate for the coarse grind a FP likes) hand-crank grinder.

Roasting beans at home? Hmmmm. I'll have to think about that. I bet it's wonderful though.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on April 12, 2013, 12:51:51 pm
... $80 for that one you linked is obscene!

Agreed... that's why I paid only a half (whatever the promotion was at the time). Still expensive, though. There were times when I could afford it... not anymore.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 13, 2013, 11:59:12 am
Agreed... that's why I paid only a half (whatever the promotion was at the time). Still expensive, though. There were times when I could afford it... not anymore.


Affording is relative, not only to bank balance but also to mindset.

There are days when I can afford something, only discover the very next day - especially if I have actually been moved to making the  purchase - that I can't afford it. And nothing fiscal has changed overnight at all!

Anyway, I am now convinced that coffee is best left undrunk. As you may know, I am slowly converting cassettes to mp3 files, and also varnishing a repaired shutter the while, and confusion is creeping into my programme. Simple as the conversion turned out to be (once I'd realised the Help line was bullshit and I'd tempted Fate and gone my own way with the system), I have now twice recorded approximately an hour's worth of sound only to discover that when closing down another tab (possible during a part of the process to have an additional one open), I have become so spaced out with the heady mix of turps, varnish and coffee that I switch the whole goddam thing off and have to start again. So far, 40 tapes have been put to bed and I face a dozen or two more.

But I know I won't be able to kick the coffee.

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on April 13, 2013, 04:48:05 pm
But I know I won't be able to kick the coffee.

Rob C
I find that drinking it works better than kicking it, Rob.  :D
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 14, 2013, 09:36:19 am
I find that drinking it works better than kicking it, Rob.  :D



Eric, doesn't that rather depend on the coffee?

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on April 14, 2013, 09:42:28 am
yeah if it starts roaring at you or hair starts growing over the rim, what do you do then?
Throttle it by any means necessary
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 14, 2013, 01:23:41 pm
yeah if it starts roaring at you or hair starts growing over the rim, what do you do then?
Throttle it by any means necessary



No, no, no!

You sing to it gently, persuasively, like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nZBM6gydoTI&feature=share&list=AL94UKMTqg-9DMJ05R2KYZPpL6dDBPiJej

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: BernardLanguillier on April 15, 2013, 06:04:41 am
May I dare to ask whether anyone would have a tea pot recommendation?

Or is it oot?

Cheers,
Bernard
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 15, 2013, 09:51:45 am
No, Bernard, it isn't out; it's perfectly in.

Always use a china teapot, warmed up first with a rinse with boiling water from the kettle used to make the tea. This is essential for the production of a civilized cup of tea. Using anything other than a felt or knitted tea cosy is out, both aesthetically and thermodynamically. If you no longer have a granny who could make one for you, I suppose you could do worse than visit a second-hand shop - not for a granny, for a cosy - but be sure to have the cosy professionally cleaned before use. (Likewise if the granny proves irresistible to you.)

Happy sipping.

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: WalterEG on April 15, 2013, 03:24:47 pm
Rob has got it right for a 'Western' pot o' Rosie.

I also have a penchant for Middle Eastern tea made in a samovar by totally different method.

Might I direct your gaze to a superb essay about 'a nice cup of tea' scribed in 1946 by none other than George Orwell:

http://www.k-1.com/Orwell/site/work/essays/cupoftea.html

Enjoy,

W
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 15, 2013, 04:53:14 pm
I’m not sure Orwell has it right, though: not only is sugar a distraction, if not a destructor of the taste of tea as he rightly claims, but he goes on to make an even bigger pig’s ass of it by using milk!

Dairy products and tea don’t mix very happily. Milk can work wonders with some coffees in the right proportions, but all tea that I have ever tasted (and I did spend a few weeks on a tea plantation in the Nilgiris during my early youth) comes off better straight – much as whisky is supposed to do, though I did like that better on the rocks or with Crabbie’s as in Whisky Mac. (Unfortunately, such delights are now as much in the realm of the impossible as is a bottle of plonk; medical rationing, I’m afraid.) Never mind milk: the wrong sort of water can screw it up: try using chlorinated water which is sometimes all folks can get: it makes tea taste like a bathroom cleaner. Not that I have indulged, of course, but you get the picture.

Even the friggin’ coffee is meant to be restricted to a single, daily cup, but I tend to play fast and loose with that, claiming that I comply with the postprandial walking requirements each day and, in that manner, burn it off along with much of everything else that enters my system. Sounds convincing to me. As it was advice offered on leaving hospital, I suppose it was meant for the immediate future, and that advice dates from some years ago now and nobody has mentioned it since… you see the power of positive thinking?

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: WalterEG on April 15, 2013, 05:05:53 pm
but he goes on to make an even bigger pig’s ass of it by using milk!

I agree to a point Rob,

But these days in the Anglo-centric part of the world I suspect that tea is blended to work best with a dribble of moo-juice.

I have friends who live in Nepal and send me packages of tea straigh from the plantation and that is my core standard.  No milk.  No sugar.  No honey.  Nuffink!!

Just sip the nectar and be reminded of how inadequate coffee is by comparison.

Sip, sip,

W
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 15, 2013, 05:37:20 pm
Hell, much Indian is owned by TATA, the famous iron and steel behemoth... who knows what goes into tea today!

How you gettin' on with the new Swede? Any ankles to show me yet?

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: muntanela on April 16, 2013, 12:11:34 pm
The best is the old Napoletana  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neapolitan_flip_coffee_pot)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 16, 2013, 12:54:32 pm
Do you have to hold your breath? Reminds me of Amsterdam.

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Riaan van Wyk on April 16, 2013, 02:18:16 pm
Two heaped teaspoons of Nescafe Classic with a spot of milk is perfect for me, easy and quick. I've given up on percolators, presses and whatever else, it's not worth the bother.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 16, 2013, 03:59:10 pm
Two heaped teaspoons of Nescafe Classic with a spot of milk is perfect for me, easy and quick. I've given up on percolators, presses and whatever else, it's not worth the bother.


A man after my own heart:

" Why don't you simply buy a jar of Nescafé?

We have had several different percolators, and over the decades tried umpteen types of beans. At the end of the day, you realise that it's all a huge con - a game of brands designed to lighten the load of your wallet from off your shoulder. At least, nobody (as far as I know) talks about 'nose' or it being a 'good traveller' or anything quite like that - yet; but give it time.

If you want good coffee, you won't make it at home. And you won't find it in a franchise, either. But you will find all manner of froth, which might really be someone's thing; can be quite cute when your girlfriend raises her head with a tiny bead of creamy foam on the tip of her nose. The danger of the dreaded cappucchino, what had you imagined?

The battle is already over. You never stood a chance.

;-)

Rob C "

Everything else is just too much effort in return for reward.

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on April 23, 2013, 07:25:45 am
so the cowboy coffee I'm used to drinking couldn't be easier-
you must and I repeat, MUST find a desirous coffee,
I like yuban-
there, I said it,
yep just yucky over the counter roasted in cali mass produced cowboy coffee.
Then- a nice teapot the kind that sings and eventually screams if'n overwrought-
the water,
it comes from the creekside well, and full of minerals,
I notice the diff usng cleaner water, but if'n your gonna live you may as well not be too pretty about it,
so boil the h2o and pour it just so nice through the coffee and paper filter in a cone.
easy peasy,
and if you drink several cups a day,
just the brutality of this treatment  will have you cutting back to 1 or maybe 2
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on April 23, 2013, 09:38:43 am
When my father was growing up in Norway, his mother used to make coffee in what my father called the "Norwegian traditional" way: She poured ground coffee and water into a kettle and boiled the living daylights out of it.

Later on in life, her sons and aughter decided to give her a birthday gift of a brand new percolator. She was delighted! She immediately threw out the innards (all the stuff that percolates the coffee), poured ground coffe and water into the shiny new pot, and boiled the living daylights out of it.

My Norwegian grandmother was a wonderful person. I met her first when I was 13. When she was in her 90s, her favorite activity was visiting the elderly in the Old Folks Home to entertain them by singing Lutheran hymns to them. I think all of the old folks were a good ten years or so younger than she was.

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 23, 2013, 09:48:49 am
When she was in her 90s, her favorite activity was visiting the elderly in the Old Folks Home to entertain them by singing Lutheran hymns to them.


What a let-down, Eric!

I had at least hoped she'd make them some coffee!

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on April 23, 2013, 10:22:55 am
if she did she'd have probably liked to have used this;
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Kevin Gallagher on April 27, 2013, 07:08:11 am
 I forgot to embed this in my earlier post  :-[   A shot of my "coffee setup".  Andrew and I happen to have the same brewing unit. I also do a bit of roasting my own as it were. This roaster will do about 1/2 pound of beans at a time, and is a pretty neat device, when the desired degree of roasting is reached it drops the hot beans into a tray where they are agitated and cooled by a fan.

(http://www.pbase.com/keving/image/117730432/original.jpg)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rob C on April 27, 2013, 09:31:36 am
I didn't realise prior to this thread that coffee is just as controversial a matter as CaNikLei, with similar pricing structures and even, I suspect, little large red dots or equivalent marking the status lines.

I suppose that there must be some definitive websites somewhere posting the essential figures for bean consistency, its provenance and, especially, the range of temperatures between which it must be stored, ground and brewed, not to mention consumed. I expect these will be mainly pay-sites...

Each day I marvel at the brave new world of Internet commerce and its fuelling of appetites run wild.

How did we all manage before it? Oh! I forgot: we didn't but we didn't know that.

;-)

Rob C
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Chris_Brown on April 28, 2013, 11:21:38 pm
Peet's Arabian mocha Java, a good grinder and this stovetop brewer makes my day, every day.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: MrSmith on April 29, 2013, 08:05:51 am
was at the london coffee festival on saturday as i sometimes shoot for a coffee magazine and am into good espresso coffee at home as well as when i'm out.
 like most things there is an acceptable level that people put up with because it's good enough or they just don't know quality because they have never seen/tasted/experienced it. but a well made coffee is something worth paying for (IMHO) and is not that expensive compared to the rubbish that starbucks sell or what nescafe screw from their nespresso customers.
artisan coffee is now a big business in the u.k with the number of micro-roasters and cafes growing rapidly with a 'new-world' attitude to their coffee more in line with america/NZ/australia than the stuffy old world of italy/central Europe.
none of the over-roasted oily burnt tasting coffee that you get round the Mediterranean.

i did find the cheering/whooping at the qualifiers for the barista world championships a bit OTT though, it's obviously a serious business and winning can increase their earning potential massively.

 
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: orchidblooms on May 04, 2013, 07:35:39 pm
for the best home brew - in my opinion - get a stainless french press with a glass beaker from a rest. supply co... forget the cheepies at target etc.. nothing but grief

i use starbucks 'espresso' blend in a pinch

we have a real cma single group espresso machine at the 'shop'... (watch CL and ebay can be had for under 1000.00 in good working order)
 
we order out coffee and teas from mr espresso in oakland ca the 'special blend' is very good... something i found while dining at the FiAMMA at at the MGM in las vegas - they serve this as after dinner  coffee - they 'brew' it with brass strainers.... in brewing devices supplied by mr espresso...

i use a kitchenaid pro line grinder - the mazer minni is in the basement... on a shelf for years...
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Line-Series-Coffee-Black/dp/B003AM7KIK

http://mrespresso.com/

phil

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: PeterAit on May 04, 2013, 09:39:25 pm
A Melita filter cone sitting on top of your cup is cheap, easy to clean, and makes great coffee. Rinse the filter before use. But, for the best coffee you usually have to roast your own beans. After a trip to Central America last year I started doing this, and the difference is not subtle. Rule of thumb I learned is that roasted whole beans last 2 weeks before degrading and ground coffee lasts 2 hours.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: angelasscott on October 03, 2013, 03:53:29 am
A single serve espresso pot seems to be just what you need. Look at this site to get some idea of what's available- http://www.dailycuppacoffee.com/espresso-pot-gift-pack-with-8oz-coffee. You may have never thought of buying a coffee pot online but I think buying online helps you get a better deal and choose from a wide selection.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: cortlander on October 03, 2013, 01:39:49 pm
Make a fantastic cup of coffee with:

http://www.amazon.com/Frieling-Polished-Stainless-French-17-Ounce/dp/B0015VMKME/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t (http://www.amazon.com/Frieling-Polished-Stainless-French-17-Ounce/dp/B0015VMKME/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t)

and Tarrazu gourmet coffee beans from Costa Rica:

http://www.cafebritt.com (http://www.cafebritt.com)

Grind it precisely:

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG800XL-Smart-Grinder/dp/B0043EWFAM/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t (http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BCG800XL-Smart-Grinder/dp/B0043EWFAM/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t)

Add water at the right temperature:

http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BKE820XL-Variable-Temperature-1-8-Liter-Kettle/dp/B001DYERBK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t (http://www.amazon.com/Breville-BKE820XL-Variable-Temperature-1-8-Liter-Kettle/dp/B001DYERBK/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t)

You will love it!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: wolfnowl on October 04, 2013, 07:56:37 pm
This does everything (and I use it to make Coffee as well as expresso etc):

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009314RQ/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You want a Super-Automatic. I've had this unit since 2006, still going strong. I know the French Press makes better, but if you want really good coffee after pressing a single button (which is configurable), this is for you.

Andrew got to this before I did, but yes, a Super-Automatic is what you're looking for.  They're anything BUT cheap, however.
http://www.superautomaticespressomachines.net/
http://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/espresso-machines/superautomatics
http://www.espressoplanet.com/coffee-espresso/super-automatics-espresso-machines-coffee-makers/

Mike.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: BlasR on October 08, 2013, 07:25:11 pm
Wow even on the photography site U ask how to cock or boil water.

I think I was so good been away from cucu people..this getting bad...

how I can get free stuff? I hate anything free but look like if u want to survive U need all you can get.

I do not want go there BUt I think I will have to...Lord help me to just walk away and never die, to se others die for me!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on October 09, 2013, 08:00:09 pm
Wow even on the photography site U ask how to cock or boil water.

I think I was so good been away from cucu people..this getting bad...

how I can get free stuff? I hate anything free but look like if u want to survive U need all you can get.

I do not want go there BUt I think I will have to...Lord help me to just walk away and never die, to se others die for me!

I had to reread this a few times to be sure we're speaking the same language and this is no translator giving us some loose translation from obscure Romany or something.
I mean, what?  Are you saying something here?
  I'd like to know what.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: BlasR on October 10, 2013, 06:09:34 am
Si no entendes quedate bruto sucio!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Rocco Penny on October 10, 2013, 11:42:43 am
I quit drinking coffee cold turkey a few months ago,
so I am not unclean as your post seems to suggest.
Now cucu is another thing entirely.
I am just cucu enough to see you have something to offer, but am so confused by your posts,
like how does the BVM figure into this?
Didn't you mention something about catolico doctrine somewhere?
I am curious as to what the heck you are saying, but am just lost,
like one of those sheep you've heard about...
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Phil Indeblanc on November 04, 2013, 12:40:55 pm
If you want "American" coffee, the best bold flavor is from a percolator.  I like the older ones as they are Stainless and well made. I would look on ebay, and you can find one for rather cheap.
If you only want a single serve or two vs a pot, I would say go with the cone drip method using unbleached paper and adjust your grind.

If you need a timer, I did here decent results from a Zojirushi thermal carafe. I also had a HAmilton Beach model that had a feature called "Flavor control", this held the water longer to saturate, and I did get great results.  I would think Frech Press is also great, but you have to stir, and then wait and press, and sometimes by the time you drink it, it is a bit less hot.

There is a Cuisine Art with built in grinder.

I would not buy a machine that does all things OK, I rather have a very good Espresso machine and a very good coffee maker, and even better grinder for the job. But I understand where people have to compromise for space and convenience.... I rather not do this for coffee if I can help it.  In the past year. Having said all this, oddly, I have cut coffee almost entirely out. I now have a paper cone drip once a week or less. Much better on the steady hands :-)...AND as Rob says, the processes are just over rated for the reward...At least once you have reached that Coffee Nirvana at some point.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 07:23:50 am
One spoon of milk in a cup of coffee or tea won't kill you, but a more substantial intake of dairy products may.
I posted previously in several threads links about myths and dangers of dairy consumption, but now the proof is in. A friend of mine (in her sixties) who got inspired by Amy Lanou's book "Building Bone Vitality" just got back her lab results after a year of modified diet and almost unbelievably, her bone loss not only stopped, but actually the bone density has increased (exactly as the book author predicted). More importantly, abstinence from milk products will result in several other benefits and better health.

Here are her lab results:
2017 INTERVAL CHANGE: "Significant decrease in Bone density"
2018 INTERVAL CHANGE: "SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN BONE DENSITY!!"

A "T-score" of -1 or greater is normal; -1 to -2.5 is low bone density (osteopenia); -2.5 and below is osteoporosis

LUMBAR SPINE:
2018:
BMD= 1.004 g/cm2
T-score= -0.4
Interval change = 2.9%
2017:
BMD= 0.976 g/cm2
T-score= -0.6 
Interval change = -15%

FEMORAL NECK:
2018:
BMD= 0.668 g/cm2
T-score= -1.6 
2017:
BMD= 0.655 g/cm2
T-score= -1.7

TOTAL HIP:
2018:
BMD= 0.780 g/cm2
T-score= -1.3 
Interval change = 1.9%
2017:
BMD= 0.765 g/cm2
T-score= -1.4
Interval change = -20.6%

Here is the link for the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Building-Bone-Vitality-Revolutionary-Osteoporosis-Without-ebook/dp/B0026HPHXU/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1528368539&sr=1-1&keywords=lanou+bones
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Kevin Gallagher on June 07, 2018, 08:19:28 am
 Les, that is indeed very interesting and informative. I can still remember the TV ads from the 50's and 60's extolling the benefits and the necessity of drinking your milk.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 08:48:07 am
The problem and sad reality is that even today, the TV ads, many doctors, and of course the National Dairy Council still extol the alleged milk benefits.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 07, 2018, 09:30:40 am
The problem and sad reality is that even today, the TV ads, many doctors, and of course the National Dairy Council still extol the alleged milk benefits.

I wonder why...it only helped humanity prosper the last 200,000 years ;)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 09:44:14 am
Milk is definitely more nutritious than no food. Especially, in the previous 200,000 years when the average longevity was less than 40 years, the short-term benefit of milk consumption was indeed helpful.

DISCLOSURE: I don't own any shares or other interest in dairy, meat, vegetable or pharma industries. Nor in publishing of health books. My mission is not to convert anyone, just to expose the myths and dangers propagated by unscrupuluos food companies, doctors with limited knowledge of nutrition, and pharma industry capitalizing on the deeds committed by the former two.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 07, 2018, 01:03:20 pm
One spoon of milk in a cup of coffee or tea won't kill you, but a more substantial intake of dairy products may.
I posted previously in several threads links about myths and dangers of dairy consumption, but now the proof is in. A friend of mine (in her sixties) who got inspired by Amy Lanou's book "Building Bone Vitality" just got back her lab results after a year of modified diet and almost unbelievably, her bone loss not only stopped, but actually the bone density has increased (exactly as the book author predicted).

You believe that one set of results from one person which follow an inspiration of an unspecified nature constitutes "proof"? The mind boggles.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 01:44:05 pm
One personally confirmed case, but I read the above mentioned book, that examined thousands of studies, and the author described her own situation how she reversed her bone density, and then I recommended the book to my friend who was just confronted with her own bone density loss. She has a scientific background and actually she is quite skeptical of various quack recipes, but  the book and the approach seemed well founded, so she took it seriously and followed the recommendations in the book and after one year she repeated the lab test, and to her delight the results about the bone density reversal were better than expected and very encouraging. Also physically she feels better than before.

On the other hand, I know a few other ladies, who keep eating dairy and meat, and they all have deteriorating bones and joints. So as far as I can see, there seems to be a certain correlation between consumption of dairy and bone problems. That is only my personal observation, but more importantly, I read other materials that documented the adverse results of dairy consumption, and regrettably, on the other hand I witnessed several medical professionals still recommending the alleged benefits of milk, that's why a real case of someone I know and trust is more reliable for me than the TV milk ads and guidelines of the National Dairy Council.

After getting her lab results, my friend now spoke to several of her friends, who value her knowledge, reputation, and judgment, and at least one of them already ordered that book. Maybe next year, she'll be able to supply more evidence, but in the meantime, you can read the book extract on the Amazon site, or borrow the book from your library, so you can review it yourself.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 07, 2018, 02:45:26 pm
A quick search indicates that this is the fifth thread in which you have posted a link to that particular book. I think I can do no better than to respond as I responded to this post (http://forum.luminous-landscape.com/index.php?topic=124501.msg1041482#msg1041482) of yours.

Quote
Well, I've certainly no intention of spending actual money on it, so I suppose I have to accept that I'll never know for sure, but the extracts I could read using Amazon's "look inside" feature strongly suggest that it's complete drivel. Another pointer to that supposition is that none of its ideas appear to have become widely accepted in the near-decade since its publication.

As someone once shrewdly commented, "the plural of 'anecdote' is not 'data'".

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 03:20:11 pm
Jeremy, there are definitely conflicting opinions on this subject, and the above mentioned book is only one of many stating the benefits of plant based food and negative effects of dairy. I didn't post it to win any arguments, I shared this information to make people aware of the latest findings.

If only one person in thousands will take time and educate herself on this subject (the bone density problem is more prevalent in women than in men), then this information may save a bone fracture, and potentially a life. The good thing is that the other 999 people will contribute to the wellbeing of many dairy farmers and retailers. 
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Farmer on June 07, 2018, 04:15:32 pm
The best science, currently, tells us that diet affects different people differently.  What would cause a massive blood sugar spike in one person (who otherwise has a normal range level) can have almost no effect on someone else of the same age, gender, size, weight, ethnicity, normal range levels, etc.

We're not at the point of being able to provide significant personalised dietary advice to individuals based on genetics and testing regimens at a consumer level and price point, but it's heading that way.

What I do find interesting is that when you take a lot of the more extreme diets (fully ketogenic, fully vegan, etc.) and then wind them back a little, you commonly come back to a diet that's very much like the so-called Mediterranean diet which itself is well founded and studied as being a pretty good "all-rounder" as being a health option for a lot of people.

It comes back to this.  "Eat food, mostly plants, not too much".
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 07, 2018, 05:42:35 pm
"Eat food, mostly plants, not too much".

Sexier than SAD (Standard American Diet)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 10, 2018, 07:45:28 pm
Sexier than SAD (Standard American Diet)

Hmmm... ;)

Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Eric Myrvaagnes on June 10, 2018, 08:44:51 pm
Hmmm... ;)
;D  ;D  ;D
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 10, 2018, 09:35:13 pm
Hmmm... ;)

Is it indeed a 51-year old lady (on the left)? Or is it a picture of her mother? In this case, I would say she takes it too seriously. Or she works too hard.

Could be that in addition to the butter, the good looking lady on the right also added a touch of Photoshop. Or an old-fashioned make-up. Amazing what competent make-up-artists and Photoshop experts can do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 10, 2018, 09:49:27 pm
Slobodan, you should have posted Pamela Anderson picture. She would represent vegans in a more dignified way.

(https://eluxemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/47c5e403-fe22-4c82-a7c3-f946f0232f97.jpg)

And here is a 58 year-old Joan Jett. Vegan for 20 years.
 
(https://eluxemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Joan_Jett_2013.jpg?189db0&189db0)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 10, 2018, 09:50:24 pm
Is it indeed a 51-year old lady (on the left)? Or is it a picture of her mother?...

Before posting, I googled both ladies. They are both real and pictures are more or less the same as hundreds on others found about them.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 10, 2018, 10:05:49 pm
Speaking about healthy living:


 (https://pics.me.me/sammy-hagar-is-68-years-old-bill-clinton-is-69-19618321.png)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 10, 2018, 10:13:45 pm
Bill Clinton used to look better. I wonder what is he missing.
These comparisons are way different than Nikon vs Canon squabbles.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: drmike on June 11, 2018, 03:10:27 am
Is it indeed a 51-year old lady (on the left)? Or is it a picture of her mother? In this case, I would say she takes it too seriously. Or she works too hard.

Could be that in addition to the butter, the good looking lady on the right also added a touch of Photoshop. Or an old-fashioned make-up. Amazing what competent make-up-artists and Photoshop experts can do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U

That is an unkind photo of MacKeith who suffered controversy when she came close to passing herself off as a doctor of medicine by buying a PhD in some other subject. She always struck me as a silly person out to make a quick buck on TV.

As for Nigella, yes makeup but probably not photoshop and she does wonderful soft food porn in a very tongue in cheek way on UK TV. She fits the fantasy of UK men of a certain age (ie my age) very well indeed. I sometimes watch her programs and I think my wife uses a couple of her recipes. It helps that she is very wealthy and is pretty clever.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 11, 2018, 04:31:20 am
Here is a different set of two substantial and contraversial persons getting a lot of attention these days. They both look well rounded.
No information about their waist size, blood pressure and sugar levels.

(https://media.zenfs.com/en_us/News/ap_webfeeds/0cdeedd80d7b42e0b70652daec1786cc.jpg)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Martin Kristiansen on June 11, 2018, 05:07:41 am
Is it indeed a 51-year old lady (on the left)? Or is it a picture of her mother? In this case, I would say she takes it too seriously. Or she works too hard.

Could be that in addition to the butter, the good looking lady on the right also added a touch of Photoshop. Or an old-fashioned make-up. Amazing what competent make-up-artists and Photoshop experts can do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYhCn0jf46U

Not to mention proper lighting and a relatively careful pose.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: drmike on June 11, 2018, 07:08:38 am
Back on topic an Aeropress for day to day coffee and any decent simple expresso machine such as a modestly Gaggia (unless Nigella has her own brand).
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on June 11, 2018, 11:24:35 am
Back on topic an Aeropress for day to day coffee and any decent simple expresso machine such as a modestly Gaggia (unless Nigella has her own brand).
Thank you for moving this back to the original topic. Maybe the rest of the Off topic nonsense will cease. +1 on a Gaggia, have had one (Super Auto) since 2005, makes great coffee.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 11, 2018, 11:33:32 am
Paradoxically, the thread, dormant since 2013, has been revived by that “off-topic nonsense.”
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on June 11, 2018, 11:35:35 am
Paradoxically, the thread, dormant since 2013, has been revived by that “off-topic nonsense.”
Need instructions on how to start a new topic? One that's totally different than this one which clearly is about recommendations for coffee pots? Or easier to just hijack them as we see so often?
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 11, 2018, 11:47:35 am
At least our “off-topic nonsense” had something to do with photography, Photoshop, and lighting ;)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on June 11, 2018, 11:58:09 am
At least our “off-topic nonsense” had something to do with photography, Photoshop, and lighting ;)
If a million posts are made off topic, they are still off topic! Have you no opinions and comments about coffee or is the agenda to Hijack another topic, demanding some unsubscribe thanks to such efforts? Answer the question by going back on topic or by moving on PLEASE.
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 11, 2018, 12:53:36 pm
That is an unkind photo of MacKeith who suffered controversy when she came close to passing herself off as a doctor of medicine by buying a PhD in some other subject. She always struck me as a silly person out to make a quick buck on TV.

It is an unkind photograph and I think your assessment of her money-making ambitions is spot on. She affected the title "Dr" to bolster her rather curious penchant for analysis of faeces as supplying some form of insight, and disappeared almost immediately it was discovered that she had no right to it. She then became rather litigious, it seems: https://www.badscience.net/2010/07/and-then-i-was-incompetently-libelled-by-a-litigious-millionaire/#more-1724.

Quote
As for Nigella, yes makeup but probably not photoshop and she does wonderful soft food porn in a very tongue in cheek way on UK TV. She fits the fantasy of UK men of a certain age (ie my age) very well indeed. I sometimes watch her programs and I think my wife uses a couple of her recipes. It helps that she is very wealthy and is pretty clever.

I saw her signing books at the Royal Northern College of Music when I was there for a concert last year, and watched for a short time. The queue moved slowly because she spent a significant time chatting to each person who asked for her signature. There's little PS in that photo, in my view: like you, I fall into the "men of a certain age" category. Hey ho.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 11, 2018, 12:57:14 pm
If a million posts are made off topic, they are still off topic! Have you no opinions and comments about coffee or is the agenda to Hijack another topic, demanding some unsubscribe thanks to such efforts? Answer the question by going back on topic or by moving on PLEASE.

Andrew, the question was answered in 2013. After nearly five years of hibernation, this thread was reactivated by Les with one of his many posts linking to the quack book he likes to plug. As far as I am concerned, it has long since lost its moorings and can drift in any direction anyone wants.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Slobodan Blagojevic on June 11, 2018, 12:58:37 pm
Jeremy, I am going to report you to the moderator, for off-topic comments ;)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: digitaldog on June 11, 2018, 01:03:52 pm
Andrew, the question was answered in 2013.
It was?
OK, thanks for forcing me to unsubscribe, that being the case!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 11, 2018, 01:04:27 pm
Jeremy, I am going to report you to the moderator, for off-topic comments ;)

I have delivered a firm slap to my wrist.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Jeremy Roussak on June 11, 2018, 01:05:14 pm
It was?
OK, thanks for forcing me to unsubscribe, that being the case!

I'm not forcing you to do anything at all. Read back through the thread.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Kevin Gallagher on June 11, 2018, 02:11:38 pm
 Better fire up that Hot Cocoa machine again!!
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: LesPalenik on June 11, 2018, 04:19:16 pm
Andrew, the question was answered in 2013. After nearly five years of hibernation, this thread was reactivated by Les with one of his many posts linking to the quack book he likes to plug. As far as I am concerned, it has long since lost its moorings and can drift in any direction anyone wants.

Jeremy

It's true that I reactivated this thread as a response to milk intake, mentioned in some of the posts in the thread. What is problematic, is Jeremy's assessment of the Building Bone Vitality book.

Let me state first, that personally I don't have any problems with my bone density and never suffered a bone fracture, despite quite a few tumbles on downhill ski slopes and hitting some rocks in fast rapids in my younger days, so I don't have any dog in this fight. The subject was interesting for me because some of my friends were not so lucky and they experienced bone fractures - mainly in their wrists or arms. Furthermore, the negative effects of dairy intake can lead to multiple other problems and diseases, so I researched more than twenty books and various other articles on this subject. It may be a confusing subject with conflicting theories, and as it can be expected, some books are better than others. The above mentioned book by Amy Lanou seems one of the better ones, citing 1200 studies, and personal story of the author. Furthermore, the Foreword and endorsement was written by Dr. Dean Ornish, whose opinion and expertise when it comes to medical science, are highly professional and trustworthy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dean_Ornish

 
   
 
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Patricia Sheley on June 12, 2018, 08:51:33 am

It comes back to this.  "Eat food, mostly plants, not too much".
'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.' credit: Michael Pollan
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Ivo_B on June 17, 2018, 05:16:26 am
Simple:

You need a turkish cezve. A copper one is the good choice.
And you need a good Turkish grinder (you have to grind the beans in powder)
Go to a local coffee burner and buy 100% arabica beans, if possible and if you can find: Arabica of Yemen.

So: Take a spoon of grinded beans and do it in the gesvez, add a coffee-spoon of sugar (if desired) en put water.

Then hold the Gesvez above the fire and let it boil up to the top of the can for tree times. (Boil, take away, boil, take away and again. When is comes up the third time pour it in a small espresso cup. Wait a small time to get the powder grinded coffee to settle and enjoy.

(The topic opener probably doesn't give a shit anymore, but I found it fun to reply anyhow)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: drmike on June 17, 2018, 05:52:57 am
Been there done that and while it's quite fun and makes strong coffee it somehow doesn't seem quite right for me outside of the middle east. I've had delicious coffee in Turkey and Greece made this way but it seems like it's one of those things that doesn't travel well - like Ouzo, lovely in Greece but in the UK?

Mike
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: Ivophoto on June 17, 2018, 06:00:26 am
Been there done that and while it's quite fun and makes strong coffee it somehow doesn't seem quite right for me outside of the middle east. I've had delicious coffee in Turkey and Greece made this way but it seems like it's one of those things that doesn't travel well - like Ouzo, lovely in Greece but in the UK?

Mike

Or French wine, tapped out those huge cittern directly in the bottle. Taste not the same under North Belgian clouds.

About the coffee, it’s all in the beans.
If you live in UK, I’m sure you can find the small pre grind packs of Memmet Effendi coffee. Try this and enjoy!

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180617/f8d3b94d8f24f316699edb040896bbb7.jpg)
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: drmike on June 17, 2018, 06:09:51 am
I think I can grind it fine enough as I have a Krups burr grinder which seems to manage a very fine grind indeed. I suspect it's just my incompetence although I have tried the coffee in Middle Eastern restaurants in Birmingham and it's not as I recall it in Turkey.

Going completely off topic and onto another tangent I was amazed that I never once got a decent cup of tea in India. Sri Lanka yes I could get decent tea but India it was all Chai which I don't care for one bit, packet tea which is basically dust in tea bags or Twinings tea bags and I don't travel to India to have English made tea.

Maybe I was just unlucky but even in rather grand hotels the best I was offered was Twinings.

On my trip to California I was very impressed by the tea bag tea, the bags are massive and let the tea brew properly and as I recall the tea could therefore be loose leaf not dust which is what we get in the UK.

Mike
Title: Re: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: luxborealis on June 18, 2018, 09:36:44 pm
Hot water kettle and an Aero Press. Small, cheap, simple and great coffee.

+1
Title: Re: Coffee Pot Recommendations
Post by: luxborealis on June 18, 2018, 09:47:19 pm
To stay within the usual stereotypes, shouldn't Brits (and Scots?) refrain from giving advice on coffee or food? ;D

Any tea advice would be, however, highly appreciated.

FWIW, Americans have long been known to have just about the worst (weakest) coffee in the world. Then, along comes Starbucks and suddenly you’re the experts. I think not.  ;)

Germans and Austrians sure know how to make great coffee (and Italians for espresso)... Use a separate grinder, grind finely and try a Melitta cone filter OR grind med-fine and use a Bodum/French Press. I do like an AeroPress with espresso-grind, too. Lots of great options with a grinder and a kettle and all can be taken backcountry in a canoe or backpack (except the electric grinder, of course!)