cadenceblur Posted August 1, 2014 Share I'm sure that will be time well spent. I've been delaying something similar for myself in fact. Some good one on one time with a skilled barista to identify issues and refine technique. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted August 2, 2014 Share I'm at the stil coffee training today. Been really awesome!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Fantana Posted August 2, 2014 Share So, I am not really a heavyweight home barista, but I do appreviate a good espresso. After reading a bit on Home-Barista forums over the last two years, I started to pinpoint my research towards a goo espresso only machine. My research, time and again, led me to the Arrarex Caravel Manual Lever. There is a 150 page thread on the machine on Home-Barista: http://www.home-barista.com/levers/arrarex-caravel-t5752.html A few months ago I purchased one on Ebay from Italy. I refurbished the machine myself and replaced all the seals. I also machined a brass tamper which fits the filter basket perfectly. We also have a Spong No1 grinder which have been in our family for as long as I can remember. I also got a nearly unused Spong No3 which my brother got from his in-laws. These grinders grind suprisingly fine and consistent. http://www.home-barista.com/grinders/spong-coffee-mills-grinder-for-23rd-century-t16165.html This machine is extremely forgiving. The open boiler design reduces overheating issues and the very narrow and deep basket is forgiving in terms of grind consistency. I am still learning, but my espressos are already a lot better than what you will find at many coffee shops/bars. I took this photo about 30 seconds after completing the pull: r0adrunner, Captain Fastbastard Mayhem, SimpleDom and 2 others 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SimpleDom Posted August 2, 2014 Share So, I am not really a heavyweight home barista, but I do appreviate a good espresso. After reading a bit on Home-Barista forums over the last two years, I started to pinpoint my research towards a goo espresso only machine. My research, time and again, led me to the Arrarex Caravel Manual Lever. There is a 150 page thread on the machine on Home-Barista: http://www.home-barista.com/levers/arrarex-caravel-t5752.html A few months ago I purchased one on Ebay from Italy. I refurbished the machine myself and replaced all the seals. I also machined a brass tamper which fits the filter basket perfectly. We also have a Spong No1 grinder which have been in our family for as long as I can remember. I also got a nearly unused Spong No3 which my brother got from his in-laws. These grinders grind suprisingly fine and consistent. http://www.home-barista.com/grinders/spong-coffee-mills-grinder-for-23rd-century-t16165.html This machine is extremely forgiving. The open boiler design reduces overheating issues and the very narrow and deep basket is forgiving in terms of grind consistency. I am still learning, but my espressos are already a lot better than what you will find at many coffee shops/bars. I took this photo about 30 seconds after completing the pull: Beautiful! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted August 2, 2014 Share The caraval is a beautiful lever machine!! So i think that makes 2 of us on the forum with lever machines! Welcome! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
V12man Posted August 2, 2014 Share Now that is a great looking machine. Brian Fantana 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBguy Posted August 3, 2014 Share Lovely... but what's the thing behind it, that looks like an aerial connected to it by a cable. Does the software update automatically from the cloud? Does it report you to the barista police if you pull too hard? Is it to protect you from lightning? I'm dying to know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Fantana Posted August 3, 2014 Share Lovely... but what's the thing behind it, that looks like an aerial connected to it by a cable. Does the software update automatically from the cloud? Does it report you to the barista police if you pull too hard? Is it to protect you from lightning? I'm dying to know... Haha, no it is just a Wika stainless steel food grade thermometer which I put in the boiler to check the temperatures at which the thermostat turns on and off. It is an old unit from our plant which I have replaced with an RTD and display. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G e r h a r d Odendaal Posted August 3, 2014 Share Nespresso is the first one that comes to my mind.And then Lavazza (I bought an old model a while ago and really like it) They both use pods which come in different strengths and blends Nespresso, believe me once you have one you will be hooked. They also deliver to your door.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cadenceblur Posted August 3, 2014 Share So, I am not really a heavyweight home barista, but I do appreviate a good espresso. After reading a bit on Home-Barista forums over the last two years, I started to pinpoint my research towards a goo espresso only machine. My research, time and again, led me to the Arrarex Caravel Manual Lever. There is a 150 page thread on the machine on Home-Barista: http://www.home-bari...avel-t5752.html A few months ago I purchased one on Ebay from Italy. I refurbished the machine myself and replaced all the seals. I also machined a brass tamper which fits the filter basket perfectly. We also have a Spong No1 grinder which have been in our family for as long as I can remember. I also got a nearly unused Spong No3 which my brother got from his in-laws. These grinders grind suprisingly fine and consistent. http://www.home-bari...ury-t16165.html This machine is extremely forgiving. The open boiler design reduces overheating issues and the very narrow and deep basket is forgiving in terms of grind consistency. I am still learning, but my espressos are already a lot better than what you will find at many coffee shops/bars. I took this photo about 30 seconds after completing the pull: That is a thing of beauty! Brian Fantana 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyMartin Posted August 4, 2014 Share Nespresso, believe me once you have one you will be hooked. They also deliver to your door.... Not all of us are fans of Nespresso.Cost of machine 8/10Convenience 10/10Cost of coffee 5/10Quality of coffee 5/10Fun. 2/10 Captain Fastbastard Mayhem, Brian Fantana, Jocklaw and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted August 4, 2014 Share Not all of us are fans of Nespresso.Cost of machine 10/10Convenience 10/10Cost of coffee 0/10Quality of coffee 0/10Fun. 0/10 FTFY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oxter Posted August 4, 2014 Share Not all of us are fans of Nespresso.Cost of machine 8/10Convenience 10/10Cost of coffee 5/10Quality of coffee 5/10Fun. 2/10 +1 Edit:I do pop into a @home on Saturdays or Sundays for a tester if I'm in the area though Edited August 4, 2014 by Oxter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted August 4, 2014 Share Does anyone have an Aeropress that they're willing to offload for a (not so high) price? Really getting the moer in with sub standard plungers that let all manner of gumpf through their filters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the nerd Posted August 4, 2014 Share Does anyone have an Aeropress that they're willing to offload for a (not so high) price? Really getting the moer in with sub standard plungers that let all manner of gumpf through their filters. How much you wanna spend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted August 4, 2014 Share How much you wanna spend? Nothing! JK. They go new for 400 or so. Just looking at various options that are available. Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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