What's the best coffee machine?

[sasguru]

Stove-top pot was invented for Italians who didn't have an espresso machine at home, not really necessary now that you can have a decent machine at home (it's a good substitute but can be a bit bitter).

.

That may be the origin of it, but I still maintain it has the best taste. The bitterness happens if you over do it.

[gingerjedi]

I agree. Earl Grey is for wannabee aristos. The real upper class drink cheap Tetleys. And re-use the tea bag at least 3 times.

ok ok I don't really drink Earl Grey... I drink floor sweepings, strong coffee makes me edgy.

[Gibbon]

That may be the origin of it, but I still maintain it has the best taste. The bitterness happens if you over do it.

That is obviously you're personal preference. Mine and most Italians prefer expresso, otherwise how do you explain that even the humblest cafe has a expresso machine. The pressure separates the aromatic oils out of the coffee and gives you the crema sat on the top.

My only advice on the matter is to buy a machine with at least 15 bar pressure and grind your beans fresh.

[Methuselah]

That is obviously you're personal preference. Mine and most Italians prefer expresso, otherwise how do you explain that even the humblest cafe has a expresso machine. The pressure separates the aromatic oils out of the coffee and gives you the crema sat on the top.

My only advice on the matter is to buy a machine with at least 15 bar pressure and grind your beans fresh.

Indeed, these are the 2 factors that really matter (as well as, of course, buying the best coffee, which even allowing for taste is not likely to be among the cheapest on the shelf).

Oh, and get a good grinder. That may be more important than a good espresso machine.

[Red 7]

(as well as, of course, buying the best coffee, which even allowing for taste is not likely to be among the cheapest on the shelf).

What's everyone's opinion on the best coffee ?

Does it have to be chewed and crapped-out by a lemur ?

One of the best I've ever tried is Jamaican Blue Mountain, but I'm no aficionado and blue mountain may be the equivalent of 'Happy Shopper Instant' in the coffee world.

[sasguru]

What's everyone's opinion on the best coffee ?

Does it have to be chewed and crapped-out by a lemur ?

One of the best I've ever tried is Jamaican Blue Mountain, but I'm no aficionado and blue mountain may be the equivalent of 'Happy Shopper Instant' in the coffee world.

Blue Mountain is indeed refreshing.
My favourite is Jacobs which I have only ever found in Germany/Switzerland

[Colemanisor]

Kenco used to have a blend called "404 with fig seasoning" - bloody marvellous, but don't know where you would get it today.

[MrRobin]

At risk of being branded a disgusting heathen here, I want to ask if anyone has had any experience with the Nespresso machines??

Any good? They seem like a no-mess solution anyway..

[Apache]

Blue Mountain

One of the best I've ever tried is Jamaican Blue Mountain.

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhh, Blue Mountain - happy days and sunshine in a mug.

[Apache]

Monkey tea

I agree. Earl Grey is for wannabee aristos. The real upper class drink cheap Tetleys. And re-use the tea bag at least 3 times.

Indeed, my good man - a good slosh of monkey tea is hard to beat - Although I seem to remember that the monkeys were drinking PG Tips.