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About Me

I work in the TV business. I work very crazy hours all around the clock. A great cup of coffee is much appreciated and goes a long way. I went to Costa Rica about 2 years ago and have never looked at coffee the same way. Now I have become very passionate about every aspect of coffee, I roast my own. I hope to have my own coffee shop in the next few years.

 
MichaelK

MichaelK

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MichaelK asked a question about a product...
at 02-06-2013 12:57pm
Gaggia Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Gaggia Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

I just got the Latte Art Wand recently and use a smaller, 12oz jug now and have been getting far better results. I'm getting a nice vortex and minimal to no bubbles. I have a question though...when I flip the steam button on, do I need to wait for the brew light to go on or off before steaming? I usually flip the switch on after I brew a shot and wait about 30 seconds and purge the wand before I start steaming. The reason I ask is because I feel like I've run out of steam pressure once or twice.

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mjackson ♦ Here is a good trick. Turn on steam switch time how long it takes for the light to come on. The light coming on means the boiler is up to steam temperature and the heater is shut off. Therefore you are kind of starting from a dead start, time how long it takes for light to come on and then start steaming about ten seconds before it is supposed to come on. This way the heating element is still on and you get more continuous steam as you are not waiting for heating element to turn back on in the boiler. Try this you will be surprised how well it works.

02-06-2013 5:24pm |

MichaelK

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MichaelK wrote a review...
at 02-04-2013 8:16am

AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

I'm a fan. Still in the process of tweaking to my taste but I love that it is small and easy to travel with or bring to work. Not to mention, it's very easy to clean. It's like a french press with much less hassle and sediment free. Although I don't mind the thickness and sediment from french...

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MichaelK

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MichaelK buzzed about a product...
at 02-02-2013 10:10am
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

Using the AeroPress for a few days now, I am really starting to like it. I just brought it to work and used it. Pretty awesome. I will say though, I've been adding a bit of hot water after pressing but I think its much better just the way it is. Best results have been using 2 scoops fine grind, hot water up to the '4' on the press, mixing, waiting about a minute to brew longer...then pressing. Again, not adding hot water makes it taste much better. I prefer quality over quantity anyways...

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MichaelK

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MichaelK asked a question about a product...
at 01-30-2013 5:10pm
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker
AeroPress Coffee and Espresso Maker

I recently ordered the AeroPress. It should be arriving today and I am very excited because I've read such great feedback. My question or perhaps statement is, this device makes a concentrated coffee in which you add water to make it like a regular cup of coffee or something similar to an Americano, right? I keep reading how this makes espresso but don't quite understand where people are getting that from, even if its printed on the box. So is this just a hybrid, or can you actually call it espresso? My other observation would be that it does not seem to have the capacity to make a full cup of coffee...hence adding water? Without even using this yet, I guess I'll say that this device does not make espresso. Thoughts anyone?

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Anis Kadri I own an aeropress myself and I find it makes a perfect cup of coffee (no acidity, no bitterness) if you follow the instructions of course. They are pretty simple: stir for 10 seconds and push down for another 20sec. Use about 18 grams of ground coffee (medium). Even though they advertise it as an espresso making device, I wouldn't call it espresso.

01-31-2013 12:17pm |

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Sanfam ♦ Following on Anis' post, you may also want to try an "Inverted Brew" technique. While you won't be able to easily make a proper espresso using the Aeropress as the instructions suggest, an inverted brew lets the oils and gasses (which rise up) flow out through the filter rather than become stuck up with the grounds. Do it with care and it won't risk any mess, either.

01-31-2013 12:17pm |

MichaelK

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MichaelK asked a question about a product...
at 01-17-2013 3:02pm
Gaggia Classic Brushed Stainless Steel Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine
Gaggia Classic Brushed Stainless Steel Semi-Automatic Espresso Machine

I've had the Classic and MDF grinder for a month now. Are there any tips anyone can give me? Have not had the best results...especially with milk stretching. I use the commercial portafilter with 15-17 grams and go all the way down to a '3' on the grinder to get an O.K. shot. I try and try to stretch milk and never even come close to micro foam. Help!! I've read so much and watched every video imaginable on these topics....

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mjackson ♦ Mike,
The milk stretching will be hard with the pannarello wand as it is. You may want to try the latte art wand -http://www.wholelattelove.com/Gaggia/Gaggia_Latte_Art_Pannarello_Wand.cfm. This wand acts as a more traditional one hole tip when you remove the hollow outer cover and then it will be all about technique as opposed to the normal pannarello wand which is designed to froth milk easily. You will find it does create microfoam with a great technique. I hope this helps.

01-26-2013 11:12am |

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MichaelK Thanks. I just got the Latte Art Wand recently and use a smaller, 12oz jug now and have been getting far better results. I'm getting a nice vortex and minimal to no bubbles. I have a question though...when I flip the steam button on, do I need to wait for the brew light to go on or off before steaming? I usually flip the switch on after I brew a shot and wait about 30 seconds and purge the wand before I start steaming. The reason I ask is because I feel like I've run out of steam pressure once or twice.

02-02-2013 10:38am |