The basics of good coffee - in pictures
My quest for home made espresso started with a Gaggia Espresso Color from ID-Gourmet, Mumbai.
Shortly afterwards, I realised that the pressurised baskets that come as part of the deal won't cut it for real espresso. So, I spent Rs. 1500 extra to upgrade to these real filter baskets which allow me to get the 'real' crema on my espresso.
Next was the realisation that unless coffee powder is compacted with sufficient pressure, the espresso is not thick or rich enough. Resulted in the purchase of a Rattleware 58 mm tamp from Amazon. Well worth it to replace the flimsy plastic one that Gaggia includes in the box.
Ironically, the most crucial purchase came much later. This is the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder from Amazon which added the most amazing dimension to my espresso experience - the sweet smell of freshly ground coffee.
And since it's from the US and it's NOT dual voltage, it needs a step-down transformer (100W). Here is a picture of that indispensable little device, purchased from an electric store in Bandra West.
Keeping equipment clean is important. These are the Camlin art brushes that I bought from a local stationary store to remove troublesome particles of ground coffee that get lodged inside the grinder blades.
No budget left for expensive shot glasses! These cute little cups cost Rs.50 each, from a roadside pottery shop opposite Shoppers Stop in Bandra
Big Bazaar supplied this pretty pair of glass jars in which I store ground coffee (never for more than a day, though I am lazy, it's important to grind and brew fresh). The jars cost just Rs.150.
And if you are serious about coffee, you need to make space for it, which is not an easy proposition in a small Mumbai flat. My coffee gear occupies most of my counter.
Shortly afterwards, I realised that the pressurised baskets that come as part of the deal won't cut it for real espresso. So, I spent Rs. 1500 extra to upgrade to these real filter baskets which allow me to get the 'real' crema on my espresso.
Next was the realisation that unless coffee powder is compacted with sufficient pressure, the espresso is not thick or rich enough. Resulted in the purchase of a Rattleware 58 mm tamp from Amazon. Well worth it to replace the flimsy plastic one that Gaggia includes in the box.
Ironically, the most crucial purchase came much later. This is the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder from Amazon which added the most amazing dimension to my espresso experience - the sweet smell of freshly ground coffee.
And since it's from the US and it's NOT dual voltage, it needs a step-down transformer (100W). Here is a picture of that indispensable little device, purchased from an electric store in Bandra West.
Keeping equipment clean is important. These are the Camlin art brushes that I bought from a local stationary store to remove troublesome particles of ground coffee that get lodged inside the grinder blades.
No budget left for expensive shot glasses! These cute little cups cost Rs.50 each, from a roadside pottery shop opposite Shoppers Stop in Bandra
Big Bazaar supplied this pretty pair of glass jars in which I store ground coffee (never for more than a day, though I am lazy, it's important to grind and brew fresh). The jars cost just Rs.150.
And if you are serious about coffee, you need to make space for it, which is not an easy proposition in a small Mumbai flat. My coffee gear occupies most of my counter.
hi,
ReplyDeletethank you for existing !!! I am a fellow coffee geek from Delhi and am looking to source the capresso. How did you get it from the USA and BTW, did you do the stepless mod for it (http://coffeegeek.com/forums/espresso/grinders/501881)
Hi Sandeep, great to meet another coffee lover! I got my Capresso off Amazon. I have not modded it as its a high risk proposition and its not easy to get another grinder! If someone in the US iscwilling to help you, see if you can get the Baratza encore grinder at $130. Its better than mine. But baratza does not ship to India
ReplyDeletenisha - I was considering the Baratza, but I do not believe it is better than the Capresso. Take a look at Seattlecoffeegear's comparison (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXslyrHLIKM). At the Baratza Vario level, I have a strong dislike for digital equipment - so I'll probably get the Rancilio Rocky or something (at some point in the distant future!!)
ReplyDeleteMy current burr grinder is a Black and Decker that I have modded - but now I have grown out of it. I'll get the Capresso and mod it to be stepless. My espresso machine upgrade however will be to this (http://www.jaipanonline.com/Products/jaipan-Food-Processors/Jaipan/JAIPAN-SOGO-ESPRESS-COFEE-MAKER-800W-CAF-SS-5625/pid-537632.aspx) . Where did you buy the baskets from ?
Hey Sandeep, I went with the reviews on CoffeeGeek and Amazon. Take a look at this comprehensive one
ReplyDeletehttp://www.coffeegeek.com/pdfs/Baratza%20Grinders%20%20SM.pdf
I want a Baratza Precisio in short term and eventually a Mazzer Mini :)
My baskets are from Gaggia. The advantage of Gaggia is that since they have an Indian franchisee, all spare parts, service and AMC are available easily.