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Bit late to this. I had exactly the same problem and I use Monsoon. The issue was - as they suggested - that I was not grinding the beans finely enough. I have a DeLonghi grinder that has adjustable grind, fine to course in about 10 steps. I was using step 5, so the knob was in about the middle of the range. I went to nearly the finest setting and problem solved. They suggested other things - like water too hot, old beans, and contaminated grinder - but it wa as simple as the coarseness setting! I did wonder why it was so foul and it was too course. Mind you, it was me that would swear at it and use the course language! I rate Monsoon and it is my intention to visit when the lockdown is over. Good bike ride away!
Had my first take out coffee for a long time yesterday at Hexham Starbucks. Blonde roast Latte and it was a good one but the lockdown has made me realise I don’t really need a three quid cup of coffee unless it’s a treat so will be limiting myself to maybe one a week.
I bulk make a carafe from beans that I grind. Then, when it goes cold, I microwave. If you could use a Thermos to keep it warm all day then you don't need Starbucks! Mind you, you do have to be organised and no way can I claim that I am!
Just found a nice bean from “the bean shop” freshly roasted and does an all round job for expresso and latte (my 2 favourite) it’s a little to accessible though, some days I’m like a chain smoker with a coffee cup!!
I always look st the bad reviews on Amazon but many are written by idiots or nutters, My DeLonghi machine is busted, as did the previous DeLonghi, and so I don't want to by anything DeLonghi. My current Cookworks one is very basic and only does filter coffee. It doesn't keep it warm but turns itself off after 15 - or so - minutes. I rely on the microwave! I'm thinking off this for £92.33. I want to do filter, espresso , and Latte. Comments welcome.
I bought a used Delonghi bean to cup machine for the guys at work - advertised as having an internal leak - I stripped it down and fixed it with a new seal kit - I think it was about a tenner. They all go wrong due to the number of moving parts - especially bean to cup - but at least for Delonghi the parts are easily available and none of the individual components are particularly expensive. Have you had a look at repairing your broken machine?
TBH, I couldn't be bothered. I think that it must be the heating element. I might take it apart out of interest before dumping it.
For proper espresso, you need a separate grinder and coffee machine. Also, to do it properly, you're looking at 2nd hand equipment in the region of £400, or £1000 new (but that would get you a grinder good enough for all purposes). Anything under that, you take your chances (and I can't advise on). It might make what you consider decent coffee but when you've tried real coffee you'd be disappointed. Proper coffee is a hobby. Any machine under £300 (new) is not going to get you anything you'd want to play with. Have a lurk on coffeeforums.co.uk if you're properly interested.
You’ll spend that 10 times over a lifetime of one of these - had mine 10 years and it was refurbed last year & should last a fair few more https://juraoutlet.uk/collections/t...ucts/copy-of-ena-8-nordic-white-damaged-box-2
I've I've got a grinder. I buy beans from Monsoon Coffee. So, for filter or espresso, I grind the beans fresh. I learnt from Monsoon that coffee goes off. I never realised before. So I just buy small quantities and either freeze them or keep them in the fridge.
It's a DeLounghi one. I thinks that it is conical but dunno really. I put beans in the top and then they come out ground at the bottom. How would I know?
I agree with Mac, and second look at the coffee forums I've looked into this a couple of times over the years and finally came to a decision I could not afford a second hand Mazzer grinder and second hand Rancilio Silvia (or Gaggia Classic at the bare minimum) I got a second hand AEG Lavazza Modo Mio pod Machine with stream wand off ebay for about £20. Does me a nice ish little cup in the morning without too much messing about. But would love to nail a "god shot" with a decent set up just to know what it tastes like. Cheers Gaz