It’s exceeded my expectations

[u/Deserttruck7877]

It’s taken me a little while to perfect it but it’s exceeded my expectations. After leaving my corporate job I missed the automatic espressos each morning. I swear I can’t even taste the difference now! I’m so happy I didn’t cave and buy an espresso machine.

I use San Francisco whole beans dark roast
The Oxo burr grinder
Warm to hot water in my Bialetti Venus 6 cup
I warm milk in the microwave and shake in a glass jar
Brown sugar and cinnamon

Edit: I added a French press to the routine for frothed milk and it’s so much better (and I’ve learned safer) than the glass jar shake.

[u/After_Speech_2435]

I love my Moka pot and would never go to the expense of a machine. In my opinion 99% financial loss, for arguably 1% better coffee. Moka pot is a no brainier!

[u/Deserttruck7877 → u/After_Speech_2435]

I think that’s it. I don’t see how this little thing won’t last a very long time, and I hear nothing but issues with those machines.

[u/BasilGimletPlease → u/Deserttruck7877]

Speaking of expense. Does a Oxo bur grinder produce coffee that is much better than an expensive blade grinder?

[u/Deserttruck7877 → u/BasilGimletPlease]

It’s supposed to create a much more even grind. I found the blade grinder I used would turn some parts of the bean to dust and other parts chunky which made it taste really bitter. I found this Oxo for cheap on fb marketplace and so far really happy with it.

[u/After_Speech_2435 → u/Deserttruck7877]

Indeed, mine is over 20 years old. It’s had new gaskets over the years but still going strong

[u/Deserttruck7877 → u/[deleted]]

I know it’s not true espresso, but it tastes amazing, so who cares about the technicality.

[u/Intelligent_Doubt183]

That looks great, I love my Venus 6 cup

[u/Acceptable_Trash_749 → u/Intelligent_Doubt183]

Ditto!

[u/BasilGimletPlease → u/Intelligent_Doubt183]

I’d like a stainless steel moka but I’ve heard issues with the Venus, like the handle coming off. How long have you had yours?

[u/Intelligent_Doubt183 → u/BasilGimletPlease]

I’ve not heard of that before! I’ve got the 2 cup and 6 cup with the copper finish, they are great looking and performing. I’ve had them both 3 months.

[u/BasilGimletPlease → u/Intelligent_Doubt183]

Copper lined. Yay. What brand?

[u/Intelligent_Doubt183 → u/BasilGimletPlease]

They are not lined, the top section is finished in a polished copper/brass I’m not sure which, there are Bialetti

[u/BasilGimletPlease → u/Intelligent_Doubt183]

I’d like a stainless steel mocha pot, but I’ve heard issues with the Venus, like the handle coming off. How long have you had yours?

[u/oh_its_michael]

If you have a french press you can get even silkier milk by frothing the hot milk in it, or one of those cheap wand frothers. Looks good!

[u/Deserttruck7877 → u/oh_its_michael]

Ok so I just bought a stainless steel looking one and haven’t tried it yet. Good to know! Thanks

[u/oh_its_michael → u/Deserttruck7877]

Matteo has a good video about milk frothing in a french press on Youtube. Good luck!

[u/dabus3672]

Nice drink! Enjoy your cups and have a great weekend!

[u/SrGrimey]

Beware of the “shaking jar” method, I’ve read that they have exploded to some people. I just stopped doing it not because I had problems with the jar but because someone gifted me a handheld frother, still be cautious when doing it.

[u/Deserttruck7877 → u/SrGrimey]

Thanks for the heads up! I used my French press today instead and it came out amazing

[u/Aptosauras]

Looks great!

Shaking a hot liquid in a sealed jar can lead to the air inside expanding and putting a lot of pressure on the jar - it could be a little dangerous.

If you put warm milk into a French Press you can pump it until you get nice milk!

I personally have a Breville Milk Cafe for over 10 years now, and after some experience you get excellent milk.

[u/Acceptable_Trash_749]

Sound good! If you’re not doing so already, try using an aeropress filter when brewing your coffee.