Comments on: One title doesn’t fit all

By: James Hoffmann

James Hoffmann — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 11:08:32 +0000

I am uncomfortable with the use of Teflon at high temperature, or in environments where it is likely to be chipped off easily – cookware/pans being the main example.

At 80C, inside a portafilter I am less concerned. I am keeping a close eye on it for signs of wear and tear but they seem to be holding up well and I am by no means aggressive with them when cleaning.

The steam tip does make me nervous that it could get chipped but so far I’ve found no issues.

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By: Will Frith

Will Frith — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 00:35:49 +0000

all of these issues are intriguing, but i can’t help but to focus on the teflon. there’s some controversy about the substance (particularly that of a long-term toxicity buildup, and i’m wondering about what the regular contributors to your comments have to say about it. here are a couple of links, though all i can find on the “teflon is not dangerous” side of the argument is DuPont’s reaction to the whole controversy: http://www2.dupont.com/Teflon/en_US/keyword/poisoning.html?src=search_us_teflon_poison

here are the cons:
http://www.ewg.org/kid-safe-chemicals-act-blog/2009/05/toxic-teflon/
http://www.webmd.com/cancer/news/20050113/is-teflon-chemical-toxic-epa-seeks-answers
http://tuberose.com/Teflon.html

do we worry too much? (or not enough?)

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By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 19:51:22 +0000

I’ve been using a TC-5. Water to 5 cup line (21 oz., 620 ml), 44g. coffee and method very similar to Lucey, killing flame at 50 seconds. We’ve rigged a metal filter which works great and eliminates the hassle of cleaning cloth filters. Total brew time around 2.5 min.

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By: jimseven

jimseven — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:12:16 +0000

I get very confused when you mix oz and grams! I must invest in a TC-3 at some point, I always end up sharing my brew from the 2 cup and then wanting more. I will upload the scoresheets this week – hopefully someone can translate!

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By: BaconMeister

BaconMeister — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:50:11 +0000

My problem with the Siphon is the amount of variable factors involved, I can usually get one good brew from a particular coffee then couldn’t replicate it again 5mins later… Maybe I just haven’t gotten use to it yet. I guess that’s why there is Siphon Competitions because the bloody thing is so hard to use. Wondering whether there’s a French Press competition as I’ll definitely join up, LOL….

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By: Lucey

Lucey — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:54:04 +0000

I use a TC-3. Roughly 12 oz. w/ 26-29 g. Agitate to saturate, take the flame away around 50 – 55 sec. Agitate just again before draw down. Drawdown – 30 sec. I’m always interested to see what can be done with the more typical brew times, but just feel as though I get better results with what’s listed above.

I’d love to see the score sheets posted, or would love them emailed.
Thanks James.

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By: Patrick Smith

Patrick Smith — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:05:46 +0000

Regarding the innovative packaging of green coffee, I too have compunctions. In order to salve my conscience & steward as wisely as possible, I have begun saving and indefinitely re-using the foil bags in which our Daterra is shipped. I re-pack many of my other green coffees which would otherwise store in jute in the warehouse here. I also re-use the Daterra boxes for shipping. In the case of the bags, it does not eliminate the waste, but it extends their life. Re-using the boxes prevents me from using a new one–more cost & eco-friendly. I would appreciate any additional ideas for “re-uses” of such products. As always, James, thanks for the good work; you’re always challenging me to critically evaluate my processes.

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By: boshek

boshek — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 01:52:15 +0000

I would be very interested in your findings for vacuum brewing method – how each parameter affects the cup. I have been using a Hario vac-pot for a couple of years and use the following method:

1) 48-50g per litre
2) Filter grind – may be slightly finer
3) Grinds in the top before attaching to the bottom
4) Quick stir for wetting, then re-stir when all the water is up
5) 1 min steep time before extinguishing

I have been experimenting with longer steep times recently but have not found any definitive conclusions (due to too many other inconsistent factors). However 1 min seems to be contrary to the “golden rule” of 3-4mins total water-coffee contact time used in other brewing methods. I’m not sure whether adding the coffee before or after the water rises to the top chamber makes any difference either. Like I said, I would be very interested in your findings because I think you can probably better control the other parameters involved than I can at home. Also: couldn’t google any info on said vacuum brewing competition – link(s)?

There is indeed a lot of fetishization particularly on coffeed.com – although there is useful information (read: opinion) there also along with the brewing tip sheets at sweet maria’s.

Re: home brewing: I much prefer brewed coffee to espresso based drinks – to the extent that I almost avoid drinking coffee when not at home owing to the lack of brewed choices and poor quality available at most cafes and restaurants.

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By: The Onocoffee

The Onocoffee — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:59:40 +0000

At home, I’ve got french press, vacpot and an espresso machine, but I invariably turn to the press for my leisurely coffee drinking. Too much mess with espresso and vacpot takes a bit more time to setup and tear down. At home, I just want to drink.

We use an amalgamation of theories and ideas from various friends around the industry. Yama TCA-3 with 16 grams of coffee added after the upper chamber has stabilized (8z serving), saturate with bamboo, steep 35 seconds, cut the power, three vigorous stirs and the whole thing should brew and fall within 1 minute 30 seconds. Simple, but not easy.

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By: Tony

Tony — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:29:10 +0000

To answer your poll, I don’t make coffee at home. At all. We have a one group Elektra at our design studio, which has spoiled me completely. I only drink coffee at work or when out at a café. I didn’t think clicking ‘other’ really covered that …

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