Posted Wed Nov 14, 2012, 11:12am Subject: Re: I prefer my 15$ moka pot to my 400$ espresso machine (?)
I replaced my grinder for a different reason (w/ the same model, virtuoso preciso). Problem fixed. My naked shots are beautiful and much less harsh. Thanks for your help.
-Brett
Making espresso is not rocket science. Rockets fail less often.
frankthecrank Senior Member Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Posts: 102 Location: niagara falls, ny Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Thu Dec 6, 2012, 11:39am Subject: Re: I prefer my 15$ moka pot to my 400$ espresso machine (?)
130psi Said:
I've spent over a year developing my technique with decent equipment (at left). I am an experienced experimental scientist and I believe that I've varied every variable discussed in these forums: bean freshness and roast, grind size (extraction times ranging from 15-30 seconds), amount of beans, temperature surfing, tamping pressure, I even tried a range of water pressure by adjusting the OPV. Result: The crema looks good, sometimes with a nice tiger striping. It doesn't matter. It tastes OK, but a bit harsh, slightly burned, to me. When I casually make a moka pot I smell lovely perfume and it tastes great. I, in general, am a fairly sensitive taster. Is espresso just not my cup of Joe or is there something that I've failed to try? BTW, I ask b/c I feel guilty spending this much money only to discover this result.
I sold my Gaggia Classic on Ebay this past year because I found that I could get a more consistent, good cup with my moka or Brikka. I never looked back. I would not recommend a machine for most people until and unless they have tried a moka pot first for a while. Once you get that down perfectly it may be enough for you and save you the frustration, work, and $$.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,711 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Thu Dec 6, 2012, 12:15pm Subject: Re: I prefer my 15$ moka pot to my 400$ espresso machine (?)
frankthecrank Said:
I sold my Gaggia Classic on Ebay this past year because I found that I could get a more consistent, good cup with my moka or Brikka. I never looked back. I would not recommend a machine for most people until and unless they have tried a moka pot first for a while. Once you get that down perfectly it may be enough for you and save you the frustration, work, and $$.
Interesting, to say the least! Well, as you stated, that was one person's opinion.
My opinion is very different. I don't see the logic in that recommendation. The process of the human side is totally different in these two brewing methods, and the result in the cup is very different too (IMO), especially if one likes milk-based espresso drinks. I think if someone has tried great espresso from an excellent professional cafe, likes it, and is determined to learn how to do it at home, I would recommend they jump right in with both feet.
I cannot for the life of me see the beverage produced from a moka pot and that produced from a true espresso machine as similar, let alone interchangeable . . . .
Now, I do understand people (primarily Italians) having moka pots in their homes. But it's the same (IMHO) as finding some form of automatic drip (Mr. Coffee, Cuisinart, Breville, GE) in a vast majority of American homes. But I've never had a cup from a moka pot that screamed "espresso" to me. I mean, if you like it, that's fine . . . and if it's your preferred preparation for coffee, that's fine . . . but I don't see it as an "espresso substitute" any more than (no matter how good it might be) a cup of drip coffee would be.
Just my 2¢, no doubt worth far less; keep the change . . . .
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