What are /r/cafe's favorite Products & Services?

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You can buy a USB mug warmer for the office or home!

Amazon

Edit: The amazon reviews say that it won't make a cold drink warm, but it's great to keep a warm cup of coffee consistently warm throughout the day.

Honestly you do not sound like someone that is ready to open a cafe. If you want to survive in this crush of third wave coffee you need to have someone on board that already has the answers to all of those questions.

I recommend reading What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and starting to listen to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast.

This one:

https://www.amazon.com/Mr-IRONSTONE-Microwave-Organizer-Workstation/dp/B07RHX6ZWV/ref=sr_1_29?dchild=1&keywords=mr+ironstone+coffee&qid=1610475129&sr=8-29

It's pretty good quality for the price, very heavy.

Saw it on Amazon of course. Maybe somewhere else has other colors? https://www.amazon.com/Like-Coffee-Dark-Gods-LookHUMAN/dp/B01M0NWZH6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525099643&sr=8-1&keywords=dark+gods+mug

I found this on Amazon, there are others as well if you put in double spout stovetop espresso maker https://smile.amazon.com/Bialetti-06973-Stovetop-Espresso-Percolator/dp/B000NJHN30/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2F9235JD2KZ70&dchild=1&keywords=double+spout+stovetop+espresso+maker&qid=1620364681&sprefix=double+stovetop+espresso+maker%2Caps%2C2... Sorry I don't know how to make the link reasonable.

I’ve had to do it enough times for this to be worth it. https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-11-Washer-Gasket/dp/B002M81QA6/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2ETOJHLLS2UG0&dchild=1&keywords=gasket+cutter&qid=1611930409&sprefix=Gasket+cutter%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-5

Just under a rolling boil is nice for the water. This hand grinder works if you like being physically involved. I use something like this at home.

~~Set an alert for this on Amazon, wait for it to be back in stock.~~

Edit: just kidding, it's a discontinued product. Sorry.

Cool. How is yours better than this $30 one from Amazon?

EurKitchen Professional Whipped Cream Dispenser w/Leak-Free Reinforced Aluminum Threads for Max Durability and Safety - 1-Pint (Black) - Cream Whipper Uses Standard 8-Gram N2O Chargers (Not Included) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017XZYC2Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_HXvVBbNSHR2MW

You can get a replacement glass thingy relatively inexpensively:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000CF2WM/ref=s9_top_hd_bw_g79_i6?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-2&pf_rd_r=1563TES91A2503DGK030&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=2128416382&pf_rd_i=694502

Breville Single Wall Basket

And my favorite cheap accessory - the funnel.

Yeah I got one of those cold brew makers and it works really well

https://www.amazon.com/Takeya-10310-Patented-Airtight-Silicone/dp/B00FFLY64U

Not that one exactly, in fact it was from AliExpress, so not sure if I should even keep using it (some cheap Chinese stuff can be made from toxic plastics). The one on Amazon is probably also the same cheap Chinese one rebranded.

Maybe I should look for a nice glass one.

I don't usually get kick from tea but you should try matcha tea.

Surprisingly strong. IMO stronger than Maté.

Or try cascara.

Not necessarily kicking, but gives a smooth sustainable buzz to me.

The key phrase is your statement in italics, "That's it". I don't think that is the case based on the rest of your rant (sorry).

If something like the following doesn't meet your needs, I don't know what to tell you

Coffee Gator Gooseneck Kettle with Thermometer - 34 oz Stainless Steel, Stove Top, Premium Pour Over Kettle for Tea and Coffee w/ Precision Drip Spout https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B018WDAQBE/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_4MGH15B96DGJGKWE8RR2

Been using this for nearly 5-years, no complaints.

Pour Over Coffee Kettle and Tea Kettle with Built-in Thermometer 1.0L/34oz - Ovalware RJ3 Stainless Steel Drip Kettle with Precision Gooseneck Spout for Home Brewing, Camping and Traveling https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAFM1LS/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_R4MBJ80T14YKBSVX11N5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Recommended reading and listening for anyone wanting to go down this path:

What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and starting to listen to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast.

I have a la pavoni. The one the ex kept has been in the house almost 30 years. When I moved out I replaced it with the current version. Every few years a few o-rings need replaced but it’s the shit once you get a handle on it.

La Pavoni EPC-8 Europiccola 8-Cup Lever Style Espresso Machine, Chrome https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004S9G8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_F6TZ0N6NX1830ADSGYDW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Recommended reading and listening for anyone wanting to go down this path:

What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and starting to listen to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast.

To get one like this probably eBay. Some websites offer vintage stuff like this but it may be expensive. Cona makes a modern one you can buy on Amazon, but it is also expensive. CONA coffee maker D-GENIUS ALL-GLASS https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MWDRGL8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_80NS4W6H8TVVF5MQBZ54

Recommended reading and listening for anyone wanting to go down this path:

What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and starting to listen to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast.

These work well if you don't want to get really fancy with building your own roaster or paying a lot of money.

https://www.amazon.com/Wabash-Valley-Farms-Stovetop-Popcorn/dp/B00004SU35

This was my first roaster and I fashioned a jig out of a deck screw and a piece of wood so I could use a variable speed power drill to keep the agitator thing in there spinning.

A drum roaster is still better but it worked well and I could roast a pound of coffee at a time.

You should read What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and start listening to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast to get a handle on what you need to be thinking about.

You should read What I Know About Running Coffee Shops by Colin Harmon and start listening to the https://keystotheshop.com/ podcast to get a handle on what you need to be thinking about.

There exist Bialetti makes some that work on induction. If I remember correctly they're a little more expensive than the "ordinary" ones.

Amazon.com link

Really? Any particular kinds or types you recommend?

Folgers Classic Roast Instant Coffee Crystals, 8 Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LB1J9BW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_jkYQFbV95HSH8

That’s what I’ve been using. I didn’t know they made instant expressos...

Mine is the standard double shot basket as well. I got a triple shot basket with the bottomless portafilter handle but I rarely use either. It looks cool to occasionally do it but I normally have such garbage store brand coffee that it spurts and doesn't work too well. Never consistent results with it.

The distribution tool is a cheapo I got off Amazon. 58mm tool as advertised but I have yet to measure its actual size with my caliper measure tool. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BZ4CV6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have often thought of using a scale under the portafilter too, just troubled by the lack of height under there. I suppose they wanted it to fit under cabinet height. I wish they sold a version of the machine that was a high model, a few inches taller. Having a scale to weigh your shot as you extract is a great idea.

I find all the scales on the market below $100 are too inaccurate to really dose anything out to the gram exactly. See other thread from today bitching about the Hario which I almost bought but ended up passing on.

I haven't heard great things about the Sette270 scale either and I didn't feel the extra $150 was warranted.

So my extractions have been terrible and sometimes I pull like, 4 oz shots. Oh well. Once I pour the milk in, I honestly can't tell too much enough to care.

I just really need a better scale and to find a local coffee roaster and that will up my game. Next thing I'd like to do is PID/electronic control the Gaggia.

I just bought one of these (link to Amazon). It is basically a fully automatic Turkish coffee maker other than it has no grinder. Add the coffee and sugar and spice (if you so choose), fill reservoir and select cup size and brew strength (time). It adds water, heats, and dispenses into your cups on its own. It even has a self cleaning cycle and a removable drip tray. During the brew cycle it stirs the mix using a removable spinning disc that is controlled magnetically.

​

I chose this because I am living in an RV for the next year.. maybe more, and do not have the room for any espresso machine I would like to own. e did have the older Bekko Turkish machine and often enjoyed a Turkish coffee on the weekends as a special treat.

I got these filter papers from amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011WTDT14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0QItFb7YR0CNK

But I first saw them on espro.com

No, their double fine mesh filters don't really stop the brewing process. You still need to pour out the brewed coffee if you want to stop the brewing.

I got my espro travel P1 from ebay brand new for $22. I wouldn't have bought it if it was full price $40. IMO it doesn't work any different than an ordinary french press. I don't travel with it, because I don't like the brew sitting with the grounds in the same vessel for a long time, which it would require me travelling with an extra drinking cup.

I mean their double fine mesh filters work better than the ordinary single mesh filter, it let through less grounds. But there's still sludge left at the bottom of my mug. Hence, the filter papers.

But I am going to keep it. I fancy a cup of immersion method coffee from time to time. The espro travel takes up very little space in my cabinet.

Not sure if the above answer your questions 😅

These:

https://www.espro.com/catalog/accessories/filters/coffee-paper-filter-travel-ultralight

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011WTDT14/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0QItFb7YR0CNK

Better buy them from amazon, espro's website charges $5 for domestic shipping.

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Hario-Plastic-Coffee-Dripper-White/dp/B002IR1O3A

I have the white ceramic cone, trust me, the material feels and looks way better than plastic :) What's the video game called?

Hope it helps, cheers!

If you want to give her better coffee you will want to focus on the freshness of the beans and the quality of the grind as those two factors are arguably the most important to taste.

If you would like to make her coffee more convenient you could get her a keurig or the starbucks machine that uses cups. She probably doesn't want a drip coffee maker if she doesn't have one already.

The only coffee maker that fits your criteria is the aeropress which makes an espresso-like brew and is well loved and highly regarded.

Otherwise you are probably best off getting some coffee accessories like

• a milk steamer

• a nice electric kettle

• a good manual grinder (handground)

or perhaps best

• a gift of a coffee bean monthly subscription which I believe can come ground

Good luck!

If you’re okay with a little bit of work, a hand grinder is a great place to start. I started with a porlex, and I know plenty of people who like the Hario Skerton.

You can always fold a piece of paper into an impromptu funnel. Instead of a stir stick, I travel with a LMF Spork. It fits the inside of the AeroPress well and is useful to eat with when your delivery food forgot a fork or spoon.

Congrats. I have the same one. If you can grind fine enough, here is a link to an unpressurized portafilter basket that you can swap in for cheap (just in case you feel like complicating things).

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JRH3DMS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

On the lumpy drink issue, do they have a cold foamer wand?! You can get them for $5 at Ikea or this is $5.99 on Amazon... maybe buy one and give it to them, and ask them to use it to mix your drink?!

you won't find a super automatic machine within your price range, i think the best you'll be able to find is a semi automatic machine with pressurized baskets, the process flow would be something like this:

1. grind beans with burr grinder

2. weigh coffee grinds and place X grams of grinds in pressurized basket

3. put basket in machine and press one button

4. remove basket and dump grinds in garbage

Here's an example of a machine like that in your range (and here's a demo video of it), but honestly espresso from pressurized baskets is rather meek. Instead you may want to look into drip coffee, or maybe a french press, or an aero press.

The next step is a napoletana: https://www.amazon.com/Neapolitan-6-Cup-Aluminum-Coffee-Maker/dp/B001UAV8B4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1476657932&sr=8-1&keywords=napoletana

This is what I have been using for the past 5 years as my daily driver (this exact model)

What about something like https://www.amazon.com/Hario-MCPN-14B-Water-Coffee-1000ml/dp/B001VPXEBU ?

And honestly if I can get a cheap version of a blended drink without tasting much if any coffee I'd be happy. Or at least the bitter stuff I associate with black coffee.

What if I used Xanthan Gum instead of a frappe powder and solely used my own ingredients for the rest of it?

Not too fine as I use a metal filter, the Able Standard filter.

At home I use a Delonghi burr grinder (https://www.amazon.co.uk/DeLonghi-KG79-Professional-Burr-Grinder/dp/B002OHDBQC) and have it set to almost the most course setting (say, 8/10, 10 being most course)

I've had a couple whole bean coffees from Amazon that were decent, Cafe Don Pablo medium-dark Earth organic and Kicking Horse Kick Ass were both pretty good... But I do tend to prefer locally roasted stuff, fresher is always better.

I do still get Italian pre-ground coffees on Amazon (Lavazza and Illy for my Moka pot, it uses to much for me to want to grind by hand), but not generally whole bean. Much of it is really not any different than picking up Starbucks or 8 O'clock in a grocery store to me. My brother even served some Sam's Club organic that was pretty good out of a French press... Though this conversation is a lot like religion to some folks, and many would disagree. Try different coffees and see what works for you, everyone has different tastes and standards.

I'm in a similar position, and still haven't found 'The' book on this topic. As others have said it depends on location, but I've read 2 books that were somewhat useful:

Setting Up and Managing Your Own Coffee Bar by John Richardson Book written by 2 Irish entrepreneurs on how they founded a range of coffee shops and other similar small businesses. Full of useful advice and resources, a very practical book.

Pour Your Heart Into It by Howard Schultz Written by the man who turned Starbucks from a small bean shop into what we know it as today, this book is more focused on founding a national retail chain, but the fundamentals are in there, and it give a great background on the industry as a whole (at least as it was in its genesis in the early 90s), and on running a company.

I actually got more useful advice from taking a couple of single-day barista courses at cafes (at my own expense). Even if you already have the skills, these courses give you access to cafe staff and the opportunity to ask them questions about any aspect of running a cafe. One of the courses I took was actually at a cafe, and the person running it was one of the co-owners, so she had a ton of useful insights into the opening and daily running of a cafe.

This is a Capresso Coffee Burr Grinder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DAYHXO/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_pJDWwbJF0PKH6 It's a flat burr grinder so it still produces a bunch of dust and even in its finest settings doesn't grind as fine as some would like (think salt vs powder) but this does do well in my espresso machine (I just tamp it harder) and also does well in my mokapot

Loumidis and Venizelos are both pretty popular. I bought a can of Venizelos from a local international market and I think it's pretty good.

This http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1900TS-Carafe-Coffee-Stainless/dp/B00O9FO1HK machine is in the same price range and is well known/trusted in many coffee communities. Big issue in coffee machines is that the don't reach the proper temp for extraction. The bonavita definitely does while I'm not sure about the one you linked.

I know this is a joke post, but I got one of these machines for free, and with a Coffeeduck it makes a decent cup of coffee.

http://www.amazon.com/Coffeeduck-Classic-Permanent-Refillable-HD7810-HD7812/dp/B00295RASY

This one, the steam wand was actaully pretty good, you could take off the froth assistor thing and there'd be a single hole steamer in there. Unfortunately however, I broke the wand when cleaning up the machine.

Ok, so I took your advice and the steaming went SOOO much better. It was actually attractive microfoam haha. Turned out wonderful! I'm still having trouble steaming all of the milk though. Using a 20oz Krupps pitcher (this one) I definitely get microfoam going, but not nearly enough to cover the coffee like for a cappuccino.

I've been filling it about 40% full and steaming from there, after having the pitcher itself in the fridge with the milk to keep it chilled. My steaming is running about 13-15 seconds before the pitcher gets hot to the touch in my hand, at which point I stop the steaming. It makes beautiful silky smooth microfoam, but it's not dense at all. I'm worried about steaming for any longer in case I scald the milk.

Should I try steaming for longer anyways and see what happens? Now that I'm getting nice microfoam, I'm really happy, but I wish I could get more...