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Can anyone recommend a nice ground coffee for use in a filter machine ??
We/I drink a lot of instant coffee, mainly Gold blend. I like that flavour and taste, but having just bought a filter machine, I can't find a ground coffee of a similar style. I find the ones we have tried too strong, mainly no 3s or 4s, not sure on which makes they are, but one of them was a "Costa" coffee ground. That was also too strong really, but bearable.
Any help ??
We/I drink a lot of instant coffee, mainly Gold blend. I like that flavour and taste, but having just bought a filter machine, I can't find a ground coffee of a similar style. I find the ones we have tried too strong, mainly no 3s or 4s, not sure on which makes they are, but one of them was a "Costa" coffee ground. That was also too strong really, but bearable.
Any help ??
In reply to arch:
Filter coffee and instant really are two completely different drinks - I doubt you will find what you are after I'm afraid. Why not continue drinking instant if you like it? It's much easier
Filter coffee and instant really are two completely different drinks - I doubt you will find what you are after I'm afraid. Why not continue drinking instant if you like it? It's much easier
9
In reply to arch:
If you think Costa coffee is strong I suggest you stick to instant. Costa and Starbucks are, IMO, two of the weakest real coffees in the High Street. As Neil says above instant and filter/machine coffee are like different drinks.
Al
If you think Costa coffee is strong I suggest you stick to instant. Costa and Starbucks are, IMO, two of the weakest real coffees in the High Street. As Neil says above instant and filter/machine coffee are like different drinks.
Al
12
In reply to arch:
There are lots of hybrids around that try and create a ground coffee taste in an instant form. I quite like the Kenco one called Millicano - the Nescafe one is Azera. Having said that I really look forward to my rationed cafetiere fix once a day.
There are lots of hybrids around that try and create a ground coffee taste in an instant form. I quite like the Kenco one called Millicano - the Nescafe one is Azera. Having said that I really look forward to my rationed cafetiere fix once a day.
1
In reply to keith-ratcliffe:
Whilst I agree with the above, there are some other coffees about that might suit your pallet. Taylors of Harrogate do a mild blend and Starbucks' 'Breakfast Blend' is designed to be extremely mild.
You can also reduce the amount of coffee you're using.
Whilst I agree with the above, there are some other coffees about that might suit your pallet. Taylors of Harrogate do a mild blend and Starbucks' 'Breakfast Blend' is designed to be extremely mild.
You can also reduce the amount of coffee you're using.
Post edited at 16:19
5
In reply to arch:
Try something like Lavazza Rossa which is quite smooth (although can end up very strong) and experiment with how much you put in. Or you could try one of the milder Kenyan coffees which tend not to be so darkly roasted. A third (most expensive option) is to go to a proper coffee merchant and ask for a few different small samples of what they sell and try the various options from mild up to medium.
Try something like Lavazza Rossa which is quite smooth (although can end up very strong) and experiment with how much you put in. Or you could try one of the milder Kenyan coffees which tend not to be so darkly roasted. A third (most expensive option) is to go to a proper coffee merchant and ask for a few different small samples of what they sell and try the various options from mild up to medium.
3
In reply to arch:
My general favourite brand when I can’t get specialist’s ones for home use is Lavazza. That said as others mention it will be very different to instant. I prefer the 4 and 5 strength ones but the Lavazza Delicato (3) is IMO very nice for a weaker strength one as a “starter” to the ranges. Unfortunately there is no easy rules as within brands there are some “anomalies” depending on your taste; I bought for example a L single origin one - Selva Alta - and to me one taste and I had to pour it away.
If your going down the ground coffee route remember that they do not keep very long and particularly after opening. Keep in fridge or preferably freezer, but expect to keep for less than a couple of weeks depending on how it’s stored. Of course if you use a lot then storage time is less of a problem.
If you have a specialist coffee retailer near you it would be worthwhile visiting and starting with one of their recommendations. My local one has recently closed, but they were very helpful and even used to allow you to taste some before buying. Sadly I’m now to find a new local supplier.
My general favourite brand when I can’t get specialist’s ones for home use is Lavazza. That said as others mention it will be very different to instant. I prefer the 4 and 5 strength ones but the Lavazza Delicato (3) is IMO very nice for a weaker strength one as a “starter” to the ranges. Unfortunately there is no easy rules as within brands there are some “anomalies” depending on your taste; I bought for example a L single origin one - Selva Alta - and to me one taste and I had to pour it away.
If your going down the ground coffee route remember that they do not keep very long and particularly after opening. Keep in fridge or preferably freezer, but expect to keep for less than a couple of weeks depending on how it’s stored. Of course if you use a lot then storage time is less of a problem.
If you have a specialist coffee retailer near you it would be worthwhile visiting and starting with one of their recommendations. My local one has recently closed, but they were very helpful and even used to allow you to taste some before buying. Sadly I’m now to find a new local supplier.
1
In reply to arch:
Thanks people.
I do realise I may be looking for the coffee holy grail, but I have had nice ground coffee in the past (Mainly whilst on holiday in the States though) and as we've just had a new kitchen fitted we thought we'd try again with ground coffee.
There's nothing I enjoy more on a weekend morning that to read the paper whilst having 3 or 4 large mugs of coffee. It would just be nice to make that amount of coffee in one go, and top up the mug, rather than having to re-boil the kettle.
Thanks people.
I do realise I may be looking for the coffee holy grail, but I have had nice ground coffee in the past (Mainly whilst on holiday in the States though) and as we've just had a new kitchen fitted we thought we'd try again with ground coffee.
There's nothing I enjoy more on a weekend morning that to read the paper whilst having 3 or 4 large mugs of coffee. It would just be nice to make that amount of coffee in one go, and top up the mug, rather than having to re-boil the kettle.
1
In reply to arch:
Firstly, I am not averse to filter coffee - it can be ok if done right (I quite like the American diner style, when in the US); but I suspect it’s not what you’re really looking for. The problem with filter machines is that they have a hot plate and so it can overheat the coffee.
For a more delicate flavour get a drip filter. Waitrose do a beautiful own brand ground coffee that works really well in a drip setup. I can’t remember what it’s called though - maybe buy a couple and experiment?
Firstly, I am not averse to filter coffee - it can be ok if done right (I quite like the American diner style, when in the US); but I suspect it’s not what you’re really looking for. The problem with filter machines is that they have a hot plate and so it can overheat the coffee.
For a more delicate flavour get a drip filter. Waitrose do a beautiful own brand ground coffee that works really well in a drip setup. I can’t remember what it’s called though - maybe buy a couple and experiment?
In reply to arch:
A suggestion. Go into Home Bargains (seriously), they have 2 or 3 brands (eg Lyons, Percol) at less than a quid for a normal sized packet that you can try. You might be pleasantly surprised.
A suggestion. Go into Home Bargains (seriously), they have 2 or 3 brands (eg Lyons, Percol) at less than a quid for a normal sized packet that you can try. You might be pleasantly surprised.
5
In reply to arch:
I'm no coffee snob by any means but I do like a good brew, whether from an espresso machine or a cafetiere. But from where I'm sitting, if your tastes are for coffee-flavoured powder and for US-style homeopathicoffee, then perhaps coffee as most people in Europe see it, is not a drink you're ever going to enjoy. Seems a bit like a lager drinker asking for recommendations of particularly light stouts!
I'm no coffee snob by any means but I do like a good brew, whether from an espresso machine or a cafetiere. But from where I'm sitting, if your tastes are for coffee-flavoured powder and for US-style homeopathicoffee, then perhaps coffee as most people in Europe see it, is not a drink you're ever going to enjoy. Seems a bit like a lager drinker asking for recommendations of particularly light stouts!
23
In reply to arch:
I admire your nerve, throwing yourself into the crocodile pit of 'real' coffee drinkers!
> I drink a lot of instant coffee, mainly Gold blend. I like that flavour and taste ...
I admire your nerve, throwing yourself into the crocodile pit of 'real' coffee drinkers!
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5
1
In reply to Climbing Pieman:
Another shout for Lavazza.
Have moved from cafetiere "back" to filter machine/hotplate and Rossa is new favourite.
Only brew in small amounts so time spent on the hot plate isn't a problem.
Another shout for Lavazza.
Have moved from cafetiere "back" to filter machine/hotplate and Rossa is new favourite.
Only brew in small amounts so time spent on the hot plate isn't a problem.
2
In reply to Lusk:
LOL.
I did waiver over the submit button for a while before I pressed it, but hey ho. Never envisaged being called a Lagerboy though, ghastly stuff!!
> I admire your nerve, throwing yourself into the crocodile pit of 'real' coffee drinkers!
LOL.
I did waiver over the submit button for a while before I pressed it, but hey ho. Never envisaged being called a Lagerboy though, ghastly stuff!!
9
In reply to arch:
Oh, sorry! I feel your pain now. When you talked of liking instant coffee-like stuff I found it impossible to empathise!
> Never envisaged being called a Lagerboy though, ghastly stuff!!
Oh, sorry! I feel your pain now. When you talked of liking instant coffee-like stuff I found it impossible to empathise!
3
In reply to arch:
For an interesting experience, you could drink Camp coffee with Carnation milk, like my Auntie Ada used to dole out.
Unforgettable.
For an interesting experience, you could drink Camp coffee with Carnation milk, like my Auntie Ada used to dole out.
Unforgettable.
9
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Love that chicory flavour! Thanks Mum.
Love that chicory flavour! Thanks Mum.
1
In reply to arch:
If real coffee's too strong for you, try filling your mug about 3/4s full and float cream off the back of a teaspoon on it, lovely and silky smooth. Don't stir it in!
Nowt wrong with the occasional pint of decent lager, preferably of German origin. Now Weissbier ...
If real coffee's too strong for you, try filling your mug about 3/4s full and float cream off the back of a teaspoon on it, lovely and silky smooth. Don't stir it in!
Nowt wrong with the occasional pint of decent lager, preferably of German origin. Now Weissbier ...
Post edited at 19:42
In reply to arch:
If I'm buying ground coffee I always go for either Lavazza or Illy. I think they are better because they grind the beans into very small bits? I find larger 'bits' don't really make a nice cup of coffee. Usually too weak and not bitter enough. I've noticed when grinding my own coffee that the longer it's ground, the more I like it. Illy's nice because you get a strong, tasty coffee and a reusable tin to fill with the cheaper Lavazza when it's finished.
Costa ground is rather good.
However, to answer your question... If you find Costa ground too strong (assuming you are not swamping your machine with too much coffee) I would try Cafe Direct. Or buy some Lavazza beans and a cheap coffee grinder and experiment.
That's all assuming you drink black coffee? Adding milk probably makes the above irrelevant.
If I'm buying ground coffee I always go for either Lavazza or Illy. I think they are better because they grind the beans into very small bits? I find larger 'bits' don't really make a nice cup of coffee. Usually too weak and not bitter enough. I've noticed when grinding my own coffee that the longer it's ground, the more I like it. Illy's nice because you get a strong, tasty coffee and a reusable tin to fill with the cheaper Lavazza when it's finished.
Costa ground is rather good.
However, to answer your question... If you find Costa ground too strong (assuming you are not swamping your machine with too much coffee) I would try Cafe Direct. Or buy some Lavazza beans and a cheap coffee grinder and experiment.
That's all assuming you drink black coffee? Adding milk probably makes the above irrelevant.
2
5
In reply to arch:
If you're worried about filter coffee stewing on a hot plate, get one of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00R7HKARM/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IM9PWY9M2LLX&a...
You get the cleaner taste of filter coffee (compared with the sludginess of a cafetière) but it keeps your coffee warm in a insulated jug instead of a hot plate.
Personally I like making coffee every way, apart from instant. I use filter because I can set the machine the night before and come down in the morning to smell of brewing coffee
If you're worried about filter coffee stewing on a hot plate, get one of these:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00R7HKARM/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=IM9PWY9M2LLX&a...
You get the cleaner taste of filter coffee (compared with the sludginess of a cafetière) but it keeps your coffee warm in a insulated jug instead of a hot plate.
Personally I like making coffee every way, apart from instant. I use filter because I can set the machine the night before and come down in the morning to smell of brewing coffee
In reply to Removed User:
Harsh....But true.
> If you think Gold Blend tastes good then you're probably best drinking a No2.
Harsh....But true.
1
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In reply to Climbing Pieman:
A diversion off-topic but is that really the best option? eg
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/24/store-coffee-freezer_n_6923568.ht...
http://blog.pactcoffee.com/2014/04/23/the-infamous-coffee-fridge-fallacy/
I've never been convinced and store mine at ambient temperatures in an airtight container.
> Keep in fridge or preferably freezer, but expect to keep for less than a couple of weeks depending on how it’s stored. Of course if you use a lot then storage time is less of a problem.
A diversion off-topic but is that really the best option? eg
https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/03/24/store-coffee-freezer_n_6923568.ht...
http://blog.pactcoffee.com/2014/04/23/the-infamous-coffee-fridge-fallacy/
I've never been convinced and store mine at ambient temperatures in an airtight container.
2
In reply to Mike Peacock:
Apologies - As the OP is new to it I was trying to keep it as simple so not to put him off experimenting. Too simple though sorry for those who like their real coffee. Personally I have various airtight containers that help to minimise air interaction.
> A diversion off-topic but is that really the best option?
Simple answer is no!> I've never been convinced and store mine at ambient temperatures in an airtight container.
I agree with the air tight part, but still think it depends on temp up to a point. My kitchen gets all the sun going and so containers can get very hot if sitting out, so I do use the fridge to maintain a lower temp.Apologies - As the OP is new to it I was trying to keep it as simple so not to put him off experimenting. Too simple though sorry for those who like their real coffee. Personally I have various airtight containers that help to minimise air interaction.
1
In reply to arch:
Hi
I like decent filter but milder/low roast try Sainsbury's own Kenyan ground very mild.
B
Hi
I like decent filter but milder/low roast try Sainsbury's own Kenyan ground very mild.
B
1
In reply to arch:
Looking for a filter coffee that is better than Gold Blend is not the Holy Grail.
The Morte de Arthur would have been much shorter if that was the case!
Looking for a filter coffee that is better than Gold Blend is not the Holy Grail.
The Morte de Arthur would have been much shorter if that was the case!
1
In reply to Bulls Crack:
How so, it's only 1 of the 8 tales, and the pursuit of coffee in medieval Britain would surely of occupied the Knights.
Filter coffee tastes bitter compared to instant, that's probably the problem. Just add some sweetener.
> Looking for a filter coffee that is better than Gold Blend is not the Holy Grail.
> The Morte de Arthur would have been much shorter if that was the case!
How so, it's only 1 of the 8 tales, and the pursuit of coffee in medieval Britain would surely of occupied the Knights.
Filter coffee tastes bitter compared to instant, that's probably the problem. Just add some sweetener.
In reply to arch:
Find a local supplier who roasts their own beans. I use www.workhousecoffee.co.uk run by a chap called Greg who has been roasting about 12 years now. They sell on-line I think. If you are near Reading they do tasting sessions which they publicise on FB.
I prefer south american beans but the african beans have distinct flavours and are worth a try.
Simple gravity cup top filters with decent beans which are well roasted is great. No moving parts, nothing to scale up or break, light and can be carried easily when camping or on planes. Unbleached filter papers.
Mainstream commercial roasters do very dark roasts and (I believe) don't let their roasters cool down so you end up with very 'burnt' beans. Americans favour blonde roast and most local roasters to small batch lighter roast beans which aren't blonde but also aren't dark roasted. Local companies will definitely grind beans for you.
If you can't find a local roaster then try Starbucks (I know I can't believe I'm recommending them either!!) as they do sell blonde roasted beans in packets in their stores. They will grind it for you when you buy it - but only if you're desperate.
A darker roast is more bitter and also experiment with the temperature of the water as slightly cooled water makes a difference.
Find a local supplier who roasts their own beans. I use www.workhousecoffee.co.uk run by a chap called Greg who has been roasting about 12 years now. They sell on-line I think. If you are near Reading they do tasting sessions which they publicise on FB.
I prefer south american beans but the african beans have distinct flavours and are worth a try.
Simple gravity cup top filters with decent beans which are well roasted is great. No moving parts, nothing to scale up or break, light and can be carried easily when camping or on planes. Unbleached filter papers.
Mainstream commercial roasters do very dark roasts and (I believe) don't let their roasters cool down so you end up with very 'burnt' beans. Americans favour blonde roast and most local roasters to small batch lighter roast beans which aren't blonde but also aren't dark roasted. Local companies will definitely grind beans for you.
If you can't find a local roaster then try Starbucks (I know I can't believe I'm recommending them either!!) as they do sell blonde roasted beans in packets in their stores. They will grind it for you when you buy it - but only if you're desperate.
A darker roast is more bitter and also experiment with the temperature of the water as slightly cooled water makes a difference.
1
In reply to arch:
Not sure if its been mentioned, but Sainsbury's Fair Trade House blend is cracking - £2 and well bodied. I like the Union Hand roast for a Sunday special, but that comes in at nearly 3x price at £5.50-6.
Guarantee you'll be impressed with the sainburys...
https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/drinksteacoffeeandhotdrinksc...
Not sure if its been mentioned, but Sainsbury's Fair Trade House blend is cracking - £2 and well bodied. I like the Union Hand roast for a Sunday special, but that comes in at nearly 3x price at £5.50-6.
Guarantee you'll be impressed with the sainburys...
https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries/drinksteacoffeeandhotdrinksc...
In reply to arch:
No need to try endless different brands of coffee. Just try one or more of the following if it's coming out too strong.
Reduce the amount of coffee grounds
Reduce the brewing time
Reduce the water temperature (surprised only one person has mentioned this so far - coffee brews best at around 80C not 100C)
Or, you can always make it strong and dilute it with hot water.
Welcome to the wonderful and complex world of coffee!
No need to try endless different brands of coffee. Just try one or more of the following if it's coming out too strong.
Reduce the amount of coffee grounds
Reduce the brewing time
Reduce the water temperature (surprised only one person has mentioned this so far - coffee brews best at around 80C not 100C)
Or, you can always make it strong and dilute it with hot water.
Welcome to the wonderful and complex world of coffee!
In reply to arch:
Thank you to all those posters who took the time to give me some good ideas on coffee, it's really appreciated and I'll definitely be trying some of your recommendations.
Thank you to all those posters who took the time to give me some good ideas on coffee, it's really appreciated and I'll definitely be trying some of your recommendations.
1
In reply to Jimbo C:
I'm aware that 100C is not ideal, have never heard 80C as a suggestion.
That said, overnight cold brewing makes for a smooth cup
I'm aware that 100C is not ideal, have never heard 80C as a suggestion.
That said, overnight cold brewing makes for a smooth cup
In reply to arch:
Algerian coffee shop in Soho is brilliant. They roast their own and have loads of in-house blends. They sell online. If you want something smooth and mellow then you'll struggle to find much better than Kenya AA or Ethiopian sidamo. Personally I prefer darker roasts and they do plenty which are strong and really smooth - not a contradiction. Just finished a cup of the Peruvian which was last month's coffee of the month and it was fantastic.
http://www.algcoffee.co.uk
pref
Algerian coffee shop in Soho is brilliant. They roast their own and have loads of in-house blends. They sell online. If you want something smooth and mellow then you'll struggle to find much better than Kenya AA or Ethiopian sidamo. Personally I prefer darker roasts and they do plenty which are strong and really smooth - not a contradiction. Just finished a cup of the Peruvian which was last month's coffee of the month and it was fantastic.
http://www.algcoffee.co.uk
> Can anyone recommend a nice ground coffee for use in a filter machine ?
> We/I drink a lot of instant coffee, mainly Gold blend. I like that flavour and taste, but having just bought a filter machine, I can't find a ground coffee of a similar style. I find the ones we have tried too strong, mainly no 3s or 4s, not sure on which makes they are, but one of them was a "Costa" coffee ground. That was also too strong really, but bearable.
> Any help ??
pref
In reply to Kimono:
The instructions on my aeropress recommended 80C or 85C for 'low roasted' beans. I don't actually measure but cooler than boiling seems to taste better.
I've tried overnight cold brew. It is very tasty, but has too much caffeine for me!
> I'm aware that 100C is not ideal, have never heard 80C as a suggestion.
> That said, overnight cold brewing makes for a smooth cup
The instructions on my aeropress recommended 80C or 85C for 'low roasted' beans. I don't actually measure but cooler than boiling seems to taste better.
I've tried overnight cold brew. It is very tasty, but has too much caffeine for me!
In reply to estivoautumnal:
Exactly what I've done
Lavazza and Illy are both velvety and just right in terms of strength. Illy is more expensive but yu get the tim. I like the way the Lavazza is in a perfect brick that satisfyingly collapses as you pierce the packet Tesco often have Lavazza on offer £2.50 last time I bought it
> If I'm buying ground coffee I always go for either Lavazza or Illy. I think they are better because they grind the beans into very small bits? I find larger 'bits' don't really make a nice cup of coffee. Usually too weak and not bitter enough. I've noticed when grinding my own coffee that the longer it's ground, the more I like it. Illy's nice because you get a strong, tasty coffee and a reusable tin to fill with the cheaper Lavazza when it's finished.
Exactly what I've done
Lavazza and Illy are both velvety and just right in terms of strength. Illy is more expensive but yu get the tim. I like the way the Lavazza is in a perfect brick that satisfyingly collapses as you pierce the packet Tesco often have Lavazza on offer £2.50 last time I bought it
In reply to Tom Valentine:
Drink Camp Coffee and re-live those old WWII days of austerity.
My Dad gave me some once when I was a kid and my mother was away for some reason so we'd run out of 'proper' coffee (Nescafe instant, it was the early 70's). He remembered it from when he was a kid in the days of rationing.
I seem to recall I quite liked, might give it go again for old time sake.
> For an interesting experience, you could drink Camp coffee with Carnation milk, like my Auntie Ada used to dole out.
Drink Camp Coffee and re-live those old WWII days of austerity.
My Dad gave me some once when I was a kid and my mother was away for some reason so we'd run out of 'proper' coffee (Nescafe instant, it was the early 70's). He remembered it from when he was a kid in the days of rationing.
I seem to recall I quite liked, might give it go again for old time sake.
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