The Conservative Cave

Interests => All Things Edible (and how to prepare them) => Topic started by: cavegal on November 14, 2010, 11:21:37 AM

Title: Coffee Question
Post by: cavegal on November 14, 2010, 11:21:37 AM
I like Gevalia, I cannot afford it any more. What is your favorite kind?  How do you drink it? With creamer?   I now have Folders.  I use only use Instant Coffee when the power is out.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: JohnnyReb on November 14, 2010, 11:31:06 AM
Maxwell House....with cream.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 14, 2010, 12:19:00 PM
Coffee People's "Donut Shop" coffee. Black everytime.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: RightCoast on November 14, 2010, 12:48:06 PM
Dunkin Donuts - regular

Cumberland Farms - Farmhouse regular

Starbucks - White Mocha 
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 12:54:42 PM
I buy the 2 Lb bags of Columbian beans at Sam's Club and grind them myself. I haven't found a better cup of coffee. What may come close is either that Luzianne or French Market coffee w/ chickory. I also use an old fashioned percolator instead of a drip coffee maker. The drip coffee makers just don't get the water hot enough any more. Thanks lady that sued McDonald's.  :argh:
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: TVDOC on November 14, 2010, 01:12:07 PM
My favorites are Jamaica Blue Mountain, or Yemen Black Gold (beans/gounds smell like Camel shit, but makes terrific coffee)........

My Cuban refugee friend taught me to make it "Cuban Style".......the water must never boil, but never be cooler than 210 degrees.

Most of the time, we just use Folgers Colombian.

Black, of course.......

doc
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 01:25:57 PM
My favorites are Jamaica Blue Mountain, or Yemen Black Gold (beans/gounds smell like Camel shit, but makes terrific coffee)........

My Cuban refugee friend taught me to make it "Cuban Style".......the water must never boil, but never be cooler than 210 degrees.

Most of the time, we just use Folgers Colombian.

Black, of course.......

doc

Unless one has a French Press or some other coffee maker similar, the water's either too hot or too cold. I'll opt for the "too hot" most every time. Drip makers are lucky to reach 170°F


Oh and BSes to everyone that drinks coffee that's been "bastardized"..... :stirpot:
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 01:28:52 PM
I like Gevalia, I cannot afford it any more. What is your favorite kind?  How do you drink it? With creamer?   I now have Folders.  I use only use Instant Coffee when the power is out.

We have a small propane cook stove (single burner) It works GREAT when the power is out around here, which is fairly often. Then there's always the burner on the BBQ grill
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: cavegal on November 14, 2010, 01:42:38 PM
We have a small propane cook stove (single burner) It works GREAT when the power is out around here, which is fairly often. Then there's always the burner on the BBQ grill
We have a little propane bottle that is connected to a single burner, also a double cook stove. They work wonderful. We also have propane lamps that came with the place. They also put out heat so in winter it has a dual effect when power is out.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: TVDOC on November 14, 2010, 01:45:55 PM
Unless one has a French Press or some other coffee maker similar, the water's either too hot or too cold. I'll opt for the "too hot" most every time. Drip makers are lucky to reach 170°F


Yeah....we use a french press for the good stuff.......

However, a couple of years ago, I bought a Braun drip coffee maker, and after removing the two resistors from in series with the brewing element, it gets the water up to about 200 degrees, maybe a little more.  I thought that the element would surely fail due to the additional load, but it's been used at least twice daily for over a year, and still going.

doc
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 01:59:59 PM
We have a little propane bottle that is connected to a single burner, also a double cook stove. They work wonderful. We also have propane lamps that came with the place. They also put out heat so in winter it has a dual effect when power is out.

Just remember to keep a window cracked when using those things. They DO emit Carbon Monoxide.

Yeah....we use a french press for the good stuff.......

However, a couple of years ago, I bought a Braun drip coffee maker, and after removing the two resistors from in series with the brewing element, it gets the water up to about 200 degrees, maybe a little more.  I thought that the element would surely fail due to the additional load, but it's been used at least twice daily for over a year, and still going.

doc

Does removing those resistors help the plate temp, too?? That's the other problem I've experienced with drip coffee makers. The "keep warm" temp is often too low.  :(
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: TVDOC on November 14, 2010, 02:30:46 PM
Does removing those resistors help the plate temp, too?? That's the other problem I've experienced with drip coffee makers. The "keep warm" temp is often too low.  :(

Unfortunately no.....they are two separate elements.....mine keeps the coffee pretty hot after brewing, but I suppose that if you pick the right coffeemaker to start out with this could be modified as well.

Keeping the brewed coffee hotter would be an easier modification than the brewing part, as the "plate temperature" is regulated by a small "klixon" thermostat that is attached to the bottom of the plate (at least in the ones that I've had apart).  These small bimetallic cutoff thermostats can be purchased in a variety of different temperature settings, and simply replaced.  They are usually small, circular objects, about a half-inch in diameter, and cemented to the bottom of the plate, with two terminals for the supply wiring.

Your coffeemaker manual will likely tell you where the factory setting is in the specifications section, I will guess that they are probably around 120 degrees for safety purposes......replace it with one that is twenty or so degrees higher.


doc
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 02:34:08 PM
Unfortunately no.....they are two separate elements.....mine keeps the coffee pretty hot after brewing, but I suppose that if you pick the right coffeemaker to start out with this could be modified as well.

Keeping the brewed coffee hotter would be an easier modification than the brewing part, as the "plate temperature" is regulated by a small "klixon" thermostat that is attached to the bottom of the plate (at least in the ones that I've had apart).  These small bimetallic cutoff thermostats can be purchased in a variety of different temperature settings, and simply replaced.  They are usually small, circular objects, about a half-inch in diameter, and cemented to the bottom of the plate, with two terminals for the supply wiring.

Your coffeemaker manual will likely tell you where the factory setting is in the specifications section, I will guess that they are probably around 120 degrees for safety purposes......replace it with one that is twenty or so degrees higher.


doc

Yeah, I'm familiar with the thermistors.  I don't know what I was thinking as I KNEW  what controlled the plate temps.  Finding them isn't easy, at least ones that will fit. I've actually replaced a few of them in my lifetime.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: TVDOC on November 14, 2010, 02:41:31 PM
Yeah, I'm familiar with the thermistors.  I don't know what I was thinking as I KNEW  what controlled the plate temps.  Finding them isn't easy, at least ones that will fit. I've actually replaced a few of them in my lifetime.

I haven't looked lately, but companies like "DigiKey", that sell small electronics parts, used to carry a wide selection of them.......and since a new one will likely cost you less than a buck, your biggest problem will be meeting the qualifications for a "minimum order".

doc
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: ColonialMarine0431 on November 14, 2010, 02:48:27 PM
Maxwell House. Black with a little sugar.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 02:51:40 PM
I haven't looked lately, but companies like "DigiKey", that sell small electronics parts, used to carry a wide selection of them.......and since a new one will likely cost you less than a buck, your biggest problem will be meeting the qualifications for a "minimum order".

doc

We actually have a REAL electronics store here in town. It's been here since forever. No worries on the minimum order with them. However..... they don't always carry EXACT replacements. I worked with a guy at a TV repair shop for a little bit. Had to replace some capacitors. I could get the same capacitance, but the working voltage was usually higher and they were usually a larger size.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: TVDOC on November 14, 2010, 03:01:07 PM
We actually have a REAL electronics store here in town. It's been here since forever. No worries on the minimum order with them. However..... they don't always carry EXACT replacements. I worked with a guy at a TV repair shop for a little bit. Had to replace some capacitors. I could get the same capacitance, but the working voltage was usually higher and they were usually a larger size.

Yeah, we have one here as well, but now that I no longer have a wholesale account with them, I've found ordering from the 'net to be much cheaper.......I can buy stuff like replacement UPS batteries for less than HALF of what I'd have to pay for them at Electronic Supply Corp.

doc
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: formerlurker on November 14, 2010, 03:04:10 PM
Maxwell House....with cream.

This is what I have been buying lately also.    I hit DDs at least twice a day, sometimes Starbucks also.   
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Chris_ on November 14, 2010, 03:04:26 PM
Burger King, 75 cents.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 03:07:58 PM
Burger King, 75 cents.

            :lol:


Home made....... 8¢......
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: cavegal on November 14, 2010, 03:19:39 PM
Just remember to keep a window cracked when using those things. They DO emit Carbon Monoxide.

These are built in the walls, they run from our propane tank. We have had them on quite a bit, never thought about the Carbon Monoxide... yikes..... THANK YOU THOR... no  :hammer: for you today!!
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 03:26:25 PM
These are built in the walls, they run from our propane tank. We have had them on quite a bit, never thought about the Carbon Monoxide... yikes..... THANK YOU THOR... no  :hammer: for you today!!

You might want to invest in a couple or three CO detectors......
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 14, 2010, 07:07:04 PM
           :lol:


Home made....... 8¢......

Isn't BK giving away free coffee right now?  :fuelfire:
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Thor on November 14, 2010, 08:39:58 PM
Isn't BK giving away free coffee right now?  :fuelfire:

If they have to GIVE it awaY, can it be THAT good??
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: NHSparky on November 14, 2010, 08:46:18 PM
If they have to GIVE it awaY, can it be THAT good??

It's Seattle's Best, IIRC, which is right up there with the Newman's Own that McD's serves.  Beats their old dishwater crap all to hell.

But like most here, I rarely drink coffee out, or if I do, it's the DD black as I'm heading to work.

Home regular stuff: Folger's Black Silk.

Home frou-frou stuff:  Kimo Bean or Badass Coffee Company 100% Kona Peaberry, or Jamaica Blue Mountain.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Eupher on November 14, 2010, 09:14:42 PM
I buy the 2 Lb bags of Columbian beans at Sam's Club and grind them myself. I haven't found a better cup of coffee.

SNIP

Same here. I'd wondered about the lack of temp on the drip coffeemakers any more - at least it seemed that way without me doing anything more than wonder about it briefly.

Thanks for the discussion about that, Thor/Doc.

So I'll take some of that Sam's Club dark roast/french roast. Black.

Starbucks or that Badass stuff is okay, but only when I'm out - stuff's too expensive to drink every day.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: chitownchica on November 14, 2010, 09:16:05 PM
Starbucks Kenya roast w/ half and half.
I use a Bunn coffee maker and I am happy with it.
I also have a Nespresso machine for single serve but it became too expensive with all the coffee I drink.  The bunn is more economical.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Mike B the Cajun on November 14, 2010, 10:49:44 PM
As I said in another thread, Community Coffee, dark roast, brewed strong, a little sugar only.

Community is processed near Baton Rouge by the same family for generations. Great coffee, and many blends available.

Website is communitycoffee.com

Golden Key and CDM (Cafe du Monde) are also good, but Community is the best!!
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: IassaFTots on November 15, 2010, 08:51:34 AM
For Special occasions, real Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee, brewed in my French Press.  For everyday, super strong Community with Chicory, in my coffee maker.

Black, of course.  It's the only way to drink coffee. 
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Wineslob on November 15, 2010, 11:46:40 AM
Whatever's cheap at Grocery Outlet.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: JohnnyReb on November 17, 2010, 07:13:00 AM
Whatever's cheap at Grocery Outlet.

You evil supply side capitalist.........you're after my own heart.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Odin's Hand on November 17, 2010, 08:40:49 AM
I get mine from CoffeeGiant.com. They have good prices and they are out of Lewisville, TX, so their free shipping gets my coffee on the front porch in about 2 days.
Title: Re: Coffee Question
Post by: Wineslob on November 18, 2010, 10:01:15 AM
You evil supply side capitalist.........you're after my own heart.



 O-)


BTW they have a "Java Kopi". $6.99 for 2 lbs. Pretty good chit.