Message Forums

So all coffee connoissuers, what is the best way to store ground coffee? Airtight? In the fridge? How do I keep that "new packet" smell?

We've got a cheapo espresso, metal but not stainless steel. It does fine, but as I said it is a medium sized one, so fits the gas ring with no flame showing up the sides.

I buy the coffee that says for all machines, not the one for filters. There isn't much choice.

Looks like I just drink more coffee to use it when fresh then.

"Looks like I just drink more coffee to use it when fresh then."

Sounds like a plan to me

There are a couple of potential issues to be aware of when using the stove top espresso makers.

The base gets VERY hot, and it remains so for a long time.  It is very easy to forget this as evidenced by the circular burn marks on the worktops of many Italian kitchens.

If the burner is larger than the base the handle can also get very hot and in the case of a "bakelite" type handle it can even catch fire or melt.  If there is any danger of this is it a good idea to put the pot on the stove so that the handle is not directly over the heat - despite the fact that it offends one's sense of symmety it is a lot safer.

It is easy to forget to put water in the bottom, particularly on the first pot of the day after a night of wine consumption.  The first warning that you have done this is a very unpleasant smell which is the rubber seal melting.  Turn the heat off but resist the very strong temptation to pick up the pot since the whole thing will be very very hot indeed.  The rubber seals wear out in time anyway so even if you don't expect to be melting any it is a good idea to carry a spare.

They come in many shapes and sizes as well as being available in aluminium and stainless steel, the latter is slightly preferable as it is easier to keep clean since they can go safely in a dishwasher but the aluminium ones will suffer if you do this to them.  The aluminium pots are a bit like tents in that they don't like being put away wet.  The bottom part in particular should be completely dry before being stored for any length of time with the top screwed on to avoid an unpleasant mix or corrosion and mustiness which taints the coffee and is a real pain to eradicate.

For those perverse people who like milky coffee drinks look at this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/La-Cafetiere-06989-Mukka-Express/dp/B000AA89GW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1248351422&sr=8-1

"For those perverse people who like milky coffee drinks..."

Cheeky monkey

If I stuck to espresso, or any "as it comes brew" I'd have the shakes even more

And that's ignoring the diuretic effect. Not good for camping. No Kamping Khazi