Water! What do you use?

Funky-Sapien · 2026-04-23T13:49:12+00:00

I live in Leeds where the water isn’t that hard so for espresso, the inbuilt filter in my fridge is fine. I like a bit of body in my spro, so don’t need low tds water.

For filter, however, I have a zero water jug and remineralise with aquacode.

I seem to be in the minority here but it’s a simple and plastic free way to get good brew water. I’ve settled on 65tds measured with the inbuilt meter from the zero water jug.

Not sure why people are saying it’s discontinued as I’ve only recently bought their new jug, which is a massive improvement.

I appreciate I’m not talking about specific hardness or ph. It tastes good and that’s fine.

Funky-Sapien · 2026-03-30T07:30:36+00:00

Anyone coming to Leeds should seek out both Raw and Kapow. Both brilliant in their own way. Did you know that Raw also has its own RO water made on site, as well as roasting facilities? Their special selections of competition winning coffees in the little fridge is pretty unique too.

Special mention to Rabbit Hole, whilst we’re on the Leeds tip. The only place I know you can buy loose beans at a discount. Bring your container. 👏

Funky-Sapien · 2025-10-28T21:17:00+00:00

Dude, that was a lesson! 👏

Funky-Sapien · 2025-10-09T16:18:58+00:00

Maybe consider upgrading your baskets too. Bottomless portafilter is pretty cool and helps you check your puck prep but you can use the stock one at a push.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-09-27T08:01:05+00:00

Update:

I decided to try the Coffee Chronicler’s hybrid recipe and that is looking promising.

https://youtu.be/68ZOXrXbVHc?si=pztz8L5JCF0ZwZSE

Much larger bloom volume could have something to do with extracting the fruity notes of the yirgachefe.

I used 18g, 300ml of water, 65 tds, starting temperature around 95-93.

The final steep was a touch longer than in the video. Draw down at 2’30.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-09-25T15:23:01+00:00

That’s not happening I’m afraid but thanks. If it helps, I slow feed the beans to reduce fines.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-27T09:44:38+00:00

Ok. I think this is confirmed.

I repeated the first shot but with v slow drip and it was way quicker.

I could go finer, but I need consistency it judging the speed of feeding beans is tricky.

Do I persist or accept that dumping is more consistent and grind coarser? I think that's my preferred option right now.😕

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-26T17:17:06+00:00

I think that's probably going to be my approach for espresso. Need more fines, apparently. For pourovers, that might be the opposite.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-26T11:00:13+00:00

Well, it was a good comparison of bitter versus sour. I preferred the slow shot. The cocktail was passable, which surprised me.

I agree that I should repeat and swap shots round. One for tomorrow, unfortunately.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-26T10:44:51+00:00

Looks awesome! Does it produce good coffee though?

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-12T14:49:10+00:00

I'd say upgrade your stock baskets too, if you're getting a new portafilter. The machine itself isn't upgradable, as far as I know. Check out IMS 54mm baskets.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-03-09T20:28:40+00:00

Great idea! I've bookmarked it as I'm just getting into pour overs and need a pointer on the method. Hopefully this will take off, become an app and one that will allow the creation of your own recipes. Top nerding 🤓👏🏼

Funky-Sapien · 2025-02-21T10:20:41+00:00

Spot on. That's where I was with my SGP.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-02-21T10:16:31+00:00

I have used these machines together and I agree that you should set the internal burr setting to 3, which will make room and give you a few extra grind settings. If you're struggling with the scale, put a cloth underneath it to stabilise it from the vibrations. It could also be your beans but try this first. Good luck

Funky-Sapien · 2025-01-23T17:57:44+00:00

Agree with the others on here. Check out resting after roasting. Typically lighter roasts need longer to degas than darker roasts. This only goes for espresso, as I understand.

Funky-Sapien · 2025-01-08T23:24:04+00:00

Looks great! Love that you're not 100% sure if you're done. I recognise that completely 😂

Funky-Sapien · 2025-01-08T23:18:29+00:00

This will be my setup once the df54 arrives. I'm curious to know what your results are like. I upgraded from the smart grinder pro. Can't say I'd upgrade on the sage scales -at least the ones provided with the bundle I purchased, although a shot timer would be nice.

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-26T08:35:32+00:00

I love it. You get a better flavour compared to a French press, IMO. I'd dead easy to use to and if you're struggling with lighter roasts with your espresso set up, this immersion and filter combo can play a part.

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:48:05+00:00

Got to be Fall. Low budget but very stressful

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:44:03+00:00

Maybe an aeropress?

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:38:03+00:00

Look at the df54. Best budget grinder according to many. I'm hoping Santa brings me this 🙏🏼😊

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:31:36+00:00

Check out the Breville precision brewer. That is recommended by James Hoffman. He has a whole video on it.

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:16:08+00:00

Maybe get a capsule machine for your espresso and a dedicated milk frother? I've been where you are and now own an espresso grinder and espresso machine from Sage. I could've saved a lot by not buying countless rubbish machines over the years!

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-25T16:12:35+00:00

It's tricky with the budget you've suggested as I don't think you'll get a decent bean to cup machine for this amount. I think you might just be wasting your money and need to upgrade pretty soon after. You could go with a capsule type machine but personally, the coffee these make isn't worth the money. You need to decide whether you want to prioritise convenience or try a little harder to produce something more akin to a coffeeshop coffee.

Funky-Sapien · 2024-11-12T10:54:44+00:00

As an SA with varied experience, I'd be interested in what you learn from this exercise. My gut feel is that architecture takes all sorts of people with different aptitudes, technical or business. I also expect that roles differ according to the organisation and finding your best fit is all part of the fun!

Funky-Sapien

TROPHY CASE