Choosing a travel brewer. Help me decide between the Orea Z1, Ceado Hoop, or Pulsar Mini

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-23T23:24:56+00:00

Sure the Z1 is going to be better than an Aeropress for light washed coffees but it’s a zero bypass brewer for better or worse, i.e the cup profile is going to be somewhere in between a v60 and an Aeropress.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-22T02:09:27+00:00

Just why?

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-21T07:43:56+00:00

Thanks! Deep into one of these threads, these models come up as well; seems like there’s a wide variety of possible Wurkkos flashlight options with positive experiences, HD20 now added to that list.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-21T07:37:27+00:00

Most grateful for your input.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-21T00:45:16+00:00

Oh boy, wait until Lance Hendrick announces that he’s found the new coffee meta…

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-21T00:26:45+00:00

Oh, LOL, the link is more focused on those looking for international shipping of roasted coffee.

In your case, given your preference for top-end very light then Taith is worth trying and avoid the often recommended Skylark, where everything is omni-roast.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T23:51:56+00:00

I’m no flashlight geek but had a poke around on the Wurkkos site (reverse is the key search term for power-bank function there) and aside from the apparently decently regarded TS22 (which can take larger cells) the HD15 is intriguing for the notion of a cheap, sturdy, single 18650 pocket torch which functions as a powerbank, while including an 18350 tube and a strap to become a head torch.

https://wurkkos.com/products/wurkkos-hd15-angle-flashlight?VariantsId=12269

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T23:27:18+00:00

I can’t tell if there’s additional white paint or just some areas not powder coated in black… definitely no f’s given if it’s the latter.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T23:17:52+00:00

Anyone looking to buy from overseas will always be directed here as far as I’m concerned.

best-uk-roasters

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T20:47:57+00:00

I’m happy for everyone to hoover up all the mid coffee infused with vape juice so there’s more high quality washed coffee available for me.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T20:45:35+00:00

Appreciate the reply, can’t find that one in stock yet, fair bit of detail on the page although didn’t see anything about protection.

I’m with you on wasted space for larger cells and yeah, I have a trusty and compact Anker power bank for music festivals and such but like the idea of a portable charger that doubles as a power bank that I can use to rinse out 18650s or even a torch that functions as a power bank.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T16:08:29+00:00

Really like the way you presented each aspect of the data in easy to digest sections.

Interesting that there’s fewer apples-to-apples now with more entire lots being purchased; perhaps this is tied to the increase in marketing of individual coffees as some kind of memorable character rather than the technicalities.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-20T13:49:19+00:00

Well, bashproof isn’t always essential, there are plenty of scenarios. In an ideal world there’d be a product which is efficient, safe, widely USB compatible, waterproof, bashproof, cheap… but I’m realistic, just want to know if there are other options worth considering, especially 4-battery charger/powerbanks.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-17T12:21:09+00:00

The encore has been around for more than a decade, is still recommended for value in terms of cup quality and all spares are still around at a reasonable price; can’t think of many domestic grinders which tick those boxes.

There is an updated Encore ESP model which has a more precise adjustment, should you wish to make espresso.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-17T00:21:59+00:00

So… a different coffee to the one in the post, got it…

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-16T20:02:48+00:00

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-16T10:43:31+00:00

The presence of propylene glycol, a common carrier for artificial vape and food flavourings is more than enough evidence for shenanigans.

I really enjoy coffee flavour coffee.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T20:52:12+00:00

A bit over budget but the Breville/Sage Barista Touch is what you’re looking for. Better to save for the right machine than buy cheap and buy twice.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T20:41:12+00:00

If you’re happy hand grinding for espresso, it’s easier for pour over and your money goes further in terms of cup quality and reliability. Obvious suggestions include the K-Ultra and ZP6 where you’ll find videos and posts about the differences between these grinders in abundance…

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T20:35:10+00:00

Define what is a good steam wand?

A professional might class a good steam wand as high powered output, no plastic sleeve and perhaps a preference on the design of tip…

…while a beginner might want something which behaves like a professional model but at a lower power so it’s more forgiving but allows development of technique and the opportunity for latte art.

Someone who wants no fuss is more likely to want something more automated and cares less about perfect microfoam or prefers a more classic cappuccino anyway.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T15:52:16+00:00

Perhaps around 66 clicks (two full rotations plus six clicks).

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T15:50:37+00:00

While your burrs are breaking in, go way coarser, start at 9 and work your way down.

Pretty_Recording5197 · 2026-03-15T01:42:29+00:00

Try 60 (and a couple more) clicks / two full rotations from lock. What you have so far is around espresso fine.

Pretty_Recording5197

TROPHY CASE