by Eric (Sword) Beaty

Created on: August 31, 2008

Okay, so I believe I finally have all I need to make the best coffee I can short of $1,000 equipment:

1. Hamilton Beach Cappuccino Plus 40729 Espresso Machine - $75 @ local K-Mart

2. Real Shot Glass - $1 @ Freds

3. Zassenhaus 161 DG Conical Burr Mill Coffee Grinder - $70 @ Baldmountaincoffee.com

4. Homemade tamper - Free (Dad made it on his leigh)

5. Fresh Coffee - $Various (Purchased at BocaJava.com - Fresh roasted when you order then shipped).

I must say, I'm getting GREAT crema after paying attention to the temperature regulation stated on Homebarista.com (http://www.home-barista.com/hx-love-manage-brew-tem perature.html); also, a slender shot glass never hurts either as long as it's small enough to fit. Though, I still don't taste the sweetness it is reported to have. It's creamy, yes, but still tastes just like the coffee itself; sharp & strong. I'm ticked that the machine is still producing soupy grinds when I remove the grouper.

I've found the best grind for me for two shots is 1 1/2 turn from where the burrs meet on the Zassenhaus. This little bugger is built to last! For superbly even grinds, sturdy construction, and a 10-year warranty on the grinder mechanism I give it a 10 out of 10! Plus there's many models to choose from from open- to closed-hopper to knee mills. It takes a little work, but it's worth it. In hindsight, I probably should have gotten a closed-hopper model since when I grind the beans, they start shooting out of the hopper when it is nearly empty.

The coffee from Boca Java is great and is definitely one of the best and cheapest ways (though not in quality) to get freshly roasted coffee I've found. They have great introductory and membership offers. I canceled after two shipments because I simply didn't drink that much coffee. Plus, now I can still order from them on my own terms (one bag at a time instead of the required minimum of 2 bags if you're a member) or just go to the local coffee shops for beans. Believe it or not, Wal-Mart's new Sam's Choice line of gourmet coffees are pretty good as well-at least the espresso blend is; that's all I've tried.

Well, hope these tips/reviews help. I'm pretty satisfied with my overall experience with all of my coffee gear and continually experiment with tamper, grind, and coffee level within the grouper to ensure the best coffee money can ... save; from the coffee shops, that is!

Learn more about this author, Eric (Sword) Beaty.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.