Coffee: On the run

[Too Tall]

What would you do? Each time I cross the USA I've come up with a diff. scheme for brewing a killah cuppa in the am. Ranging from begging the amazing guy who lugged an actually espresso machine across the USA to an self contained "bullet" type pressure pot.

Because I really like it when the forum tells me what to buy...let's see what you think?

My wish list:
a. does not require long heatup / cool down
b. physical size is an issue
c. MUST MUST MUST brew a killer cup. AM caffeine or die ;)

These nespresso machines are too big. Is instant in the picture? "Cool Brew" looks promising however requires refrigeration. Boiling water is easy.

May you all outlive your Ottrotts :)

PS - between D.K. and that Anvil guy all that stands between me an the perfect portable coffee scheme is a $500,000 cnc machine...right?

[alembical]

TT,

It seems hard to beat a French Press for what you are looking for. Great coffee, real easy, just boil water and give it a couple of minutes. No bigger than a mug, etc..

Alembical

[Lanternrouge]

For what it's worth, I saw part of a program (I believe on the Discovery Channel) about coffee. It seemed that the French press was the preferred method according to the experts. Fortunately, that's pretty easy to pack. The worst method of making coffee identified was the percolator.

[michael white]

My father was a scientist, a biochemist. As long as I can remember, he believed the best coffee was freeze-dried Taster's Choice crystals, mixed into water he heated in a beaker on a bunson burner. I myself have no opinion, just thought I would pass this along.

[zap]

Yes
French
Press

[Karin Kirk]

I agree on the French press. I'm not particularly discriminating when it comes to coffee though, so I can't state with any authority that it's worthy of your quest for "killer" AM joe. But the cool thing about the French presses is that they now come in a range of sizes and materials. We have a tiny lexan one for camping. AM coffee while camping seems all the more necessary and luxurious to me! :)

[93legendti]

TT,

It seems hard to beat a French Press for what you are looking for. Great coffee, real easy, just boil water and give it a couple of minutes. No bigger than a mug, etc..

Alembical
Yup. Starbucks sells 2 different sizes of portable French press cups that you can drink out of after the 4 minute brew time has elapsed. I have taken them on trips and they work well.

[Birddog]

Definitely go with a French Press. They are pretty inexpensive (about $10 or less) at TJ Maxx or Ross. As for the comment on Percolators, I couldn't even drink coffee that my parents made because they used those things. My first cup of drip from a Chemex opened my eyes to the benefits of brewed coffee and now I'm an addict, but still far from a snob.

Birddog

[Kevan]

maybe heavier than a french press...
but it won't break:

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdImg/images/pr/177X150/00/01/ba/89/09/29001993.JPG

[jthurow]

...you could always try a filtercone holder (http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.brewers.shtml#filtercones). Provided good beans, 200 deg water and a steady hand to not oversaturate you beans, I'm sure that'll brew a nice cup.

jimi

[mschol17]

TT,
Go into Murky Coffee (either one, but I prefer my neighborhood Capitol Hill location). Have a classic cappucino. That is what coffee should be.

But in the meantime, French Press with a burr grinder.
And the burr grinder is essential.

A great grinder with fresh beans is more important than how you brew it.

Michael
"can't walk by without wanting a classic cappucino"
DC

[jemoryl]

So you all haven't been infomed of the demise of the french press? I mean with the kind of money people spend on bikes around here I thought everyone would have one of these: Clover 1s (http://cloverequipment.com/whyclover/why_clover.aspx)

It does make a great cup....anal-obsessive coffee making at its finest. The OP will need to wait for the portable version, though.

[Steelhead]

REI carries a couple of different french press travel pots and french press style travel mugs. REI dot com

[Lanternrouge]

So you all haven't been infomed of the demise of the french press? I mean with the kind of money people spend on bikes around here I thought everyone would have one of these: Clover 1s (http://cloverequipment.com/whyclover/why_clover.aspx)

It does make a great cup....anal-obsessive coffee making at its finest. The OP will need to wait for the portable version, though.

The first price I found listed online for that was $11,000. Granted, if you properly pimp your ride (assuming it is a Meivici), it will still cost more for your bike than the coffee maker.

[znfdl]

Stuck inside these four walls, sent inside forever,
Never seeing no one nice again like you,
Mama you, mama you.
If I ever get out of here,
Thought of giving it all away
To a registered charity.
All I need is a pint a day
If I ever get out of here.

Well, the rain exploded with a mighty crash as we fell into the sun,
And the first one said to the second one there I hope youre having fun.
Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run.
And the jailer man and sailor sam were searching every one

For the Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run

Well, the undertaker drew a heavy sigh seeing no one else had come,
And a bell was ringing in the village square for the rabbits on the run.
Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run.
And the jailer man and sailor sam, were searching every one

For the Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run

Well, the night was falling as the desert world began to settle down.
In the town theyre searching for us every where, but we never w ill be found.
Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run

And the county judge, who held a grudge
Will search for evermore
For the Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run, Coffee on the run

[Serotta_Andrew]

maybe heavier than a french press...
but it won't break:

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdImg/images/pr/177X150/00/01/ba/89/09/29001993.JPG


don't forget the cups!!!

[kbone]

French Press for Nalgene Bottle:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48120854&parent_category_rn=4500453&vcat=REI_SEARCH

Lexan French Press:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=30532&parent_category_rn=4500495&vcat=REI_SEARCH

JetBoil:
http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48120854&parent_category_rn=4500453&vcat=REI_SEARCH

The Jetboil is a personal cooking system (stove and pot combination). The kit above includes a French press. I have used Jetboil stoves on many camping trips and if you don't mind caring compressed gas it is a great stove.

If you prefer a universal fuel stove then I would go with the Lexan French Press above. My climbing partner and I used one in the Northern Cascades last year it it brewed a very nice cup of coffee.

[fierte_poser]

Alton Brown recommended manual drip:

http://www.fantes.com/coffeemakers_manualdrip.htm

[93legendti]

maybe heavier than a french press...
but it won't break:

http://img.shopping.com/cctool/PrdImg/images/pr/177X150/00/01/ba/89/09/29001993.JPG

That's THE best way to make espresso...just make sure it is stainless steel, not aluminum.

[goonster]

+1 on the french press. For Too Tall's needs, I don't see a better method. Bodum (avail. at Target) or the insert for Nalgene if you don't want to haul glass. Bring a small electric kettle. That's the sweet spot for speed, convenience and quality.

Not to hijack the thread, but if anyone can help me find a near-new Hellem in the U.S., there's a finder's fee in it for you. White feet preferred, 8 cup or smaller. Yes, I've already tried French eBay, with discouraging results. Anybody actually used one of these?

http://home.planet.nl/~rjeroenv/brewing/vacpots/hellem/hellem_still_2.jpg

[jemoryl]

The first price I found listed online for that was $11,000. Granted, if you properly pimp your ride (assuming it is a Meivici), it will still cost more for your bike than the coffee maker.

Yeah, it really is meant as a commercial coffee maker. Some people question if you can actually make money with this in a cafe; it isn't the quickest method either. But it does eliminate the one thing I don't like about my french press, and that is the presence of some particulate matter, no matter how careful you are with the grind.

If anyone is around NYC, Cafe Grumpy on W 20th. St. (between 7th and 8th) is brewing with a Clover and good beans.

[Too Tall]

Mschool - 10-4 :) Been there done that. Absolutely the best cuppa in DC no question.

Fly is lobbying hard for a pour over. Makes alot of sense. I am traveling light and very time constrained in the mornings. Basically wake up tired and sore at 4:30am make coffee shower hit the road by 5:30/6. Everything has to be clean, cool and put away and quite unbreakable as the bags will get tossed hard twice a day by the crew. Thinking two of the pour overs with perm. gold screens and two insulated mugs + a certain-secret-as-yet-to-be-named-coffee-sponsor tosupply the grounds....oh mama :)

Over the next couple weeks I'll try a few things. Y'all came thru with flying colors (sniff) I love you guys, gals, guy gals, gal guys,....damnit all ya'all. This is a special place. Coffee for all.

[William]

C'mon TT, be a Titan!!!

One pod under the tongue every two hours and you're good to go go go!!!

http://www.podmerchant.com/images/caffe-rialto-espresso-pod.jpg





William ;)

[TMB]

I was in a kitchen place about a year ago ( don't remember the name, one of those kitchen gadget places in a mall in Woodburn, Oregon - I was on I5 and stopped for a break and wander around)

Anyway - they had a Bodum french press travel mug. About the size of a Starbucks Grande mug but a french press and travel mug all in one and to make it even better - acrylic, so basically unbreakable.

Worth looking for.

[manet]

this is what ed uses when he's up a creek:


http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e61/easterncaster/IMG_4250.jpg

[BURCH]

That's THE best way to make espresso...just make sure it is stainless steel, not aluminum.


I agree with this, but the pot doesn't cool down for a while which I think was a pre-req. Could run it unders some cold water though?

[Cinci Jim]

How about one of these...

http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress.htm

[Ozz]

When travelling, I am a big fan of easy clean up....heck, even at home speed and easy clean up are important.

My go-to method of brewing is the single serving Melitta (#2) cone drip...

I also like the Moka pots for a much stronger brew. This is what I take when camping (car camping, not backpacking). For a real treat, heat an equal quantity of milk in a pot, mix with Moka brew...perfect cafe au lait!

[jthurow]

How about one of these...

http://www.aerobie.com/Products/aeropress.htmIf it's as good as their Pro Ring (http://www.aerobie.com/Products/Pro.htm), sign me up!

jimi

[yeehawfactor]

TT,

It seems hard to beat a French Press for what you are looking for. Great coffee, real easy, just boil water and give it a couple of minutes. No bigger than a mug, etc..

Alembical
+100
french press coffee is a party in your mouth

[rwsaunders]

Watch out for the LDL, Too Tall.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_press

[93legendti]

...Could run it unders some cold water though?

I do that every time--works like a charm.

[93legendti]

I was in a kitchen place about a year ago ( don't remember the name, one of those kitchen gadget places in a mall in Woodburn, Oregon - I was on I5 and stopped for a break and wander around)

Anyway - they had a Bodum french press travel mug. About the size of a Starbucks Grande mug but a french press and travel mug all in one and to make it even better - acrylic, so basically unbreakable.

Worth looking for.

That's it! Starbucks sells a slightly larger metal version.

[george]

If you like cold coffee how about a frapea? Very popular in Greece. two spoons Nescafe, two spoons sugar (more or less to your taste), a little amount of water and ice cubes, shake in a martini shaker or when travling any jar with a tight lid will do; it can double as a drinking glass. After shaking it violently for a few seconds it will form a thick foam. Add cold water and cream to your taste?

[edouard]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etnB1h8hFb8&mode=related&search=

[William]

I have a brother in-law who is a Colonel in the Marine Corp. His idea of coffee is to spoon an ungodly sum of Tasters Choice into a mug, add a little (and I mean a little) hot water and then stir it up into a pudding like substance. He says "it'll make a man out of ya!".

That would be quick, easy, and efficient for you there TT....if you can stomach it. :eek:

Best of luck (Barf Barf)! :D


William

[Brian Smith]

It sounds like morning brew is important.
A coworker coffee cohort bought the Jetboil, and it's the swiss army knife of good coffee in less civil conditions. You can accessorize it to make it even more so.
As good as that is, I still think that for me the Nissan stainless press is the favorite.

It looks like my stored site in my favorites is no longer operational, but Campmor's got them at a cheap price, as do other online spots, the price must be down overall for them:
<http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=71725&memberId=12500226>

I've made numerous "emergency" trips into malls and chain coffee shops to purchase replacement Bodum glassware on the road, and the Nissan is the cure for that. It used to be that the Nissan was over twice the possible price for the replacement glass, but no more.

Nix on the Lexan for me, the poor scratch resistance of the material leads to a poor o-ring seal that produces blow-by like the Shuttle emergency, with results nearly as disastrous.



It's a Stewart's "Did you know?" moment: (TM)
"Did you know" that most Subway restaurant locations are able to provide water heated to near-optimal press conditions at any moment, and also frequently advertise via interstate "Food" signs before exits on the blue signs? Auto road trips are rife with opportunities for breaks from uncomfortable seats and wind noise...

[rwsaunders]

William:

My Dad is a 1950's vintage jarhead and that's exactly how he makes his coffee to this day, albeit with about a pound of sugar. He calls Starbucks foo-foo coffee for pogie bait eaters. Your brother will understand.

[Too Tall]

YES! Look, I barely drink booze. Gave up b.hits many moons ago and have not been arrested in a shamefully long time...sigh...coffee is one of my few vices so I overdo it like all the other things in my life that are worth doing :) (insert Bevis snicker). Yeah, morning coffee needs to be evil wicked bard arse killah strong and Flyhedst-good :cool: Good bikes and fine coffee know no bottom line brudda.

Hey, that's an amazing price for the stainless steel press pot.

I tell yah. The electric moka pot is a strong front runner. This weekend I am comparing moka vs pour over. Next weekend it's pour over vs my old Velox portable espresso maker...which saw me across the USA and than some...it's pretty BA for what it is. Check this: http://www.studiolx.com/velox-espresso-maker.html Once you get the grind just right and learn to pack it tight, it makes a very viscous espresso shot.

[Brian Smith]

YES! Look, I barely drink booze. Gave up b.hits many moons ago and have not been arrested in a shamefully long time...sigh...coffee is one of my few vices so I overdo it like all the other things in my life that are worth doing :) (insert Bevis snicker). Yeah, morning coffee needs to be evil wicked bard arse killah strong and Flyhedst-good :cool: Good bikes and fine coffee know no bottom line brudda.

Hey, that's an amazing price for the stainless steel press pot.

I tell yah. The electric moka pot is a strong front runner. This weekend I am comparing moka vs pour over. Next weekend it's pour over vs my old Velox portable espresso maker...which saw me across the USA and than some...it's pretty BA for what it is. Check this: http://www.studiolx.com/velox-espresso-maker.html Once you get the grind just right and learn to pack it tight, it makes a very viscous espresso shot.

There's a joke in there somewhere about morning coffee and Velox - Found da Jante... and the machine looks intriguing.
About coffee knowing no bottom line - I'm with ya.
About the only part I don't get is the part about "morning." I mean, there's no way I could fit all 63, 64 cups down there before noon.

[BURCH]

Saw this plastic press at the local coffe shop this morning. Thought of this thread...

http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/line.asp?MD=1&GID=3&LID=531&CHK=&SLT=&mscssid=F9CXAXFXR9E08J95JC2NMFD94E7XDPPF

[William]

William:

My Dad is a 1950's vintage jarhead and that's exactly how he makes his coffee to this day, albeit with about a pound of sugar. He calls Starbucks foo-foo coffee for pogie bait eaters. Your brother will understand.


Roger that! They're back there with the REMF's (the alternate definition).

I've posted this before but it always makes me laugh when I see it....and makes me think of my brother in-law.


William

[nobrakes]

This is a nice, lightweight and unbreakable little press that sustained my caffeine habit on my recent Peru and Ecuador trip. It works very well, all you need is a hot water source.
They may grow coffee in Peru, but they don't drink it much. Nescafe instant is what you get when you order up coffee in most Peruvian restaurants anywhere but Lima.
Forgot to add it's an Aeropress, by Aerobee. Can be bought on internet or most kitchen shops like Sur La Table.

[Too Tall]

Hooo Hoooo :) Flyman said he'd put lead in our seattube if we did not follow orders and get a french press...sooooo I found this nifty electric one. Yah yah it has a glass carafe so now I get to make a cool break proof / goon proof case for it. No worries. Coffee is sorted :cool:

http://www.chefsresource.com/chefchoicelf.html

[fierte_poser]

TT, have you had the chance to use this new press? Does it work as advertised?

[Ginger]

Revise an existing item like this:

case (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/2500-763C_200.jpg)

or this

case (http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/288A763_x200.jpg) http://www.coleman.com/coleman/images/products/288A763_x200.jpg

or

contact the pelican case people...they have a showroom in Maryland. :)

I really like Pelican cases.
http://www.pelicancase.com/CASE_1300.JPG

[Too Tall]

Oooooo, that's so James Bond ;)

[rwsaunders]

TT: With the 007 comment, you made me think a the statement that was on a teeshirt that I spotted in the International Spy Museum this weekend...."Deny Everything".

What a great job they did with the design and layout of the space. The coffee was lame, though.

[Too Tall]

No kidding and add to that "plausable deniability" I mean WHOever came up with that deserves the medal of honor :cool:

Bad coffee is a hate crime.

[Too Tall]

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/vacpots/frenchpressplus/latest

Got it :) The Chef's Choice electric French Press is sooooo good that I have stopped using all other methods for making coffee at casa TT. Boils water in less than 2 mins. (1/2 carafe) and is supremely well made. Hello!!!

Now, what should I do for grounds? Seems a shame to pre-grind than dose it out over 3 weeks :( That's my only option for now.

[bgav]

Zassenhaus Turkish Mill (http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/grinders/zassenhaus_turkish_mill) and an Ibrik (http://sweetmarias.com/prod.brewers.ibrik.shtml). Portable and makes a great cup. All you need is a stove.

http://sweetmarias.com/zassenhaus/zas.turkish.cat.jpghttp://sweetmarias.com/ibrik-pics/ibriks.indian.medpre.jpg

Brian

[jthurow]

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/vacpots/frenchpressplus/latest

Got it :) The Chef's Choice electric French Press is sooooo good that I have stopped using all other methods for making coffee at casa TT. Boils water in less than 2 mins. (1/2 carafe) and is supremely well made. Hello!!!

Now, what should I do for grounds? Seems a shame to pre-grind than dose it out over 3 weeks :( That's my only option for now.

Nice. I might have to look into getting one of those for home. FYI, I picked up an Aeropress (http://aerobie.com/Products/aeropress.htm) for work b/c I can't stand the coffee there. That thing is amazing. It completely takes the acidic bitterness out of the coffee (but if you like that acidic bitterness, I've heard you can let it steep a little longer).

I try to grind as little as possible ahead of time. Usually a couple of days worth at most. If you don't have the ability to do that, I think your best option would be a Zassenhaus (http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.zas.shtml) but it sounds like availability might be a little iffie in the short term.

jimi

[Too Tall]

Hand grinding takes time and is so hard ;) I'll have to vaccum pack daily doses :( haha if I used an electric grinder the other riders would hear and break our door down!

[William]

Hand grinding takes time and is so hard ;) I'll have to vaccum pack daily doses :( haha if I used an electric grinder the other riders would hear and break our door down!

Just post me at the door TT bro... (and brew one up for me.). ;)



William

[Ginger]

Hand grinding takes time and is so hard ;) I'll have to vaccum pack daily doses :( haha if I used an electric grinder the other riders would hear and break our door down!

Josh...I hate to tell you...znfdl reads this forum. He knows you'll have good coffee. He'll be at your door in the am cup in hand.

Others will notice

[Too Tall]

Yeah but....I gots Willy :cool:

East passes to you, two hearts.

[rwsaunders]

Too Tall:

Forget the device and be like Chuck Norris, who grinds his coffee with his teeth and boils the water with his own rage.

http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/commercials/Chuck_Norris_Coffee/

[m_moses]

My wish list:
a. does not require long heatup / cool down
b. physical size is an issue
c. MUST MUST MUST brew a killer cup. AM caffeine or die ;)


Your wish list seems analogous to a certain cycling maxim.

The response is "pick 2." :D