Monthly Archives: June 2016

Quickstart: What to buy

For under $100, you can get started making delicious coffee. Here is what I suggest to get started—low cost, right away. Buy these:

  1. Coffee maker: AeroPress. Buy 1 or 2: $29 each.
    http://amazon.com/AeroPress-80R11-Coffee-Maker/dp/B000GXZ2GS
  2. Ground coffee: Lavazza. Eventually move on to fresh beans, but start with ground: $17 for 4 bricks.
    http://amazon.com/Lavazza-Crema-Gusto-Ground-8-8-Ounce/dp/B001E5E0D8
  3. Ground coffee storage: CoffeeVac. Keep sealed at room temperature away from sunlight: $12.
    http://amazon.com/Coffeevac-Ultimate-Vacuum-Sealed-Container/dp/B0046JG8WA
  4. Thermometer: Norpro. Know the temperature of your water or milk: $8.
    http://amazon.com/Norpro-5981-Espresso-Thermometer/dp/B000EUGXRA
  5. Hand frother: Kuissential. If you do milk drinks: $18.
    http://amazon.com/Electric-Milk-Frother-Kuissential-Slickfroth/dp/B01BXQA7IY

That’s it. Under $100 to get started. Don’t think about espresso machines, coffee grinders, electric frothers, roasting machines, and other fancy equipment. You can dream, but start with the basics. Start slow. Build your knowledge and skill first. Your increased knowledge and skill (and pocketbook) will help you make future purchases.

Aficionados:
That said, if you have the money to purchase what I currently use (or recommend), check out my Recommendations page. It will save you money in the long run.

Coming up!
We’ll dive into how to use your AeroPress to make your first hand-crafted single-serve coffee!

Why am I doing this?

Purpose

Ahoy, matey. I’m Cap’n Coffee. Actually, my name is Bruce Colglazier Pappas. I AM a USCG-certified captain (50-ton), but also a doctor (Ed.D. in Organizational Development) and a reverend (Universal Church of Life). I got titles!

I retired in January 2014. One thing I set out to do for my wife and me was to make good coffee at home. I made many mistakes along the way, but believe I have finally figured out enough to call myself a fairly knowledgeable amateur barista. Often, my friends have asked what they can do to make good coffee at home. So…I decided to share my knowledge. My goal is “to help me mates make GOOD, affordable coffee!” Thus begins our journey.

In preparation of writing this blog, I have outlined some future posts. No one can say that I’m unorganized! If you have questions or want me to talk about something along the way, hit me up: