Support NeoGAF

[Happosai]

I'm fairly certain that most of us here on GAF drink coffee, tea, or both. Therefore, preparation differs between person based on a few things: how well you want your brew to taste, how much time you're willing to invest in making it, and how much you're planning on consuming during any given day or time.

I start mornings with coffee either dripped after heating the pot on the stove (dark, no additives), or I go for instant. I'm in a rush to get to my office most mornings and only have time to just heat the water and pour some instant crystals in.

Afternoons I drink water and tea. I used an infusion pod for awhile but have gone back to sachets again.

I used to prepare coffee with all of the above poll options on a montly basis (excluding percolators). I'm not that big into it anymore or I really don't have the time to do that. I was also big into french pressing it (which some tea drinkers do too) but I hated cleaning the press itself.

Which is your preferred prep method and which do you general drink the most of?

 

[BlackOlivesMatter]

nice try caffeine cop

 

[Virt McPolygon]

I voted for french press, but I use one of those AeroPress things since they're easy to clean. Thinking of switching away from the plastic and going for a glass or steel pour over/drip method.

 

[NecrosaroIII]

Man, I fucking love coffee

 

[Greedings]

French press. Easy, fast and makes good coffee.
On weekends I use my moka pot, just for a change.

 

[GreyHorace]

Sachet for my tea, though I'm not opposed to loose leaf.

Don't drink coffee much, but my mom has a percolator so I guess that.

 

[TindalosPup]

Classic coffee pot, I have a 12 cup Mr. Coffee and I wouldn't trade it for the world

Sometimes I'll use the pour over method when I don't feel like making a full tables worth of coffee

 

[TheContact]

for tea i use a kettle to boil the water and then use something like this for loose tea:

but i also buy the bagged tea. I like Tazo, Bigelow, and Celestial brands. I mostly drink green tea, though I've been on a fruity tea kick lately.

Also use a Yeti mug so it stays hot. I hate cold tea in the winter.

 

[DarkestHour]

French press every morning. I'll have drip when guests are over. I've always wanted to get a "quality" drip though and see how it compares to the cheap Mr. Coffee I use.

 

[Lupingosei]

For coffee, I buy the beans. Organic, fair trade.

I bought a Jura machine during the first lockdown here and it probably was the best investment I ever did.

For tea, I either have tea leaves or use my tea machine.

 

[Kayoba]

I prefer tea with loose leaf, but sachet can be really good as well.

 

[Peggies]

Espresso portafilter machine. The only way to make perfect coffee.

 

[Slings and Arrows]

slap two bags of Yorkshire tea in a sports direct mug.

bang in four sugars

throw in some boiling council pop

wait a few minutes

milk until beige

devour

 

[DrDamn]

I have a bean to cup espresso machine. Not an available option in the poll though.

 

[eddie4]

Cold brew mostly. If hot then I do the drip method. I try to get raw coffee beans and do the whole thing myself, but if not, I'll buy whole roasted and ground them for cold or hot brew. Wife drinks tea, so she has all the good loose leaf teas, mostly oolong and green tea.

 

[Happosai]

I voted for french press, but I use one of those AeroPress things since they're easy to clean. Thinking of switching away from the plastic and going for a glass or steel pour over/drip method.

This is pretty new to me. Just checked them out on Amazon and says they need a filter. The filters don't seem that expensive. So, the Aeropress doesn't have a screen like traditional french presses or is the filter to lower the aciditiy?

 

[Maiden Voyage]

Dripper = pour over/v60?

That's how I do my coffee. Tea is just kettle & bag.

 

[dr_octagon]

someone invented coffee bags

i still don't understand why

 

[AJUMP23]

Coffee, with sugar and cream.

Tea I like it sweet like a southerner.

 

[Happosai]

Dripper = pour over/v60?

That's how I do my coffee. Tea is just kettle & bag.

Pour over with a ceramic dripper is what I was doing last year until I started my new job. Maybe my mixture was too strong (I buy some real intense home grown coffees) and the amount of caffiene I was getting from one cup was enough to launch me into orbit. I liked it better that way but my job is stressful and too much caffiene has the obvious side effect of added stress or anxiety. So, I started by the instants because I can get my morning chores done, turn the kettle on, and then just pour it as soon as I hear the whistle. If I had an extra 30-minutes to spare prior to my shift; I'd go back to pour over.

Tea is about the same. Kettle and bag. I don't drink any caffienated teas anymore. I have a caffiene cut-off time of about 12PM. Otherwise, I'm up all night.

What kind of dripper are you using? Do you use paper filters?

 

[SpiceRacz]

 

[Moogle11]

Have a Keurig and Nespresso for quick, covenient and ok tasting coffee for a no fuss caffeine fix in the morning. Never cared that much about fancy coffee etc., just like a hot jolt of caffeine in the morning. Electric kettle for heating up water for tea bags, hot chocolate etc. My wife mostly uses that as I'm not big on tea.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I brew loose leaf tea with short steeps, large amount of leaf. You get the best flavor, no bitterness, and multiple steeps from the same batch of leaves.

 

[Happosai]

I brew loose leaf tea with short steeps, large amount of leaf. You get the best flavor, no bitterness, and multiple steeps from the same batch of leaves.

When I did steep loose leaf - I would reuse and still get good flavor for at least 2 more cups. Just don't let the leaves sit too long.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

When I did steep loose leaf - I would reuse and still get good flavor for at least 2 more cups. Just don't let the leaves sit too long.

For sure. Even 1 minute brewing is too long in most cases. I'm usually using a pattern like 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds.

Sometimes brew times are even shorter, depending on the tea and the concentration. That way you can get the "strong" flavor without the tannins overpowering all the other flavors.

 

[Happosai]

I sampled some of these just before they shut our malls down for the pandemic. Pretty high-quality for an instant machine. In fact, one of the best I've ever had. I might buy one once this is all over with credit I've accumulated. Good for small cups but better than coffee shop quality.

 

[Fbh]

In winter it's usually either a Moka Pot or Aeropress. Kinda depends if I'm feeling like something strong or not. I usually just add a bit of milk.

In the summer I've recently switched over to basic home made Cold Brew, it's nice and for some reason (I think lower acidity?) easier on my stomach.

This is pretty new to me. Just checked them out on Amazon and says they need a filter. The filters don't seem that expensive. So, the Aeropress doesn't have a screen like traditional french presses or is the filter to lower the aciditiy?

I got one some months ago.
It's great, love the flavor of the coffee, tastes a tad "cleaner" (don't know how else to say it) than French press coffee and the filter does indeed lower the acidity considerably. There's also a third party metallic mesh you can buy if do not want to use the paper filter and want to get a more French press-like flavor.

It's also great to take outdoors if you go camping/hiking or stuff like that. Weights next to nothing and since it's made out of plastic it's really durable.

 

[Happosai]

In winter it's usually either a Moka Pot or Aeropress. Kinda depends if I'm feeling like something strong or not. I usually just add a bit of milk.

In the summer I've recently switched over to basic home made Cold Brew, it's nice and for some reason (I think lower acidity?) easier on my stomach.




I got one some months ago.
It's great, love the flavor of the coffee, tastes a tad "cleaner" (don't know how else to say it) than French press coffee and the filter does indeed lower the acidity considerably. There's also a third party metallic mesh you can buy if do not want to use the paper filter and want to get a more French press-like flavor.

It's also great to take outdoors if you go camping/hiking or stuff like that. Weights next to nothing and since it's made out of plastic it's really durable.

I'd opt for the metal metallic mesh if I were to pick one up. Something portable like this is what I need. Is the funnel plastic or glass?

 

[DGrayson]

 

[Happosai]

I'd love to buy one of these but I'm not sure I'd have time to use it aside from weekends. Do you use a moka powder with regular coffee or espresso for prep?

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

You should allow multiple options in your poll.

I make tea with both loose leaves and sachets, depending on brand. I also have a small box of Macha powder which is ludicrously expensive, and simply divine if you prepare it the right way.

I make coffee with a traditional (moka) coffee maker, French press, or percolator at home depending on what flavor and quantity I want, and pod machines at work (Nespresso machines are everywhere in Italy, with Lavazza machines coming in a distant second).

 

[DGrayson]

I'd love to buy one of these but I'm not sure I'd have time to use it aside from weekends. Do you use a moka powder with regular coffee or espresso for prep?

I use mine every Saturday and Sunday, usually 2x per day. No time during the week although the smaller size goes relatively fast. I have 2 sizes. Small and Medium.

I generally use 2.25-2.5 heaping teaspoons of espresso per portion of coffee I want. If I want an espresso I use that much water. If I want a long coffee I use that much water, its relatively simple.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

I'd love to buy one of these but I'm not sure I'd have time to use it aside from weekends. Do you use a moka powder with regular coffee or espresso for prep?

A 1-cup dose made with one of these requires literally 3 minutes.

 

[Happosai]

I use mine every Saturday and Sunday, usually 2x per day. No time during the week although the smaller size goes relatively fast. I have 2 sizes. Small and Medium.

I generally use 2.25-2.5 heaping teaspoons of espresso per portion of coffee I want. If I want an espresso I use that much water. If I want a long coffee I use that much water, its relatively simple.

It would be something I'd use on weekends. I work an hour earlier Saturdays and usually try something stronger those days. Might pick one of these up or the Aeropresses referenced in the thread. Both seem to be about the same price depending on the size purchased. I did see a bunch of these marked down last Fall due to overstock in a nearby City Market.

 

[Fbh]

I'd opt for the metal metallic mesh if I were to pick one up. Something portable like this is what I need. Is the funnel plastic or glass?

Everything is plastic

 

[INC]

The butler makes it

 

[DGrayson]

It would be something I'd use on weekends. I work an hour earlier Saturdays and usually try something stronger those days. Might pick one of these up or the Aeropresses referenced in the thread. Both seem to be about the same price depending on the size purchased. I did see a bunch of these marked down last Fall due to overstock in a nearby City Market.

The strength depends on how much espresso yo use, and the water ratio. it doesnt have to be that strong.

 

[Aesius]

French press when I have time. When I don't (or I'm lazy), Nespresso.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

For sure. Even 1 minute brewing is too long in most cases. I'm usually using a pattern like 10 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds.

Sometimes brew times are even shorter, depending on the tea and the concentration. That way you can get the "strong" flavor without the tannins overpowering all the other flavors.

I remember someone posting brewing times like these in another thread. Was it you?

I don’t understand how you even get any flavor from a 10-second infusion. I never let tea brew for less than 3 minutes, even longer for white tea (which I rarely make because it has little actual flavor even with long infusions). English Breakfast is the only variety I’ve tried that gets too strong for me after 3 minutes’ brewing, as in giving me actual headaches.

 

[Virt McPolygon]

This is pretty new to me. Just checked them out on Amazon and says they need a filter. The filters don't seem that expensive. So, the Aeropress doesn't have a screen like traditional french presses or is the filter to lower the aciditiy?

Yeah, the microfilters are necessary. They help reduce acidity and also prevent any grounds or grit from seeping through. The filter cap catches the filter and grounds after you press the coffee. It makes pretty good cold brew, too. But yeah, it's super quick and convenient way to make coffee if you're busy in the morning.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I remember someone posting brewing times like these in another thread. Was it you?

I don’t understand how you even get any flavor from a 10-second infusion. I never let tea brew for less than 3 minutes, even longer for white tea (which I rarely make because it has little actual flavor even with long infusions). English Breakfast is the only variety I’ve tried that gets too strong for me after 3 minutes’ brewing, as in giving me actual headaches.

Yeah I made a thread on it about awhile ago

Picking and brewing a good loose-leaf tea

The flavor is on the label: this thread is to offer guidance on picking and brewing a good loose-leaf tea. Unlike many extravagant pleasures in this world, a high-quality tea from a small farm is affordable and accessible. It is more important to avoid the overpriced stuff and the duds than to...

www.neogaf.com

It might be your tea quality. Can't draw out flavors that aren't there. Or it might be you aren't using enough tea, even though you think you are. I've seen a lot of loose leaf vendors and brands recommend using very small amounts, like 2 tsp, and then brewing for a minute or longer. That does actually work but usually I throw it in the mug/thermos itself and fill it with water. It's not very flavorful. Usually though I'm grabbing large pinches of leaves and measuring it by eye, at least 3 tablespoons in my strainer.

There's a method of brewing in small yixing teapots that produces the most flavorful tea, but it's based on that same idea of using a lot of tea leaves and short steeps, and in the case of yixing a very small teapot and small amount of water. I don't typically bother to put in that extra effort but I apply the same basic idea when brewing in a mug.

 

[Fbh]

I'd love to buy one of these but I'm not sure I'd have time to use it aside from weekends. Do you use a moka powder with regular coffee or espresso for prep?

Small moka pots are fast. If you get the small ones that are for like 3 espresso/1 medium cup you are basically boiling around 120ml of water in a closed container, takes a couple of minutes at most.
Cleanup is also pretty quickly, you don't really have to do extensive scrubbing or anything, just rinse with some water.

 

[NeoIkaruGAF]

Yeah I made a thread on it about awhile ago

Picking and brewing a good loose-leaf tea

The flavor is on the label: this thread is to offer guidance on picking and brewing a good loose-leaf tea. Unlike many extravagant pleasures in this world, a high-quality tea from a small farm is affordable and accessible. It is more important to avoid the overpriced stuff and the duds than to...

www.neogaf.com

It might be your tea quality. Can't draw out flavors that aren't there. Or it might be you aren't using enough tea, even though you think you are. I've seen a lot of loose leaf vendors and brands recommend using very small amounts, like 2 tsp, and then brewing for a minute or longer. That does actually work but usually I throw it in the mug/thermos itself and fill it with water. It's not very flavorful. Usually though I'm grabbing large pinches of leaves and measuring it by eye, at least 3 tablespoons in my strainer.

There's a method of brewing in small yixing teapots that produces the most flavorful tea, but it's based on that same idea of using a lot of tea leaves and short steeps, and in the case of yixing a very small teapot and small amount of water. I don't typically bother to put in that extra effort but I apply the same basic idea when brewing in a mug.

I usually boil enough water to make just one cup at a time, especially when making black tea, because I love it but I tend to have lots of oxalates in my urine and don't want to drink too much black tea. Renal stones are no joke.

I use two teaspoons of leaves tops, put them in the cup, pour hot water in. I guess that's why I need longer brewing times.

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

I usually boil enough water to make just one cup at a time, especially when making black tea, because I love it but I tend to have lots of oxalates in my urine and don't want to drink too much black tea. Renal stones are no joke.

I use two teaspoons of leaves tops, put them in the cup, pour hot water in. I guess that's why I need longer brewing times.

There's really no bad way of doing it if the tea quality is good and you enjoy how it brews.

If you like "strong" tea and you drink cups throughout the morning, it's worth trying the method with lots of leaves + short brew to see if you like the stronger flavor. Tea can get way fancy but honestly I just want an easy beverage, so my brewing methods are done out of habit/convenience.

 

[Happosai]

Small moka pots are fast. If you get the small ones that are for like 3 espresso/1 medium cup you are basically boiling around 120ml of water in a closed container, takes a couple of minutes at most.
Cleanup is also pretty quickly, you don't really have to do extensive scrubbing or anything, just rinse with some water.

Sounds like something I'd invest in for my weekends for sure. I'm in Mexico, so finding good espresso isn't too hard. They sell from all over the world pretty much. Probably go for a small moka pot. I need a jolt but not too much.

 

[rofif]

I drink tea from tea bags because I am not an asshole.
My wife likes latte or something (I don't drink coffee at all) so I got her philips 5400 this christmass.
She says the milk coffee drinks are amazing but I just use it as hot, foamed, steamed milk machine for my hot chocolate lol (it can just dispense steamed/foamed milk)
Pictures of hot chocolate with that damn foamed milk:

 

[Mista]

Beans and let the machine do the rest or capsules and also let the machine do the rest

Coffee should be listed under drugs addiction. I know its all in the brain but I sure can't start my day without it

 

[Freedom Gate Co.]

Nice pippin cold and with extra chocolate, I hate hot coffee. Now excuse me as I take cover from the mob.

 

[Happosai]

Beans and let the machine do the rest or capsules and also let the machine do the rest

Coffee should be listed under drugs addiction. I know its all in the brain but I sure can't start my day without it

That's exactly why I cut down big time from what I used to drink. I didn't start drinking coffee until I was 21. So, from like 21-31 I would drink somewhere around 5-7 large cups a day extra dark. Prior to getting married - I would also brew during the night and sleep during the day. It added to my previously terrible diet lifestyle. I started cleaning myself up of junk food about 5-years ago and cut coffee down to two small cups a day about 2-years ago. It's addictive and I was drinking it black. I never could stand it with sweeteners or cream.