Next level shizz!
Oh, had another thought re: the thread concept.
It can also be a request line for starter ideas.
And if anyone has knowledge on something you want to know more about they can chip in.
For me, it legit is Sun Ra!
I know a lot of people get him but I’ve not really had someone explain why, or where to go for the solid goodness.
I like Pharoah Sanders and Impulse! type spiritual jazz. Anyone want to share an intro to Sun Ra?
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Check out James’s video. One of the biggest variables a home coffee maker has to deal with is the grind. Basically the grinder is the thing you should spend the most money on in your set up. Consistency is key. Once you can get the grind right your other variables should be more manageable, heat, amount of water, brew time… this is where you can get hooked, beware, you’re circling the event horizon. 
OK cheers mate, thinking about it I’m at the B&M Bargains end of the moka spectrum using (whisper it…) pre-ground coffee so this could well be where I’m going wrong. After reading the posts and seeing the vids going to invest in a coffee grinder, just a manual one as I’m the only one who drinks it in the house. but they seem to have quite positive reviews.
Event horizon looming.
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I did get it directly, yes! Not worth it on resale, none of it generally is imo. Also got the espresso cups when they were released 
If you’re using a bag and getting different results probably not the grind if it all came from the same bag. More likely the heat/brew time I’d guess, maybe amount of coffee too. Measure water and grounds, you got some digital scales? #circling
Ive got a de Longhi Dedica, does the job fine. Might upgrade to bean to cup type if/when it packs in
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I’ve never had a cup of coffee in my life. Family didn’t drink it growing up so was never exposed but all of the above is appealing to my mid-40’s attitude onset that great things should take some effort and time, Don’t know if I’ll start but this does have me tempted.
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yep got digital scales…thinking now I haven’t changed the gasket thingy in it for yonks either. That could be a factor too. I pretty slap-dash.
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Nothing wrong with that if you’ve got some nice beans
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I love good beans!
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I’ve got a bean to cup thing as well and have a quick question
With the bean to cup machine, does it matter if beans are left in the machine day on end awaiting their fate of being ground? Or should they be put fresh into the machine each time? and are we all storing our beans in the freezer?
Don’t leave them in the grinder too long, I half fill mine, which last a few days.
Keep them airtight and no they don’t need to be in the freezer/fridge.
Pay attention to the grind as it will need to be changed as the beans get older and a bit drier
I always used to use a gaggia classic but changing to a sage has been a game changer. A pressure dial is essential, too low and it comes through too quick and the coffee will be sour, too low and it’s the other way and it will be too bitter. Adjusting the grind coarseness and the tamp strength helps fine tune this
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Full on coffee central here. Lelit Mara and some Italian grinder that cost £300 but is still entry level and won’t do the light roasts.
Gave up all Caffine a few days ago for a hard comedown that lasted for 4 or 5 days. Back on the stuff but going for a decaf option for work boredom vend coffee.
Moving on from coffee, I love gardening so much I do it for a job. Growing things and combining them never gets old. It is an inexhaustible subject, just like music.
So if you have never tried , give it a go. In the northern hemisphere this is the start of the seed sowing season. It could be Basil on a window sill, or unusual varieties of marigold for a border. This seed company is cool: https://higgledygarden.com/
Or you might want to visit somewhere for inspiration. In England, you cannot do better than here: https://www.greatdixter.co.uk/
Or you might want to follow the blog of a top gardener, like Dan Pearson:
I leave you with a pic of some of my own work:
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My partner wants a veggie patch and we have dug over a small space a couple of weeks ago.
She hasn’t planted anything yet - but any thoughts on what she can start with this weekend?
(Timely post Tim!)
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I’ve had a Dedica for a few years. Hands down the best value machine on the market. I see the newer version has a better steamer stem too - my only gripe with the older model is that it was too short. Mine is on the way out now, but it has made literally thousands of cups of coffee, and all I’ve ever had to do is replace one small component that set me back a tenner. Think I paid £150 when new, then just bought a bean grinder to sit alongside it.
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Beautiful, inspirational and yes, great timing, thank you. Surely the most balearic hobby/pastime?
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