Brewing my own Starbucks (1 Viewer)

[Chad Isaacs]

Around this time last year I lost my coffee maker. I don't mean it died... I think it ran away. I started making a daily stop(s) at my local Starbucks and I got addicted. Well, a few months later I got a really nice coffee maker for my birthday but I still craved the rich and bold Starbucks flavor. I started buying ground Starbucks coffee. Sumatra is my favorite and really the only one I buy.

My problem is I just cannot get it to taste like the pros. My pot makes 12 cups, I actually just gave it a good cleaning (inside and out) and I use one of the metal reusable filters.I tried to do it with as little coffee as possible at first thinking it is easier to add than take away. But I have been adding more and more. I am almost to a full tablespoon per cup now.... I use cold water when I start, I tried hot once but it runs right through. Any ideas? Other than opening a Starbucks in my kitchen.

 

[Lew Crippen]

What kind of coffee maker do you have Chad?

 

[Richard Travale]

I'm pretty sure that Starbuck's recommends 2 tbsp per cup of water for their brew.

 

[Chad Isaacs]

It is a Mr. Coffee, just like this one
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=3205713

And of course it is only about half of what I paid for it.

 

[Ron-P]

At least double that, if not triple.

 

[Alex-C]

i went through the same thing a few years ago and here's what I did:
I got a starbucks coffee maker (the predecessor to this one; one of their gold cone filter thingys, buy freshly ground or grind yourself good coffee and use filtered water.

It is a thermal carafe and it keeps it hot, but if its been sitting for longer than an hour, the taste deteriorates so I usually drink it right away.

Also, I do not use the recommended coffee scoops per cup. I suggest you test out different variations and find your favorite combination.


The results have been great. I am not one for overstatement so I am not going to say its phenomenal, or fantastic but its very good. I still think the Starbucks coffee is better, however, I am happy with the results and this setup is the best setup I have ever had compared with previous trials.

 

[SethH]

Look into a Bunn coffee maker, or any other maker that claims to brew coffee at the correct temperature. Most coffee makers scald the grounds and this makes a huge difference in the taste. Coffee should be brewed between 195 and 205 degrees. Once you've done that, if you're still not happy, consider buying a burr grinder and grinding your own beans before each pot of coffee.

 

[Chad Isaacs]

I have been thinking about grinding my own beans so maybe that will be the next step. It's funny, I can justify buing dvds and a projector and speakers when needed because she enjoys that stuff as well, but a new coffee maker.... hell had better freeze over.

I usually finish my coffee with in an hour or so, but, my maker does have a timer so after 2 hours it shuts off, which is great for hetic mornings.

Thanks for the advice guys.




Ron P, a little side note. I was reading over at AVS about the silverscreen and saw that you tried it a year or two ago with your older projector but now have a Z3, right? Thats what I have now as well. What screen are you using for it? I am thinking of trying the silverscreen. I have a graywolf right now but the texture (and small size) and washed out whites drive me nuts, but, plain blackout material offers even worse blacks than what I have now.. I'm so frustrated.

 

[Ron-P]

Chad, it's a custom mixed paint from Lowes. I have the can in my shed, tomorrow I'll get the code for you.

 

[Chad Isaacs]

Thanks Ron, that would be cool.