The perfect cup of coffee...

[Motorboat Cruiser]

I'm in search of a way to make an outstanding cup of coffee at home. I'm relatively picky and just any coffee maker won't do. I have a Mr. Coffee and I haven't been pleased with the results at all. I find that no matter how hard I try to keep it clean, the coffee seems to lose its unique characteristics, which are covered by a taste that seems to be coming from the machine itself.

I'm inclined to go for a french press but I'm wondering if there are other options I should consider. I know there are a few connoisseurs here, namely €uroMeinke, NA, and Blueerica. What say you?

I'm tired of having to always drive to the nearest Peet's for a good cup of coffee.

French press or not, what should I be looking for in a quality coffee making device? Also, what tips can you provide that will bring me a few steps closer to that elusive perfect cup?

Help me swanktify my java, damnit!

[€uroMeinke]

I'm a french press advocate, if for no other reason than filters always remove something of the coffee. One of the best things I've done is to bring my French press to work - there is simply no better coffee than what I serve at my desk.

Of course the press takes a bit more time and care to prepare, so you may want to still have something for you second tier uses. I've been happy with the cone drip coffee makers. I think what makes more a difference here is to keep the coffee fresh, to drink it when made and not let the coffee sit on the burner. I think there are coffee makers that drip into a thermal caraf, that's probably the second best way to go - get it off the burner, but into smething to retain the heat.

I think Blueerica can probably add to this.

[BarTopDancer]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

I'm in search of a way to make an outstanding cup of coffee at home. I'm relatively picky and just any coffee maker won't do. I have a Mr. Coffee and I haven't been pleased with the results at all. I find that no matter how hard I try to keep it clean, the coffee seems to lose its unique characteristics, which are covered by a taste that seems to be coming from the machine itself.

You may want to look into getting some Purocaf to clean your coffee maker and pot with. That's what we used when I ran the coffee cart and it always removed the excess tastes.

[CoasterMatt]

I don't like the taste of burnt beans... ask someone else

[Not Afraid]

Keep your beans in the freezer.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by CoasterMatt

I don't like the taste of burnt beans... ask someone else

That's precisely why I go to Peet's and not Starbucks.

Thanks for the tips so far!

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

You may want to look into getting some Purocaf to clean your coffee maker and pot with. That's what we used when I ran the coffee cart and it always removed the excess tastes.

Yeah, I'm familiar with that product, although I've never tried it. I might give it a shot.

Although, my coffee maker really is a piece of crap. I dig the simplicity of the french press, although it appears that cleaning one could be a bit of a chore.

I was surprised to find that they are pretty reasonably priced.

[Snowflake]

Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser

That's precisely why I go to Peet's and not Starbucks.

Thanks for the tips so far!

Ooh, I always felt Peets burnt their beans too. Peets was our office coffee for years.

I've never liked the French Press because I always get more grinds in the cup than I should.

Melita drip worled fine providing the water was the right temp and you got the coffee in a cup fast or in a carafe while still hot.

I want one of these, (1) it's so cool looking and (2) I'm sure it makes a mean cappuccino. But, it is far and away over my budget

So, because of all this, I'm essentially a tea drinker now.

[Motorboat Cruiser]

Originally Posted by Snowflake

Ooh, I always felt Peets burnt their beans too. Peets was our office coffee for years.

Interesting. I have always enjoyed the cups of coffee from Peet's and Deidrichs but for some reason, I simply cannot handle the flavor of Starbucks, something about it just tastes off, or overdone for lack of a better word. And, although I have had a few bad cups at Peet's, I've had some heavenly ones as well.

[Not Afraid]

I started - in my "good" coffee days, drinking Dietrichs when Martin ran a tiny store in a liquore store in Closa Mesa. I'm pretty picky about coffee. I won't drink it if I don't fine it pallatable. Starbucks is the Baskin Robins of coffee places. I will drink their frufru drinks but really nothing else. Peets rules. I will drink just about anything from Peets. Dietrichs is not the Dietrichs I grew up with, but I am REALLY anxious to try Martin's new store, Keen. I've heard good things so far.