Taking espresso to work?

DrForinor

We have a bean to cup at work, and up until very recently I really enjoyed the coffee made from it. However, I got an espresso machine now which makes coffee much nicer tasting. Not saying that the coffee is awful from work, but I’m struggling to enjoy it like I used to.

Would it work if I were to make an espresso from my machine at home, take it to work, and add hot water plus milk at work? Would it taste the same as having made it fresh?

MediumRoastSteam

DrForinor Would it work if I were to make an espresso from my machine at home, take it to work, and add hot water plus milk at work? Would it taste the same as having made it fresh?

I’ve done that for a while, until covid came by. Now that we are going back to the office, I have essentially succumbed to the office bean to cup machines. 🤢

I’ve tried taking the espresso neat, and also diluting it into the flask. Although it’s “ok”, it’s a far cry from a freshly brewed espresso or, if that’s your thing, a long black or americano.

MediumRoastSteam

DrForinor if you live near Newbury/Reading, I gladly lend you a flask so you can try it out yourself! 👍😊

DrForinor

MediumRoastSteam So basically you’re telling me to “suck it up” ? 😅

MWJB

DrForinor Do you make Americanos with milk at home?

DrForinor

MWJB Yes, that’s essentially what I drink, Americanos with milk.

JahLaza

DrForinor I’ve been making espressos at home, placing in airtight container and straight into the fridge until I go to work. I then measure out my shot volume and add water and milk but it’s nowhere near the taste of freshly brewed, same issue everyone else on this thread are facing. Someone suggested that the ‘sweetness of the crema is lost’, maybe that’s it? I’m thinking of buying a hand grinder and bringing an aeropress in with whole beans. Keen to hear others experiences ??

MWJB

DrForinor I’d give it some trial runs at home then see how you go?

DrForinor

MediumRoastSteam Very much appreciate the offer, but I’m way up in Aberdeen 😅

(I wish I wasn’t a “coffee snob”)

Penance

What about an aeropress and grind enough for the day?

DrForinor

I used to take my Aeropress to work before work bought the bean to cup. Perhaps I may have to reconsider that option.

DrForinor

MWJB I might do that. Make it on the Friday, and have it on the Saturday to try and replicate a realistic scenario. If all fails, at least I’ll be at home and can make it fresh.

Have you any experience doing this?

MWJB

Another thought, if the coffee is a longer one, why not an insulated, leak proof French press? Make one in the morning, take it with you, drink mid morning then make another for 2-3 hours later?

Espro do a good 1 cup version, I’d decant from the press to a cup as the coffee stays blistering hot in an insulated press for a long time.

DrForinor

MWJB I’ll look into that, thanks.

DrForinor

What’s the best hand grinder to buy, particularly for use with the Aeropress, French Press and Clever Dripper, but will do decent espresso in a pinch (as a backup if required)? I’m thinking 1zpresso? But which one? Or something else?

MWJB

DrForinor Best? No one knows 😀

“Does the job” is good enough. 1ZPresso JX Pro, Feldgrind/Feld 47, Lido OG, Kinu? Budget, size & weight will have the biggest factor.

Penance

I have the 1zpresso K Plus, very happy with it, though I’ve not compared to other hand grinders.

DrForinor

Penance What method do you use it for?

DrForinor

MWJB Hehe, ok maybe “best” was wrong choice of words.

I want travel size, (so obviously light, up to 750g?) and ideally £100-150 ish.

Penance

DrForinor aeropress.
I had ordered the JX Pro but was sent the K Plus in error. As I don’t intend using it for espresso I kept it and I’m happy with it.

JahLaza

DrForinor there’s another thread on here comparing a couple of hand grinders, gives good info all round. I was considering the 1Zpresso q variant reviewed by Davec and also fits inside an aeropress, would be handy for holidays/weekends away etc too

DrForinor

Penance What’s the difference between the two? As in what do the two models do that they differ in?