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chand1986 schrieb:
The beans are ground with a conical grinder, then the coffee grounds are placed in the Thermomix, where the water is stirred at 94°C (201°F). After that, the coffee is poured through a sieve. I only use a tea infuser basket because I tried it and didn’t notice any difference, so I don’t need to bother with the sieve.

I do this a) only when I need to make more than 1 liter (1 quart) or even 2 liters (2 quarts) of coffee, and b) I never said I grind the beans in the Thermomix. THAT would really be nonsense.

Extracting coffee grounds in moving water at the desired temperature for a specific amount of time is exactly what happens here.

Through trial and error with variety + grind size + temperature + time, I have determined how to get the coffee I find most delicious. This is not just random stirring; in the end, it results in a nice outcome (uh... tasty brewed coffee).

For private use for two people, we use an inexpensive porcelain hand filter. I invest the money in the beans and like to experiment here. We don’t have a coffee machine or a fully automatic espresso maker. Those can be quite expensive for good quality, considering the cost/benefit ratio.

We don’t constantly brew coffee in the Thermomix. Only when we need larger quantities for guests. My point was just to show that there is a function here that the average user might not think of and that makes other equipment unnecessary.

Hi @chand1986, then I misunderstood. To ME it sounded like what you yourself called nonsense—that the Thermomix could also grind the beans. But I apparently misread that.

The chemist/painter comparison was only to say that mentioning a professional background doesn’t really say much (when it comes to cooking or making coffee). It wasn’t meant to imply that you can’t handle coffee, but it was deliberately a bit provocative. What you’re doing with the coffee sounds very reasonable… it’s just the tea infuser basket that I’m still not convinced about, but it doesn’t have to convince me. The result counts, and as long as you and your guests enjoy it, that’s what matters.

A hand filter is a nice option too, and a relatively affordable way to get great coffee in the cup. I’d have no hesitation drinking a nice coffee from you. Have you ever tried a Chemex? Its design should actually appeal to a chemist, right?

Regarding the funny remark about the Thermomix, I don’t know if that was aimed at me but in case it was: I stick to what I said earlier. The Thermomix doesn’t suit my specific needs; I wouldn’t use the device the way you do and therefore wouldn’t really get much use from it. But that’s just my personal view. My dual boiler espresso machine is used multiple times daily and brings me great joy because, for me, the pleasure of coffee starts with the preparation. I hope I didn’t imply that you don’t get similarly high value from your Thermomix. And about the price: you have no idea how much convincing it took to get my wife not to think I was crazy for spending nearly $2,500 on a “coffee machine” with a grinder.

…and guess who, when planning the new kitchen, considered a second grinder as an integral part of the kitchen setup and made sure it would be easy to work with? But yes, I can also understand that some people shake their heads and think I’m nuts when they hear how much I spend on my coffee equipment. That’s just how it is...

ruppsn schrieb:
I must have misunderstood that.

No problem, that just recently happened to me as well with Obslerbaum, apparently.

ruppsn schrieb:
You have no idea how much convincing it took to get my wife not to think I was crazy for spending nearly 2.5k on a “coffee machine” with a grinder.

Well, I called my better half crazy when the TM arrived and I heard the price. And then there’s the patronizing guided cooking feature... So who’s the main user now and even bought an extra pot for better workflow? Now sometimes I have to put up with that knowing "you don't say?" sideways glance.

ruppsn schrieb:
Pour-over filter is great too, and also a relatively affordable way to get very good coffee in your cup.

In the end, the difference compared to fully automatic machines is that you can’t get crema and the coffee is more medium strength (so not full-bodied), enjoyed more like tea. And then it’s usually black. Generally, the roast level of the beans here is somewhat lighter to have more acidity and less bitterness. Over-extraction leads to too much acidity, which isn’t pleasant and is hard on the stomach. Ultimately, the beverage should have bitterness comparable to very dark chocolate and not taste sour, but depending on preference, the acidity can offer fruity or floral notes.

The coffees from fully automatic machines, as I know them, tend more towards bitterness and roast flavors while reducing acidity. That usually calls for milk and sugar, latte macchiato, cappuccino, etc. But to me, those are more flavored milk drinks than coffee.

At least everyone can recognize the value in something that justifies the high price. We’re talking thousands of euros for some kind of equipment—exactly which isn’t really important at first.

ruppsn schrieb:
The result is what counts, and as long as you and your guests enjoy it, that’s what matters

Most guests do. Some find it a bit too weak and not roasty enough. Taste develops through habit after all.

ruppsn schrieb:
...and guess who considers a second grinder an integral part of the kitchen setup during the new kitchen planning

May I ask what you use the second grinder for? I bought a second one with a ceramic burr that I sometimes use for homemade spice blends—roasting whole seeds/capsules and then freshly grinding them. But then I always have to run coarse salt through it for cleaning. I might give it away eventually. It’s used, but rarely, so it doesn’t really justify the space. It seems better to store spices that are ground more often, like caraway and allspice, in manual grinders.

Edit: In my opinion, Chemex is an intermediate size: too small for coffee for 8 or more people, too large for two. I have a Bayreuth pot for 2–4 people, and for more I use the TM. I got the pot for a few euros at a store closing sale. Usually, it costs about 60€. But it’s not a huge deal either.

chand1986 schrieb:
May I ask what the second grinder is for?

Of course, you may. It’s for different beans. I searched for a long time to find a good decaffeinated bean and finally found one. Since I enjoy drinking a lot of coffee but can’t sleep after consuming caffeine late in the day, that one is reserved for evening coffee. Still, I like to try other varieties and flavors, so having the second grinder is or would be very practical.

The Commandante stays at work with a French press and countertop; the automatic coffee there doesn’t suit my taste, even with milk or sugar. Making coffee at work with a hand grinder, filter, or French/AeroPress helps me slow down and relax a lot.

ruppsn schrieb:
And making coffee at work with a hand grinder, filter, or French/Aero Press slows things down and is very relaxing

Exactly!

I am generally quite cautious when it comes to buying new appliances. I think carefully about whether I really need them, whether I can use them effectively, or if I have ever missed having them before. When I do decide to make a purchase, I am willing to spend a bit more. And if I end up not using something, I don’t feel guilty about getting rid of it immediately.

My "impulse buy" this year was a spiralizer. A neighbor recommended it to me, including making zucchini noodles. I think it’s a handheld model from Lurch—and what can I say, I actually use it. Sure, there’s always a core left inside, but with all the zucchini from the garden, I don’t mind at all.

I don’t need appliances like rice cookers or egg cookers. On my countertop, there are only the stand mixer, the kettle, and the portafilter espresso machine with a milk frother. All other devices are stored away after use, like the food dehydrator, the yogurt maker, or—my husband’s purchase—the popcorn maker. However, the latter is mainly used for making bird feed…

I am much more inclined to collect various baking aids: proofing baskets, Springerle molds, cookie cutters… quite a few things accumulate. But I use all of them.

I am almost completely immune to Tupperware. I don’t like plastic stuff and try to avoid plastic wherever possible. I find stainless steel bowls much nicer anyway. Recently, I attended a Tupperware party… my goodness, the ladies were really in their element! In the end, the Tupperware consultant was a bit annoyed because I rejected all her great “usage tips.” The highlight was the demonstration of a microwave bowl, which you only need to preheat in the microwave for 10 minutes, then add turkey strips, onions, tomato paste, cream, and bouillon powder, and it cooks perfectly in just 15 minutes. Amazing! The finished dish reminded me of the worst kind of ready meals, and when I pointed out that turkey strips can be cooked deliciously in a pan in just a few minutes, my remark was dismissed with a great energy-saving argument. The beautiful bowl would also have cost only 250 euros (about 270 dollars). And I, the silly fool, just couldn’t see all the advantages…

You’re just like me, Fummelbrett. I also never see the advantages and drive the ladies crazy.