This video feels like a video targeted towards people who already know all about the Aiden. It barely talked about the coffee maker itself or what makes it special. In my opinion, it seems like something high tech enough to where I would be worried about it only lasting a few years or running into lots of problems that require total replacement instead of fixing parts, versus moccamasters or old oxo coffee makers that are still chugging
We’ve been waiting to hear from you about the Aiden. I completely agree, Aiden makes great coffee, incredibly easy and simple. Using the XBloom original is more work than using the Aiden and the coffee is better….
I know I'm in the minority, because like you said, there seems to be basically radio silence when it comes to criticism for this guy but he just has a very annoying personality to me. His dumb ass red glasses he wears in every video, the fact that nothing seems to actually taste good to him, the way he treats a completely subjective experience (tasting coffee) like there's one objectively better way to do it, etc. I remember watching some of his "best espresso machines under $X" videos" and he made it seem like if you're not spending $1000s on a machine then your coffee is gonna taste like shit. He just comes off as incredibly artificial, pompous and pretentious and I don't get why there isn't more hate for him. Maybe cause coffee people are already pretentious and just wanna listen to themselves but with a British accent.
Old video but still very relevant. It got me thinking. I think the reason is that, unlike a truly mammoth hobby industry like video games, gourmet coffee hobbyist is a small industry, and almost everyone involved with the industry feels, in some way, that they personally have an interest in James Hoffman being successful, because of how important he is to this burgeoning industry. It's in no one's self interest to shit on him. So it leads to a form of self policing. That and the fact he is a genuinely wholesome and well loved, nice seeming guy.
If making coffee is your number 1 hobby and you're going to use it for life, you should buy the best as early as possible. You will make use of it, and you'll eventually get your money's worth. You'll have pride using it every day with zero gear envy, and it'll give you joy. Much better than obsessing about it for 10 years, and spending thousands of hours daydreaming and reading reviews about it. In reality, it's not that expensive compared to a new car. Just buy a used car like a 5 year old Toyota that's going to last you 10 years, and with the $20-30k you saved, you can buy the best of the best for all your top hobbies.
Best will always be opinion and nothing else. People should stop buying into the FOMO B.S. and just get a quality setup and focus on the main variable that makes all the difference... the damn COFFEE being used and not the pathetic toasted/underdeveloped garbage most roasters spew out.
No, not really. There are grinders with a lot less pain and issues at a much lower price point, case in point Lagom P100. What you buy into is WW fanboyism, nothing more nothing less. Don’t get me wrong though, it’s a decent grinder, just not $4000 decent. My view anyway.
Those other aeropress techniques that you are making fun of are made to sound more complicated by writing them as "recipes" in a book. In practice, something that is typically just the person wetting the grounds with a little water and stirring, waiting a little while, before adding the rest of the water or such. Humans can do a few casual steps without it being a big deal, it's just measuring them to death and writing them out that makes them seem so.
Will definitely try this approach. Recently I started doing the simpler method for my V60. I just do one slow pour in circles, slow enough not to agitate the coffee slurry much. The resulting cup is much cleaner and balanced in my opinion. The only downside it is so easy it makes me feel as if I am not putting enough effort to enjoy the hobby.
I really learn from your videos, I started making espresso and pour overs as a new hoppy one year ago. At this time would you get the Kafatek MC5 or the Versalab m4? My ;preference is medium to light roast for espresso and medium to dark for milk drinks.
Michael, I'm considering ordering the latest Monolith Conical. I make espresso almost exclusively. I like dark roast coffee with chocolatey, caramel, earthy flavors and a moderate to heavy mouthfeel. Is this grinder going to be good for me? Or what single dose grinder would you recommend for me?
@Michael Fabian any chance you are planning on doing a direct comparison between the Kafatek MC4 and the Versalab M4 soon? I am looking to get my first grinder and only want to do it once and these are the two that are on my list. I was pretty much decided on the MC4 until I saw this video. Thanks.
Great video! Just purchased my Ratio 6 and thinking getting the Ode grinder to go with it. Would you upgrade to the SSP burrs or just stick with stock ones if in brewing in the ratio 6 95% of the time?
Terrific content! Where would the Wave 185 stack up in that final line-up? Also, did you use Blue Bottle own filters (and if so, did you rinse it opposite to what they suggest?) or Kalita’s like on the Origami? Thanks!
