Latest news with #JamesHoffmann
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Bean there, read that: 7 books every coffee lover should check out
For most of us, the day doesn't truly begin until that first life-giving sip of coffee hits our lips. And let's be honest, one cup is never enough. Whether it's the morning ritual that jumpstarts our brain, the afternoon pick-me-up that powers us through the workday, or the after-dinner espresso that caps the evening, coffee is the fuel that keeps modern life running. But how much do we really know about this magical elixir we can't live without? The journey from bean to cup spans continents, cultures, and centuries of history. Whether you're a casual sipper, an aspiring home barista, or a seasoned coffee professional, the right book can transform the way you understand and appreciate your daily brew. From richly illustrated atlases that trace coffee's global origins to gripping narratives about the people who shape the industry, this curated list brings together the most enlightening, entertaining, and essential reads for anyone passionate about coffee. Each book offers a unique perspective, whether it's mastering brewing techniques, exploring coffee's socio-political impact, or simply indulging in the stories behind the world's favorite drink. So, grab your favorite pour-over, settle into a cozy spot, and dive into these seven exceptional books that every coffee aficionado should read. 1. The World Atlas of Coffee: From Beans to Brewing — Coffees Explored, Explained and Enjoyed by James Hoffmann James Hoffmann, a World Barista Champion and renowned coffee expert, delivers the definitive guide to coffee in The World Atlas of Coffee. This beautifully illustrated book takes readers on a journey through coffee-growing regions worldwide, detailing the history, cultivation, and unique characteristics of beans from different countries. The book is organised by continent and country, offering insights into how geography, climate, and processing methods influence flavor profiles. Hoffmann also covers brewing techniques, equipment, and tasting tips, making this an invaluable resource for both beginners and seasoned coffee professionals. The expanded second edition includes seven new coffee-growing regions (such as China, Thailand, and the Democratic Republic of Congo), updated maps, and the latest industry data. Whether you're a home brewer, barista, or just a curious coffee drinker, this book will enhance your appreciation for every cup. The Monk of Mokha is the real-life story of a Yemeni-American man, Mokhtar Alkhanshali, who works to revive Yemen's historic coffee trade. Yemen, once the birthplace of coffee cultivation, had been overshadowed by other coffee-producing nations. Mokhtar, a former doorman in San Francisco, embarks on a daring journey to reconnect with his roots and bring Yemeni coffee back to the world stage. Eggers' narrative captures Mokhtar's struggles: navigating Yemen's complex political landscape, surviving civil war, and even escaping a Saudi-led bombing campaign, all the while sourcing and exporting high-quality beans. The book blends adventure, history, and coffee culture, offering a rare glimpse into the resilience of Yemeni farmers and the global coffee supply chain. A must-read for those who love inspiring true stories and want to understand coffee's deep cultural significance. While not exclusively about coffee, A History of the World in 6 Glasses is a fascinating exploration of how six beverages—beer, wine, spirits, coffee, tea, and Coca-Cola—shaped human civilisation. Standage argues that coffee played a pivotal role in the Age of Enlightenment, fostering intellectual exchange in European coffeehouses. The book traces coffee's origins in Ethiopia and Yemen, its spread through the Ottoman Empire, and its impact on European society. Standage highlights how coffeehouses became hubs for debate, commerce, and innovation, earning the nickname 'penny universities' for the knowledge shared over a cheap cup. A compelling read for history buffs and coffee lovers alike, this book puts coffee in the broader context of global development. Ulla Heise's Coffee and Coffee Houses dives into the social and cultural history of coffee, from its early days in Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) to its global spread. The book explores how coffee was initially met with bans and suspicion before becoming a staple of daily life. Heise also examines the evolution of coffeehouses, from 17th-century European intellectual hubs to modern specialty cafés. The book features beautiful illustrations and covers different types of coffeehouses—political salons, artists' cafés, jazz bars, and more. A great choice for those interested in the intersection of coffee, history, and culture. Coffeeland is a deep dive into the history of coffee capitalism, focusing on James Hill, an English entrepreneur who built a coffee empire in El Salvador. Sedgewick reveals how coffee fueled industrialization, labor exploitation, and economic inequality in Central America. The book connects El Salvador's monoculture economy to global coffee demand, showing how modern coffee consumption is tied to colonialism and power dynamics. It's a thought-provoking read for those who want to understand the hidden costs behind their daily brew. Another masterpiece from James Hoffmann, this book is a practical guide to brewing exceptional coffee at home. Hoffmann breaks down different brewing methods (French press, AeroPress, espresso, etc.), debunks myths, and offers expert tips for perfecting each technique. With clear instructions and beautiful visuals, this book is ideal for home baristas who want to elevate their coffee game. This comprehensive guide covers everything from bean origins to brewing methods and includes over 100 recipes. Moldvaer, a coffee expert, provides step-by-step instructions for roasting, grinding, and brewing like a pro. A fantastic resource for anyone who wants to explore coffee's diversity and craft delicious drinks at home.
Geeky Gadgets
29-05-2025
- Business
- Geeky Gadgets
$150 AeroPress Premium Review : Worth the Hype or Just Overpriced?
What if your favorite coffee brewer got a luxurious makeover—but at a cost? The AeroPress Premium, a $150 reimagining of the beloved AeroPress, promises to elevate your brewing experience with sleek materials like stainless steel, dual-walled glass, and aluminum. But here's the catch: in its pursuit of elegance, it sacrifices some of the very traits that made the original a cult favorite—affordability, portability, and rugged durability. Is this high-end iteration a bold step forward for coffee enthusiasts, or does it stray too far from the essence of what made the AeroPress iconic? In this analysis, James Hoffmann dives deep into the design, performance, and practicality of the AeroPress Premium to help you decide if it's worth the splurge. Throughout this review, James Hoffmann uncovers how the Premium's refined materials subtly impact brewing performance, why its glass-and-metal construction might not be ideal for travelers, and whether its aesthetic appeal justifies the hefty price tag. You'll also gain insight into the trade-offs between luxury and practicality, as well as the niche audience this brewer seems to target. Whether you're a die-hard AeroPress fan or simply curious about this upscale reinvention, this exploration will leave you questioning what truly matters in your coffee ritual. After all, is brewing coffee about the tool—or the experience it creates? AeroPress Premium Overview Design and Materials: A Blend of Elegance and Compromise The AeroPress Premium distinguishes itself through its use of stainless steel, dual-walled glass, and aluminum, creating a sophisticated and high-end appearance. These materials cater to coffee enthusiasts who value style and craftsmanship in their brewing tools. The glass brewing chamber, which is taller and narrower than the original plastic version, slightly increases brewing capacity, adding a touch of refinement to the brewing process. However, this design comes with notable trade-offs. The glass components, while visually appealing, are inherently more fragile than the durable plastic used in the original AeroPress. This makes the Premium less suitable for travel or heavy use, as it is more prone to breakage. Additionally, the interaction between metal and glass during brewing may feel less seamless compared to the original's all-plastic construction. While the materials elevate the brewer's aesthetic appeal, they detract from its practicality, particularly for users who prioritize durability and ease of use. Brewing Performance: Subtle Refinements, Limited Impact The AeroPress Premium introduces minor changes to the brewing process, largely due to its materials and design. The dual-walled glass chamber retains heat differently, starting cooler but maintaining temperature for longer. This can slightly alter the extraction process, with the narrower chamber potentially producing a marginally higher coffee extraction. However, these differences are subtle and unlikely to result in a noticeable improvement in coffee quality for most users. The coffee brewed with the Premium tastes nearly identical to that of the original AeroPress. While these refinements may appeal to coffee aficionados seeking incremental improvements, they are unlikely to justify the Premium's significantly higher price for the average user. $150 AeroPress Premium Review Watch this video on YouTube. Stay informed about the latest in coffee makers by exploring our other resources and articles. Practicality: Portability and Maintenance Challenges One of the original AeroPress's standout features is its portability, making it a favorite among travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The AeroPress Premium, with its heavier and more fragile design, compromises this advantage. The glass components are particularly prone to breakage, reducing the brewer's durability and making it less ideal for on-the-go use or rugged environments. On the maintenance front, cleaning remains straightforward, much like the original model. However, the fragility of the materials demands more careful handling, which could be inconvenient for users accustomed to the ruggedness of the original AeroPress. These practical limitations make the Premium less versatile and less suited for users who value ease of use and travel-friendly design. Health Considerations: Addressing Microplastics and BPA For those concerned about plastic in coffee brewing, the AeroPress Premium offers an alternative. Its stainless steel and glass construction eliminate direct contact with plastic, addressing worries about microplastics. While the health effects of microplastics are still under study, some users may find comfort in avoiding plastic altogether. That said, it's worth noting that modern AeroPress models already use BPA-free plastics, which are considered safe for food and beverage use. For most users, the plastic in the original AeroPress poses no significant health risks. As such, the Premium's material upgrade is more about personal preference than necessity, appealing primarily to those who prioritize non-plastic brewing tools for peace of mind. Value Proposition: Who Is the AeroPress Premium For? At $150, the AeroPress Premium caters to a niche audience. It appeals to users who prioritize premium materials and aesthetics over practicality. For those who value affordability, portability, or durability, the original AeroPress remains the better option. The Premium's price also raises questions about its value compared to other coffee-related investments, such as a high-quality grinder or specialty beans, which may have a more noticeable impact on coffee quality. Ultimately, the AeroPress Premium is best suited for coffee enthusiasts who view brewing as an art form and are willing to invest in a luxury brewing tool. However, for the majority of users, the original AeroPress continues to offer a more practical and cost-effective solution. Media Credit: James Hoffmann Filed Under: Gadgets News, Reviews Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
The Guardian
31-01-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Everything you need to make great coffee – and the kit that's not worth your money
If your belief in nominative determinism has led you to the Filter expecting coffee content, then – on this occasion at least – you're in luck. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more. And if you're here because you're not entirely happy with the coffee in your cup now – or wish you could replicate the £4-a-cup magic brewed by your local barista – then you've definitely come to the right place. Let me be clear: brewing good coffee doesn't require magic or outlandishly expensive equipment. OK, fine – expensive equipment can help, in the right hands. But it's by no means a necessity. With a little knowledge, anyone can make a life-changingly (or at least a morning-changingly) good cup of coffee at home. Here's a quick cheat sheet of coffee-brewing essentials and a few tips to help you begin your journey. We'll start with good-quality coffee beans and a decent grinder, move on to a competent and affordable brewer (or coffee machine if you can afford it) and round off the recommendations with a few pretty but non-essential fripperies. Red Brick £13 for 350g at Square Mile This espresso blend from the wonderful Square Mile – a roastery co-founded by James Hoffmann, author of How to Make the Best Coffee at Home – is always on point. The precise blend varies from crop to crop, but it consistently makes a delicious espresso or espresso-based drink in my experience. Ethiopia Werka Wuri £10 for 250g at Clifton Coffee Roasters You'll find a huge range of seasonal specialities flitting in and out of roasters, but you can't go wrong with a good house roast such as the Werka Wuri from Bristol's highly capable Clifton Coffee Roasters. This is a great showcase for the more delicate, floral, tea-like flavours synonymous with lightly roasted Ethiopian coffees, and it makes excellent filter, pour-over and potentially even cafetière brews. It's well worth trying at least once. Colombia Tumbaga Decaf £9 for 250g at Craft House Coffee Craft House Coffee's blend of reliably high-quality roasts, intriguing variety and sensible prices has kept me loyal for many years. Among my recent favourites is this Colombian single-origin decaf. It's bright, subtly fruity, milk-chocolatey joy, perfectly scratching my afternoon itch without the caffeine buzz. The next stage in the process is the grind, the importance of which cannot be overstated. It's usually better to pair a great grinder with a more affordable coffee maker than the other way around. If you can't afford to spend big bucks on a grinder, then the key advice is to buy a burr rather than a blade grinder. Blades simply smash and crack the coffee into pieces, and are terrible at getting a consistent grind, making for a terribly uneven brew. Burr grinders have two spinning, serrated metal surfaces that crush the coffee to a more even consistency, so as long as the burrs are nice and sharp, they're a better bet for a balanced cup of coffee. You can pick up a basic electric burr grinder for about £50, but bear in mind that not all will be a step up on a blade grinder – many cheap models use dull 'false' burrs, which are little better than a blade. If you want to really up your coffee game, though, then pushing your budget to £100 or above will upgrade the evenness of the grind and, consequently, the quality of coffee that ends up in your cup. If you buy wisely, you'll end up with a grinder that you can repair and maintain for many years. Kingrinder K6 £92.99 at eBay£99 at Amazon This hand grinder is a great starting point for smaller single servings of everything from pour-over to espresso, with good-quality 48mm burrs and 60 clicks of adjustment for grind size. You can grind up to 35g of coffee at a time, and while the large handle still gives you a bit of an arm workout, it doesn't take too long. It's brilliant for camping or on-the-go grinding, too. Wilfa Svart £99 at Wilfa£89 at Horsham Coffee Roaster It doesn't grind fine enough for espresso, but the Svart is a regular sub-£100 recommendation for coarser filter, pour-over and cafetière grinds. The design is smart, the burrs are replaceable, and the timer setting delivers a preset amount of coffee with the press of a button. Encore ESP £159.95 at Baratza£146.73 at Amazon The Baratza Encore ESP is a great mains grinder for beginners. The ESP model increases adjustability above the standard Encore, which is crucial for dialling in a perfect espresso grind It's also perfectly capable of coarser grinds for brilliant pour-over and immersion brews. Spare parts are plentiful, too, so repairability is top drawer. Once you've ticked off the first two steps on the journey to coffee nirvana, you'll need something to, you know, make coffee with. While I recently tested some of my favourite coffee machines for the Filter, there's a lot to be said for manual brewers. They're way cheaper than a half-decent machine and they make better than half-decent coffee with the tiniest bit of effort. Often, they can even be slung in a bag and taken on holiday to guarantee good coffee. There's a winsome simplicity to a cafetière – if you can live with the occasional sludgy bits at the bottom, that is – but if you prefer a lighter, less intense cup, you should explore the results from other manual brewers such as a V60, AeroPress or Clever Dripper. And especially so when you only want to brew one or two cups at a time. Bodum Kenya cafetière £26 at CafePod£12.95 at Amazon You can't go wrong with a basic Bodum cafetière. The metal-framed Caffettiera model (£16.49) is prettier, but the plastic-framed Kenya model offers more protection to the glass carafe, making it a tad more accident-proof. Add some coarsely ground beans, pour in freshly boiled water and you have a recipe for delicious coffee with minimal faff. AeroPress £35 at Argos£35 at Amazon The AeroPress is a small, plastic manual brewer that makes a stunning cup of coffee. The results can be mind-blowingly good, but be warned: the quest for the perfect cup may leave you disappearing down a Reddit-fuelled technique rabbit hole from which you may never escape. And if you really fancy your brewing talents? Well, you can always consider entering the 2025 World AeroPress Championship. Let us know how you get on. Hario V60 coffee dripper set (size 02) £11.99 at HR Higgins£12 at Hario Hario's V60 coffee drippers have become synonymous with pour-over coffee. You can spend big money on its ceramic versions or immersion drippers if you like, but the simple, cheap, plastic V60 is a great place to start. Getting the very best results can require a little (or a lot of) honing of technique – aficionados will recommend a specialist pour-over kettle, as recommended further down the page – but the simplicity is winsome. Don't forget to pick a colour that matches your kitchen decor. Clever coffee dripper £20.99 at Clumsy Goat£35 at Amazon This immersion brewer looks like a standard V60 but it's far more forgiving for beginners. Simply stand it on your kitchen surface, add a paper filter, coffee and boiling water, then allow the coffee to brew for a couple of minutes. Pop it on top of a cup and the valve releases perfectly brewed coffee. It's great for slinging in a travel bag or rucksack, too, if you're so inclined. These are hardly essential, but if you're brewing beautiful coffee, there's something even more satisfying about drinking it from an equally beautiful cup. A good coffee cup is about more than just aesthetics, though; the best cups can also keep your coffee hot for longer. Sign up to The Filter Get the best shopping advice from the Filter team straight to your inbox. The Guardian's journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. after newsletter promotion Halo Brew tea/coffee cup £27 at Harts of Stur£34 for two at Denby Denby's Halo range is a typically charming glint of kiln-fired, hand-crafted loveliness, with a two-tone reactive glaze and a 10-year guarantee against defects in workmanship. Take your pick from handle-free beakers, espresso cups and larger mugs – each adds a tiny spoonful of tactile, aesthetic joy to a fresh, attentively brewed coffee. Pavina double wall glass set £32.95 for four at Bodum£32.95 at Amazon Truth be told, I bought these cups because they look pretty, but they're impressively multi-functional. They may not look it, but they're actually more effective than traditional cups or mugs at keeping coffee warm (or iced coffee cold). The secret is the hollow construction, which creates a thick, insulating layer of air between the two glass walls. Reassuringly, a little rubber-bunged vent on the underside ensures that pressure doesn't crack the glass, and they're dishwasher-, microwave-, freezer- and even oven-safe up to 180C. Carter Move mug From £29.99 at Coffee HitFrom £30 at Amazon What else could a coffee lover need more than this perfectly proportioned and achingly stylish travel mug? The Fellow Carter Move comes in three sizes – 8oz (236ml), 12oz (341ml) and 16oz (455ml) – and uses layers of ceramic, stainless steel and BPA-free plastics to keep your drink hot on your travels. It also comes with a little splash guard to prevent you from slopping frothy cappuccino all over your work clothes. Helpfully, you can brew straight into it with a Hario V60 dripper or Clever Dripper or similar, which cuts down on washing up. Hario heat-resistant server, 750ml £58 at Hario£39.95 at Redber Coffee Roastery I wouldn't be without a thermal jug. This one from Hario has an ample 750ml capacity and a tough aluminium exterior so you can carry it without worrying about smashed glass. Pop a V60 on top and you can brew directly into the jug, which is a nice touch. Coffee then stays hot for a claimed 90 minutes – but I've had drinkably warm black coffee several hours later, even outdoors during camping trips. Among the simultaneous joys and dangers of coffee is how easy it is to slide towards full-blown obsession over every minutiae. Could it be tastier if only I were using an [insert coffee gadget here]? In some cases, yes, of course, it could. But that depends on how much time you have to master said item, and whether your palate can actually taste the difference. These upgrades are by no means necessary for the beginner – they're just nice to have. Minipress coffee scale £31 at MiiCoffee£33.99 at Amazon If any of these gadgets are an essential purchase, then it's a set of scales. If you can measure out a consistent amount of coffee every time, then all else being equal, you should get a consistently lovely brew. These cute scales from MiiCoffee measure up to 2kg with 0.1g precision and have a built-in timer to help keep track of your brews, which is super helpful. You can buy a cheap set at a third of the price on Amazon, but it's something of a lottery – I've had to bin a couple as they stopped giving accurate readings. Nespresso Aeroccino 4 £89 at Nespresso£119 at Amazon I've had an Aeroccino in my kitchen for years now, and it gets regular use for everything from topping up filter coffee to babyccinos for the kids. It can simultaneously heat and froth the milk – with a choice of two froth levels – but you can also opt for plain hot milk or even cold frothed milk if you prefer. It produces a thicker, more meringue-like froth than the silken microfoam you'd get from a carefully wielded steam wand on an espresso machine – or a decent assisted espresso machine for that matter – but for froth without the faff, it's a winner in our household. Fellow Stagg EKG pour-over electric kettle From £139 at Borough Kitchen£165 at Amazon If you're considering buying a kettle designed solely for achieving a perfect, laminar flow of boiling water for coffee, then yes – you've fallen head-first into the coffee-brewing rabbit hole. It works, though. The Fellow Stagg EKG has the gooseneck design typical of the breed, providing a concentrated, precise stream for penetrating and agitating a bed of coffee grounds (or tea leaves) powerfully enough to create an even, balanced brew. With a 0.9l capacity and precise control over temperature (from 57C to 100C), this kettle ticks all the boxes. Rhino flat coffee tamper £29.95 at Redber Coffee Roasters£49.99 at Coffee Hit This may be a revelation for espresso enthusiasts. If you've already got a decent machine but struggle to wield a standard tamper due to limited strength or dexterity, then a flat push tamper is a great call. This cute one from Rhinowares is expensive for what it is, but if your espresso machine has a 58mm portafilter, then its adjustable tamping depth and simple, palm-friendly design may make your brewing life just that bit simpler and more consistent. Flavoured coffee beansWe've all been there, walking around the local market or similar and finding a stall selling alluringly flavoured coffee beans. Beware: it's rubbish coffee with additives. Coffee doesn't need added flavouring. Great coffee well brewed will naturally burst forth with a vivid spectrum of flavour; cast your cup wide enough and you'll discover varieties that taste of chocolate, honey, vanilla, blueberry, booze-soaked fruits and beyond. There's a whole world of coffee out there – go explore. Expensive coffee scalesThink twice before splashing triple figures on pricey coffee scales. Indeed, add the word coffee to any product type and you'll notice a dramatic price mark up. I wouldn't endorse buying the cheapest scales you can find with 0.1g precision – I've had to bin a couple over the past decade or so – but if you can afford something a little nicer, such as the £31 MiiCoffee Minipress I recommended above, then it'll do the job. Don't feel the need to spend megabucks. Barista cosplay accessoriesYou don't need a premium rubber tamping mat or fancy-looking espresso knock box to make great espresso. Ask yourself, do you really want to spend £50 on a 1:10 scale replica of a plastic kitchen bin and a small piece of rubber? That money could pay for a far more meaningful upgrade, such as a new grinder. Or you could just treat yourself to some really great coffee instead. Sasha Muller is a freelance tech and consumer journalist, avid coffee drinker and craft beer enthusiast with more than two decades of experience in testing products and avoiding deadlines. If he's not exploring the local woods with his kids, boring people talking about mountain bike tyres or spending ill-advised amounts on classic drum'n'bass vinyl, he's probably to be found somewhere swearing at an inanimate object
