Really great and useful info. Thanks! I'm just getting into coffee myself at 37... Just ordered my first French Press and it never dawned on me to brew in the pot instead of the press. I'll bet clean up is much easier that way! Need to get myself a little mesh filter for pouring into the press.
@scorwitz - Thanks for the comments! Yeah, clean up is a little easier when most of the coffee grounds remain in the pot. The main reason I used to do that is to increase the surface area, when it comes to water contact with the coffee. In the smaller diameter of the french press, the coffee tends to settle to the bottom and clump together. I haven't used this method, myself, in quite a while, but it does make pretty decent coffee - all things considered.
(this is my hubby's account but...) I just got a french press for Christmas, an espresso machine is a bit out of our budget lol, but I just tried this, and I have to say I was pretty amazed. Definitely way better than using a cheapo drip coffee maker! Thanks for posting! :)
Gosh! I'm in love....your voice, your hands, so methodical, organized, clean,..... hope your woman loves you to death, thanks for the time to do this video. Ciao ;)
really good work,might not agree with all of what you have said, but it is very correct but we appreciate people who have thier own style let alone explaining and sharing it. thanks!
@Knives006 - due to the larger diameter of the pot. In the french press, the coffee tends to settle to the bottom and pile up onto of itself; this tends to restrict the flow of water around the coffee grinds. In the pot, the coffee is more spread out, which increases surface area and contact with the water. Also, in the pot, the temperature drops more quickly, so you avoid a burned taste and overly hot coffee when you are done. I used to do it in the french press, but it came out too hot for me
@SmarterProductions - There's a little line on the frother. I think it's about 3 oz roughly. You just fill it up to the line they have marked, then froth away - the volume doubles roughly. I actually no longer use this method. This video was made last year, while I was still learning about coffee. It is a good method though, if you do not have an espresso machine handy. It makes good coffee, but I would suggest using milk, not half and half. When done right, the latte is very good.
@tehKettyBear - don't knock it until you try it man. That sweet creme stuff is full of chemicals, true, but it's got an amazing flavor that is hard to duplicate. I've tried steaming milk to bring out the sugars on the espresso machine, but it's super difficult. Even with an amazing shot of espresso and perfectly steamed milk, I miss the coffee mate flavor sometimes. Anyway, to each their own. Usually I just drink straight espresso - this video was just fooling around with making a latte
@jacker257 - haha... that. is. awesome!!! This video is actually pretty old, but the method isn't half bad. If you want a really good latte though, you need to get yourself an espresso machine. Nevertheless, this method does work pretty well when done right.
thx for sharing ur knowledge, there's nothing better than making your own coffee whether it takes 20 mins or a whole day. and i agree with u on Starbucks making rubbish coffee, i wonder why people still waste their money on their products.
Thanks for the detailed video, Ray. I'm going make an attempt at this! Although, I think I'm going to purchase a moka pot to speed up the process and use fewer dishes. Also, I was reading your profile. Under your interests I read: money, women, ferrets... hehe! My first thought was, this guy seems far too cool for ferrets! Have a great day :)
OMG I've been drinking coffee and trying to make the best coffee i could for about 7 years and my coffee not even once looked like yours just delicious thank you so much i'm gonna try doing it like this and i hope i get the same result
@2PMArabHottest - Have fun! :-) If you want some really amazing coffee, get yourself an espresso machine. Great lattes start with great espresso. This method (in the video) works in a pinch, but I would try using milk, instead of cream also. Nespresso sells a relatively inexpensive espresso machine that is simple to use - you could mix using that with the hand frother and end up with some very good coffee. A steam wand is best though in my experience (since making this video).
@2PMArabHottest - the little Nespresso machines aren't too bad. A good espresso machine usually will set you back $500 to $2000 - depending on how fancy you want to get. Avoid the cheap ones (under $500) and also the steam driven type. Stick with either a good quality lever machine or a 15 BAR pump type. Ideally, a 58 mm portafilter with a steam wand. Check out some of the videos by seattle coffee gear or check home barista dot com
I am truly amazed! I had no idea that there is such a large culture of coffee aficionados. While googling the Kyocera CM-45CF, I was led to so many different places and opinions. The Kyocera seems to be the one to get, a little pricey but apparently worth it.
I'll keep in touch and let you know where this journey takes me. Thank you for all of your help.
@tarm6 The CM-45CF grinder is only about $75. It will produce grinds comparable to a $500 to $600 grinder. If you want to become a total coffee geek, check out home-barista :-) That's where most of the serious coffee nuts hang out. I have a whole thread on there about adding a PID controller to my espresso machine (and some videos on here about it also). Most people have no idea how good coffee can be, nor how bad most coffee in the US is. Have fun! :-)
Ray, you've inspired me. When I got the moka pot I basically threw together a cup of coffee. Since seeing your video and reading your comments, I measured the liquid amounts in the pot and cup, figured out the milk ratio and am basically doing a chemistry experiment every morning. It's a long way from just pushing the 'on' button. I didn't think I had the patience for this in the morning, but it's worth it.
@tarm6 - yes, a burr grinder is far better. The reason being, a blade grinder sort of hacks and explodes the beans (and also the friction can generate heat, which is bad for the beans). A burr grinder - such as the Kyocera CM-45CF will produce a far more consistent grind. Grind some beans in your blade grinder, then pour them out on a plate. You'll see a huge variation in sizes. With a burr grinder, all the grinds are pretty equal. Makes a huge difference - even for your Moka Pot :-)
Thank you for the advice. After you posted your response I began doing a little on-line research about espresso machines. I also spoke to the owner of the bakery and he said his "coffee guy" would be happy to talk to me about machines.
I went to BB&B to buy the frother but they didn't have the type that you used. I ended up buying an Aerolatte wand thingy, I didn't believe that it could work but it does.
@tarm6 - I used to have one of those Aerolatte wand things. I didn't really like it too much, but it does work. I ended up returning it, once I bought the Bodum frother. If you are really serious about drinking amazing coffee, then invest in a good quality grinder (burr, not blade), good coffee and a top quality espresso machine. For coffee, try Red Bird or Vivace Dolce maybe. Avoid the dark/oily roasts. Try using a medium (lighter) roast. About 10 days after the roast date for best flavors.
I've been drinking automatic drip coffee for years and figured it was as good as it gets. I had my first latte at an Italian bakery in my neighborhood and now I know what great coffee is. I recently purchased a Bialetti Moka Pot and I love it. I've been trying different methods to froth the milk with only mediocre results. I'll be going out to get a frother as soon as I post this.
@tarm6 - Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. A Moka Pot is a good method for making coffee and seems to be very popular in Italy from what I understand. Have you considered investing in a good quality espresso machine? The hand frother routine works well, but it's no match for a steam wand. Check out yelp also, and search for good quality espresso in your area. You'd be surprised how good coffee can get, when someone knows what they are doing. See my other videos on the La Pavoni also :-)
Great job! I loved this and will try to repeat it at home. I was also very impressed with your kitchen tools. Thank you for taking the time to share this with everyone.
Man, you really made whole science project out of a cup of coffe, but it was really worth it at the end, coffe looked delicious :) I also just got myself a milk frother, but it has batteries, like a small mixer. And my mistake was, I always put too little foam on the top, I though you have to put it on coffe just like whipped cream, just a little. Now I know, thanks man.
@846524162 - If you are making a cappuccino, then you usually do 1/3 coffee, 1/3 steamed milk and then spoon 1/3 foam on top (like what you are talking about). With a latte, it's normally micro foamed milk. In this case, since the frother doesn't exactly micro foam, you end up with something sort of in the middle. And using half and half is no help either :-) I've tried the frother with milk also, but H&H seems to work a little better. A good espresso machine is the way to go if you have one :)
@ray5961 Yea, I was thinking of getting myself an espresso machine, I have just recently discovered the joy of foamed milk. So far I have always drank just normal coffe, with sugar and few drops of milk. It just came to me one day, that I could actually make my own cappucino with foamed milk. I'm haven't quite got it yet, all sorts of varieties, but with some practice I'll get there.
@846524162 - search youtube for videos on latte art. Personally, I prefer a latte with extra foamy milk over a cappuccino. I'm not really a huge fan of that dry foam on top of my coffee. Nor do I care much for a latte without some amount of wet foam. It's hard to find good coffee, espresso, etc. Most people (including cafes) don't really know enough about coffee to make an amazing latte or pull a really great shot of espresso. At least that's the case here in the USA.
@shineon68 - This method is "okay" for coffee. A lot depends on the beans. Normally I use my espresso machine for making lattes or espresso, etc. The method in this video was while I was learning about coffee. It does work pretty well, however. Milk works okay in the manual frother. I actually had to use mine last night, because my La Pavoni is apart for upgrades (installing the PID controller in the base). This method does produce a good latte however, even with half and half (or milk).
@shineon68 - No, as you point out, it wouldn't be a good idea to cook the coffee over the stove. Did you actually watch the video? I just boil the water, then kill the heat. Then add the coffee. This results in a brew temperature of around 200 degrees, which is about 93 degrees C. The reason I don't do the brewing inside the french press is to avoid the coffee compacting at the bottom of the glass and thus reducing surface area contact.
Very informative video please do more coffee like videos also no need to delete this video because of people saying this is not the right way and what not. Keep up the good work!
You do realize that you are just making a cup of coffee with manually frothed milk and not a latte don't you? A latte requires espresso and coffee from a press pot is in no way espresso. You're gonna need a machine with a bit more horsepower for that and I'm not talking about one of those Keurig pieces of crap. Oh and it's not an "instant read" thermometer, it's just a regular old thermometer. However I'm sure if you ground those beans fresh that your coffee there is not bad at all.
@gblan - Yes, all very true. I use my La Pavoni to make lattes normally. Like you say, a true caffe latte requires espresso and micro foamed milk from a steam wand, etc. I made this video while I was still learning how to make coffee. I have considered deleting it off youtube, but I think it does serve some useful purposes, insofar as showing how to make a "latte like" drink if you don't have access to an espresso machine. Check my other videos for the La Pavoni. Thanks for the comments! :-)
@ericsummey95 it's cool man.. I like pussy :) As far as coffee, I just am not feeling the local starbucks around here. Let me put it like this, my ex worked at the local Starbucks and she knew absolutely nothing about coffee. I don't know if they ever commissioned her with pulling shots or making coffee, but I hate to think of her being in charge of a grinder and portafilter, let alone people's coffees.. just saying. Drink what you like though, that's for sure! Thanks for the comments.
@ray5961 Pussy is nice. The closest Starbucks to where I live (about 20 miles away) has professional baristas. Hell, the McDonald's around here is great. I get my mochas there and there is this gay guy who use to be a barista and own a coffee shop but then it ran out of business. It's a small town so yea.
@Tshowdown - Are you joking? I mean, to each their own, but Starbucks is kinda like the McDonalds of coffee. It's like comparing a Big Mac to a really well prepared steak. It's sad that in America people don't really know what good coffee tastes like. If you like Starbucks, that's fine with me. I mean, I like Peet's coffee to a certain degree myself. But do yourself a favor and hit up some of the espresso forums and ask for suggestions for high quality espresso bars in your area.
That was a very well-done video and the latte sure looked delicious and I believe you when you say it was delicious. I am going to have to use one of my several Starbucks gift cards to buy a Bodum hand milk-frother from them!
@thomasdosborneii - This method makes a pretty decent Latte. However, I have since stopped using it and switched to using my espresso machine exclusively. I now steam the Milk (no longer use half & half). The new version blows this one away. I also switched to using organic beans. The method shown in this video is still good, but I would try using milk instead of half and half, as it has more sugar in it.
@kevincobain2000 - rough crowd over here on youtube today! :-) Glad you enjoyed the coffee. I just posted a video last night showing how I make basically the same thing, but using my La Pavoni espresso machine. The result is even better! Check it out when you have time (but not when you are at work okay?! :-) Thanks for the comments!
OMG, why are you boiling coffee on the stove when you have a perfectly good French press? That is not utilizing the French press as it was intended. And by the way, if you ask at any Starbucks they will fresh foam milk to a slightly cooler temp for you. By the time you were done here your foam and fat (er milk) was probably ice cold. Also, you might want to have your cholesterol checked. Sorry, but that is not a latte. A former Starbucks barista....
@fiberfan - My cholesterol is 108 to 110 actually. I check it twice a year. Your comment about the french press makes no sense at all - brewing the grinds in water is the point here. Using the pot gives more surface area for the coffee. As far as using half & half, I agree that using milk is better for a latte (as it has higher sugar content), but I didn't know that when I made the video. Your comment regarding milk temp makes no sense. Starbucks makes shit coffee 9 times out of 10.
@kiyah219 - haha.. yeah, buy a good espresso machine and a good grinder. It's a lot faster and you'll make better coffee. This method works in a pinch. It's how I first started making coffee and it actually doesn't turn out half bad. If you aren't making a video about it, it only takes 6 minutes :-) A french press makes decent coffee, but it's no espresso machine. Check my other videos on pulling shots. Espresso machine is the way to go. I'm actually adding a PID to my La Pavoni now! :-)
!40 degrees is what the temp. should be for the milk anything over that and it might give the latte a slight bitter taste at times. Great video though I had to drink a latte while watching it!
great video, and thanks for explaining all the little gadgets. Lately I have been drinking lattes and I wanted to know how to make my own at home. Thanks again for your time.
@innovatorization - It basically just filters out the coffee grounds from the coffee. You can also brew the coffee directly in the french press (pour in hot water & add coffee, then press out the grounds). In the video, I just brew the coffee right in the pot, so that the coffee can make a little better contact with the water and doesn't just end up all jammed together at the bottom of the french press. I feel like this results in a slightly richer coffee.
For us that don't live in US - what is half-and-half?? I have milk of dfferent fat content from skimmed milk - till milk with 3-4 percent fat. Then we have coffee cream of 13% up til real cream of 37% fat..
So if I want to recreate your milk here - what would I use?
@pandaen212 - Your coffee cream should work just about right. In the US, Half & Half is usually around 10 to 15% butterfat (aka cream). The real cream (37%) that you mention would be approximately equivalent to what we call "heavy cream" here. That's what I use when making sauces; so it would be too heavy for coffee I think. Try the coffee cream. I think that should come pretty close. If it's too thick, mix in a little whole milk to thin it down.
Excellent - i was so confused about all the milk frothers out there, I was going to pay $90 for the Keurig one that heats and froths - can you believe it? Not anymore. This video was super helpful and I cant wait to get the Bodum now. Thanks for the info!
@QueenBizzyB - You're most welcome. I'm glad you found the video helpful. I have an espresso machine (with a steam wand) and still favor this method for frothing milk. For the money, it's hard to beat!! :-)
Ugh, what is that half and half stuff. 10% fat? I know that this fattened stuff will foam up a lot better, but I can almost feel it sticking to the roof of my mouth just by looking at it.
@socdk - I think in order to qualify as "Half & Half" it has to be at the very least 10% fat, but can range up to nearly 20% fat content. I'm not sure of the exact percentage of the one in this video. I have tried over brands, including organic stuff. Normally, I just drink straight espresso shots and skip the milk completely. My girlfriend likes lattes, so I use the half & half when making those and/or like an espresso macchiato or something. Whole milk works also of course.
@socdk - try it, you might like it. It's not as bad as you may be thinking. It just gives a nice foam is all and makes the coffee taste more creamy. I've never made coffee like this for anyone and not had them comment at how amazing it tastes.
@theblacknred - If you are asking the difference between a caffe latte & a caffe mocha, a mocha is basically just a latte with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder mixed in (prior to adding the milk). The difference between a mocha & coffee is that coffee is just that, coffee (e.g. a long black or an americano, etc). A mocha includes chocolate and milk. Check out wiki by doing a google search for caffe mocha - they have some very good descriptions of what's what.
thanks for sharing this video - and your tips... I still like starbucks though :-) but I also enjoy making my own at home - and I have a french press and milk frother - but I enjoyed your videos and tips as well. (I think the coffee tastes fine at Starbucks - I usually drink their normal coffee though, normally I don't get the lattes or mochas or frappes or anything... but for me, Starbucks is equally coffee & atmosphere).
@IamKris411 - I think maybe part of it is that (when I make coffee at home), I add that Coffee Mate Italian sweet creme stuff. This makes the coffee (and foam) really sweet. Star bucks doesn't do that of course, as they leave it up to you to add sugar in the raw, etc. That might be the difference. I'm really not a die hard coffee lover either (even though sometimes I'll have a double shot of espresso or something). Like you say, Starbucks is also about the atmosphere (which I enjoy too) ;-)
@ray5961 - I am a coffee lover hehe.. :-) - fancy or plain... I would love to try it your way - with the Italian sweet cream, but I am trying to lose weight - so I am staying away from that stuff right now. Maybe sometime when I am visiting my family stateside, I'll try one like yours. By the way, I like your french press... it looks really nice. I think mine is a little bigger, and silver, is yours a single/2 cup press? Hope you're having a nice week. -Kris
@IamKris411 - Thanks Kris :-). The French press in the video is a 3 cup as I recall. I bought it off ebay so I could strain coffee. Prior to that I was using a paper towel to strain the coffee, but that wasn't working all that great :-) The sweet creme makes a big difference. However, it can negatively affect the frothing (at least when using an espresso machine). I'm gonna try adding it to the coffee directly (instead of the milk) and see how that works. It does taste really good though.
@ray5961 - it sounds like it tastes good! :-) oooooh a paper towel, yeah - that sounds kinda messy! But french press' are awesome, I really love mine. I have had it now a good 4 years or so... I'm surprised it made it over here (Germany) in one piece and moved several times even. Yeah - well if it ever breaks, I'll probably get a new one - of equal quality... I find that french press coffee tastes better than regular coffee. I have a tip for the french press if you're interested. (to be cont'd.)
@ray5961 (part 2) - so, in case you don't already know it - here's a tip for you... (if you already know it, sorry... but then again - maybe it will be helpful for some other watchers of this video!) So, in order to keep your french press in good shape for a long time, (the beaker/glass portion anyway) it is suggested that before pouring the boiling hot liquid into the glass container, to run hot water from the tap into it - so it's already heated up, otherwise it wears on the glass...
@ray5961 (part 3) continually pouring boiling hot liquid - causing it to expand and possibly later crack, or break. :-) Just a little tip, in case you didn't know... but if you did, no harm done lol. Oh, and I noticed that you do it differently than I do. by boiling the water on the stove, and pouring the coffee in there and then pouring it through a strainer and pressing it. I might have to try it like that sometime. I don't get grounds in my coffee normally, but it's still a cool idea! thanks!
@IamKris411 - That's a handy tip. It's never a good idea to change the temperature of glass too suddenly! As far as the brewing, I generally just use the pot and then pour it into the french press to strain it. Either way works, but I feel like doing it in the pot keeps the flavor in and allows the coffee to make more contact with the water (if brewing in the press, all the grounds tend to just settle to the bottom and sit on top of each other). Plus, that's how I did it before the press :-)
@ray5961 - hi Ray!! :-) solution to the possible lack of flavor if the coffee if cooking in the press, and just sitting there, is to stir the coffee while it is in the press. This is how I cook mine. I put 6 tablespoons of coffee in the press (I have a Lg press) , I heat the water, and once it's boiling - I pour it in (already having pre-heated the glass) I let it sit for a moment and then stir thoroughly, and stir intermittently. (between 4-6 min) Then I press it - super flavorful! :-)
@ray5961 - this way it is also slightly less work... you might like it :-) But your way is really cool too. I hope you have a really nice weekend! - Kristen
Let me know how it goes. I think actually heating the milk over a double boiler is safer. I have been reading some stuff recently about microwaving milk and how it can change the properties (for the worse). I had an allergic reaction - I think to coffee/milk - the other day. I am wondering if it may have something to do with using the microwave (or just being allergic to milk). If you use a double boiler and heat the milk to 140 degrees, it should work the same :-) Good luck!
Here are a few tips: first, low or non-fat milk will not forth very well. Second, if you shake up the milk before heating it, it will drastically reduce the amount of bubbles you can get. Also, you must heat first, froth second - it doesn't work the other way around. If you try to bring the milk up to temp directly over a flame, you will more than likely burn the milk - I've never had much luck doing it on the stove. If you don't have a microwave, setup a double boiler to heat the milk.
Just watched your video, and it is absolutely amazing, I will be investing in some new techniques for my coffee enjoyments. Thanks for sharing this!
SamJo2223 1 week ago
As long as it's coffee it's got to be good!
20fer88 1 month ago
Really great and useful info. Thanks! I'm just getting into coffee myself at 37... Just ordered my first French Press and it never dawned on me to brew in the pot instead of the press. I'll bet clean up is much easier that way! Need to get myself a little mesh filter for pouring into the press.
scorwitz 1 month ago
@scorwitz - Thanks for the comments! Yeah, clean up is a little easier when most of the coffee grounds remain in the pot. The main reason I used to do that is to increase the surface area, when it comes to water contact with the coffee. In the smaller diameter of the french press, the coffee tends to settle to the bottom and clump together. I haven't used this method, myself, in quite a while, but it does make pretty decent coffee - all things considered.
ray5961 1 month ago
Hi this was a really great tutorial! Very in depth and one of the best I have ever seen :)
2012MrShady 1 month ago
the most perfect cup of coffee!
patycakesss 1 month ago
Thank you!!!!!
I love everything about this video. Really good watching. :)
orenandesu 1 month ago
Thank you for the coffee lesson.
couponclippingclaire 1 month ago
(this is my hubby's account but...) I just got a french press for Christmas, an espresso machine is a bit out of our budget lol, but I just tried this, and I have to say I was pretty amazed. Definitely way better than using a cheapo drip coffee maker! Thanks for posting! :)
FaceOfCraziness 2 months ago
will it froth skim milk?
PappaPak 2 months ago
@PappaPak - I've never tried it. It works well with half & half or whole milk though.
ray5961 2 months ago
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TheHaych1 2 months ago
Really? All that work to use Fiji water, and fresh milk, and such methodology... then you use coffee mate and canned whipped cream to top it off?
brentevjen 2 months ago
@brentevjen - don't knock coffee mate until you've tried it. I use the Italian sweet creme and it's really good.
ray5961 2 months ago
Gosh! I'm in love....your voice, your hands, so methodical, organized, clean,..... hope your woman loves you to death, thanks for the time to do this video. Ciao ;)
argymex 2 months ago
@argymex - awww.. thanks. That's very sweet of you :)
ray5961 2 months ago
really good work,might not agree with all of what you have said, but it is very correct but we appreciate people who have thier own style let alone explaining and sharing it. thanks!
MrFlacoPeligroso 2 months ago
Why do you steep the coffee in the pot instead of the french press as I've seen others do?
Knives006 2 months ago
@Knives006 - due to the larger diameter of the pot. In the french press, the coffee tends to settle to the bottom and pile up onto of itself; this tends to restrict the flow of water around the coffee grinds. In the pot, the coffee is more spread out, which increases surface area and contact with the water. Also, in the pot, the temperature drops more quickly, so you avoid a burned taste and overly hot coffee when you are done. I used to do it in the french press, but it came out too hot for me
ray5961 2 months ago
thats even hotter, at starbucks we only go to 147 >,,>
Fitnutritishionist 3 months ago
How much milk did he put in the frother before he started frothing it?
SmarterProductions 3 months ago
@SmarterProductions - There's a little line on the frother. I think it's about 3 oz roughly. You just fill it up to the line they have marked, then froth away - the volume doubles roughly. I actually no longer use this method. This video was made last year, while I was still learning about coffee. It is a good method though, if you do not have an espresso machine handy. It makes good coffee, but I would suggest using milk, not half and half. When done right, the latte is very good.
ray5961 3 months ago
You take 20 minutes to make a cup of coffee with Fiji water, french press and everything but you add COFFEE MATE at the end to ruin it all??
tehKettyBear 3 months ago
@tehKettyBear - don't knock it until you try it man. That sweet creme stuff is full of chemicals, true, but it's got an amazing flavor that is hard to duplicate. I've tried steaming milk to bring out the sugars on the espresso machine, but it's super difficult. Even with an amazing shot of espresso and perfectly steamed milk, I miss the coffee mate flavor sometimes. Anyway, to each their own. Usually I just drink straight espresso - this video was just fooling around with making a latte
ray5961 3 months ago
Haha I thought this guy was a teenager haha
ExtremePot 4 months ago
@ExtremePot - I just turned 46, but people usually think I'm in my late 20's or early 30's.
ray5961 3 months ago
lol i made this while high and i think i experienced enlightenment. it was the best damn cup of joe ever
jacker257 4 months ago
@jacker257 - lol <3
ray5961 4 months ago
@jacker257 - haha... that. is. awesome!!! This video is actually pretty old, but the method isn't half bad. If you want a really good latte though, you need to get yourself an espresso machine. Nevertheless, this method does work pretty well when done right.
ray5961 2 months ago
thx for sharing ur knowledge, there's nothing better than making your own coffee whether it takes 20 mins or a whole day. and i agree with u on Starbucks making rubbish coffee, i wonder why people still waste their money on their products.
jessylion 4 months ago
Thanks for the detailed video, Ray. I'm going make an attempt at this! Although, I think I'm going to purchase a moka pot to speed up the process and use fewer dishes. Also, I was reading your profile. Under your interests I read: money, women, ferrets... hehe! My first thought was, this guy seems far too cool for ferrets! Have a great day :)
kimberlya08 5 months ago
OMG I've been drinking coffee and trying to make the best coffee i could for about 7 years and my coffee not even once looked like yours just delicious thank you so much i'm gonna try doing it like this and i hope i get the same result
2PMArabHottest 5 months ago
@2PMArabHottest - Have fun! :-) If you want some really amazing coffee, get yourself an espresso machine. Great lattes start with great espresso. This method (in the video) works in a pinch, but I would try using milk, instead of cream also. Nespresso sells a relatively inexpensive espresso machine that is simple to use - you could mix using that with the hand frother and end up with some very good coffee. A steam wand is best though in my experience (since making this video).
ray5961 5 months ago
@ray5961 thank you i'm gonna look for an espresso machine is there a particular one you recommend?
2PMArabHottest 5 months ago
@2PMArabHottest - the little Nespresso machines aren't too bad. A good espresso machine usually will set you back $500 to $2000 - depending on how fancy you want to get. Avoid the cheap ones (under $500) and also the steam driven type. Stick with either a good quality lever machine or a 15 BAR pump type. Ideally, a 58 mm portafilter with a steam wand. Check out some of the videos by seattle coffee gear or check home barista dot com
ray5961 5 months ago
@ray5961 oh thank you so much ^_^
2PMArabHottest 5 months ago
I am truly amazed! I had no idea that there is such a large culture of coffee aficionados. While googling the Kyocera CM-45CF, I was led to so many different places and opinions. The Kyocera seems to be the one to get, a little pricey but apparently worth it.
I'll keep in touch and let you know where this journey takes me. Thank you for all of your help.
tarm6 5 months ago
@tarm6 The CM-45CF grinder is only about $75. It will produce grinds comparable to a $500 to $600 grinder. If you want to become a total coffee geek, check out home-barista :-) That's where most of the serious coffee nuts hang out. I have a whole thread on there about adding a PID controller to my espresso machine (and some videos on here about it also). Most people have no idea how good coffee can be, nor how bad most coffee in the US is. Have fun! :-)
ray5961 5 months ago
Ray, you've inspired me. When I got the moka pot I basically threw together a cup of coffee. Since seeing your video and reading your comments, I measured the liquid amounts in the pot and cup, figured out the milk ratio and am basically doing a chemistry experiment every morning. It's a long way from just pushing the 'on' button. I didn't think I had the patience for this in the morning, but it's worth it.
Why do you recommend a burr grinder over a blade?
tarm6 6 months ago
@tarm6 - yes, a burr grinder is far better. The reason being, a blade grinder sort of hacks and explodes the beans (and also the friction can generate heat, which is bad for the beans). A burr grinder - such as the Kyocera CM-45CF will produce a far more consistent grind. Grind some beans in your blade grinder, then pour them out on a plate. You'll see a huge variation in sizes. With a burr grinder, all the grinds are pretty equal. Makes a huge difference - even for your Moka Pot :-)
ray5961 6 months ago
Thank you for the advice. After you posted your response I began doing a little on-line research about espresso machines. I also spoke to the owner of the bakery and he said his "coffee guy" would be happy to talk to me about machines.
I went to BB&B to buy the frother but they didn't have the type that you used. I ended up buying an Aerolatte wand thingy, I didn't believe that it could work but it does.
Thanks again, I really appreciate it.
tarm6 6 months ago
@tarm6 - I used to have one of those Aerolatte wand things. I didn't really like it too much, but it does work. I ended up returning it, once I bought the Bodum frother. If you are really serious about drinking amazing coffee, then invest in a good quality grinder (burr, not blade), good coffee and a top quality espresso machine. For coffee, try Red Bird or Vivace Dolce maybe. Avoid the dark/oily roasts. Try using a medium (lighter) roast. About 10 days after the roast date for best flavors.
ray5961 6 months ago
Hi Ray - thank you for posting this video.
I've been drinking automatic drip coffee for years and figured it was as good as it gets. I had my first latte at an Italian bakery in my neighborhood and now I know what great coffee is. I recently purchased a Bialetti Moka Pot and I love it. I've been trying different methods to froth the milk with only mediocre results. I'll be going out to get a frother as soon as I post this.
Thanks again!
tarm6 6 months ago
@tarm6 - Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the video. A Moka Pot is a good method for making coffee and seems to be very popular in Italy from what I understand. Have you considered investing in a good quality espresso machine? The hand frother routine works well, but it's no match for a steam wand. Check out yelp also, and search for good quality espresso in your area. You'd be surprised how good coffee can get, when someone knows what they are doing. See my other videos on the La Pavoni also :-)
ray5961 6 months ago
Great job! I loved this and will try to repeat it at home. I was also very impressed with your kitchen tools. Thank you for taking the time to share this with everyone.
Gapeachinak 6 months ago
Man, you really made whole science project out of a cup of coffe, but it was really worth it at the end, coffe looked delicious :) I also just got myself a milk frother, but it has batteries, like a small mixer. And my mistake was, I always put too little foam on the top, I though you have to put it on coffe just like whipped cream, just a little. Now I know, thanks man.
846524162 6 months ago
@846524162 - If you are making a cappuccino, then you usually do 1/3 coffee, 1/3 steamed milk and then spoon 1/3 foam on top (like what you are talking about). With a latte, it's normally micro foamed milk. In this case, since the frother doesn't exactly micro foam, you end up with something sort of in the middle. And using half and half is no help either :-) I've tried the frother with milk also, but H&H seems to work a little better. A good espresso machine is the way to go if you have one :)
ray5961 6 months ago
@ray5961 Yea, I was thinking of getting myself an espresso machine, I have just recently discovered the joy of foamed milk. So far I have always drank just normal coffe, with sugar and few drops of milk. It just came to me one day, that I could actually make my own cappucino with foamed milk. I'm haven't quite got it yet, all sorts of varieties, but with some practice I'll get there.
846524162 6 months ago
@846524162 - search youtube for videos on latte art. Personally, I prefer a latte with extra foamy milk over a cappuccino. I'm not really a huge fan of that dry foam on top of my coffee. Nor do I care much for a latte without some amount of wet foam. It's hard to find good coffee, espresso, etc. Most people (including cafes) don't really know enough about coffee to make an amazing latte or pull a really great shot of espresso. At least that's the case here in the USA.
ray5961 6 months ago
@shineon68 - This method is "okay" for coffee. A lot depends on the beans. Normally I use my espresso machine for making lattes or espresso, etc. The method in this video was while I was learning about coffee. It does work pretty well, however. Milk works okay in the manual frother. I actually had to use mine last night, because my La Pavoni is apart for upgrades (installing the PID controller in the base). This method does produce a good latte however, even with half and half (or milk).
ray5961 7 months ago
@shineon68 - No, as you point out, it wouldn't be a good idea to cook the coffee over the stove. Did you actually watch the video? I just boil the water, then kill the heat. Then add the coffee. This results in a brew temperature of around 200 degrees, which is about 93 degrees C. The reason I don't do the brewing inside the french press is to avoid the coffee compacting at the bottom of the glass and thus reducing surface area contact.
ray5961 7 months ago
@shineon68 - you might wanna check my other videos before jumping to conclusions...
ray5961 7 months ago
Nice one man and that looked soo delicious i will have to invest in some of that stuf myself cheers :)
ThexGrimReaper 7 months ago
Very informative video please do more coffee like videos also no need to delete this video because of people saying this is not the right way and what not. Keep up the good work!
makeupdiva4308 7 months ago
You do realize that you are just making a cup of coffee with manually frothed milk and not a latte don't you? A latte requires espresso and coffee from a press pot is in no way espresso. You're gonna need a machine with a bit more horsepower for that and I'm not talking about one of those Keurig pieces of crap. Oh and it's not an "instant read" thermometer, it's just a regular old thermometer. However I'm sure if you ground those beans fresh that your coffee there is not bad at all.
gblan 7 months ago
@gblan - Yes, all very true. I use my La Pavoni to make lattes normally. Like you say, a true caffe latte requires espresso and micro foamed milk from a steam wand, etc. I made this video while I was still learning how to make coffee. I have considered deleting it off youtube, but I think it does serve some useful purposes, insofar as showing how to make a "latte like" drink if you don't have access to an espresso machine. Check my other videos for the La Pavoni. Thanks for the comments! :-)
ray5961 7 months ago
I love Starbucks! I can drink it as soon as I get it! Pussy. No offense. I call my friends pussies so don't take it the wrong way. :)
ericsummey95 7 months ago
@ericsummey95 it's cool man.. I like pussy :) As far as coffee, I just am not feeling the local starbucks around here. Let me put it like this, my ex worked at the local Starbucks and she knew absolutely nothing about coffee. I don't know if they ever commissioned her with pulling shots or making coffee, but I hate to think of her being in charge of a grinder and portafilter, let alone people's coffees.. just saying. Drink what you like though, that's for sure! Thanks for the comments.
ray5961 7 months ago
@ray5961 Pussy is nice. The closest Starbucks to where I live (about 20 miles away) has professional baristas. Hell, the McDonald's around here is great. I get my mochas there and there is this gay guy who use to be a barista and own a coffee shop but then it ran out of business. It's a small town so yea.
ericsummey95 7 months ago
Ok Really Starbucks Is Great
Tshowdown 9 months ago
@Tshowdown - Are you joking? I mean, to each their own, but Starbucks is kinda like the McDonalds of coffee. It's like comparing a Big Mac to a really well prepared steak. It's sad that in America people don't really know what good coffee tastes like. If you like Starbucks, that's fine with me. I mean, I like Peet's coffee to a certain degree myself. But do yourself a favor and hit up some of the espresso forums and ask for suggestions for high quality espresso bars in your area.
ray5961 8 months ago
That was a very well-done video and the latte sure looked delicious and I believe you when you say it was delicious. I am going to have to use one of my several Starbucks gift cards to buy a Bodum hand milk-frother from them!
thomasdosborneii 9 months ago
@thomasdosborneii - This method makes a pretty decent Latte. However, I have since stopped using it and switched to using my espresso machine exclusively. I now steam the Milk (no longer use half & half). The new version blows this one away. I also switched to using organic beans. The method shown in this video is still good, but I would try using milk instead of half and half, as it has more sugar in it.
ray5961 8 months ago
I would have disliked the video if Today would have been my working day. But It was a day off and your coffee was tasted nice!
kevincobain2000 9 months ago
@kevincobain2000 - rough crowd over here on youtube today! :-) Glad you enjoyed the coffee. I just posted a video last night showing how I make basically the same thing, but using my La Pavoni espresso machine. The result is even better! Check it out when you have time (but not when you are at work okay?! :-) Thanks for the comments!
ray5961 9 months ago
OMG, why are you boiling coffee on the stove when you have a perfectly good French press? That is not utilizing the French press as it was intended. And by the way, if you ask at any Starbucks they will fresh foam milk to a slightly cooler temp for you. By the time you were done here your foam and fat (er milk) was probably ice cold. Also, you might want to have your cholesterol checked. Sorry, but that is not a latte. A former Starbucks barista....
fiberfan 10 months ago
@fiberfan - My cholesterol is 108 to 110 actually. I check it twice a year. Your comment about the french press makes no sense at all - brewing the grinds in water is the point here. Using the pot gives more surface area for the coffee. As far as using half & half, I agree that using milk is better for a latte (as it has higher sugar content), but I didn't know that when I made the video. Your comment regarding milk temp makes no sense. Starbucks makes shit coffee 9 times out of 10.
ray5961 10 months ago
@kiyah219 - haha.. yeah, buy a good espresso machine and a good grinder. It's a lot faster and you'll make better coffee. This method works in a pinch. It's how I first started making coffee and it actually doesn't turn out half bad. If you aren't making a video about it, it only takes 6 minutes :-) A french press makes decent coffee, but it's no espresso machine. Check my other videos on pulling shots. Espresso machine is the way to go. I'm actually adding a PID to my La Pavoni now! :-)
ray5961 10 months ago
!40 degrees is what the temp. should be for the milk anything over that and it might give the latte a slight bitter taste at times. Great video though I had to drink a latte while watching it!
Tygres55 11 months ago
great video, and thanks for explaining all the little gadgets. Lately I have been drinking lattes and I wanted to know how to make my own at home. Thanks again for your time.
2high2aim 11 months ago
are you using the lg microwave?
kickople990 1 year ago
@kickople990 - It's actually a Jenn Air microwave.
ray5961 1 year ago
@ray5961 it sounded like the lg microwave i have at my place sorry...
kickople990 1 year ago
GREAT video!! :) Excellent explanation!
R0SS4N4 1 year ago
Thanks (^^)
XxXxhaydixXxX 1 year ago
what does the french press really do to the coffee?
innovatorization 1 year ago
@innovatorization - It basically just filters out the coffee grounds from the coffee. You can also brew the coffee directly in the french press (pour in hot water & add coffee, then press out the grounds). In the video, I just brew the coffee right in the pot, so that the coffee can make a little better contact with the water and doesn't just end up all jammed together at the bottom of the french press. I feel like this results in a slightly richer coffee.
ray5961 1 year ago
For us that don't live in US - what is half-and-half?? I have milk of dfferent fat content from skimmed milk - till milk with 3-4 percent fat. Then we have coffee cream of 13% up til real cream of 37% fat..
So if I want to recreate your milk here - what would I use?
pandaen212 1 year ago
@pandaen212 - Your coffee cream should work just about right. In the US, Half & Half is usually around 10 to 15% butterfat (aka cream). The real cream (37%) that you mention would be approximately equivalent to what we call "heavy cream" here. That's what I use when making sauces; so it would be too heavy for coffee I think. Try the coffee cream. I think that should come pretty close. If it's too thick, mix in a little whole milk to thin it down.
ray5961 1 year ago
Excellent - i was so confused about all the milk frothers out there, I was going to pay $90 for the Keurig one that heats and froths - can you believe it? Not anymore. This video was super helpful and I cant wait to get the Bodum now. Thanks for the info!
QueenBizzyB 1 year ago
@QueenBizzyB - You're most welcome. I'm glad you found the video helpful. I have an espresso machine (with a steam wand) and still favor this method for frothing milk. For the money, it's hard to beat!! :-)
ray5961 1 year ago
Good job.
tagawa 1 year ago 5
Brilliant video. Many thanks.
barbosabill1 1 year ago
@barbosabill1 - Glad you enjoyed the video! Thanks for commenting.
ray5961 1 year ago
Ugh, what is that half and half stuff. 10% fat? I know that this fattened stuff will foam up a lot better, but I can almost feel it sticking to the roof of my mouth just by looking at it.
socdk 1 year ago
@socdk - I think in order to qualify as "Half & Half" it has to be at the very least 10% fat, but can range up to nearly 20% fat content. I'm not sure of the exact percentage of the one in this video. I have tried over brands, including organic stuff. Normally, I just drink straight espresso shots and skip the milk completely. My girlfriend likes lattes, so I use the half & half when making those and/or like an espresso macchiato or something. Whole milk works also of course.
ray5961 1 year ago
@socdk - try it, you might like it. It's not as bad as you may be thinking. It just gives a nice foam is all and makes the coffee taste more creamy. I've never made coffee like this for anyone and not had them comment at how amazing it tastes.
ray5961 1 year ago
thnks mann!
GuidoBuschwald 1 year ago
hey ray whats the diff btw moka n coffee
theblacknred 1 year ago
@theblacknred - If you are asking the difference between a caffe latte & a caffe mocha, a mocha is basically just a latte with chocolate syrup or cocoa powder mixed in (prior to adding the milk). The difference between a mocha & coffee is that coffee is just that, coffee (e.g. a long black or an americano, etc). A mocha includes chocolate and milk. Check out wiki by doing a google search for caffe mocha - they have some very good descriptions of what's what.
ray5961 1 year ago
@ray5961 thnx
theblacknred 1 year ago
thanks for sharing this video - and your tips... I still like starbucks though :-) but I also enjoy making my own at home - and I have a french press and milk frother - but I enjoyed your videos and tips as well. (I think the coffee tastes fine at Starbucks - I usually drink their normal coffee though, normally I don't get the lattes or mochas or frappes or anything... but for me, Starbucks is equally coffee & atmosphere).
IamKris411 1 year ago
@IamKris411 - I think maybe part of it is that (when I make coffee at home), I add that Coffee Mate Italian sweet creme stuff. This makes the coffee (and foam) really sweet. Star bucks doesn't do that of course, as they leave it up to you to add sugar in the raw, etc. That might be the difference. I'm really not a die hard coffee lover either (even though sometimes I'll have a double shot of espresso or something). Like you say, Starbucks is also about the atmosphere (which I enjoy too) ;-)
ray5961 1 year ago
@ray5961 - I am a coffee lover hehe.. :-) - fancy or plain... I would love to try it your way - with the Italian sweet cream, but I am trying to lose weight - so I am staying away from that stuff right now. Maybe sometime when I am visiting my family stateside, I'll try one like yours. By the way, I like your french press... it looks really nice. I think mine is a little bigger, and silver, is yours a single/2 cup press? Hope you're having a nice week. -Kris
IamKris411 1 year ago
@IamKris411 - Thanks Kris :-). The French press in the video is a 3 cup as I recall. I bought it off ebay so I could strain coffee. Prior to that I was using a paper towel to strain the coffee, but that wasn't working all that great :-) The sweet creme makes a big difference. However, it can negatively affect the frothing (at least when using an espresso machine). I'm gonna try adding it to the coffee directly (instead of the milk) and see how that works. It does taste really good though.
ray5961 1 year ago
@ray5961 - it sounds like it tastes good! :-) oooooh a paper towel, yeah - that sounds kinda messy! But french press' are awesome, I really love mine. I have had it now a good 4 years or so... I'm surprised it made it over here (Germany) in one piece and moved several times even. Yeah - well if it ever breaks, I'll probably get a new one - of equal quality... I find that french press coffee tastes better than regular coffee. I have a tip for the french press if you're interested. (to be cont'd.)
IamKris411 1 year ago
@ray5961 (part 2) - so, in case you don't already know it - here's a tip for you... (if you already know it, sorry... but then again - maybe it will be helpful for some other watchers of this video!) So, in order to keep your french press in good shape for a long time, (the beaker/glass portion anyway) it is suggested that before pouring the boiling hot liquid into the glass container, to run hot water from the tap into it - so it's already heated up, otherwise it wears on the glass...
IamKris411 1 year ago
@ray5961 (part 3) continually pouring boiling hot liquid - causing it to expand and possibly later crack, or break. :-) Just a little tip, in case you didn't know... but if you did, no harm done lol. Oh, and I noticed that you do it differently than I do. by boiling the water on the stove, and pouring the coffee in there and then pouring it through a strainer and pressing it. I might have to try it like that sometime. I don't get grounds in my coffee normally, but it's still a cool idea! thanks!
IamKris411 1 year ago
@IamKris411 - That's a handy tip. It's never a good idea to change the temperature of glass too suddenly! As far as the brewing, I generally just use the pot and then pour it into the french press to strain it. Either way works, but I feel like doing it in the pot keeps the flavor in and allows the coffee to make more contact with the water (if brewing in the press, all the grounds tend to just settle to the bottom and sit on top of each other). Plus, that's how I did it before the press :-)
ray5961 1 year ago
@ray5961 - hi Ray!! :-) solution to the possible lack of flavor if the coffee if cooking in the press, and just sitting there, is to stir the coffee while it is in the press. This is how I cook mine. I put 6 tablespoons of coffee in the press (I have a Lg press) , I heat the water, and once it's boiling - I pour it in (already having pre-heated the glass) I let it sit for a moment and then stir thoroughly, and stir intermittently. (between 4-6 min) Then I press it - super flavorful! :-)
IamKris411 1 year ago
@ray5961 - this way it is also slightly less work... you might like it :-) But your way is really cool too. I hope you have a really nice weekend! - Kristen
IamKris411 1 year ago
Update: Don't buy the Lattemento.
It really makes great milk foam, but it is very likely to go bad after a month - with less foam.
Hope to find something better for under $100.
Kirpus69 1 year ago
Well, it's better. But I am not as patient and thorough as you :0)
Sometimes I just want my damn coffee with milk!
To be honest I get the best result with the 'Lattemento LM150'. It's easy, fast and creamy - practically always the same.
But the thing broke and I am trying to hand frother again. How do ypu like your milk?
Kirpus69 1 year ago
Thank you, thank you. I'll take all your advice in to consideration immediately and brew me a cup.
No microwave though, so it will have to be the gas flame:0)
Kirpus69 1 year ago
Let me know how it goes. I think actually heating the milk over a double boiler is safer. I have been reading some stuff recently about microwaving milk and how it can change the properties (for the worse). I had an allergic reaction - I think to coffee/milk - the other day. I am wondering if it may have something to do with using the microwave (or just being allergic to milk). If you use a double boiler and heat the milk to 140 degrees, it should work the same :-) Good luck!
ray5961 1 year ago
I am using a gas heater and I just can't froth the milk so it thickens well.
It's really frothstrating ;0/
Kirpus69 1 year ago
Here are a few tips: first, low or non-fat milk will not forth very well. Second, if you shake up the milk before heating it, it will drastically reduce the amount of bubbles you can get. Also, you must heat first, froth second - it doesn't work the other way around. If you try to bring the milk up to temp directly over a flame, you will more than likely burn the milk - I've never had much luck doing it on the stove. If you don't have a microwave, setup a double boiler to heat the milk.
ray5961 1 year ago