wait time between brews for cool down (2 or 4 cup)

I'm thinking about getting a Brikka and am curious about how long it would take to to a turn-around and run the 2-cup twice (or 4-cup), allowing for cooldown, putting in new grounds, etc.

I ask because I think it would be nice to enjoy with my fiance. I think the 2-cup sounds like more of a single-serving for our drinking habits, which makes me think it would be difficult for us to enjoy a cup with each other because we have to wait for for the 2nd to finish after the first.

That being said, would the 4-cup be better for us? I understand that it can be harder to get good 'crema' but that might just have to be worth it. Does anyone have good/great luck getting crema on a 4-cup?



Posted by ntvandehey on Tue, Feb 12, 2008, 12:42 Permalink

Article category: Random thoughts
Article keyword: cool-down

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Cool Down: With either one you don't have to wait ... just run cold water over the Brikka until you can safely unscrew the two parts.

That said, a 4-cup would allow you to both have a double with one brew cycle.

Posted by WeeDram on Wed, Feb 13, 2008, 00:10

wait time between brews for cool down (2 or 4 cup): I often rotate the 2 cup. For my servings the 2 cup is really a 1 cup. It takes about three minutes to cool and reload. The only problem is if you have to serve four or more guests. I have both the 2 and the 4 cup and I much prefer the 2 cup. I keep the cups warm on the stove while I make the second one. The crema does not disappear that quickly, at least with the beans and grind I am using.
anonaymous
Posted by a non-member on Sat, Feb 16, 2008, 04:11

4 cup vs 2 cup:

I would get the 4 cup if I were you. If you're worried about crema, the 4 cup can get tons of it! It all depends on your technique. Believe it or not, I get a delicious, crema topped coffee using Bustelo (the brick). Just fill the funnel as normal, and level it with the back of a knife. What you want is a nice, level surface, flush with the top of the funnel. Make sure there are no grinds on the lip of the funnel. I've also been getting a fantastic crema-loaded cup from Illy beans. I grind them on my Rancilio Rocky grinder at 16, fill the funnel slightly overfull, making sure to tap the funnel while filling to keep the distribution even. Then TAMP the coffee FLUSH with the lip of the funnel, NOT BELOW it. By the way, I use a ceramic stovetop, on HIGH heat, and turn it down a little when the 1st drops of coffee emerge.

These are just 2 ways to be successful with the 4 cup, I'm sure there are many other ways. Your mileage may vary. Again, it all depends on the technique. So if you need the extra volume of the 4 cup, go fit it.

Good luck!

 

 

 

 

Glenn
Posted by a non-member on Sat, May 03, 2008, 10:20





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