coffee for coffee machines

[mrseyebright]

I have been given a coffee machine for xmas and I do not know which coffee to buy, I do not like strong or bitter coffee can anyone recommend a mild coffee that I can use? Also I expect its a silly question but is it possible to use instant coffee in the machine e.g. nescafe etc.? any help appreciated. thankyou

[saxy_jag]

Don't use instant coffee. It's designed to dissolve in water, so all it will do in a coffee maker is dissolve as the water goes through it. You may just as well make a batch of instant straight into the jug.

As for which coffee to buy, well, it's really a matter of taste. Have a look in somewhere like Tesco or Sainsbury's and read the labels for something that sounds like the sort of thing you like, and give it a try. Try to experiment with one or two brands and types to see what you prefer.

Also, when you make it, it's OK to use slightly less coffee cup than the directions say. I love a strong, Columbian coffee, but if use the quantities suggested in either the packet or in my cafetiere, then it comes out too strong even for me.

[Bromsgrove]

Hello! A delicious mild coffee is a Kenyan. Sainsburys do a good own label one. I would agree with the previous answer about using slightly less than the recommended amount.

[Rollo]

It tastes a lot better if you buy the beans and grind them as you use them, rather than ready ground.

An electric coffer grinder costs about �10. Well woth it in my opinion.

[mrseyebright]

Thankyou for your help everyone, some great ideas, and advice

[luxury]

Hi Mrseyebright,

I love Cafe Creme beans :) You will need a coffee grinder....

http://www.aromatico.co.uk/schreyoegg-coffee-e spresso-schuemli-cafe-creme-055lb-whole-beans- p-243.html

[Sachs]

Have you a Whittards shop near to you? The staff are very helpful, fantastic range of coffee!

[Jugglering]

If you go to your local supermarket you should find that the real coffees have little numbers on them (a bit like wines) to give you an indication of their strength. 1 indicates a mild coffee, 3 is medium and 5 is strong. We really like Douwe Egberts Medium Roast (a 3) but I think you might prefer something with a 1 strength.

[Clanad]

To add an international flavor (no pun intended); about 6 or 8 months ago, Starbucks, here in the U.S., found that one of the most frequent complaints directed to them was the fact that on entering any of their stores on any given day, one could never expect a reliably standard brewed coffee. They decided to make a "standard" brew available everyday in every Starbucks. They named it Pike Place in honor of their first store in Seattle, Washington.
It's a good, middle of the road blend with a touch of roast intensity Not to strong, but yet with a good flavor. We use it regularly.
As mentioned previously, we buy it whole bean and grind to our satisfaction. I might suggest that if you invest in a grinder it should be a "burr" grinder as opposed to the blade types. A little more money but will worth it for the quality of grind.
Enjoy!

[Eve]

Ahhh i wondered what the Pike Place thing meant, had it when I was in New York earlier this year as usually go for one of the freshly brewed blends.

Starbucks do sell some of their coffee so it may be worth going in when it's quiet and asking to try some of the freshly brewed ones (they have mini cups) and then you can choose from there.

Some of the different ones you can get in Christmas markets and places like Whittards are gorgeous, like Irish Cream blends for a special cup.

The ones where they have beans in jars and grind it fresh for you are great as you can smell the beans first.

[Eve]

You can get taster packs here...

http://www.evecoffee.co.uk/index.php?cPath=23

Illy also do lovely coffee so if you're near anywhere which sells it in a cafe (eg Selfridges) then you could try before you buy there.

[mrseyebright]

thankyou to all for your interest, I live in a seaside town on the south coast and do not have a whittards here but I will see if I can find the nearest shop to me. we do have a starbucks that has just opened so I can try there. thankyou for your lovely ideas, I will try them out.