Green Coffee Buying Club

Vendor Discussion Boards => old Traveling road shows => Topic started by: BoldJava on January 08, 2012, 05:38:44 PM

Title: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 08, 2012, 05:38:44 PM
Eva Solo Cafe, 1 liter press pot.  Let's have a traveling road show. 

We need 10 members to play. The unit will travel around.  You pick up the shipping to the next person.  Keep it for a week and send it along when you are finished. I will order when we hit 10 members.   One member will be picked at random by Ms JSpain.  That name will go to the bottom and keep it when it hits their porch.
 
$9.20 each person. No money now.  Once we are all registered, you can come in with the money. 

Rules
1.  You get the Eva Solo Cafe for a week and
2.  then you ship it on to the next person. 

MPrince's review of the item:   http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/quickshot/evasolocafesolo/details (http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/quickshot/evasolocafesolo/details)

Who's in on this? 
1.  BoldJava
2.  JDibble, paid
3.  Headchange4U, paid
4.  JBViau, paid
...
6.  RFeuker, paid
7.  ECDHunt, paid
8.  EricBNC, paid
9.  J.Jirehs Roaster, paid

10. ECC, paid
-----
And the winner is...
5.  BLZRFN, paid

(http://goo.gl/4oGFZ)
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 08, 2012, 07:00:32 PM
I would like to see how this compares to the espro press pot. I don't have either:(
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: headchange4u on January 08, 2012, 07:44:37 PM
I've always wanted to try one of those. Put me on the list.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 08, 2012, 08:00:49 PM
Please sign me up as well--unless already owning Eva Solos in the other 2 sizes, 0.6 L and 1.4 L, disqualifies me. 8) I've always been curious about the 1.0 L.

For those on the fence, I think this is a fantastic opportunity to try out a brew gadget that's less well-known due to price but that truly deserves more attention. My Evas make *great* coffee consistently well.

Here are some posts I've made about brewing with Eva Solos in case anyone's interested:

http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/quick-review-eva-solo (http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/quick-review-eva-solo)
http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/Eva-Duo (http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/Eva-Duo)
http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/Eva-Solo-gen.-2 (http://www.roaste.com/CoffeeBlogs/jbviau/Eva-Solo-gen.-2)
http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines/554884 (http://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/coffee/machines/554884)

B|J, planning to buy through Prima? Just curious.

NB: About cleaning, the carafe's opening is too small for the average hand. I use a bottle brush, but any long-handled brush would probably work fine.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: blzrfn on January 08, 2012, 08:51:15 PM
Count me in!  I have been thinking about getting one of these, but price and an over abundance of coffee toys have dis-swayed me.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 09, 2012, 03:37:55 AM
I would like to see how this compares to the espro press pot. I don't have either:(

Does that mean you want in?

B|Java
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 09, 2012, 05:03:31 AM
Sure, why not. I guess I will wait to get th larger espro when it comes out or hopefully we will do a show on it.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: rfeuker on January 09, 2012, 05:03:59 AM
Please add me to the list.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ecdhunt on January 09, 2012, 05:24:52 AM
Sign me up!
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 09, 2012, 07:38:03 AM
Please sign me up as well--unless already owning Eva Solos in the other 2 sizes, 0.6 L and 1.4 L, disqualifies me. 8) I've always been curious about the 1.0 L.

Course you are in. 

Quote
B|J, planning to buy through Prima? Just curious.

Yes, best price.
Quote
NB: About cleaning, the carafe's opening is too small for the average hand. I use a bottle brush, but any long-handled brush would probably work fine.

Same thing with the Yama vacpots.  I stuff a dishcloth with suds and water and shake the dickens out of it.  Works perfectly and no oils build up.

Still need 3 more players.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on January 09, 2012, 08:57:20 AM
Still need 3 more players.

Only two more now...

Please count me in - Thanks for putting this together too - I am curious about this brewing device.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 12, 2012, 08:37:14 AM
Got a series of"ding" emails from PayPal.  They must have a filter or something -- the donations to Guat put me on their bad list.  Now the "drawings, lotteries" made their software filter.  Round two.

It is part of their rules of agreement.  Can't do it. OK.

I will give some specific instructions for the monies when the Cafe Solo comes in so I don't keep popping up on their radar.

B|Java
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 12, 2012, 08:58:34 AM
Sounds good. Are we officially "on" with 8?
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 12, 2012, 09:00:37 AM
Sounds good. Are we officially "on" with 8?

Oh, we will get two more in the next week or so.

Do I see two hands up in the back?
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 12, 2012, 09:19:10 AM
Great. Despite my apparent Eva Solo fanboy-ism above I'm looking forward to reading people's honest impressions of the extent to which these things are overrated/overpriced (if at all). There are no sacred cows--only more or less tasty ones.

Do any of our testers have fancy equipment for measuring brew temp.? I'd love to see tested/quantified the alleged ability of the Eva's neoprene sleeve to keep brew temp. high. Yesterday I stuck an Omega temp. strip on my 0.6 L's carafe and tried brewing with and without the sleeve (same everything otherwise); there was very little difference, but then again for several reasons it was a less-than-ideal experiment.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: J.Jirehs Roaster on January 12, 2012, 09:35:31 PM
I will toss my name in the hat..
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 12, 2012, 10:50:51 PM
I will toss my name in the hat..

Mr WildBill, kindly enter <broad, gracious door opening gesture>.

One more needed and we can order and begin the 1st looks.

B|Java
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ecc on January 13, 2012, 04:54:18 PM
I can't decide what the Solo reminds me of.  Count me in!

(http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20091127000550/muppet/images/a/a1/Count.jpg)
Title: Re: Closed. Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 13, 2012, 07:26:22 PM
I can't decide what the Solo reminds me of.  Count me in!

..


Ah, man...

Folks, we have 10.  Cafe Solo ordered.  Pls come in with the $9.20 to  (http://safemail.justlikeed.net/e/7f19b5ea9bfcf8c9229a4322c942e163.png) (http://safemail.justlikeed.net/) on PayPal. Pls, just put Cafe Solo in the subject block.  Don't put traveling lottery, opportunity, etc.  Just, "Eva Solo."  Thanks.

B|Java
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 13, 2012, 10:12:44 PM
10! 10 members! Ah ah ahhhh... [in my best Count voice]

B|Java, you've been PayPaled.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on January 13, 2012, 11:20:39 PM
payment sent.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: rfeuker on January 14, 2012, 04:45:14 AM
PayPal sent.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: headchange4u on January 14, 2012, 07:17:46 AM
Moola away!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 14, 2012, 07:18:44 AM
Moola away!

That's what I should have said 7 years ago when I told Czarina that I was going to save money by homeroasting.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 18, 2012, 04:18:13 PM
On the porch in Lake Cheddar Thurs evening.  Stay tuned.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 19, 2012, 08:12:45 PM
So how do you like it, and who won? Inquiring minds and all that...
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 20, 2012, 02:46:03 AM
So how do you like it, and who won? Inquiring minds and all that...

It is patiently sitting in the box in which it was sent.  I have an email out to JSpain for a special number from his wife.  I will post the winner when I hear.  I will chronicle the unveiling of the newest toy tomorrow with pics.

B|Java
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 20, 2012, 05:11:50 AM
Well, I can't catch a break on these.  The winner drawn by PSpain is

5.  BLZRFN.

I slipped the Portlander down to last place in 1st thread.  Congrats!

B|Java
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 20, 2012, 05:54:36 AM
The winner drawn by PSpain is...5.  BLZRFN.

+1 on the congrats!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: mp on January 20, 2012, 05:59:55 AM
The winner drawn by PSpain is...5.  BLZRFN.

+1 on the congrats!

+1

 :)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 20, 2012, 06:31:44 AM
The winner drawn by PSpain is...5.  BLZRFN.

+1 on the congrats!

+1

 :)

+1

:(
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: blzrfn on January 20, 2012, 08:32:05 AM
Dang, I need to go buy a lottery ticket.  I'm gonna need it with another female joining the house in a couple of months.  The shoe budget is already out of control with two lovely ladies!   :'(
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: blzrfn on January 20, 2012, 11:58:53 AM
You lucky duck, congrats.

I've got you beat, though, I have four women in the household now (not counting the dogs) and in march three of them will be teenagers.  It's truly a blessing but there are some times I'm happy to go out to the garage to roast coffee and find sanctuary.

Well my older daughter just turned ten and she still enjoys hanging out with me.  We have a library date this afternoon after I pick her up from school.  It won't be too long, unfortunately, until I am not as cool to be around.  I guess that is when I will start looking for recommendations for a pump action shot gun, I hear cleaning these in the open when boys come to visit helps send the right message.  (where's the hillbilly emoticon?)   ;)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:03:27 AM
Let's get a 1st look going on this.  I won't cup it head to head against other types of preps.  I will leave that to others.  My goal here was to:

1)  Get an Eva Solo in play (on the market for 8 years -- nary a discussion here)
2)  Evaluate it - thumbs up or thumbs down

So on with the show.

Everything came at once this week:
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:06:41 AM
Eva Solo has a "top of the line" product mix for home products (bird feeders to coffee).  Danish firm -- sleek European look.  Eva Solo focuses on fashion/aesthetics as well as function, sort of like Peter dressed up for a gala affair. Full line here: http://www.emmohome.com/evasolo.html (http://www.emmohome.com/evasolo.html)


Packaging reflects high-end.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:08:24 AM
Surprisingly smaller than I envisioned.  1 liter pitcher.


The box rattled when UPS handed it to me.  "Oh, oh."  Not to worry -- the cap, (center right) had become dislodged from its recessed slot in the box and was rattling around in there.

That's a neoprene sweater on the right.  Not visible is the furnished plastic paddle/spoon for stirring.

Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:19:23 AM
Size?  One liter.  9 inches.  Note, the bottom has heating ridges (see pic above), as if you can keep it warm on the stove.  Not going to try that. 

(1)  Keeping coffee warm with external heat is a very bad idea,
(2)  There are 9 gents after me.  I don't need a science project cracking on my stove.  Let the winner try it, if he desires.


The second shot is of the filter.  The coffee does NOT go in it.  Coffee is placed in the carafe and crowned with 200* water.  Then, you stir and place the gasketed filter on top of that. The filter keeps the grounds from pouring with the finished coffee.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:21:15 AM
Eva makes a big point of insulating the carafe during its recommended 4-minute steep.  I found it putzy to put on but here it is, dressed and ready to go out into our snow.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:27:11 AM
OK, coffee time.  61grams for a liter.  Grind?  Right between a pourover and a presspot.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:28:17 AM
Water -- let's pour the heat to it and see how the pot turns out.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:29:29 AM
A required pairing, in my humble opinion.  Get the coffee OUT of the carafe and into a thermos if you are not consuming the entire carafe at once.  (Czarina drinks her coffee later in the morn).
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 21, 2012, 07:31:05 AM
Prep
1) put jacket on carafe
2) preheat carafe with hot water
3) take 1 liter of water to boil
4) grind 61 grams of coffee between a pourover and press pot grind.   Put ground coffee in empty carafe.
5) fill to 3/4 full with boiling water, couple of seconds off boil, let bloom for 20 seconds.
6) stir down for 10 seconds with provided plastic stir rod
7) pour additional water to middle of throat (33 oz)
8.) give a quick stir and insert the filter and then the cap
9) let rest for 3:30-4 minutes
10) pour (leave cap on -- it self-lifts) into a preheated thermos
11) enjoy


Initial Observations
This is a classy looking rig.  Danish outfit though there isn't a mark on it or the accompanying literature on where product is made. It is impressive to the eye.  It would be nice at the dinner table with dessert. As nice as that is, I found the neoprene sweater very putzy and I might tend to not bother putting it on.  With my Chemex, I threw the wood collar away because I found it a pain in the rump (I just use a kitchen towel).  Long term, I could see the zipper possibly becoming problematic. An option for press pot fans is a cover...   http://www.koffeekompanions.com/ (http://www.koffeekompanions.com/) ) or take a look at Bodum's coat, http://goo.gl/XTZh9 (http://goo.gl/XTZh9)

The coffee sits below the filter, just as it does with a press pot.  The filter is used as a restraining device when the brewed coffee is poured.  When you seat the gasketed filter, it doesn't feel like it is secure, even though it is.  As you pour the coffee, rotate the carafe a bit.  Different angles will open up the restraining grounds and more coffee will pour.

      Pro:
Clean-up:  Clean up is similar to all press pots - messy.  Take the cap off and the filter out.  Swish some fresh water in it and pour outside or in toilet. Your hands won't fit inside the carafe.  Drop a moist, soapy dish rag into the beaker and shake.  Cleans right up. (Note:  Consider a product call Dishmate.  It is coconut oil based and rinses extremely clean/leaves no soap residue to interfere with coffee taste.  http://www.ecos.com/Dishmate_Almond.html (http://www.ecos.com/Dishmate_Almond.html)

Summary:

This is an excellent product, though pricey.  It produced a cup that was equal to or superior to the vacpot cup that we have had all week.  It made the coffee sweeter than vacpot (both of us individually remarked on that).  It is just a touch lighter in mouthfeel than a press pot, with just a few less fines.  Those tell-tale fines are there but I am not bothered by them in a press pot, let alone a Eva Solo.

Recommendation?:  Excellent cup, attractive product.  Gets a recommended "buy."  (Purcchased from http://prima-coffee.com (http://prima-coffee.com).  Shipped quickly.  Easy.  $90.  Nice product for gifting.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 21, 2012, 03:08:27 PM
Nice write-up. I've always imagined the Solo would be too hot to hold when pouring sans jacket (and so never bothered trying).
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 22, 2012, 06:55:58 AM
I will update the 1st Look post above to include these items from this a.m.'s observations:

1)  Gasketed filter.  When you place it in the throat, it doesn't feel seated.  It is.
2)  Cap.  When pouring, ensure that all the brewed coffee is out.  Turn the carafe 180 degrees and pour again.  You are likely to get more coffee.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 22, 2012, 08:53:52 AM
I will update the 1st Look post above to include these items from this a.m.'s observations:

1)  Gasketed filter.  When you place it in the throat, it doesn't feel seated.  It is.
2)  Cap.  When pouring, ensure that all the brewed coffee is out.  Turn the carafe 180 degrees and pour again.  You are likely to get more coffee.

Re: (2), yup, I've observed the same thing. I've seen some baristas pour from these while slowly rotating the carafe.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 23, 2012, 03:47:58 AM
Ms Eva is packed and FedEx is carrying her to Marietta this a.m., next stop on her tour.

B|Java
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 25, 2012, 07:18:18 AM
"Call home, ET, call home."
Jan 25, 2012 8:49 AM     Delivered  Marietta, GA
Left at front door. Signature Service not requested
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 25, 2012, 08:14:46 AM
Woohoo!

Ethipian Tchembe N2 ad El Salvadore Finca Santa Sofia are ready for some brewin.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 27, 2012, 05:27:56 AM
Tried out the Cafe Solo this morning. It produces a nice cup of coffee!

The disappointing part is that I didn't push the stopper into the filter hard enough and it fell out when pouring. I took more force than I would have thought when working with something made of glass. Cleanup wasn't fun and can't be rushed.

Test 2 will be Saturday morning when I don't have to keep the coffee in a thermos for 30-40 minutes. It will be in a direct face off against the espro!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 27, 2012, 06:50:23 AM
The disappointing part is that I didn't push the stopper into the filter hard enough and it fell out when pouring. I took more force than I would have though when working with something made of glass...

You can put the stopper in the filter before you put the filter assembly into the carafe if you're worried. Looking forward to your Espro showdown!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 28, 2012, 09:46:43 AM
Showdown is over!

I was thinking that the two would perform similarly and boy was I wrong. The flavor profile is quite different.

Setup:
Baratza Precisio setup just a bit coarser than for drip.
Pino pro
90+ Ethiopian Tchembe N2 5 days rest. city++

First up is the Espro. This a nice and sturdy piece of equipment, like most items from Espro. Stainless steel polished outside with a matte finish inside, solid handle, pressed logo in the cap. It isn't something I would be afraid to keep on the counter.

I set the Pino for 203F and prepped 28 grams of coffee and about .4 liters of water. 70g/l
I dropped in the coffee and added water and stirred it to settle the bloom. Inserting the plunger showed off the tight precision fit of the Espro. The grounds stop here!
Four minutes later I pushed the plunger down slowly, reminding me of an aeropress type patience because the filter is quite strict. Pouring into the cup exposed a wonderful aroma of chocolate richness. I love the way it pours! The handle, balance and spout just show off how well thought out it is.

The taste was like nothing else! It blows away the Technivorm and takes on a perfect americano from the Vivaldi.  This rates up in the top 4 cups I have had this year.
A wonderful deep chocolate with a perfect amount of coffee bitter, medium acidity and bassy/deep fruit notes. It made me smile thinking that I have another 12 lbs of the Tchembe. It was sad though that I missed out on the kickstarter offering from Espro. I wanted a second cup but it only makes one:(

Well, I guess I have to use the Cafe Solo now. It is by far the sexier of the two. The polished accents combined with the glass and neoprene make for an attractive piece of equipment. The quality of the different components is very nice and seemed just a bit better finished compared to the espro.

I again set the Pino for 203F and prepared 63g of coffee and about .92l of water. 68.5g/l I pulled out the aeropress funnel to avoid any mess and dropped the coffee in. I added the water and stirred to reduce the bloom. I waited 4 minutes and poured the first cup. The stopped stayed in place and I rotated as I poured to keep the water flowing. The fancy stopper worked perfectly and the unit was easy to hold onto because the neoprene jacket.

The cup was a bit more mild when compared to the Espro. I got similar chocolate notes but it was missing some of the deep fruit I was experiencing. It was a bit lighter and cleaner tasting but didn't really hit the spot for me. It would be close between it and the Technivorm with the Cafe Solo just edging it out in flavor. The cup had allot more grounds at the bottom and some larger ones on the surface. I am not sure where they came from but it took a bit away from the experience.

Cleanup time:
The espro was pretty easy to clean up and I was able to dump a majority of the grinds into my coffee compost. A bigger espro might allow me to get a bit more out and make cleaning just a bit easier. Overall, it is just about as easy as the Technivorm to clean up and wouldn't be an issue during the morning when I am typically pressed for time.

The cafe solo stays quite warm with the jacket on and I recommend taking it off to help it cool once you are finished brewing. I almost felt naughty unzipping the jacket and exposing the glass till I saw the used grounds inside. It looks like a mess and they are hard to remove unless you just rinse the grounds down the drain. A bottle brush is a necessity and plan on taking your time cleaning it up. I can see using this when having company over or during a weekend but not during the week.

Winner: Espro
It produces a cup with the characteristics I like and cleans up easier.

Theories as to why one performed better than the other. The Espro and the Cafe solo may expose the grounds to the water the same but the pressing of the grounds may extract more from them and expose the flavors.
 
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on January 28, 2012, 09:58:38 AM
Showdown is over! ...

Good showdown.  I was looking forward to it. Wondered how you would judge.  I love my Espro but this is an Eva thread so I will curb myself.  Too bad you missed out on the 30 oz Espro Kickstarter deal that is pending  release this Spring.

Based on some quick mental math, you might have a higher coffee: water ratio in the Espro and that might be affecting taste differences as well.  Dangerous to do math publicly so I should have worked that out with paper and pencil rather than running my gills.

Try the washrag shake for cleanup.  One less tool under the sink.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on January 28, 2012, 10:06:38 AM
Agreed, I need to double check the water used. I will update with the right ratios.

Updated. I was pretty close to keep them the same when taking a stab at it. Glad I wrote them down because my memory was a bit off when I started writing this.
There was a bit high ratio for the espro but nothing that I think would make as big of a difference as I experienced.

I am not a wash rag type of guy. I like sponges and bottle brushes.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on January 30, 2012, 07:54:34 PM
Feel free to toss the Espro into the road show box! ;)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on February 08, 2012, 04:13:03 AM
The solo went out yesterday via FedEx. Espro is going home.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on February 12, 2012, 10:14:49 AM
Should be in HC4U's hands this weekend.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ScareYourPassenger on February 16, 2012, 01:53:21 PM
Showed up on the 10th.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on February 17, 2012, 10:50:22 AM
Has anyone tried using this without the flip-top lid? I just did--no problems whatsoever. Covered the top with a saucer instead to keep heat in while brewing. Pouring was unaffected. Why bother? Because I picked up a spare metal filter assembly alone (no other parts) via eBay recently and wanted to try it out. Off to look for a carafe that it might fit in other than the stock carafes I already own...

NB: This was not with any parts belonging to the road show Eva, which I'm next in line for after HC4U.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: headchange4u on February 17, 2012, 12:12:12 PM
I'll report in soon on the Cafe Solo. Very nice unit.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on February 23, 2012, 05:22:42 AM
The 1.0 L Solo arrived yesterday in one piece. Here she is (middle) with her younger and older siblings; it's an Eva Trio!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on February 28, 2012, 06:28:54 AM
Ok, the star of the show will be on its way up to RFeuker this afternoon.

This 1.0 L Solo seems to fill the "coffee for two" niche very well. Now that I've tried both, I know I prefer my 0.6 L version because usually I'm just making coffee for myself. Also, the 0.6 L Solo is somewhat easier to dress/undress and clean due to its smaller carafe. I'm keeping my 1.4 L Solo in the box until we need it for entertaining.

BLZRFN, in case you eventually need replacement parts, here's one site I found that has them (for a premium): http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=60115&PartnerID=SLI (http://www.unicahome.com/catalog/item.asp?id=60115&PartnerID=SLI)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: rfeuker on March 06, 2012, 08:12:16 AM
Have made three pots of coffee with the Solo so far.  My Impressions:

Unit is very attractive, friends made comments like, "Very cool coffee carafe."
Coffee taste is very similar to freench press.
Clean up also very similar to french press, but a bit easier.
I thought (hoped) the jacket would keep the coffee hotter longer than it did.

Overall, meh, a pretty nice coffee maker, but I'm not rushing out to buy one.

I should have it on its way to the next victim on friday.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: rfeuker on March 09, 2012, 07:21:28 AM
Cafe Solo is on its way to Mr. Hunt in PA.  Dropped off at the P.O. this morning. 
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ecdhunt on March 15, 2012, 10:15:24 AM
Received the Cafe Solo early this week - just made the first cup.  Read the booklet after making the coffee, so I used normal FP grind.  Really happy with the results.   Hope to do some FP/Espro/Eva comparisons this weekend and mess around with grind settings too.

First impression:
 - a little tough to clean (i.e. keep spotless like the espro and wine glasses).  It's sexy, I'd want to keep it sparkling.
- Well designed, pours like a dream
- A bigger size could be a real solution for brewing coffee for guests.

I'll plan on shipping it out Monday and will post more thoughts.

Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on March 24, 2012, 08:55:20 AM
The Solo is in the house...
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on March 28, 2012, 11:57:38 AM
How do you like it, Eric?

...Hope to do some FP/Espro/Eva comparisons this weekend and mess around with grind settings too...I'll plan on shipping it out Monday and will post more thoughts.

^^^ I'm also interested in hearing more on those comparisons you mentioned, ecdhunt, if possible.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on March 28, 2012, 12:18:05 PM
I got more sediment in the cup that I wanted to see - I need to coarse up my grind and then make the call...
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: headchange4u on March 28, 2012, 01:24:09 PM
Finally getting around to posting my impressions of the Cafe Solo.

Overall, I loved the unit. My first cup from this was the last bit of Klatch's Panama Elida Estate. The body was incredible, which I guess is to be expected from a french-press-like brewer device, but it brought out an intense berry that I had not experienced before with that coffee. Proceeding cups of various origins were just as impressive.

The Cafe Solo is very attractive. Sometimes, while slowly unzipping the jacket, I would take furtive glances over my should to make sure the wife didn't catch me undressing this sexy beast. It looks elegant in and out of the neoprene sleeve.

Cleaning the little booger is the only real downside, but even that task isn't a big deal.

Besides coffee the thing also makes a really good cup of tea, as seen by these shots of Ben Shan Competition Grade Oolong steeping away.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/da210a9e.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v704/headchange4u/5afbd9de.jpg)

I will end up snagging one of these beauties at some point in the future.

Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: J.Jirehs Roaster on April 19, 2012, 06:48:02 PM
The CafeSolo is in the house.. the Barundi tasted good, 55g at 890ml for 4 minutes was kinda strong..  40g in the morning.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on April 25, 2012, 09:04:18 AM
I like it. I like press pot too along with Swiss Gold filtered auto drip. I did not see enough difference in the cup compared to these less expensive options to consider ordering one for myself.  If I found a deal on a used ES I would snag it, but at close to a hundred there is more buck than bang for me.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ecc on April 26, 2012, 07:54:24 PM
Solo arrived in great shape today, one last stop before heading out to its new owner.

In the meantime,
(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/qjPgzAjK1ss/0.jpg)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on April 27, 2012, 04:09:40 AM
... If I found a deal on a used ES I would snag it, but at close to a hundred there is more buck than bang for me.

I think it is designed for its eye candy more than anything else, with the intent that it sits on the dining room table for its guest-glitz factor.
Title: Re: Cafe Solo, $45 new, one liter model
Post by: BoldJava on April 28, 2012, 09:27:38 AM
I like it. I like press pot too along with Swiss Gold filtered auto drip. I did not see enough difference in the cup compared to these less expensive options to consider ordering one for myself.  If I found a deal on a used ES I would snag it...

Consider the deal found... $45 shipped from Group On.  1 liter jug.  Brown or blue. 

https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-dd-havana-brown-coffee-maker/confirmation?pledge_id=2836988 (https://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-dd-havana-brown-coffee-maker/confirmation?pledge_id=2836988)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on April 28, 2012, 12:33:47 PM
Nice find! Here's another link to the deal:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-dd-havana-brown-coffee-maker (http://www.groupon.com/deals/gg-dd-havana-brown-coffee-maker)

God help me--I'm in for one in brown. Had some Groupon bucks burning a hole in my pocket and couldn't resist.
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: EricBNC on April 28, 2012, 04:32:19 PM
I like the Harbor Blue - For that price it is was hard to pass up - thanks for sharing this! ;)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: ecc on April 29, 2012, 04:43:51 PM


The Solo is beautiful, I really wanted to like it.  I love the pouring twirl, it handles like a nice heavy magnum bottle, very solid and nice.  A little peek-a-boo with the neoprene cover, yeah baby.

Then the impractical parts set in.  A narrow neck and bottom ridges make it almost impossible to clean well without lots of water and a garbage disposal.  You can't serve out of it, and the pouch filter leaves a lot of silt in the cup, even with my Mahlkonig commercial grinder.

I haven't given up on french press, (am still tempted by an Espro) but instead of the Solo brewer I grabbed an orange refrig carafe in the groupon sale.  The brewer will go on its way to a more fashionable household, last stop Portland.

Thanks again for the B|roadshow!
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on April 29, 2012, 04:55:13 PM


...
I haven't given up on french press, (am still tempted by an Espro) but instead of the Solo brewer I grabbed an orange refrig carafe in the groupon sale.  The brewer will go on its way to a more fashionable household, last stop Portland.

Thanks again for the B|roadshow!

It's a wrap.  On to Portland.  Thanks all.  B|Java
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: BoldJava on July 11, 2013, 07:05:59 AM
Alert.  New Eva Solo on sale at OrphanEspresso, $50.  It won't last.

http://www.orphanespresso.com/CLOSEOUT-SPECIALS_c_297.html (http://www.orphanespresso.com/CLOSEOUT-SPECIALS_c_297.html)
Title: Re: Closed: Cafe Solo, 1 liter, Traveling Road Show and Lottery
Post by: jbviau on July 11, 2013, 08:43:58 AM
Looks like it's gone now, as predicted!