Hi guys, any suggestion of budget coffee bean to get me started? I have no experience with coffee other than instant coffee like Nescafe.

I live in Seri Kembangan. Don't have a grinder, but planning to buy a cheap hand-operated grinder (is it good enough?). As for brew method, I have a french press which I use to make milk froth.

Didn't notice your reply. Thanks for thr suggestion! Will definitely check out IKEA.

For milk-based coffee, what brand of milk do you guys use? The milk I'm using — Dutch Lady Purefarm Full Cream Milk — seems to make this sizzling sound after I foam it using a french press. After a few seconds, bubbles will start appearing, and it will become bigger. After 2–3 minutes, the foam will disappear. Any ideas why? Or is this normal?

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Mar 16 2017, 02:36 PM

I see. Maybe I'm using the wrong technique.

Any alternatives you would recommend?

Thanks for the recommendation guys! Will try the milks suggested.

Where can you get those? I was just at IKEA Damansara this afternoon. I searched the cafeteria for the coffee (except beyond the cashier, because the queues were too long), but I couldn't find them.
I ended up buying coffee beans from The Coffee Bean at The Curve for RM 35. The girl at the cashier offered to grind them for me, but she said some words about how I want them ground which I didn't quite catch, so I told her I don't know anything about coffee and just about to learn.

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Mar 21 2017, 02:11 AM

Ah I see. I didn't know about that. I still have more to learn. Thanks for sharing!

Hi, I'm thinking of getting into espresso. Can anyone suggest a decent grinder around RM1k (better if it's used) to be paired with a Gemilai CRM3605? Preferably something that can last me 2-3 years as I get better.

Preferably not manual. I have a Hario Skerton for pour over. I found that I don't enjoy the grinding process haha.

What if I stretch it to RM1.5k? I can see used Mazzer Super Joly for that price. Wonder if it's a good grinder for espresso.

Thanks, first time hearing about that grinder. Do you know where I can buy it?

So many new terminologies haha. I just learned about single dosing and retention after reading your post. Counter space will be an issue for me, so thanks for pointing that out.

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Aug 5 2021, 12:56 PM

That's awesome. Does he also sell 3d printed mods for it?

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Aug 7 2021, 01:52 PM

Anyone tried WPM ZD-17N grinder? I just bought CRM3605, and I watched a few videos on Youtube of people using it with CRM3605, so I guess it can do espresso. I was thinking of buying DF64, but the preorder wait is just too long, so thinking of getting this one instead.

DF64 is RM1.3k, while WPM is RM950 from bunamarket. The price is really close. If DF64 is available now I will take it no question, but the wait is just too long lol.

You can also get for RM899 from dankoff but its sold out. The one from FB group is most likely preorder.

J Coffee. Just search on Facebook and message them. Last I checked you can only get it in October.

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Aug 23 2021, 03:06 PM

Thanks for the input. You mean you have to purge 6-8gm every day? Or when you change grind settings? I'm not that familiar with grinders as this will be my first grinder.

I see. I couldn't find a better alternative within my budget that is available without preorder, so I went ahead and bought a used unit, so let's see how it goes! I might end up buying the single dose hopper from Lesbrew Coffee to reduce retention.

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Aug 26 2021, 11:40 AM

There is a Facebook group called "Milesto Malaysia Official". It's pretty active. You can try asking there.

- Sol coffee (Penang)
- Blend coffee (Kajang)

I've tried both of these roasters. Good enough for my (noob) taste. Both of them are available on Shopee.
What grinder are you using btw?

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Sep 19 2021, 09:42 PM

I've been using WPM-ZD17N grinder for the past month, making 3-4 shots of espresso every day. My first grinder going into the world of espresso. Since I don't see many reviews about this grinder, I'd love to contribute mine.

Pros:
- Pretty easy to dial in, at least for my setup. I'm using CRM3605 with the stock portafilter. I haven't tried VST/IMS basket though (I heard they are less forgiving and will require better grinders).
- Clean workflow. I grind directly to my PF. My workspace remains relatively clean.
- No issue with static. Does not require RDT.
- Easy to clean without losing grinder settings
- Does not require any mods beside a single-dose hopper

Cons:
- A bit expensive for entry level grinder. The extra money is purely for aesthetics. You can find it used on FB and Carousell sometimes. Usually cost RM600-RM700 used (vs RM900-RM1000 new). I bought mine used.
- Clumping. Will require WDT. Though visually I don't see any channeling issues when I use my bottomless PF, so most of the time I don't bother. Might be an issue with VST/IMS basket.
- Grinder retention is quite high, can be up to 1g. Will require single-dose hopper (cost around RM180), which reduces it to around 0.3g. But even with the hopper, I find that I still need to purge around 3-4g after few hours of not using it. Otherwise the shot will underextract due to stale ground (1:2 in 20 seconds). But I think this is an issue for any grinder not designed for single dosing.
- Conical burr (I hear that flat burr is all the rage now)
- Stepped adjustment
- Lack of reviews

TL;DR: I'm pretty happy with it. Good enough for beginner, and capable of grinding espresso. No issues dialing in, even with its stepped adjustments. I can see myself using it for a year before I will try to upgrade.

This post has been edited by imnotabot: Sep 19 2021, 10:49 PM