Sorry if this is a common type of post, but I still want to share it.
A year ago I decided that if I was going to start uni, I would treat myself and dip into the coffee scene. I'm not wealthy but I had some money saved up and wanted to see how frugal I could be without taking a major hit on quality.
I spent £160 on coffee in the past 12 months. That's gotten me coffee better and cheaper than the university coffee shop. Most of it I would say is much better than Starbucks and other chains.
If I bought one cup of coffee every week I'm at uni it would have cost me £84. Instead, I've had 7 cups of coffee a week for the price of 2 cafe cups. But bear in mind I'm including a Melitta calibra electric grinder, an aeropress, a v60 and a moka pot in my total spent so it's very likely that I'll be spending a LOT less this year. So within about roughly 3 years I'll have saved more than what I would have spent at a coffee shop. For those of whom are tuned into coffee stuff, you'll know electric grinders are expensive but I managed to buy mine from a photographer from Melitta who had to get rid of promo items. The grinder was used twice and sold at 1/3 of retail price
Of course with online classes this year I'm not actually able to go to the uni coffee shop. But I'm sure it'll pay itself off soon.
I buy from small roasters who offer fair prices (not expensive but at the same time, not too cheap. It's fairtrade and good quality) and usually bulk order. I'm not looking for the best of the best but I've found a very good standard that I'm fully satisfied with.
Also, coffee has become a hobby for me, it's not just a drink. It's about learning and improving your technique. Learning about beans and the differences. And having fun and being able to share your coffee with friends.
Although I don't recommend it, I've been experimenting with roasting my own beans in my brother's old air fryer. I've gotten mixed results and it takes a lot of patience and time to get consistent results. But a local roster of mine is selling his coffee at about £24 per kg but he's selling his unroasted coffee for £7.50 per kg.
December 12, 2020 at 07:57PM
