Recommendations for Starbucks-like (but cheaper!) coffee to brew at home

[blopar]

This is not a Starbucks v. Tim's v. Second Cup debate.

This is for those who enjoy Starbucks.

For years, I have been brewing Starbucks coffee at home.

But I am looking for a good alternative that isn't so pricey, as Starbucks is about $15 a pound.

Has anyone found a cheaper and suitable alternative?

 

[juanbrujo]

Juan Valdez but get it in Colombia.

 

[papasmerf]

Folgers brews up nice.

For 10 cups I do 7 table spoons of folgers and 1 of espresso.

 

[Mr. Lucky]

Starbubks hot chocolate with cream ....mmmmm

 

[Hangman]

Many of the dark roasts at the grocery store will taste as good as Starbucks. I bet there are some coffee-snob forums you could look for too. Yhey'll have some good advice.

If you're downtown, go to the coffee place downstairs at the St Lawrence market. Great selection and good advice from the staff.

 

[oldjones]

If you brew to the correct temperature (206ºF) even a freshly opened can of Maxwell House will taste great. But unless you can keep your coffe under vacuum, it'll lose flavour as soon as the seal's broken. Beans kept refrigerated—but see temperature above, now you gotta allow for warming the wintry java—and ground for the moment will do better. So will roasting your own, and you can use an air-popper for pocorn, but it'll take time to get the knack. Or buy small batches fresh from your local roaster. Of all the above variables, my current fave is getting the temperature right.

 

[HAMSTER INSPECTOR]

I find Maxwellhouse coffee undrinkable these days, I remeber that was the coffee of choice when I was a kid. I remember cold snowy winter days when the aroma would fill the house. Even though I was to young to have coffee, I would help myself to a cup. Presidents Choice coffee is almost always on special before Chistmas at 8 bucks a can. Even at the regular price of $12 a can, it is quite good.

 

[club69]

This is not a Starbucks v. Tim's v. Second Cup debate.

This is for those who enjoy Starbucks.

For years, I have been brewing Starbucks coffee at home.

But I am looking for a good alternative that isn't so pricey, as Starbucks is about $15 a pound.

Has anyone found a cheaper and suitable alternative?

the Kirkland brand coffee selling at Costco is OEM by Starbucks.

 

[blackrock13]

This is not a Starbucks v. Tim's v. Second Cup debate.

This is for those who enjoy Starbucks.

For years, I have been brewing Starbucks coffee at home.

But I am looking for a good alternative that isn't so pricey, as Starbucks is about $15 a pound.

Has anyone found a cheaper and suitable alternative?

what is it that make you buy Starbucks? Starbucks is dumbing down their line because of competition and that's why you see instant Starbucks. In the $12-$14 range there are 100s of top quality coffees, some even at you grocers. I'm not a Starbucks buyer as i don't like their business practices at te growers end, kind of the Walmart of the coffee trade, and I try to support 'Fair Trade' companies. Starbucks and other large companies tried to put a friend's independant shop out of business with a price war, until the neighbourhood stepped in and boycotted them, saving her roastery business.

not knowing what part of town you live in, but in centretown try the Green Beanery at King and Bathurst. It's an amazing experience.

http://www.greenbeanery.ca/bean/home.php

For convenience, there are some Fair Trade or organic coffees being offered at the grocers. Keep an eye out for Kicking Horse Coffee. It blows any thing in that price rage out the door.

I noticed Maxwell house mentioned. I've seen more than one taste testings and commentary on the industry that ranks Maxwell House and Folgers as just above Simon Legree in business habits just above the old McDonalds coffee in quality.

 

[Captain Fantastic]

Out of your price range, but Dark City Coffee Company is consistently the best I've had in Toronto: http://www.darkcitycoffee.com/.

Competitively priced with Starbucks, et al, but much better IMO, and as an added bonus they have a good selection of fair trade and fermenino coffees.

 

[Cycleguy007]

I hear that "kopi luwak" stuff can be rather exotic...

 

[blackrock13]

Out of your price range, but Dark City Coffee Company is consistently the best I've had in Toronto: http://www.darkcitycoffee.com/.

Competitively priced with Starbucks, et al, but much better IMO, and as an added bonus they have a good selection of fair trade and fermenino coffees.

Thanks for the heads up CF. Always looking for something new. I love the commercial but never seen it on the tele. You can't complain about coffee at your doors. 2lbs would last me about 30 days.

Love the Sidamo and Yirgacheffe

 

[blackrock13]

I hear that "kopi luwak" stuff can be rather exotic...

Kind of shitty stuff if you ask me, just saying. Cat people might appreciate it more. I had a chance to try it out in Vancouver at a gathering at $9.00 a cup. Nice, but I won't pay the price. That coming from a guy that's willing to pay up to $90 for a bottle of Scotch Whiskey.

 

[5hummer]

There are plenty of Indy Cafes that sell beans from all over the world. Roasted and not.

 

[toguy5252]

I hear that "kopi luwak" stuff can be rather exotic...

Not worth the money and their are different grades. Very difficult to tell whether you are getting the real thing or ripped off. Only real benefit is in being able to tell people you tried it. Beyond that save your money.

 

[blackrock13]

Not worth the money and their are different grades. Very difficult to tell whether you are getting the real thing or ripped off. Only real benefit is in being able to tell people you tried it. Beyond that save your money.

I guess in the civet cat world there are spinners, milfs and cougars as well.

 

[thewalker]

I bought a Moka Pot for $30 and a pack of Lavazza espresso for $3 at Honest Ed's and add a half cup of hot milk to it.
It's a rich cafe au Lait.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moka_(coffee_pot)

 

[Cycleguy007]

Kind of shitty stuff if you ask me, just saying.

Subtle blackrock!

For those of you who think I was giving a serious answer... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kopi_Luwak

 

[oldjones]

…edit…I noticed Maxwell house mentioned. I've seen more than one taste testings and commentary on the industry that ranks Maxwell House and Folgers as just above Simon Legree in business habits just above the old McDonalds coffee in quality.

Yeah. I mentioned Maxwell House, not as an example of good coffee—let alone business practices—but to cite the difference propoer brewing temperature makes to even the most pedestrian blend. Not to call any brand floor sweepings.

Made MH coffee comparable (at a quarter the price) to the Starbucks French Roast from a Melitta drip maker we'd been using.

 

[geronimowh]

I recently got a Nespresso machine. Makes a great cuppa for 68c a cup. Huge variety and quick delivery after online ordering.