I just purchased my first espresso machine. For my first couple of cups, I've just been using Folgers classic roast coffee grounds (what I have on hand). I'm not sure if I am in the right or wrong. I browsed the coffee isle briefly when I made my purchase, but did not notice anything that said it was "for espresso makers", so I didn't buy a different kind. Will what I have work fine (still experimenting to get the EXACT nummy latte like I get at my local coffee shop)? Or are there recommendations so that I am using what is meant to be used?
I can't vote on best answer, because I was given great information from both answers. MANY THANKS!!!

Professionally maintained, works great, came out of my Dad's coffee shop. Just looking to see what I could get for it. Any ideas?
It is a dual wand, meaning can make twice as much as a single... i know that increases the value

I am looking for a coffee shop or another place similar to study and hang out. I have been in the area only for a month or two. There are a few Starbucks, but there is usually no inside seating available. I am looking for something more local and relaxed. If you know of anything thanks.

I can make regular coffee at home and it makes my stomach hurt. But when I go out to a coffee shop and get an expresso drink my stomach is just fine? Is it because expresso is so concentrated? any one else have this problem?

I know it seems dumb but I never know how to order there and sadly enough it's the only coffee shop nearby.

I need a little pick me up sometimes and I would like something with 3 or 4 espresso shots since my machine broke. Albeit it sounds a lot but it does the trick. However, I don't know how to order this or if they have anything with 4 shots. Or if I can customize it.

Help? I usually just have regular coffee or the occasional caramel macchiato, so I have no idea

I'm starting a new job were trips to the cafe or coffee shop seems to be the norm. I want to join in but I hate tea and coffee! What drink can I get without coming across as a bit childish (ie hot chocolate)? My friend tells me cappuccinos are pretty harmless?

I'm currently 21 years old, a full time sophomore in a community college and planning on attending a state university in fall of 2011 as a junior. My guess is that I have around 2.5 years of school ahead of me until I get my bachelor in some liberal arts major. Currently, I'm undecided in what I will major in, but right now I'm just getting general studies out of the way. I imagine that I will end up majoring into either Philosophy or Psychology, or something withing writing. None of the majors I am interested are likely to get me hired in a high paying position or a sustainable one.

I'm currently working ~30 hours a week in a coffee shop. I'm really tired of working for people (I have been working in food service for around five years now.) I really want to get out working minimum wage- .00/hour being a slave to customers and business owners. I'd like to start making my own money, and considering I do have the intelligence and expertise within coffee, I figure that I could create my own income.

Small espresso stands seem like a very affordable, low risk, high profit yielding operation. If I bought used equipment (with plenty of research) I think I could buy the entire stand for ~8,000 dollars (don't quote me, I've just begun researching.) I've maintained and operated espresso machines, I know local roasters from previous jobs who could give me a deal (one guy lets his customers use his coffee grinders/pots for free as long as you buy his beans.) My step dad has his own solar electric equipment and he could try to rig up some panels to make it an efficient cart.

So... I feel like I have plenty of ideas on how I could potentially put it together. Place the cart by big sporting events, festivals, holiday events, etc etc. I live by a very large university so it wouldn't be difficult to find events.

My limitations would be as follows:

I have a small car that I would not be able to transport the cart in. I would have to buy/lease a truck or trailer to move the equipment and I'm not sure how I could move it easily without help.

I have hardly any money saved. I may be able to pull together ,000 of my own money, but I doubt much more than that.

I have no real credit established. I have ,500 of credit debt but no student loans. I could pay off all the credit this spring if needed.

Questions:

Would it be possible to get a private loan to start the operation? Or could I get a student loan and use the money to buy all the equipment with plans to pay it all back?

I could work another job part time if needed while I get everything going to have some source of income.

If I can't get a loan I could possibly loan some money from my parents (~4,000 max), but I'm not sure if that is even feasible.

Any suggestions would be helpful. I really feel like I could profit off of doing this. I know the bizz, I'm an excellent barista, and I'm motivated to work for myself.

Thanks!

If you go to a coffee shop like Starbucks, you can get your drinks extra hot, and I'm pretty sure there are people that drink these drinks right away...

How do they do it?!

If I drink a "regular" hot coffee right away, I burn my mouth. And I don't just meet it hurts, I literally mean the skin in my mouth blisters and peels away.

I can understand people being more or less sensitive to the discomfort of heat, but I wouldn't think that people's skin could be more or less resistant to actually burning.

Hi, I bought a nice espresso machine which was around 0 (early X-mas present). Anyways, while it is on its plane ride to my house, i'm buying my accessories. I have espresso cups (2oz) cappacino cups (6 oz) and latte cups (8oz). I have a milk pitcher, thermometer, and espresso shot cups. So I think I have all the proper equipment to make an awesome coffee. I have only one problem tho , the espresso beans. I don't have enough money to buy a nice coffee grinder. I don't like to cut corners on cheap stuff, so I'll wait to have at least enough money to buy a nice grinder. My question is, should I buy pods to use for my espresso, or ground espresso beans at a coffee shop and use the ground beans for a couple weeks. I know that it is best to grind the beans just before your about to make the espresso, but that isn't an option at the moment.Thanks!

Hi! Yesterday I went to a job fair for the starbucks opeining in my town. We dont have one within like 50 miles. I worked at a coffee shop for 4 years. I went to my interview with my application, resume and letters of recomendation. I got a second interview that same day. At the end of my second interview the man interviewing me told me he loved my answers to his questions and it was extremely pleasent chit chattin with me. He filled me in on dress code and everything and told me if I landed a posistion they would call on friday. There was a lot of people there interviewing for the store posistions...I think I really nailed the interview but I am so afraid I will be overlooked...do u think the way it sounds I will get the job?