Let's talk coffee grinders...

[lxskllr]

qft in what universe?

You do both realize that ground size matters depending on your method of brewing.

Ya. A hammer and plastic bag beats no coffee at all, as does instant when you get down to it, but if you want it to be its best, you need a good grinder/maker.

 

[destrekor]

Wow, $150 grinders and shit? Blade grinder will mulch it down just fine. Go to Wal-Mart or something and start there.

Some of you must snort the shit and not put it in a coffee machine to care about the consistency that much. I used a plastic bag and a hammer in Iraq when I needed my damn coffee.

Burr grinder my fucking ass.

As much as I can vouch for "whatever produces caffeinated black liquid that goes down good" style approaches, I also appreciate the more refined approach.

If you actually care about coffee, and not the end result (caffeinated liquid with colors and flavors), AND use specific brewing methods (presses, espresso machines with quality pressure and right temperature), you will absolutely appreciate a good grinder.

I had (have) a cheapish espresso machine ($70ish new), that cannot reach the pinnacle of espresso like the top dollar machines. But with a used professional burr grinder, fresh beans, and a good grind-size and tamping of the grounds, I had shots of espresso that were amazing.

If you honestly don't care about coffee that much, and don't care/taste the subtleties of different bean types, roast types, ages, etc... then don't waste your money on more expensive coffee-related gear.

If it's not for you, it's not for you. We can accept that, can you?
Not everyone appreciates the subtleties of a lot of product types. Fine craft beers, fine wines, fine coffee - most people don't care, and don't want to be bothered and certainly don't want to spend anything extraordinary on things they don't care about.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Awesome info guys. :thumbsup:

I'll probably be getting mine from Kohl's.... 30% coupon + $10 Kohls cash. I'll get a ~$150 grinder for $95 or so out of pocket. I do have an espresso machine, so I have to keep the step increments in mind. Here's two that I have in mind:

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kit...36/Capresso+Infinity+Conical+Burr+Grinder.jsp

http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/kit...3/Espressione+Conical+Burr+Coffee+Grinder.jsp

Check out www.wholelattelove.com too. I bought my espresso machine and burr grinder from them.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Check out www.wholelattelove.com too. I bought my espresso machine and burr grinder from them.

Which grinder did you get? How's it work with the espresso machine you have? I'm kind of cautious of the grind size now. I want to get something that will be great for espresso and drip.

 

[SillyOReilly]

Which grinder did you get? How's it work with the espresso machine you have? I'm kind of cautious of the grind size now. I want to get something that will be great for espresso and drip.

http://coffeetea.about.com/od/grinding/a/grindguide.htm

 

[SphinxnihpS]

You have to remember to take all the seeds and stems out first or your coffee will taste like ass.

 

[ichy]

I owned the Capresso at one point and the other one appears to have similar reviews online. Key point: far too few grind points. The Capresso has a grand total of 14. It's fine for french press or drip and such, but for espresso the ability to fine-tune the grind is essential.

I'm going to have to respectfully disagree with you about the Capresso Infinity grinder. I realize it's not the best out there but IMO you really start to get a lot less bang for your buck once you start to spend more than $100. I'm sure that you can do better but you can make very decent and tasty espresso with what the Capresso provides. I'd love to have a Rancilio Rocky or Mazzer Mini but I am NOT spending $350 to $500 on a grinder.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Which grinder did you get? How's it work with the espresso machine you have? I'm kind of cautious of the grind size now. I want to get something that will be great for espresso and drip.

I bought a Capresso burr grinder but I bought it long before I bought the espresso machine (I was just using it to grind my coffee). If I had it to do over I would have bought a better grinder. My main complaint is transferring the ground espresso roast to the portafilter is messy. I'd prefer to have a dosing grinder. It works though so I'm really in no hurry to replace it yet...