Coffee grinders

lazydays · « **on:** 30 Nov 2008, 07:08 pm »

I finally broke down and bought a French Press last week, and now don't know how I managed to wait this long! Anyway my grinder is extremely long in the tooth, and really dosn't work well with the press. Went shopping for a new one, and the only one I found anywhere was the one from Cusinart; which really dosn't fit me needs. I like to change coffee varities almost daily, and the Cusinart just dosn't work all that well with that plan. What are you guys using?
gary

SET Man · « **Reply #1 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 07:34 pm »

Hey!

Perfect timing. I was thinking about this too lately.

I have been using Bodum's French Press for sometime now. I usually have the bean grounded at the store.

But lately I sometime don't have time to drink my coffee every morning so I've been thinking of getting a grinder also.

From that I've heard is that lower end cheap grinder tend to turn the bean to dust, work fine for filter coffer maker but not the Press.

So, I would like to know what would be a good inexpensive (around $100 for me) grinder that could grind bean coarse enough with good consistency for French Press?

Take care,
Buddy

S Clark · « **Reply #2 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:25 pm »

Kitchen Aid makes a nice burr grinder that I like because it is quiet. A buddy has one and I recommend it.
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Coffee-Grinder-Pearl-Metallic/dp/B00030IEJG

Mine is a Gaggia, professional build, but loud.
http://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-8002-Grinder-Doser-Black/dp/B0001KOA7I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1228076586&sr=1-1

The Rancilio Rocky is often considered the best of the bunch.
http://www.amazon.com/Rancilio-Rocky-Doserless-Burr-Grinder/dp/B000AYWU9K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1228076643&sr=1-1

None of the good ones are cheap. Read up on them at Whole Latte Love. This one looks interesting for under $100. http://www.wholelattelove.com/Baratza/maestro.cfm

bummrush · « **Reply #3 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:27 pm »

solis maestro

santacore · « **Reply #4 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:34 pm »

I'll second the Solis. Here's a review: http://coffeegeek.com/proreviews/detailed/solismaestro

S Clark · « **Reply #5 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:38 pm »

Quote from: bummrush on 30 Nov 2008, 08:27 pm

solis maestro

Read the reviews on this one before buying. It appears to have a problem with feeding the beans after it gets a bit dirty.

lonewolfny42 · « **Reply #6 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:44 pm »

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-560-01-Infinity-Grinder-Black/dp/B0000AR7SY/ref=pd_sbs_k_4

satfrat · « **Reply #7 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 08:58 pm »

For my needs, the italian made La Pavoni "PA-BURR" burr grinder does a very good job with a wide selection of course to fine coffee. Usual price is around $50 but I think I found mine for under $30.

Cheers,
Robin

Thirsty · « **Reply #8 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 09:28 pm »

I've been useing a Braun bur grinder for years without any problems.

KS · « **Reply #9 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 09:34 pm »

"Consumer Reports" this month has a report on coffee makers and mentions grinders. Among grinders, they like the Capresso 565, $140, Cuisinart DMM-8, $50, while the Mr. Coffee IDS77, $20 "came close" to the best. A Krups, a Black & Decker, and another Cuisinart didn't do as well.

Geardaddy · « **Reply #10 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 10:09 pm »

I third the Solis machine. Have had it for over 5 years without a problem. It is well reviewed (http://www.slashfood.com/2006/11/28/the-best-burr-grinders/) although I know a few individuals have had issues (see Amazon reviews). I have not been vigilant about cleaning it although you are supposed to do that from time to time with rice, etc.

mikel51 · « **Reply #11 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 10:15 pm »

The salesperson at Peet's Coffee sold me the Capresso Infinity rather than the Solis or Gaggia. It was the least expensive of the 3. I have used it for a couple of years and given one as a gift. It is a solid performer.

Philistine · « **Reply #12 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 10:16 pm »

I have a Rancilio Rocky - it's a commercial grinder for the home & priced accordingly

Great grinder but only if you're serious.
The key is to get a burr grinder as these give more consistent grinds than blade grinders, I would start with something like the Solis or La Pavoni that satfrat recommends.

dwk · « **Reply #13 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 11:21 pm »

I got the Breville burr grinder which comes in right around your $100 price, and have been very happy with it so far. Doesn't really go fine enough for espresso - the 'turkish' setting is really good for my aeropress though. The main advantage of this one is simply that it's available at Williams-Sonoma - it was one of the few 'recommended' grinders I could find at a brick-and-mortor store.

bummrush · « **Reply #14 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 11:32 pm »

Any problem with the solis is going to be with super oily beans and thats it,and even then i doubt its problems are strictly limited to this particular grinder,oily beans will goup up anything.Also if your coffee is very oily and roasted way into and past second crack,well you're not much of a connoisseur of good coffee.

DaveC113 · « **Reply #15 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 11:35 pm »

For a french press, you need a pretty high end burr grinder to not end up with powdered bean than makes it through the screen.

FWIW, A stainless steel stovetop espresso maker has retired my french press:

http://www.amazon.com/Bialetti-4-Cup-Stovetop-Espresso-Maker/dp/B000ND3QN2/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1228087561&sr=1-8

AB · « **Reply #16 on:** 30 Nov 2008, 11:44 pm »

I use a Mazzer Mini.

I wouldn't be awake without it.

Nick77 · « **Reply #17 on:** 1 Dec 2008, 12:29 am »

Quote from: mikel51 on 30 Nov 2008, 10:15 pm

The salesperson at Peet's Coffee sold me the Capresso Infinity rather than the Solis or Gaggia. It was the least expensive of the 3. I have used it for a couple of years and given one as a gift. It is a solid performer.

I also picked up the Cappresso from Peets upon their recommendation and have never looked back. Great price for the quality.

SET Man · « **Reply #18 on:** 1 Dec 2008, 01:57 am »

Quote from: lonewolfny42 on 30 Nov 2008, 08:44 pm

http://www.amazon.com/Capresso-560-01-Infinity-Grinder-Black/dp/B0000AR7SY/ref=pd_sbs_k_4

Hey!

Interesting. Looking good, with lots of positive feedbacks and definitely within my budget. I could swing for that.

Maybe I will buy myself an Xmas present this year

Take care,
Buddy

Tyson · « **Reply #19 on:** 1 Dec 2008, 02:03 am »

The kitchenaid has more torque than any other grinder I've used. Probably the best non-commercial grade grinder out there.