Coffee Grinders

tony b · Post by **tony b** » Sat Jun 01, 2013 10:29 am

At the last meeting, several of us were talking about our passion for good coffee, even so far as some members (Lee and Jeremy) roast their own beans. One of the topics we discussed was burr grinders (as opposed to the cheaper blade type). Well, as fate happens, my old Cuisinart burr grinder died this week after many years of almost daily use. So, I started doing some internet research into replacements. While the Cuisinart was a decent grinder, it did have its faults - very noisy (wake the dead noisy!), not easy to clean, and somewhat nonuniform grind (on medium grind it would still produce a fair amount of "dust"). Consequently, I upgraded to the next level of grinder - Capresso Infinity (model 565.04), with the metal body. Arrived yesterday, so I got to break it in this morning. I couldn't be happier. Down right quite compared to the old one and a very uniform grind. Easy to remove the upper burr for cleaning. The only unknown at this point is reliability - only time will tell.

If you're curious, this was the best deal I found online - http://www.1stincoffee.com/capresso-infinity.htm

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 9:45 pm

Anybody know of a hand powered burr grinder? Want super fresh coffee in Boundary Waters this year.

DrPaulsen · Post by **DrPaulsen** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 9:47 pm

http://www.peacecoffee.com/online-store/product.php?ID=260

I used to know a guy that used one of these every day and loved it.

On Sun, Jun 2, 2013 at 10:45 PM, Matt F <test@crbeernuts.org (test@crbeernuts.org)> wrote:

Anybody know of a hand powered burr grinder? Want super fresh coffee in Boundary Waters this year.

Matt Franklin
Slappy Brewing North

On Tap:
Paddler's Pale Ale
Hefeweizen
Funk You Very Much Belgian Sour
Bourbon Barrel Aged Up in Smoke Imperial Porter

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Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:03 pm

Do you think this grinder looks any good? Attaches to top of french press.
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/br ... ,3223.html

DrPaulsen · Post by **DrPaulsen** » Sun Jun 02, 2013 10:12 pm

Sounds convenient. Between the lack of supplied product details & my relative expertise in coffee gear for backpacking, I expect this will make the greatest cup of coffee you've ever tasted.

On Sun, Jun 2, 2013 at 11:03 PM, Matt F <test@crbeernuts.org (test@crbeernuts.org)> wrote:

Do you think this grinder looks any good? Attaches to top of french press.
http://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/browse.cfm/4,3223.html

Matt Franklin
Slappy Brewing North

On Tap:

NOTHING!

Fermenting/Aging:
Saison with two different yeasts
Sour Brown
Russian River Consecration Kit

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Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:25 am

Agreed. Luxury goods always taste best in the back country. Had days a couple years ago in Boundary Waters were we just kept drinking cup after cup of fresh coffee out of the french press. Think we all had the jitters by the time we stopped.

brownbeard · Post by **brownbeard** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:43 am

Matt F wrote:Agreed. Luxury goods always taste best in the back country. Had days a couple years ago in Boundary Waters were we just kept drinking cup after cup of fresh coffee out of the french press. Think we all had the jitters by the time we stopped.

I think if we get Roasters to grind it for us, it should be good for a week. $40 for a hand burr grinder seems excessive. But, it's your dime. I am considering a larger french press. But the stainless ones are pricey.

tony b · Post by **tony b** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 11:25 am

You could either buy it ground at Roasters or grind it yourself here, but break it down into daily quantities and vacuum seal it with your FoodSaver. It would stay fresher that way (and no worries about it accidently getting wet).

I'd opt out for the camping version, if you get the hand grinder- less worries about breaking the glass on the $40 version. It's also cheaper on Amazon ($20) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHGMDHS/ref ... B00CHGMDHS

Tim, for the price point, this stainless model gets pretty good reviews - http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Nissan-34 ... _sg_text_y

whitedj · Post by **whitedj** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 11:33 am

I have the Nissan press. Overall I do enjoy it. I've been using a coffee filter under the screen which helps to keep more of the grounds out of the coffee as my screen is slightly bent. If you want to try it before you buy one let me know.

On Mon, Jun 3, 2013 at 12:25 PM, tony b <test@crbeernuts.org (test@crbeernuts.org)> wrote:

You could either buy it ground at Roasters or grind it yourself here, but break it down into daily quantities and vacuum seal it with your FoodSaver. It would stay fresher that way (and no worries about it accidently getting wet).

I'd opt out for the camping version, if you get the hand grinder- less worries about breaking the glass on the $40 version. It's also cheaper on Amazon ($20) http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CHGMDHS/ref=asc_df_B00CHGMDHS2536915?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=msnshopping-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B00CHGMDHS

Tim, for the price point, this stainless model gets pretty good reviews - http://www.amazon.com/Thermos-Nissan-34-Ounce-Insulated-Stainless-Steel/dp/B00004S1DB/ref=pd_bxgy_sg_text_y

A Mighty Wind's A Brewing

Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy! Ben Franklin

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whitedj · Post by **whitedj** » Mon Jun 03, 2013 11:35 am

I have the Nissan press. Overall I do enjoy it. I've been using a coffee filter under the screen which helps to keep more of the grounds out of the coffee as my screen is slightly bent. If you want to try it before you buy one let me know.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 7:33 am

Nice price on the Nissan. I have a 20oz. Planetary Designs french press which is what we used last time. Too small for a group of 8 but it did get the job done...4 minutes at a time. Planetary Designs has a 48oz. model but it isn't cheap. I will still bring my 20oz. to add capacity if we get a large one.

http://www.amazon.com/Planetary-Design- ... ry+designs

Probably pass on the grinder. Much easier to just have it ground for the trip. I still need to get a better grinder for home use though and for $20 bucks I may try it out.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 7:35 am

After reading reviews, I think I will just get a decent grinder at home at some point. The portable hand grinder seems to be a compromise when I don't really need it to be portable.

brownbeard · Post by **brownbeard** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:05 am

I just had a conversation with David from Roasters. He said he actually has one of the hand grinders in his camping equipment. He doesn't recommend it, unless you are doing only one cup of coffee at a time. He grinds his at the coffee shop, and takes it.

tony b · Post by **tony b** » Tue Jun 04, 2013 10:15 am

4 days in and I can't say enough good things about the Capresso grinder. Price point puts it in the "second tier" of grinders, but well work the increase over the old Cuisinart.

Matt, put it on your "short list" of grinders to consider for home use.