DexD Senior Member Joined: 28 Jan 2010 Posts: 29 Location: Ottawa Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 4:57pm Subject: French Press Inconsistency - Possibly the Grinder
Note: This is not quite a re-post of the subject discussed a short while ago here, so I decided on a new subject.
Holding temperature, coffee/water ratio and brew time constant, I've been having consistency issues with my FP. I'm not actually sure if it is the grinder, but considering the relative if not absolute precision (scale, including measurement of water in grams not volume, thermometer readouts of temperature, timer) of all the other variables, I am inclined to at least partially blame the grinder. The issue I have is with unpleasant amounts of bitterness.
The problem is recent, although I may be noticing it more since I migrated from CCD/FP/AP to mostly FP with some AP (CCD broke). In any case, I am getting the feeling that the FP grind is more flaky than before. The only real test so far is reserving some of the grinds on paper. Huge inconsistencies, with too many fines; the amount of fines annoyingly seems to also vary between grinds. This is a CBM-18 grinder and I'm quite sure it was more consistent when new.
So: I am looking for a proper FP grinder. Not something that will 'do,' but something that will hopefully be far more consistent and (hopefully longer lasting) than my current CBM-18. Electrical or hand grinders would both be a-OK, I'm interested in something that will last more than a year or two.
EvanOz85 Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2011 Posts: 258 Location: Lafayette, LA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Preciso, Hario... Vac Pot: Bodum Santos, Yama 5-cup Drip: Chemex, Kone 3, Kalita Wave,... Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Mon Oct 29, 2012, 5:55pm Subject: Re: French Press Inconsistency - Possibly the Grinder
Baratza Virtuoso. Hands down. Best consumer grinder for French Press. Throw away that Cuisinart coffee smasher.
You can get a refurbished Virtuoso from Baratza for I *think* $199..maybe less $175. They are out of refurbs right now but keep checking this page to see when they have more available: Click Here (www.baratza.com)
They don't ship to Canada, unfortunately. I thought earlier that wouldn't be a problem -- just go down to my friendly neighbourhood border town and pick it up, no big deal. However, Baratza grinders are not made in a NAFTA country, so by the time I calculate gas + tax + duty, it's not a useful discount over $240 I can get a new Virtuoso w/ Preciso burrs.
Since I am guessing you have the model, I am wondering how you are finding the consistency of the grind and its long-term performance -- specifically, any issues with losing calibration over time?
EvanOz85 Senior Member Joined: 9 Jul 2011 Posts: 258 Location: Lafayette, LA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: La Spaziale Mini Vivaldi II Grinder: Baratza Preciso, Hario... Vac Pot: Bodum Santos, Yama 5-cup Drip: Chemex, Kone 3, Kalita Wave,... Roaster: Behmor 1600
Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012, 10:36am Subject: Re: French Press Inconsistency - Possibly the Grinder
I can't personally comment on the long-term consistency of the grind since I've only had mine since August (I bought the Preciso which features an additional micro-adjustment for making espresso, otherwise the grinder is the same). However the Virtuoso is highly regarded by countless members here as being a top-notch grinder for FP and drip. Baratza also has excellent customer service, so if there would be issues later down the line I'm sure they would be able to get them sorted out in a quick and friendly manner.
I used to sell Baratza rerurbished grinders for Canada but unfortunately that was phased out at the end of April..
I thought earlier that wouldn't be a problem -- just go down to my friendly neighbourhood border town and pick it up, no big deal. However, Baratza grinders are not made in a NAFTA country, so by the time I calculate gas + tax + duty, it's not a useful discount over $240 I can get a new Virtuoso w/ Preciso burrs.
Actually $249.00 at the Greenbeanery, but you also get an additional $30.00 coffee credit so that's a great deal! {;-)
redkiosk Senior Member Joined: 13 May 2012 Posts: 162 Location: Chicago Metro Area Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Illy Francis-Francis X1 Grinder: Baratza Preciso w/ Esatto... Vac Pot: Someday, very intriguing Drip: Bunn Trifecta MB Roaster: A sure path to divorce!
Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012, 6:01pm Subject: Re: French Press Inconsistency - Possibly the Grinder
Maybe it's the Virtuoso with the Preciso burrs. I've had the latest version of the Preciso (obviously with the Preciso burrs) for over 6 month . Just can't say enough good things about it. Used three times a day, every day. Consistent grinds all the time. Take care!
Jim
The pathologically precise are annoying, but right!
Posted Tue Oct 30, 2012, 6:07pm Subject: Re: French Press Inconsistency - Possibly the Grinder
redkiosk Said:
Maybe it's the Virtuoso with the Preciso burrs. I've had the latest version of the Preciso (obviously with the Preciso burrs) for over 6 month . Just can't say enough good things about it. Used three times a day, every day. Consistent grinds all the time. Take care!
I've had mine for almost 2½ years now, used twice & sometimes more each & every day with not ONE problem. Have had the Esatto attachment on it since Aug 31/11 & love this combo.
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