mkeller234 Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2012 Posts: 19 Location: Ohio Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Dec 27, 2012, 12:53am Subject: Guide a novice to a proper grinder
I know this subject has been done to death, and believe me, I have done a lot of reading. After all of this, my brain is swimming.
Just a little background info: I'm not new to coffee, I am new to caring about my coffee. I started with a Bodum Chambord press, now I need a grinder. My first instinct was to run out to target and get one of those ubiquitous blade grinders... after a bit of research, I am glad that I did not. I like the idea of simple methods producing great things. I've really enjoyed dipping into the world of coffee, it's much larger than I thought. I can see myself trying other methods someday, like Chemex, Aeropress or maybe Vacuum. I'm right up the street from a nice place called Muggswigz Coffee and tea, I believe a few of the employees have posted here once or twice.
It seems that achieving a consistent, coarse grind is not as easy as I initially thought. My budget started in the basement and has steadily risen after reading many reviews. I've read about and considered Hario Skerton, Porlex tall, Baratza Encore and even vintage grinders, like a Zassenhaus. At the moment, I am nearly set on an Orphan Espresso Lido ($165.00). That represents the top end of my budget. I am ok with spending that money if the grinder lives up to it's reputation. My main question, is there another grinder in that price range that can outclass the Lido? I don't mind the manual grinding at all.
So, convenience aside, within a $170.00 budget, which grinder produces a superior grind specifically for a French press? That is a lot of money to me and I want to be very thorough before pulling the trigger.
Hi calblacksmith, thank you for the reply. The Baratza Encore that you posted is one of the grinders that I listed and considered. My main question about the Baratza, is the grind quality inferior or superior compared to the OE Lido? I'm not concerned with the convenience of electricity, i'm just looking to get the best results that I can afford. In reading, that seems to be the argument against the Baratza.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,795 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Thu Dec 27, 2012, 1:18pm Subject: Re: Guide a novice to a proper grinder
I own a Lido. I have not used an Encore, but I do own a Solis 166, which is basically a Maestro (or pretty darn close to it). The Lido is very, very far superior, as in...in a different league. I would equate it more to my Macap M4 in grind quality and consistency. I've read reviews that rate it on par with a Mazzer Mini (which is about on par with my Macap) for espresso grind. Now, I haven't used the Lido for espresso. Rather, I've used it exclusively for "press" brews (which means; standard french press, Aeropress and Espro press). Lido is also good for travel (an added bonus).
mkeller234 Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2012 Posts: 19 Location: Ohio Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Dec 27, 2012, 2:20pm Subject: Re: Guide a novice to a proper grinder
Ah, that is what I was hoping to hear! I had to look up what an Macap M4 was, clearly that one is out of my price range. However, it does help reassure me about the quality of the LIDO. Like I said, I assumed that was the case,but 180 dollars for a grinder is SCARY territory to me. Just two weeks ago I would have said my grinder budget was about 25 dollars. Somehow, I have convinced myself to splurge.... so I hope it pays off with great coffee.
As of this afternoon, I now have enough money for the purchase. I've made a couple small sales in my other hobby (bicycles) to fund my new interest.
Thank you for the very helpful response. It really helps knowing that you actually own and use both machines.
mkeller234 Senior Member Joined: 27 Dec 2012 Posts: 19 Location: Ohio Expertise: I like coffee
Posted Thu Dec 27, 2012, 7:51pm Subject: Re: Guide a novice to a proper grinder
I attempted to buy the OE Lido today and found that they are closed for the holidays. That makes sense. I'll just have to exercise a bit of patience, but I am really excited. Maybe i'll raise some funds for a scale and bean storage. Any suggestions on either of those two items?
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,795 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Fri Dec 28, 2012, 1:23pm Subject: Re: Guide a novice to a proper grinder
www.oldwillknottscales.com I like the Sohnes, but there are other good brands. Many styles to choose from. Make sure resolution is to 0.1g
I store in Ball mason jars, the 4 oz jars hold about 45g beans (about 2 single serve doses in an Aeropress or small Espro press). I use 4 oz, 8 oz and 16 oz jars - depending on where the beans will be used.
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