Thread: Coffee Enthusiasts

Thanks for the input on the hand grinders. I may have to get one to try

The axle/burr feels really stable, which was a selling point for me. But do bear in mind I only coarse grind for the press. Also, the rubber sticky base thing is a nice bonus.

My one gripe is the way the knob is attached to the arm - rather than using a collar to keep the knob free spinning, there is what seems to be a threaded washer in there. At first, the knob spun freely. With some use, it started squeaking really loudly and eventually bound up. I took it apart, but couldn't get the washer off because there is a recess on the inside of the knob. I did manage to loosen it up through repeated turning (detached knob, held it by hand, put an allen wrench into the screw, and turned and turned), but it still squeaks. I have no idea why it was designed/assembled this way...

Other than that, it feels really solid and has held up well.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Let us know how the ROK grinder works for you please! I love my ROK machine, and having just gone through a couple of days without power, I'm thinking of getting a new manual grinder. My MSR camping grinder let me get the Bodum into action so it wasn't a *complete* disaster on the coffee front, but it would be nice to have a manual option for espresso.

Be sure to also check out the Lido-ET from Orphan Espresso. This hand grinder will make a better camping partner than the ROK. Takes me about a minute to grind for a serving from my AeroPress.

LIDO E-T

Originally Posted by Speedster

Be sure to also check out the Lido-ET from Orphan Espresso. This hand grinder will make a better camping partner than the ROK. Takes me about a minute to grind for a serving from my AeroPress.

LIDO E-T

Thanks for the tip

He speaks the truth. OE is a very respected supplier of above average goods.

I worked with them for about eight years as a supplier.
~Richard

Up'ed my coffee game from a percolator pot to a burr grinder and a french press. WOW! really enjoying my coffee these days!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I have a hand grinder and French press at the office, and another setup at home. The work set gets more use, so it's the "nicer" gear - I went with a Handground grinder and an Espro press. I've been quite happy with both; they yield a very clean cup. I tend to grab a dark roast of Starbucks brand, and keep it in a mason jar. I could probably do better on the beans, but for the money I've been very happy.

How do you like the Espro? I'm eyeing up one of their travel presses as I have an old Bodum one that works OK, but gets pretty chewy by the end of the cup. Is it as good as they claim for keeping the grounds out?

Originally Posted by Speedster

Be sure to also check out the Lido-ET from Orphan Espresso. This hand grinder will make a better camping partner than the ROK. Takes me about a minute to grind for a serving from my AeroPress.

LIDO E-T

I wouldn't say the ROK grinder is a portable solution. And I'm not sure I'd place most of the hand grinders in the category of the ROK, The length of the grinding arm and mechanical advantage of that length puts the ROK grinder more squarely as a home grinder option.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

How do you like the Espro? I'm eyeing up one of their travel presses as I have an old Bodum one that works OK, but gets pretty chewy by the end of the cup. Is it as good as they claim for keeping the grounds out?

I'm very happy with the Espro. A straight plunge on it is cleaner that I was able to get with the Bodum, no matter what tricks I tried. I did the break and clean, the pour without plunging, the plunge and wait a few minutes and pour - the Bodum would not give as clean a cup regardless.

I'd been worried about cleaning the double filter on the Espro, but I just rinse it without disassembling, and it's fine for me. Every now and then I take it apart for a more thorough cleaning, and it's super fast and easy to do.

I've used my ROK grinder for over a week now and am still impressed. I find my morning grind to be pleasurable. It's much quieter than my Briel ever was. The sweet aromas of the freshly ground coffee are enhanced by the process. I'd say the grinder is much more capable than the ROK espresso maker. Of course I wouldn't want to grind beans for a party this way, but for me and sometimes my wife, it's an elegant solution.