Thread: Coffee Enthusiasts

I roast in a behmor drum roaster, grind with a Rancilio Rockey, extract with either my semi-auto la pavoni, press pot, java pot or Turkish Ibrik depending on what style I want. I've got a zassenhaus manual grinder that I like but only use occasionally- mostly when I travel.

A good conical burr grinder is the most important machine you will ever buy for your coffee making. Buy the very best you can afford and figure about 300.00 or so gets you into the right class. It will last and perform as it should and without it, you can't get the most out of your beans or your brewing. To cheap on any other component if you must but if you love good coffee, get a really good grinder.

I use a Behmor 1600 to roast my beans. I mainly do Columbian right now as a daily driver. I've been experimenting (with little success so far) at blending.

I use a Breville burr grinder, and a Bodum press. Daily.

Can't mess with the coffee in the morning. THat AM cup has to be spectacular!

I used a Zassenhaus for years until I got a kitchen-aid last year. I've got 4 Zassenhaus grinders though, like any normal person, back when I was into them. They are super cool. The Brilliante is the best one AFAIC. I have a french press but just use a pour over Melitta more often than not. Beans custom roasted Mocha Java by JBHoren lately. If not I get whatever is on sale.

Originally Posted by PapaBull

I roast in a behmor drum roaster, grind with a Rancilio Rockey, extract with either my semi-auto la pavoni, press pot, java pot or Turkish Ibrik depending on what style I want. I've got a zassenhaus manual grinder that I like but only use occasionally- mostly when I travel.

A good conical burr grinder is the most important machine you will ever buy for your coffee making. Buy the very best you can afford and figure about 300.00 or so gets you into the right class. It will last and perform as it should and without it, you can't get the most out of your beans or your brewing. To cheap on any other component if you must but if you love good coffee, get a really good grinder.

This is exactly what I learned. I went from a blade to an Infinity (low end conical) and the different in my french press was noticeable. The infinity crapped out and I replaced it with something better (we also bought an espresso machine which required a big upgrade on it's own - I have a baratza vario and really love it), but having a good solid grinder will make your coffee worth it.

The top off point is how sensitive your taste buds are. If you can barely tell the difference between starbucks charcoal and a local high-end coffee shop with fresh roasted beans, then go with a cheapie burr grinder at least (just because they are in fact a lot better than the spinning blades). If you describe a coffee as having hints of strawberry or smell grass up front... well then you need a big budget and to visit a different website .

Well, this does not surprise me. SR users like special grinders, home roasters, high end brewing devices...

I love coffee. To much actually and I have to watch my intake. I don't have expensive beans or equipment.

The blade type grinder has been just fine for me. I tend to cycle it and shake it around. I'd be interested in taste testing differences between that and a conical manual grinder. I've never heard of blades being bad and don't notice a temp change like warm coffee grounds.

Tip - do not freeze your coffee. Well, don't put an open container in there. Vacuum sealed, brand new beans are okay in there. Once you cut the bag and take that nice whiff of fresh coffee, keep it in your cupboard to avoid absorbing freezer air flavor.

I do really like my french press. The fiance takes decaf in the drip and I have regular in the press. It's very easy to use and can be fast if you microwave your water. If you're anti micro, then you already have a good tea pot for boiling. Of course you should not use 'boiling' water for coffee, just a notch under. Bring it to a boil, let it cool for a minute or two, then setup the press for steeping, then press and pour. I think if you buy just one new thing, it should be a french press.

Mr. Coffee has an okay personal espresso machine that I used to use. It steamed milk okay and was good for the coffee to. Filtered water was a must though as it seemed to bring out the worst in tap.

DK is alright. I like Pete's if I get a major brand. I don't care for Starbucks. We have two local roasting companies here and they are better still. My favorite beans come from African soils. My least favorite is Kona!

Did someone say coffee?
This is just one aisle of coffee at work.

I was told that the Bay area is where most of the coffee coming into the U.S. is warehoused because the optimal climate.

New Orleans used to get a lot of coffee.

Used to know a guy in Biloxi(I think) whose family had been in the business of reclaiming coffee that had become damp during shipment. I would guess container ships have eliminated that hazard.

Speaking of New Orleans, I just finished off a can of chicory coffee.

Originally Posted by rolodave

New Orleans used to get a lot of coffee.

Used to know a guy in Biloxi(I think) whose family had been in the business of reclaiming coffee that had become damp during shipment. I would guess container ships have eliminated that hazard.

No, there is still coffee that comes into the warehouse that is moldy. Not a lot but some.