Posted Sun Nov 11, 2012, 11:34am Subject: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
I am looking to downgrade from my commercial grinders to something smaller of a footprint in the kitchen. I brew espresso mainly but occasionally I brew press and pour over/drip. This grinder will not be for espresso. Is there a decent burr grinder out there for drip?
-My budget is $100 -Must be a burr grinder
I am considering the Cuisinart burr grinder, Bodum Bistro or the OE pfp mod with the Skerton hand mill.
Posted Sun Nov 11, 2012, 3:06pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
Here is a video of the Encore from SCG. Click Here
It looks like it's capable Course (French Press) right down past espresso and into Turkish territory. It was even fine enough to choke out the Silvia. I think if one isn't making more than say 3-4 shots at a time the Encore would be a good choice. 40 grind settings.
I have narrowed my search to..
-Baratza Encore -Hario Skelton w/PFP mod
The encore doesn't have a whole lot of settings if you’re looking mainly for espresso but I am sure you can compensate by messing with your tamp pressure.
russ5679 Senior Member Joined: 16 Mar 2005 Posts: 26 Location: WI Expertise: I love coffee
Roaster: IRoast
Posted Sun Nov 11, 2012, 3:39pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
I won't be doing any espresso, just French Press, Clever Dripper, and auto drip.
Both the Baratza Encore and Bodum Bistro seem fine for my needs. I just can't decide which would be best. People here seem to love Baratza grinders. Some of the consumer reviews here aren't that great for the encore, but some are.
SCG also did a review of the Bodum and seemed to think it was pretty good. I think they believe the Baratza is higher quality.
I have a hand grinder right now and it is just to inconsistent.
Dooglas Senior Member Joined: 12 Mar 2005 Posts: 686 Location: Portland, OR Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar HX, La Pavoni lever Grinder: Ascaso, Baratza Drip: Bonavita, Bodum press Roaster: GeneCafe, Behmor
Posted Sun Nov 11, 2012, 7:33pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
In my experience, go for one of the low end Baratza grinders. They are well designed, reliable, and the customer service from Baratza is second to none. The new Encore certainly sounds interesting, but I have gotten good service from both the Maestro and Maestro Plus if you find a bargain somewhere.
Posted Sun Nov 11, 2012, 10:34pm Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
Dooglas Said:
In my experience, go for one of the low end Baratza grinders. They are well designed, reliable, and the customer service from Baratza is second to none.
Posted Mon Nov 12, 2012, 6:50am Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
I picked up the Bodum Bistro from Amazon in October 2011 when they were only $65. I primarily use it for manual pour over with great success. I have had no problems using it with a French Press and even had some success with a pressurized PF Delonghi espresso machine. The grind is consistent and there is little static in the ground coffee container.
My criticisms would be:
(1) Ground coffee seems to get inside the machine and leak out onto the counter when the grinder is moved. (2) The glass ground coffee container seems very fragile - the bottom seems really thin - although I have had no problems. (3) Just this week the power-on light stopped working.
One thing I like about it is that the timer is separate from the grind buttom. I believe the Baratza uses one mechanism for both. The timer is dialed in for my desired amount of coffee and pretty much has been "set it and forget it" until I change the type of coffee I am grinding.
All that being said, when it comes time to replace it I will probably try the Encore if only because the Bodum has nearly doubled in price.
Posted Mon Nov 12, 2012, 7:25am Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
Hmm. I think The Bistro is too expensive for me. I am mainly looking for a small footprint and $100 budget. I can get both the Hario Slim (espresso needs) and the OE modded Skerton (Pour over/Drip/Press) together for $104 including shipping so I guess I will go with that. I also make my first espresso at the crack of dawn (6:45am-7am) so less sound is also a plus.
If anyone is wondering..
The Slim capacity is 24g of ground coffee which is enough for a triple shot. The Skerton capacity is 60-75g which is enough for 1L of coffee.
Posted Mon Nov 12, 2012, 7:52am Subject: Re: Looking for a good burr grinder for drip/press
SKIP the Cuisinart. Piece of $#!t.
The Bistro - WHAT THE!?!?!!?? It was $65-$80 for the longest time. Guess it was that decent... demand went up, and so did the price. I really like it for large amounts of coffee. I think it's a somewhat fair deal at $118, but was really GREAT value at $75. I think, tho, at the same price I'd probably look at the Baratza.
I've used the MSS-1 (hario mini mill slim) for a long time now. Out of the box it is unacceptable. Lots of powder, on anything >5 declicks (below which, it's ALL powder). Modifications are temporary, make it decent for a while then it heads downhill again. I've kinda given up on it.
The modded Skerton is probably your best bet - if you're getting that, don't waste any more money on a slim in addition. The Skerton with OE mod will do as well, with more capacity, a larger burr set, and greater range than the Mini Mill Slim.
Or, save your pennies and go for the LIDO.
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