Le_Pamplemousse Senior Member Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Rural KY., USA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Wed Aug 18, 2004, 1:09pm Subject: Newbie With Grinder Question....
Hi, Everybody!
I just discovered this forum! (Heck...I just discovered good coffee!) and I have a question:
I just bought myself a French Press (Or must I say "Freedom Press" now? Awww...I'll just call it a Frog Coffee Pot!)
I want to get a burr grinder, so that I can fully realize the benefits of my above-mentioned contraption....but I do not want to (read: can not) spend alot of money.
I've been considering getting a Krups GVX1-14 Burr Coffee Grinder- it's only $50, with free shipping. It looks like your basic, simple burr grinder......but I wonder if it gives a semblance of a uniform grind?
Has anyone here used this grinder? I looked in the reviews...but no mention there of this one. I wouldn't mind paying $50. if it's a decent grinder for French Press- but i'd hate to waste the money if it's a piece of crap.
Any advice much appreciated! (Couldn't find it on Epinions either)
Also: I'd really lke to have a hand-cranked grinder. Are there reasonably priced ones out there that work good?
Posted Wed Aug 18, 2004, 1:45pm Subject: Re: Newbie With Grinder Question....
the Zassenhaus grinders are manuals--they cost about the same but most of the money goes into the burr set (which does the grinding). Of course, you have to grind the coffee yourself :) which is slower. They are widely available at many of coffeegeek's sponsors. I know nothing about the Krups, but all cheap burr grinders pretty much use the same low grade burr set.
Posted Wed Aug 18, 2004, 2:10pm Subject: Re: Newbie With Grinder Question....
Truth be told you can use about anything for French Press. It depends on how much and what sized particles you can accept in your coffee. I have a French press and have ordered a Capresso Infinity for it, based on reviews that I have read. Until it arrives I am using a blade grinder. I find the coffee made with the blade grinder acceptable.
What happens with cheaper grinders is that they do not produce uniform sized particles so that even if you have set the correct size for your press, significant numbers of smaller particles can be created to ruin your drink. One way this happens is through burr wear, cheaper grinders do not use the same high grade steel as more expensive grinders. Another way is though the burrs being out of parallel so that they grind more finely on one side than on the other. I would say that with a less expensive grinder chances of this happening are greater.
So, bottom line is that French presses are as forgiving of inexpensive grinders as your tastes will allow.
Regarding a manual grinder, Zassenhaus is one of the best. Check them out here .
Bob
By the way, I would ask that you please not use the pejorative term 'frog' to refer to the French. It made me uncomfortable to think that some folks who read coffeegeek might be deeply offended.
Le_Pamplemousse Senior Member Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Rural KY., USA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Aug 22, 2004, 11:02am Subject: Re: Newbie With Grinder Question....
Thanks, guys.
I can stand quite a bit of crud in my coffee- so I guess it's not too critical.
I'm going to get a Zassenhaus. Now I have to decide between a Turkish model (I've had Turkish coffee in the past, and am planning on buying an ibrik or cervez....whatever) and a "regular" model. But I've heard that Turkish coffee can e ground in whirly blasde grinder with perfectly acceptable results.
I'll probably go with the Turkish though- since that'll work for any brew method that I'm ever likely to use- press, ibrik or stove-top expresso.
If only they weren't so darn expensive!
Bob: Sorry if "Frog" bothered you- I guess not everyone can take my comments in the good-natured and humorous way in which they are intended. (It's ironic, too- for lately I've been defending the French alot)
Posted Sun Aug 22, 2004, 11:39am Subject: Re: Newbie With Grinder Question....
Hi Rich,
I just bought this Zass model Z175M Turkish coffee mill in polished brass last month, it is stated on the 1st-line website that this will grind as fine as Turkish powder & is only suitable for Turkish grind. I've not had any problem grinding for the French press & the grind consistency is excellent under a Lithographers printing type checker. The grind setting screw doesn't move or drift like on say the Beechwood knee model Z156. I'm verry happy with this grinder & own both.
All of the box mills have nearly the same capacity.The grind is extremely even and fully adjustable, excellent for stovetop-type espresso, filter coffee, and French press coffee.
Le_Pamplemousse Senior Member Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 81 Location: Rural KY., USA Expertise: Just starting
Posted Sun Aug 22, 2004, 11:53am Subject: Re: Newbie With Grinder Question....
Bob,
That's the one I've been looking at. The box-style ones look like they'd be very awkward. Do you know if these Turkish jobs are guaranteed for ten years like the box-style ones?
I'm watching a few box style ones on Ebay- if I can get one of them cheap, I may. If not, I'll order one of these Turks from SweetMarias. (And the Zassenhauses on Ebay never seem to go cheap enough, to make the deal worthwhile. Who wants to pay $40 after shipping charges are included, for something you can buy brand new for $55 that comes with a 10 year guarantee?!)
Craig,
Thanks for the input! You're really making me think that the Turkish is the way to go. I appreciate a good terstimonial like that, from someone who actually uses the product. I never believe advertising....but a good testimonial is worth a thousand ads! If I can't get a Zass box mill for $25 or less on Ebay, I'm buying a Turkish!
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