My objective was to discover a brew method that allowed me to brew a french press quality product, in an amount that would allow me to fill a thermos to share at work. Making 3 or 4 press pots each morning just took too much time. I tried all the tweeks for my drip pot, such as a permanent filter, grinding and adding water immediately before brewing, using spring water, and the taste was still lacking. I do not have an espresso machine, so I consider the french press as the "gold standard" brewing method.
I read the reviews about the Newco and Technivorm machines and understand that they stand alone as the only drip machines that brew at the proper temp. I also read the reviews about the Melitta manual coffee makers, and decided I would try this first, then move up to the Newco or T-vorm if not satisfied.
Well I must say that with some experimentation with my grinder, and with help from the c-geek blog, I feel that I have achieved a french press taste in a larger volume than the press allows. I set my baratza virtuoso anywhere from 16 to 18, and using the brew techniques described in Mark Prince's "How to use a pour over brewer" guide, as well as those in the c-geek consumer reviews, I can actually hand craft the perfect pot of coffee, hot, rich, and very french press-like in taste. I now have total control of the entire process, grind-water quality & temp-brew time, which results in a superior product. I currently use the paper filters, but I have purchased a gold tone filter and will experiment to find that filter's "sweet spot".
The price is very attractive, but I am more interested in the finished product, and gladly would have put out the money for the Newco or T-vorm without hesitation. But now that is not necessary, and I can use the money saved to purchase better beans. |
