coffee gadgets...

[diogenes]

I would go with an electric grinder.
The only fellow I know with a hand-powered grinder uses it when he goes camping.

Originally Posted by Edwood

Anyone with experience with the Zassenhaus Hand Coffee Grinders?

Espresso Zone - Hand Coffee Mills

Which is better, the counter top one or the knee one?

Was wondering if they would be worthwhile. I tend to only drink a cup or so of coffee at a time. I'm more of a casual coffee drinker.

Or should I go with the Solis?

-Ed

[no1likesme]

ever since I broke my french press I have been using a moka pot

[Edwood]

I think I've settled on getting the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder from Costco. And an Aeropress to start.

Any recommendations for a good French Press. Preferrably one that's easy to clean?

I was thinking of using one of those Zojirushi Hot Water Dispensing Pots rather than an electric kettle.

-Ed

[john_jcb]

Originally Posted by immtbiker

Since this is a thread about "coffee gadgets" I don't think I'm going off topic when I ask, "What kind of coffee do you guys drink" (I mean brand).

I enjoy roasting Jamaican Blue Mountain beans. I am also starting to think about blending beans from different areas but have not gone down that path yet. I am also looking for a good bean for espresso.

[meat01]

I just use a Bodum French Press, and I love it. It has numbers inscribed on the side of the glass jar for water and on the metal frame for grounds, so that I can make 3, 6 or 9 cups of coffee with it. I have no problem cleaning it out. I disassemble the plunger assembly and throw the glass jar in the dishwasher or rinse it out.

[john_jcb]

Originally Posted by SiBurning

..........Everyone says roasting makes a lot of smoke, so it's not smart for an apartment dweller. Especially with all those smoke detectors......

There can be smoke if you roast the beans much beyond Full City. I am of the opinion that the flavor is lost beyond this point. I have only set my alarms in the house off once when I was trying an unfamiliar profile and let my attention lapse for a few moments. While smoke is rarely a problem there is a distinctive smell that is let off during roasting that is not the familiar coffee brewing smell. It can be unpleasant to some. An open window helps with a fan. The taste is worth it though.

[diogenes]

Originally Posted by john_jcb

There can be smoke if you roast the beans much beyond Full City. I am of the opinion that the flavor is lost beyond this point. I have only set my alarms in the house off once when I was trying an unfamiliar profile and let my attention lapse for a few moments. While smoke is rarely a problem there is a distinctive smell that is let off during roasting that is not the familiar coffee brewing smell. It can be unpleasant to some. An open window helps with a fan. The taste is worth it though.

This is at odds with my experience.
There has always been a bit smoke here and there and not something, you want to use in a house etc.
Same holds for a roast master I know. Oh well.

[diogenes]

Originally Posted by john_jcb

I enjoy roasting Jamaican Blue Mountain beans. I am also starting to think about blending beans from different areas but have not gone down that path yet. I am also looking for a good bean for espresso.

You might want to try some good Columbian beans.
Price differential aside, the taste differential might be of interest to you.

For espresso, I would suggest a blend...maybe some Yemen as a base.

[SiBurning]

Originally Posted by no1likesme

ever since I broke my french press I have been using a moka pot

You give up too easily. I broke 3 chemex hourglasses, my fourth is slightly cracked, and #5 is sitting in a box just waiting. Not sure it's worth it at $40 a pop. (pun intended) Might be better off with a Technivorm.

[SiBurning]

Originally Posted by diogenes

You might want to try some good Columbian ...maybe some Yemen as a base.