Coffee: crankin' it until I have a sloppy puck

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Goons with Spoons > Coffee: crankin' it until I have a sloppy puck

Mu Zeta: Oct 17, 2002; Me crush ass to dust

If you have the cash I'd pick up one of the premium hand grinders just for usability alone. Personally I'm waiting for the Comandante to come in stock. I like my LIDO a lot but changing the grind settings is a huge pain so I'm probably going to give it to my cousin or try to sell it. I love how the Porlex looks but that's all. The handle on mine slipped off a lot but I thought the new version locked on.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 05:08

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# ? Apr 30, 2024 06:45

HERAK: Dec 1, 2004

I really quite like my hand grinder but I now find myself occasionally wanting to make coffee for more than one person. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good electric grinder that will work for an aeropress, a moka pot and a french press?

# ? Jul 5, 2020 13:40

Gunder: May 22, 2003

HERAK posted:

I really quite like my hand grinder but I now find myself occasionally wanting to make coffee for more than one person. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good electric grinder that will work for an aeropress, a moka pot and a french press?

Price range?

# ? Jul 5, 2020 13:57

Munkaboo: Aug 5, 2002; If you know the words, you can join in too
He's bigger! faster! stronger too!
He's the newest member of the Jags O-Line crew!

Mu Zeta posted:

If you have the cash I'd pick up one of the premium hand grinders just for usability alone. Personally I'm waiting for the Comandante to come in stock. I like my LIDO a lot but changing the grind settings is a huge pain so I'm probably going to give it to my cousin or try to sell it. I love how the Porlex looks but that's all. The handle on mine slipped off a lot but I thought the new version locked on.

I'm in the same boat but I just dropped 300 for a freshroast 540 with the extension tube and modified chaff collector so I'm cutting myself off.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 14:35

HERAK: Dec 1, 2004

Gunder posted:

Price range?

Ah knew I should have waited until after my 2nd cup of the day to post. around �100 - �150ish but higher is also possible if it's a great machine.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 14:56

Gunder: May 22, 2003

HERAK posted:

Ah knew I should have waited until after my 2nd cup of the day to post. around �100 - �150ish but higher is also possible if it's a great machine.

I'd say a Baratza Encore? It's right in that price range, and should be capable of all the things you want it to do.

https://baratza.com/grinder/encore/

Edit: The only thing I'm not so sure about is the moka pot range, as that is pretty close to espresso, and the Encore isn't an espresso grinder.

Gunder fucked around with this message at 15:08 on Jul 5, 2020

# ? Jul 5, 2020 15:06

MonkeyLibFront: Feb 26, 2003; Where's the cake?

HERAK posted:

Ah knew I should have waited until after my 2nd cup of the day to post. around £100 - £150ish but higher is also possible if it's a great machine.

I should be recieving the Wilfa Svart sometime in the next week, I'll give you a trip report if you'd like? Like it's been said it might not do Moka as it's very close to espresso but I can definitely give opinion on pour over and french press et Al.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 15:11

Munkaboo: Aug 5, 2002; If you know the words, you can join in too
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Gunder posted:

I'd say a Baratza Encore? It's right in that price range, and should be capable of all the things you want it to do.

https://baratza.com/grinder/encore/

Edit: The only thing I'm not so sure about is the moka pot range, as that is pretty close to espresso, and the Encore isn't an espresso grinder.

You will be plenty fine with an Encore with a moka pot. Espresso grinds are a whole other beast

# ? Jul 5, 2020 16:00

Gunder: May 22, 2003

With Munkaboo's clarification, I'd happily recommend the Encore. It's a really well made, well-reviewed grinder.

Edit: Here's an in-depth review of the Encore: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-coffee-grinder/

Here's a James Hoffmann comparative review of the Wilfa and the Encore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gm6UfD9qSc

Both grinders perform pretty similarly, the Wilfa will probably be a bit cheaper. Baratza is known for having a fantastic support and repair network, I can't speak to that about the Wilfa, as I have never owned one.

Gunder fucked around with this message at 16:46 on Jul 5, 2020

# ? Jul 5, 2020 16:36

red19fire: May 26, 2010

I use an encore with a moka pot all the time. I usually have it set at the 20 mark. You just need to grind it a bit coarser than the perforations in the basket so the grounds don�t get forced through.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 17:46

Munkaboo: Aug 5, 2002; If you know the words, you can join in too
He's bigger! faster! stronger too!
He's the newest member of the Jags O-Line crew!

Don't forget you can buy the m2 burr which is used in the virtuoso for an easy and awesome upgrade to the Encore

# ? Jul 5, 2020 17:52

sellouts: Apr 23, 2003

Try to grab an Encore or Virtuoso refurbished or even used. Virtuoso is in stock for 150. Edit: oops ships to US only.

https://www.baratza.com/shop/refurb

They�re really bulletproof. I don�t mess with Espresso and my setup right now is pretty great with no upgrades needed for a while. My only variable is the new beans I try. Everything else is dialed in.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 18:33

Gunder: May 22, 2003

If you're buying in the UK, then you can certainly get an Encore from coffeehit.co.uk. They have them currently for around �130.

Edit: They also sell refurbished models for cheaper, although I don't think they have any refurbs in stock at the moment.

# ? Jul 5, 2020 18:41

mystes: May 31, 2006

Does anyone know if the Upgrade to Preciso Burr Kit is compatible with Maestros? It seems like it probably should be but I can't find any actual confirmation.

Edit: Oh never mind. If you look at the page for the GB 2.0 kit by itself (without the burr from the upgrade kit) it has actual instructions on how to check for compatibility although annoyingly you have to open it and look at the motor.

mystes fucked around with this message at 18:53 on Jul 5, 2020

# ? Jul 5, 2020 18:44

HERAK: Dec 1, 2004

Gunder posted:

With Munkaboo's clarification, I'd happily recommend the Encore. It's a really well made, well-reviewed grinder.

Edit: Here's an in-depth review of the Encore: https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/the-best-coffee-grinder/

Here's a James Hoffmann comparative review of the Wilfa and the Encore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gm6UfD9qSc

Both grinders perform pretty similarly, the Wilfa will probably be a bit cheaper. Baratza is known for having a fantastic support and repair network, I can't speak to that about the Wilfa, as I have never owned one.

I went down a James Hoffmann rabbit hole over the weekend. I think it will be the Baratza with the upgraded burrs, I'll need to check the various cookware stores around me. and see if they have a second hand one lurking somewhere.

# ? Jul 6, 2020 22:38

Gunder: May 22, 2003

HERAK posted:

I went down a James Hoffmann rabbit hole over the weekend. I think it will be the Baratza with the upgraded burrs, I'll need to check the various cookware stores around me. and see if they have a second hand one lurking somewhere.

You might want to see if anywhere is selling a Virtuoso+ refurbed. Saves you the upgrade.

# ? Jul 6, 2020 23:12

screaden: Apr 8, 2009

So what's the recommended entry level espresso machine these days? I've only done a quick search and it looks I'll be spending around $1,000 AUD. Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silva seem to be the most common

# ? Jul 7, 2020 11:28

Gunder: May 22, 2003

There's also the cheaper Breville/Sage stuff too. I like my Breville Barista Pro a lot. Silvia is probably better, though more expensive.

# ? Jul 7, 2020 11:48

KRILLIN IN THE NAME: Mar 25, 2006; goku i won't do what u tell me

screaden posted:

So what's the recommended entry level espresso machine these days? I've only done a quick search and it looks I'll be spending around $1,000 AUD. Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silva seem to be the most common

Hell for ~1000AUD you could get a Europiccola, but that's not exactly entry level. Same website has the Gaggia Classic though for 800AUD

# ? Jul 7, 2020 14:57

Frank Dillinger: May 16, 2007; Jawohl mein herr!

screaden posted:

So what's the recommended entry level espresso machine these days? I've only done a quick search and it looks I'll be spending around $1,000 AUD. Gaggia Classic and Rancilio Silva seem to be the most common

You�ll also need to budget for a grinder if you don�t have one yet, espresso grinders are expensive. Rancillio Rocky + Silvia is a pretty common recommendation for entry level espresso. It�s a single boiler machine though, so if you want to steam milk and make coffee, it can take a while.

# ? Jul 7, 2020 15:55

Abner Assington: Mar 13, 2005; For I am a sinner in the hands of an angry god. Bloody Mary, full of vodka, blessed are you among cocktails. Pray for me now, at the hour of my death, which I hope is soon.

Amen.

You also likely want to get one with a PID installed (or buy a kit and do it yourself), unless you're a superfan of surfing for the right temperatures.

# ? Jul 7, 2020 16:51

Lord Stimperor: Jun 13, 2018; I'm a lovable meme.

My ROK coffee grinder seems to be delayed. It's in the country since the weekend, but according to the tracking code hasn't been handed over to the local mail service yet. No bragging rights and pictures yet

# ? Jul 7, 2020 16:54

red19fire: May 26, 2010

HERAK posted:

I went down a James Hoffmann rabbit hole over the weekend. I think it will be the Baratza with the upgraded burrs, I'll need to check the various cookware stores around me. and see if they have a second hand one lurking somewhere.

This is what I did and it�s fantastic. There was a virtuoso posted on baratza�s refurb section for $150 that was gone within a day. The Encore with the M2 upgrade ended up being about $165 for me.

# ? Jul 7, 2020 17:34

Jestery: Aug 2, 2016; Not a Dickman, just a shape

Lord Stimperor posted:

My ROK coffee grinder seems to be delayed. It's in the country since the weekend, but according to the tracking code hasn't been handed over to the local mail service yet. No bragging rights and pictures yet

*Shakes fist at covid*

# ? Jul 7, 2020 22:22

screaden: Apr 8, 2009

Frank Dillinger posted:

You�ll also need to budget for a grinder if you don�t have one yet, espresso grinders are expensive. Rancillio Rocky + Silvia is a pretty common recommendation for entry level espresso. It�s a single boiler machine though, so if you want to steam milk and make coffee, it can take a while.

I've been using the v60 for a while but sometimes miss my flat whites so I've already got the Baratza Encore, will that be sufficient?

KRILLIN IN THE NAME posted:

Hell for ~1000AUD you could get a Europiccola, but that's not exactly entry level. Same website has the Gaggia Classic though for 800AUD

I hadn't even thought about manual ones, I just assumed they were all crazy expensive.

# ? Jul 7, 2020 23:46

Furious Lobster: Jun 17, 2006; Soiled Meat

screaden posted:

I've been using the v60 for a while but sometimes miss my flat whites so I've already got the Baratza Encore, will that be sufficient?

I hadn't even thought about manual ones, I just assumed they were all crazy expensive.

No, for espresso an Encore is definitely not sufficient. If you like the Baratza line, I think the Vario is the first grinder that can output decent espresso quality.

# ? Jul 8, 2020 00:33

Frank Dillinger: May 16, 2007; Jawohl mein herr!

screaden posted:

I've been using the v60 for a while but sometimes miss my flat whites so I've already got the Baratza Encore, will that be sufficient?

I hadn't even thought about manual ones, I just assumed they were all crazy expensive.

I�ll be able to tell you Thursday, I�ve ordered an espresso machine but haven�t gotten my new grinder yet either so I�ll be testing it out with my old encore.

# ? Jul 8, 2020 01:06

Gunder: May 22, 2003

When it comes to espresso, the problem with something like the Encore is that you can�t make small enough adjustments to properly dial in the grind size. Espresso grinders, like the Eureka Mignon Specialita, or the Baratza Sette 270, have way more grind settings, so you can really minutely control the grind size.

# ? Jul 8, 2020 01:30

Frank Dillinger: May 16, 2007; Jawohl mein herr!

Oh, I�m aware, but it will be interesting to go from an entry level machine to a high end one.

# ? Jul 8, 2020 02:08

milkman dad: Aug 13, 2007

Frank Dillinger posted:

Oh, I�m aware, but it will be interesting to go from an entry level machine to a high end one.

What about the mignon filtro? https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-filtro-coffee-grinder-black

# ? Jul 9, 2020 00:29

curried lamb of God: Aug 31, 2001; we are all Marwinners

milkman dad posted:

What about the mignon filtro? https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/eureka-mignon-filtro-coffee-grinder-black

It's supposed to be Eureka's grinder for filter (duh) coffees, but it has the same adjustment knob as my Specialita, so it could work for espresso. I'd ask the retailer to be sure, though.

The Manuale is supposed to be their entry-level espresso grinder - it's the same as the Silenzio, sans noise-damping or the timer

# ? Jul 9, 2020 00:54

milkman dad: Aug 13, 2007

curried lamb of God posted:

It's supposed to be Eureka's grinder for filter (duh) coffees, but it has the same adjustment knob as my Specialita, so it could work for espresso. I'd ask the retailer to be sure, though.

The Manuale is supposed to be their entry-level espresso grinder - it's the same as the Silenzio, sans noise-damping or the timer

Yeah I have the Eureka Mignon Instantaneo and love it. It and the filtro both have 50mm burrs so I would assume they would grind similarly?

# ? Jul 9, 2020 01:06

Frank Dillinger: May 16, 2007; Jawohl mein herr!

So, while the encore can grind fine, it reeeeaaaally struggles at the finest settings. Lowest I was able to set it and still get coffee was #4, but I think I still need finer as my extraction ran too fast.

# ? Jul 9, 2020 04:43

MonkeyLibFront: Feb 26, 2003; Where's the cake?

Grinder has finally arrived, looking forward to trying to dial in the grind size.

MonkeyLibFront fucked around with this message at 18:00 on Jul 9, 2020

# ? Jul 9, 2020 17:58

prayer group: May 31, 2011; $#$%^&@@*!!!

does the thing on your wall say Gone Suckin�

# ? Jul 9, 2020 19:55

Whooping Crabs: Apr 13, 2010; Sorry for the derail but I fuckin love me some racoons

Normie coffee alert:

Nespresso essenza mini with milk frother is on sale at Macy's for $125. This is a good price for this machine (I paid $140 on sale, no milk frother) and it's a rock.

https://www.macys.com/shop/product/...%21Single+Serve

# ? Jul 9, 2020 20:16