Been thinkin about a French Coffee Press

[BamBam]

Can you tell a difference between coffee prepared in the press and a coffee maker?
With this do you need to get a coffee grinder?

I'm not a coffee connosiuer, just enjoy it, especially with a good cigar
(I like using creamer also....sorry all you hardcore coffee people)

Any advise on this topic?

[Bigwaved]

It does make a difference. Yes, you need a grinder capable of grinding the beans properly (a bit coarser than drip) to achieve the difference.

[raisin]

Done right, FP yields a richer smoother cup, done right, you'll loathe to go back to drip...
A good grinder is not absolutely necessary, but a good grinder is the foundation of any really good cup of coffee. (whether it be FP, drip, or what ever brewing method you use.)

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Bigwaved

...Yes, you need a grinder capable of grinding the beans properly (a bit coarser than drip) to achieve the difference.

The grinder at the store where you buy beans is probably up to the task - it OUGHTA be, anyhow. A great grinder is a good thing but the commerical grinding alternative isn't a bad option, for free. It's also a way to get your feet wet without cashing in the family stocks and bonds.

[BamBam]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

The grinder at the store where you buy beans is probably up to the task - it OUGHTA be, anyhow. A great grinder is a good thing but the commerical grinding alternative isn't a bad option, for free. It's also a way to get your feet wet without cashing in the family stocks and bonds.

Can I get some examples of what you mean by a good grinder.

Wally world has one for like 30 bucks. Is that one not up to the task?

Also what are everyone's feelings on the french press?

[Bigwaved]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

The grinder at the store where you buy beans is probably up to the task - it OUGHTA be, anyhow. A great grinder is a good thing but the commerical grinding alternative isn't a bad option, for free. It's also a way to get your feet wet without cashing in the family stocks and bonds.

Exactly. I should have been more clear on what I was attempting to convey. You need to use one, not own one capable of grinding it to the proper coarseness. for example, why bother with the store when you could move in next door to a neighbor who is both easy on the eyes and owns a nice grinder? There are many means to an end. I suppose there always is the old stand by, the ice pick, if you have the proper patience.

The bottom line, imo, is to know what coarseness you need, then find a grinder that will accomplish this.

[muziq]

Originally Posted by BamBam

Can I get some examples of what you mean by a good grinder.

Wally world has one for like 30 bucks. Is that one not up to the task?

Also what are everyone's feelings on the french press?

Recommend you do a quick search on grinders here; Moo in particular has written a good guide to grinders.

Me, I love my french press--a Bodum Columbia. All stainless, insulated, and aesthetically pleasing. Never had a problem with it, and never had a bad batch after ensuring I had the right grind. Additionally, if you like good tea, a french press will come in handy there as well--I prefer my tea through a french press versus a standard teapot/strainer for a better, more consistent infusion.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Bigwaved

...why bother with the store when you could move in next door to a neighbor who is both easy on the eyes and owns a nice grinder? There are many means to an end...

Precisely!

Absent a well-qualified neighbor:

1. You can't beat a french press for good coffee; you can match it with a manual pourover and goldfilter but the press has a slightly lower "bother" factor. All you need is coarse-ground coffee, a press and a means to boil or almost-boil (for the detail oriented) water.

2. What grinder is up to the task is a place where people seem to get a little edgy. If you really like coffee, get the absolute best grinder you can afford. A press is faily forgiving of (burr) grinder quality, however, the better the mill the less the sludge appears in your cup. Grinder selection is a big deal in my opinion; you need to select one according to your needs, anticipated needs, budget and expectations.

[raisin]

Originally Posted by BamBam

Can I get some examples of what you mean by a good grinder.

Wally world has one for like 30 bucks. Is that one not up to the task?

Whirly-blade grinders - $15-$100 (disposable)

General purpose burr grinders - $150- $250 (fine for anything except expresso)

semi-pro burr grinders $300-$600 (you'll only buy these once)

[Commander Quan]

Yes, you really can tell the difference between coffee from a Press and coffee from a Drip. If your using a paper filter you you tend to get most of the stronger flavors of the beans where using a press you can pick up on more of the subtle flavors of the coffee. The other thing is when you heat the water yourself you can be sure that the water is hot enough for proper extraction.

What kind of coffee are you using now?

Decent presses can be had for not a lot of $ so start there and use the machine at the store. Then if you like what your getting save up some cash and get a decent burr grinder. If you just like to drink coffee a midrange grinder will be good enough for a press a drip machine. If you aspire to get into Espresso or Turkish Coffee you'll want a better one.