There are french presses - and there are french presses.

[Fumioso]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

For the sake of science I will photo a couple of cup bottoms before and after the burrset changeout. It will be interesting to see how much, if any any, difference this really makes. It will also serve as a basis for comparison to other grinders results.

The gear will be Mazzer Mini and Bodum Columbia (48-oz).

Science! Brilliant! After looking at the price of high end grinders I'd really like to know how much of a difference grinder quality makes, particularly with regard to french press sludge...

[EvanS]

Both of mine are Bodum Chambord...48 oz and 32 oz. Love the way they gleam when cleaned.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Fumioso

Science! Brilliant! After looking at the price of high end grinders I'd really like to know how much of a difference grinder quality makes, particularly with regard to french press sludge...

Dammit! Someone was watching (the slacker). I was (slacker) just thinking I'd rather have sludgy coffee (slacker) than to fool with changing the burrs (slacker). Naturally I poured this mornings coffee in photo-resistant dark brown mugs. I'll make another pot and photo using a white cup.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

I'll make another pot and photo using a white cup.

[SIZE=2](last cup, bottom of the barrel, old burrset)
[/SIZE]
Mostly brew espresso and moka so I never had sludge-in-the-cup issues. When RRA got going last year the french press went into constant duty and I thought I was seeing more sludge than I used to recall; it went from noticeable to bad in the past year. I estimate grinder usage at 500-600 pounds and 300kg is the recommended change time for a burrset.

[Big Bluto]

I got the Bodum Chambord and have enjoyed it thoroughly...

[gvarsity]

That there is some sludge. Can you see a visible difference on the burrset due to wear?

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

[SIZE=2](last cup, bottom of the barrel, old burrset)
[/SIZE]
Mostly brew espresso and moka so I never had sludge-in-the-cup issues. When RRA got going last year the french press went into constant duty and I thought I was seeing more sludge than I used to recall; it went from noticeable to bad in the past year. I estimate grinder usage at 500-600 pounds and 300kg is the recommended change time for a burrset.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by gvarsity

That there is some sludge. Can you see a visible difference on the burrset due to wear?

This was an exaggerated worst-case scenario, G'ity. I never saw anything approaching this mess in a cup of coffee. The burrset was officially shot; it was poured from a 48-oz press that had been sitting for an hour, last cup. The cup sat for an hour before I carefully poured out the liquid for the photo.

The same circumstances will present cup-bottom from the new burrset in about 30-minutes.

[King James]

I have one from Alterras.... a local roaster in the Milwaukee area (actually make pretty good coffee) Looking at picking up a new one because it isn't the most well made one out there. Don't know what all to look for when picking a good french press though

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by King James

... Don't know what all to look for when picking a good french press though

I'd suggest inspecting a Bodum Columbia before buying anything. The screen quality and smooth moving, close fitting seal is my new gold standard. No reason to expect you want the Columbia thermal stainless pot but the screen/seal is a good measure for whatever you decide on. Seems the happy people above are mostly Bodum owners.

Like Gvarsity, above, I also have a Planetary Design travel cup brewer. I'm not wild about the one I have (too small) but it seals similar to the Bodum with a soft polymer gasket.

[ToddziLLa]

Been looking for a good press...seems all signs are pointing this is the way to go. Thanks for the heads up!

[gvarsity]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

I'd suggest inspecting a Bodum Columbia before buying anything. The screen quality and smooth moving, close fitting seal is my new gold standard. No reason to expect you want the Columbia thermal stainless pot but the screen/seal is a good measure for whatever you decide on. Seems thd happy people above are mostly Bodum owners.

Like Gvarsity, above, I also have a Planetary Design travel cup brewer. I'm not wild about the one I have (too small) but it seals similar to the Bodum with a soft polymer gasket.

I prefer the Planetary Desgin desk presses to the travel cup brewers. The smaller ones don't have the double wall vacuum insulation and the desk presses have very good screens and are very solid.

I do like the idea of the container on the bottom of the travel mugs that allows for a second set of grounds ready for another cup.

Bodum makes good presses for sure. I started with a couple of the glass Bodums. Since I found the Planetary Design before I heard about the Bodum Columbia it was already redundant for me.

[raisin]

Originally Posted by Fumioso

Science! Brilliant! After looking at the price of high end grinders I'd really like to know how much of a difference grinder quality makes, particularly with regard to french press sludge...

From what i have read recently, high-end (expresso) grinders have a burr design that produces a fair amount of fines no matter what the coarseness of grind setting.

If your repertoire is limited to drip and FP, it seems there is no reason to go beyond a Virtuosa in build quality.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by gvarsity

I prefer the Planetary Desgin desk presses

Tell more?

I do like the idea of the container on the bottom of the travel mugs that allows for a second set of grounds ready for another cup.

THAT is a very cool feature - I use it. I may not be crazy about my PD travelpress but I use it, for sure.

Here's new burrs, the bottom of the pot, long wait. New burrs every 300kg or less for me; better mark my calendar for scheduled Mazzer maintenance in, uh, 2013.

[Fumioso]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Here's new burrs, the bottom of the pot, long wait. New burrs every 300kg or less for me; better mark my calendar for scheduled Mazzer maintenance in, uh, 2013.

I have to say that's the cleanest final cup from a press I've ever seen. That's a huge difference. Time to start considering, against all economic odds, one of those Mazzers.

The conversation might go something like this, "Sorry honey. We can't afford the trip to see your parents this year. We need a new coffee grinder."

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by Fumioso

I have to say that's the cleanest final cup from a press I've ever seen. That's a huge difference...

Note that cup was filled with dregs from a 48-oz press that sat for an hour. I was trying to get the worst out of the pot. A regular pour would not look that bad.

I partly agree with raisin: there's not much justification for this kind of grinder for press or drip. However, I still propose a better grinder keeps all options open and lasts a lifetime.