Did I get the right gear for a french press?

[Carlin]

After two long weeks, my french press and grinder should be coming in today! Now that I think about it and spent some more time lurking around here, I was wondering if I made a mistake with what i purchased.

In the past few years, I've only drank coffee once every 2-3 weeks, but I hope to pick up the habbit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001K186Y/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRLXUI/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I just had to order one of these also =X
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G647Y8/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

*Edit,

Anyone know of any good Houston roasters?

 

[fleshdunce]

Nice! The French Press you choose doesn't matter that much IMO as they all essentially do the same thing. I have that same grinder and I am very happy with it. Works great, isn't too expensive, and have an option for coarse grind which is important for the french press.

Looks like you should be set to go! Enjoy the much better cup of coffee you will have with it.

 

[Bertilak]

After two long weeks, my french press and grinder should be coming in today! Now that I think about it and spent some more time lurking around here, I was wondering if I made a mistake with what i purchased.

In the past few years, I've only drank coffee once every 2-3 weeks, but I hope to pick up the habbit

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001K186Y/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BRLXUI/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

I just had to order one of these also =X
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G647Y8/ref=ox_ya_oh_product

*Edit,

Anyone know of any good Houston roasters?

Is the Tweezerman for cleaning the grinder?

 

[Carlin]

is the tweezerman for cleaning the grinder?

sbad

 

[dbconlin]

As stated, the french press doesn't really matter - it is not rocket science. Depends more on if you like the style (and capacities can differ, too, but 8-cup is pretty standard - and only makes about 2 large cups)

HOWEVER, I highly recommend a burr grinder, rather than the blade grinder that you bought. Burr grinders grind the coffee more evenly and are more convenient. However, drawbacks include cost and they take up more counter space. But the grind quality is much better.

My research (when I bought one) indicated the Capresso Infinity to be the best of the bunch, but I am sure there are other good ones too.

http://www.peets.com/shop/essentials_detail.asp?id=852&cid=3005

 

[danek]

I think you did great. One of the great things about a FP is that it's not picky about the grind quality, as opposed to Vac pots, Moka pots, Espresso - even drip is more picky. Yes, a burr grinder will produce more even, consistent grounds, but I don't think you'd notice enough in the quality of your cup to remotely justify the $100++ cost.

It is, however, very easy to over-grind beans in a blade grinder. Over-ground beans create a lot of fines - grinds too small to get strained out by the press, and they will end up in your cup. Tip 1) Be careful not to over-grind. Tip 2) don't let the coffee sit in the FP, continuing to steep, while you drink that first cup. If there is coffee left over after filling your cup(s), put it in a thermos to rest. Left in the FP, it will extract lots of unfavorable flavors, most really bitter.

Enjoy your new set-up; I bet you'll be tickled with it!

 

[Carlin]

Thanks for the reassurance guys! Unfortunately, it didn't come in today =/ FML

 

[arcman]

I think the point of getting a good burr grinder for a french press is that you're less likely to get a lot of dust particles in your grind, thusly less sediment in your cup. Better to have a cheap blade grinder than get preground coffee though, no contest.

The french press is fine, I had it for work, I'll just say to be very gentle with the filter. Except for the rod and the filter itself it's made entirely of plastic, and one day when I was cleaning it the filter assembly disintegrated in my hands.

The next day I bought a Young Press. ++Full metal assembly.

 

[thebikingengineer]

You made some good choices for a starter setup. When you feel like upgrading take a look at the Baratza grinders. They're pretty much at the top of the heap for non-espresso coffee grinding, and can be had for less than the aforementioned Capresso. I'm using a Breville which is very similar in design and love it.

The next step after the grinder is a nicer french press, possibly a few of them in different sizes. I'm a fan of the Bodum Chambord, but any well-made press should be comparable. Just be sure you're getting good construction and high-quality materials and you'll be all set.

 

[Jasonian]

In the Houston area, you should check out Catalina Coffee for beans, as well as Fusion Beans Roasters. (tell the owner of Fusion Beans(Sean) that I referred you.. and ask him where my coffee is )

He also pulls shifts at Catalina, but I thought you might like having a good known source for properly made coffee down there.

Cuvee Coffee used to be in Spring, but they recently moved to Austin.

I'm not sure if that grinder will really cut it for you, but it's better than pre-ground any day. (read my amended tips to the French Press how-to thread.. they'll especially help with the grounds you'll get from your grinder)