Replace the Cuisinart?

[Franziskaner]

I'd appreciate advice on a new drip machine. Since my old Braun drip coffemaker quit, I've used a Cuisinart that I don't really care for...coffee seems somewhat bitter. I'm considering a Bonavita with the thermal carafe; it seems to offer many of the pluses of the Technivorm at a less intimidating price.

My wife and I drink two to three cups each nearly every day. We buy beans from either Costco or Caribou Coffee and use a blade grinder just before brewing.

Is the Bonavita the way to go? Is there something else to change first?

Hope that everyone can enjoy a quiet week between the holidays. SWMBO has the whole week off for the first time in 39 years.

 

[nff]

the grinder will make the biggest difference. get a decent burr grinder then upgrade your machine if you feel its the weakest link.

 

[RedsFan75]

Agree with nff, the grinder is the biggest difference you can make.

Problem with a blade, is that you can't control the consistency of the size, as the blade whirls it can hit the same segment numerous times, giving you everything from boulders to dust. Dust can over extract easily and the boulders can under extract... Consistent size of grind will make a huge difference in your resulting drip....

That being said... If you really want to look at other machines I'll mention Bunn.

I have a Bunn Phase Brew HT drip machine. It is the Thermal Carafe version. The HG (Glass Carafe) is SCCA rated. My HT heats the water to 205 before running it through the coffee. It produces a smooth, excellent cup of coffee. I had some issues with the first few that came out, but Bunn's customer service has been great in dealing with the issues, and they seem to have all the bugs worked out.

 

[jawats]

Depends on what you're looking to spend. If you want to go big or go home, get a burr grinder and combine with a Bonavita (http://www.amazon.com/Bonavita-BV1800TH-Coffee-Thermal-Carafe/dp/B005YQZNO8/ref=zg_bs_289745_8) or a Technivorm (http://www.amazon.com/Technivorm-Mo...52834&sr=1-1&keywords=technivorm+coffee+maker). If you want to make great, stronger, coffee, go burr and get a large cup French press - http://www.bodum.com/us/en-us/shop/detail/11173-16US/?navid=262.

Otherwise, get the burr, go Bunn, get good coffee.

 

[Franziskaner]

Thanks, gents. I've started to check out grinders; right now a mid level Baratza is looking like a good choice. In looking more closely at the ground coffee coming out of my old Krups chopper, I'm seeing chunks, dust and everything in between. Thanks again for the advice!

 

[global_dev]

I like the inexpensive capresso infinity grinder.

 

[toyman]

The Technivorm, Bonavita, and Behmor Brazen are the top 3 choices due to excellent control and brewing at the proper temps. If you would rather invest in just the grinder and get aquainted with it for a little while before buying any of the above or other, you can do what I've done. I also have a Cuisinart brewer and have had similar results as you. I will guess that your comment of 'bitter' is actually 'sour' due to the low temps that the Cuisinart brews. (180-185*) To combat this, I've been heating up water in my tea kettle to 150-170* and then pouring it in the reservior. The temps are substantially higher and the coffee is incredibly smooth(er) and drinkable. This may be a nice bridge to spend some money on a good grinder and then get the new coffee maker in the future. Good Luck!

 

[jazzguy]

Most coffee makers brew at too low of a temp to make a good cup. The ones listed by Toyman are known exceptions, but I would skip the Behmor based on my experience with their products and the Brazen thread here. I have had quite a bit of coffee brewed in the Technivorm and I think it brews a good cup. Quite frankly coffee makers are convenience appliances. You can get great results with a good grinder and a Melitta cone or a Chemex. I use a Hario Woodneck for my brewed coffee but you can only make 12 ounces at a time.

The Technivorm, Bonavita, and Behmor Brazen are the top 3 choices due to excellent control and brewing at the proper temps.

 

[RedsFan75]

As JazzMan said Temp is the big deal. Here is the list of SCCA approved home brewers

• Technivorm Moccamaster
• Lance Larkin BE 112 Brew Express
• Bunn HG Home Brewer
• Bonavita 8 Cup Exceptional Brew Coffee Maker with glass or thermal carafe

 

[Mick]

As JazzMan said Temp is the big deal. Here is the list of SCCA approved home brewers

• Technivorm Moccamaster
• Lance Larkin BE 112 Brew Express
• Bunn HG Home Brewer
• Bonavita 8 Cup Exceptional Brew Coffee Maker with glass or thermal carafe

+1 on getting rid of that blade "chopper" Worst thing in the world for coffee beans to have to be subjected to those monstrosities. You would be better off buying standard pre-ground coffee.

Another big +1 on getting a brewer that heats to the proper temp. Most you will find are not even close and brew mud, not coffee.

I have went to using a commercial Bunn maker decades ago and have never looked back. I have had all kinds of other brewers but the Bunn ones seem to be the one that can do the job of making drinkable drip coffee. I had a commercial air pot brewer for a while but it was just too dang big to fit under the cabinets in the kitchen so I finally broke down and got a standard 12 cup pot brewer. I transfer the coffee from the pot to an air pot immediately after it is done brewing. The Bunn air pot keeps the coffee at serving temp for 4 hours and at an acceptable drinking temp for another 3 hours so I can come back and have another coup late in the day and it taste as fresh as it did when it was first brewed.

My current "home" grinder and drip brewing system

 

[PozzSka]

I have the Bunn Phase Brew mentioned above...it does the job very well. The Bonavita is a fantastic choice as well.

And, yes of course a better grinder always makes a difference.

 

[Franziskaner]

Results so far......add burr grinders to my list of acquisition disorders. Currently the top two candidates are the Baratza Virtuoso and the Breville Smart Grinder.

For the time being I've changed the way I use the blade grinder, shaking it while it's running to try to even out the grind a bit, and to end up with a coarser result than before. I've also begun trying Toyman's method of starting the brew cycle with hot water in the reservoir.

Thanks to everyone for the ideas!

 

[Mick]

The biggest issue with the blade type choppers is the heat they generate.

This can sometimes effect the taste of beans.

 

[StillShaving]

Results so far......add burr grinders to my list of acquisition disorders. Currently the top two candidates are the Baratza Virtuoso and the Breville Smart Grinder.

For the time being I've changed the way I use the blade grinder, shaking it while it's running to try to even out the grind a bit, and to end up with a coarser result than before...

Interesting that you say that, as I use to shake my whirly blade grinder while grinding in an attempt to get a more uniform grind. It seemed to produce less dust that way, but I have to believe it was mostly psychological. I am not so negative on using a blade grinder when making filtered auto-drip coffee. If the coffee is fresh, the results can be quite good after experimenting with the amount of coffee and grind times (and shake technique ;-). Consistency is more difficult, but you are getting fresher coffee.

A good burr grinder is a nice step forward. But requires more careful planning as most people do not want to be in the position of (re-)purchasing a better yet even more expensive grinder just after getting their first one.

 

[takeshi]

You would be better off buying standard pre-ground coffee.

I wouldn't go that far. No need to throw out the baby with the bath water. Fresh beans are must and definitely an improvement over stale preground.

A good burr grinder is a nice step forward. But requires more careful planning as most people do not want to be in the position of (re-)purchasing a better yet even more expensive grinder just after getting their first one.

In my experience drip isn't quite as demanding as espresso. It's relatively easy to find a good (granted, that's highly subjectiive) burr grinder for drip -- especially if you're coming from a blade. Now, dealing with upgraditis is another matter. If you're prone to it you're prone to it.