semi OT: French Press (not Le Monde)

Bacchus · December 2009

Trying to suppress family members asking for gift ideas.....
I have been thinking of ditching the hot plate style drip coffee maker in favor of a burr grinder, french press, & insulated carafe. "Bodum" seems to be one of the more popular brands. Also I see there are some that have insulation built in, mostly for the more portable style.
Any thoughts,suggestions, or rants would be appreciated.

Thanks!

MarkClark · December 2009

I got an Aeropress last winter and I'm amazed every day at how good the coffee is. Incredibly portable. Easy to use. It only takes about 3.5 minutes to have a fresh cup in front of me.

Amazon link: http://is.gd/5bD2H

Carolina Q · December 2009

Amen. I'm no coffee fanatic (or expert), but I like the Aeropress. I bought one about a year ago and the only time I brew a whole pot now is when I need to fill my Thermos. Otherwise, one cup at a time. I use my Bunn just to heat the water for the Aeropress.

It's really cheap so if you don't like it, it's no big deal.

lowercasebill · December 2009

burr grinder is definite.
i do not use the french press on a day to day basis as i am in too much of a hurry ,, daily is a bunn with insulated carafe, grind coffee , pour water in top attend to mother nature when i return coffee is ready ,, when the bunn dies i will look into the
technivorm

wholelattelove.com, coffeegeek and sweetmarias.com are good sites

Hungry Celeste · December 2009

I swear, my better half has every sort of coffee brewer on the market. I like the simplicity of a french press, but a Chemex or Melitta straight drip is just as easy/quick to clean. If you're gadgety, then google vacuum coffee pots...fun to watch as it brews up & down, but a little more difficult to clean.

My favorite (out of our french press, vacuum, Breville espresso machine, krups drip machine, etc) is a dead simple aluminum cup-top drip device, called a ca phe phin in vietnamese (dunno the english name). Will run you about $3 or less at an asian grocery store. Makes the best tasting coffee & chicory imaginable; see pic here: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://s2.thisnext.com/media/230x230/CaPhe-Phin-Vietnamese-Coffee_A31909AC.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.thisnext.com/item/0CABECFD/0CAD1891/CaPhe-Phin-Vietnamese-Coffee&usg=__6u8GT2PUJCbu85mcgXhPq1dO59c=&h=230&w=230&sz=20&hl=en&start=4&sig2=F5PXy3h9qUgPdcd8dt_GpA&um=1&tbnid=vi6o-LvdvGoQYM:&tbnh=108&tbnw=108&prev=/images?q=ca+phe+phin&hl=en&sa=N&um=1&ei=elf0SrGlK4G0tgeI7oS6Aw

mollyshark · December 2009

That's all I use. I have the insulated thermos type of Bodum. Also install an instant hot water dispenser. Perfect coffee temp and quick. Do it. Drip coffee is for amateurs. Next I'll get ya on roasting.

http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/line.asp?MD=1&GID=3&LID=282&CHK=&SLT=&mscssid=VPTKMCRTP5HS9M0W3RH2TL7FVFPMA6M4

lowercasebill · December 2009

i forgot ,what do you roast with???

Bacchus · December 2009

Molly, this unit is the press and insulated "holder" correct? Do you use a burr grinder? It is my understanding that the cheaper "MR Coffee" type grinders produce to fine a grind....?
I could just use an electric kettle or pot on the stove for the hot water, right?
Sorry to sound so ignorant, just wnt to make sure I understand.
Thanks Much!

Ron

Chef Charles · December 2009

Bacchus,

When I was living in France, I was introduced to a stovetop espresso maker made by Bialetti. It is really easy to use and makes great coffee. I grind my own beans as well.

Tom

http://www.cheftools.com/All-Bialetti-Espresso-Coffee-Makers/products/766/

semi OT: French Press (not Le Monde)

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