Looking to get 1st French Press, Ideas?

[mosesbotbol]

Bodum is about all you'll see. The are all about the same. The only thing I would look for is the "micro-filter". It looks like it's made out of silk; the press will have two filters then. The metal mesh and silk one.

Other than that, it comes down to how fancy you want the metal pieces to be.

If you want more of showpiece heirloom press, go for Alessi.

[Mister Moo]

Bodum brand. I am especially partial to their "Columbia" line of stainless steel insulated pots - if you have one you'll use it for life. They are outstanding if you won't miss the see-thru pot. You definitely want the big one (48-oz) at 3-cups x 2-drinkers/day.

There are less expensive presses made by Bonjour (among others) that have crappy metal screens with raw edges (they snag on everything) and flimsy hardware. The differences sound insignificant but they end up in the trash. I would still have my first ever french press, a Bodum purchased at least 25-years ago, if Mrs. Moo hadn't put it in the microwave and melted the handle into a useless brown glob. Mrs. Moo is all aces in my book but, sometimes, she is hard on equipment.

The key here is, what about a grinder, sir? "No (café) muela, ninguna gloria" sez Juan Valdez, our guiding light.

[BeerAdvocate]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

The key here is, what about a grinder, sir? "No (café) muela, ninguna gloria" sez Juan Valdez, our guiding light.

Im also in the market for a burr grinder, so any advice on one of those would be great. Thanks for the help, everyone!!

[germantown rob]

Originally Posted by BeerAdvocate

Im also in the market for a burr grinder, so any advice on one of those would be great. Thanks for the help, everyone!!

I like my Baratza Virtuoso and it will handle entry into espresso. If you plan on doing espresso in the future consider what ever mr moo advises.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by BeerAdvocate

Im also in the market for a burr grinder, so any advice on one of those would be great. Thanks for the help, everyone!!

Different theories on the grinder thing. Some say a grinder is less important than, say, the health & welfare of your children. I say... "Good luck, kids. Hope to see you again after the Mazzer is paid off."

It's all about predicting the future of your personal coffee culture and it's all about budget.

1. If you have an unlimited budget then just get the best conical burr mill made and forget about it. This would be one of the Mazzers, Macaps, Pasquinis, etc. $400+ neighborhod.
2. If your budget is limited, get the best burr mill you can justify if you believe coffee will continue to be a part of your future. This could be any number of mills from $90-$200.
3. If your budget is limited but you're certain coffee is the well from which all life springs then you need to hunker down. Decide what you're going to do without so you can grossly overspend on a grinder. This search would begin with a Rancilio Rocky at minimum.

As a rule, the better the grinder you get, the longer it'll last and the more versatility it provides. For drip, press and mokapot a low- to middle-of-the-road conical burr mill should last for several years and do a fine job. Higher end gear grinds faster, is quieter, lasts longer, produces less dust or "fines" that end up in your cup and will address the challenge of espresso and turkish coffee brewing.

So? How much?