Exploring the world of Press...few questions

Silound · 08-10-2010, 11:49 AM

Let me start by saying, I'm a junkie. I appreciate things such as a 100% Kona or a select production roast from Costa Rica as much as I can appreciate Burger King coffee. I just LIKE coffee and it's flavor.

That being said, I've been looking into some FP's, and I ran into an interesting...dilemma. All presses seem to follow the same core design and have acceptable parts (stainless screen/plunger, rubber seal ring and skirt, moderate thickness safety glass body), so what separates that $20 press from Target/Walmart from the $100+ press that I can get at a specialty shop?

I literally looked both over, and other than semantics and aesthetics, it's all the same to my engineering mind. Is it just one is more durable?

Second thought, I looked all over the net, some coffee books, and here, but I never found a definite answer. How hot should the water be? Fresh off the boil, steaming hot but not boiling? Some websites were saying a full rolling boil, while others said hot but not boiling. Seems water that's too hot will kill some of the flavors.

Third, why the hell do I drink so much coffee?

mosesbotbol · 08-10-2010, 12:04 PM

The finishing of the mesh filters can be nice, along with whether it has the silk micro filter which I strongly suggest.

Other than that, it is the carafe the glass fits into and whether it is a designer like Starck or Alessi...

I have been using the same FP since mid 70's. I have had to replace the glass several times, but that's it.

mosesbotbol · 08-10-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silound

How hot should the water be? Fresh off the boil, steaming hot but not boiling? Some websites were saying a full rolling boil, while others said hot but not boiling. Seems water that's too hot will kill some of the flavors.

Third, why the hell do I drink so much coffee?

Off boil for sure. Pour a few oz's in, stir, let it bloom, fill to top and wait 4 minutes...

JaKaacH · 08-10-2010, 03:16 PM

The separation factor is $80.00

I love my $20.00 Bodum from target.

08-10-2010, 06:04 PM

I got a $20 recycled one from Starbucks..

Tastes and works just as good as the $100 ones at our Local Chef Allan's.

Mister Moo · 08-12-2010, 06:46 AM

I've had bad luck with off brands and, particularly, Bonjour brand (wire ends hanging out off the filter - makes it impossible to clean with a cloth or sponge); always good luck with Bodum brand. Perfect, mostly.

Bodum Columbia presses = 1 for life. Get the biggest and forgettabowdit.

mosesbotbol · 08-12-2010, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Bodum Columbia presses = 1 for life. Get the biggest and forgettabowdit.

I think Bodum is the "original".

If you are into design, Alessi makes several nice ones.

08-10-2010, 11:49 AM	#1
Silound ex-CS Swamp Gorilla Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Somewhere in a swamp, south of sanity Posts: 802 Trading: (15)	Exploring the world of Press...few questions Let me start by saying, I'm a junkie. I appreciate things such as a 100% Kona or a select production roast from Costa Rica as much as I can appreciate Burger King coffee. I just LIKE coffee and it's flavor. That being said, I've been looking into some FP's, and I ran into an interesting...dilemma. All presses seem to follow the same core design and have acceptable parts (stainless screen/plunger, rubber seal ring and skirt, moderate thickness safety glass body), so what separates that $20 press from Target/Walmart from the $100+ press that I can get at a specialty shop? I literally looked both over, and other than semantics and aesthetics, it's all the same to my engineering mind. Is it just one is more durable? Second thought, I looked all over the net, some coffee books, and here, but I never found a definite answer. How hot should the water be? Fresh off the boil, steaming hot but not boiling? Some websites were saying a full rolling boil, while others said hot but not boiling. Seems water that's too hot will kill some of the flavors. Third, why the hell do I drink so much coffee? __________________ Back in black, and better than ever! You can't keep a good gorilla down! LSU Geaux Tigers!

08-10-2010, 12:04 PM	#2
mosesbotbol That's a Corgi Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Moses Location: Boston Posts: 6,171 Trading: (6)	Re: Exploring the world of Press...few questions The finishing of the mesh filters can be nice, along with whether it has the silk micro filter which I strongly suggest. Other than that, it is the carafe the glass fits into and whether it is a designer like Starck or Alessi... I have been using the same FP since mid 70's. I have had to replace the glass several times, but that's it. __________________ Port Wine & Claret \| British Cars \| Welsh Corgi's

08-10-2010, 03:16 PM	#4
JaKaacH ROCK Chalk JAYHAWK K U Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Jeff Location: Living in the golden age of ignorance in power. Posts: 1,363 Trading: (32)	Re: Exploring the world of Press...few questions The separation factor is $80.00 I love my $20.00 Bodum from target. __________________ --Anger Management Graduate-- WHAT the F^#% you looking at???

08-10-2010, 06:04 PM	#5
itzfrank Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Exploring the world of Press...few questions I got a $20 recycled one from Starbucks.. Tastes and works just as good as the $100 ones at our Local Chef Allan's.

08-12-2010, 06:46 AM	#6
Mister Moo I barely grok the obvious Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dan Location: Lizard Lick, NC Posts: 1,417 Trading: (3)	Re: Exploring the world of Press...few questions I've had bad luck with off brands and, particularly, Bonjour brand (wire ends hanging out off the filter - makes it impossible to clean with a cloth or sponge); always good luck with Bodum brand. Perfect, mostly. Bodum Columbia presses = 1 for life. Get the biggest and forgettabowdit. __________________ "I hope you had the time of your life."