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I bought a Kitchenaid Burr grinder about 20 years ago. It's a work horse. Looks nice sitting on the counter too. Lots of great options out there across all $$ levels.
Even if you don't stick to press pot, a grinder will make you drip coffee lot better. Had a Cuisenart DBM- 8 for many years (a bargain burr grinder for about $35 on Amazon-if they make them like they used to). Gave it away and got a Baratza that only lasted a couple years. Then a Bodum (too small for drip pot). Now have Capresso that grinds well but flimsy. For beans we like Trader Joe's medium blend.
French press is fantastic. I switched over years ago and never looked back.
If buying whole bean, you don’t want to grind too far ahead of time. You can get a Krups coffee and spice grinder for under $15. Mine is 5 years old and still going strong. I grind the beans while warming water in an electric kettle. Then it all comes together like magic!
Agree with grinding your own, but if you're going to the trouble and expense to get good beans, don't ruin it by using a spice-style grinder. INSTEAD, get a burr-mill style grinder where the beans pass from one hopper, though the burrs and into another.
-More uniform
-less time in the blades means less heat applied
-better quality all around.
I have Baratza Encore burr grinder and it's amazing. Totally worth the money I paid for it. I use kalita, chemix or french press and get consistently great coffee.
I'm absolutely tired paying over $10 for whole bean coffee like Counter Culture, Van Gogh or whatever. So my new years resolution is to roast my own coffee. Hoping by this time next year, I'll have learned how to consistently roast good coffee! I bought Kenneth Davis' book on Home Coffee Roasting, and I read it cover to cover. I ordered my home roasting kit through Sweet Maria's yesterday! It should be here next week. Excited!
Last edited by HatchChile; 01-06-2020 at 08:12 AM..
I have Baratza Encore burr grinder and it's amazing. Totally worth the money I paid for it. I use kalita, chemix or french press and get consistently great coffee.
I'm absolutely tired paying over $10 for whole bean coffee like Counter Culture, Van Gogh or whatever. So my new years resolution is to roast my own coffee. Hoping by this time next year, I'll have learned how to consistently roast good coffee! I bought Kenneth Davis' book on Home Coffee Roasting, and I read it cover to cover. I ordered my home roasting kit through Sweet Maria's yesterday! It should be here next week. Excited!
I have a Baratza Virtuoso, would definiltey the Encore or that one. They have been around for a long time, have great customer service, and replaceable parts in case anything goes wrong. I've been looking into home roasting a bit as well, have you figured out where to get the green beans?
For the OP's question Bean Traders in Durham is my go to. They have a bunch of different options and will grind in shop for you or sell whole bean.
I have a Baratza Virtuoso, would definiltey the Encore or that one. They have been around for a long time, have great customer service, and replaceable parts in case anything goes wrong. I've been looking into home roasting a bit as well, have you figured out where to get the green beans?
For the OP's question Bean Traders in Durham is my go to. They have a bunch of different options and will grind in shop for you or sell whole bean.
Check out Sweet Maria's website. It's been a great resource for me. I got their starter kit and it comes with 8lbs of green coffee. I think I may stick with them for a while until I find something local (not sure if you can buy green coffee from coffee roasters here?) But their prices seem very reasonable.
I'm absolutely tired paying over $10 for whole bean coffee like Counter Culture, Van Gogh or whatever. So my new years resolution is to roast my own coffee. Hoping by this time next year, I'll have learned how to consistently roast good coffee! I bought Kenneth Davis' book on Home Coffee Roasting, and I read it cover to cover. I ordered my home roasting kit through Sweet Maria's yesterday! It should be here next week. Excited!
Not sure if they're the best, but thought I'd share as an option, if you have not already found them.
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I bought Kenneth Davis' book on Home Coffee Roasting, and I read it cover to cover. I ordered my home roasting kit through Sweet Maria's yesterday! It should be here next week. Excited! 
