Not sure a combo machine exists in your price point, if it does I'd imagine one, the other, or both would be pretty sub optimal

heddleston said:

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Not sure a combo machine exists in your price point, if it does I'd imagine one, the other, or both would be pretty sub optimal

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I don't have a price point. I'm just wondering what a machine like that would run.

The Jura I posted last night is around $800. It seems to do everything I'm looking for... but what I don't know is if that's a reasonable price. Or if there are some options I haven't come across yet.

Or maybe someone will tell me I'm a moron for wanting an integrated grinder when I get the awesome xxxx machine.

I dunno.

I would not get an integrated machine. If one quits then you are out both.

You can get a good grinder for about $400. I would look at the Rocky by Rancilio or the Baratza Sette. I am sure there are other low price grinders our there that will do it, but these are the brands that I deal in and have had the best experiences with.

As far as a machine in that price point, I would look at the Gagia or Rancilio Silvia. They are both great machines and will do what you are looking for.

Check EBay, there are always machines on there that people are looking to get rid of and you can usually find some for a good price.

I have no idea about the home models but I can tell you the commercial models with integrated grinders are an absolute nightmare to keep clean and get this... keep ants out of! They're an ant magnet. If you are comfortable with keeping that used grounds hopper mega clean and cleaning the inside of it, go for it but I can tell you that even the leasing agency we leased the units from had trouble keeping that adequately clean as not to be an attraction to ants.

We eventually went back to separate drip pots and Flavia one cup machines.

Is an electric kettle a big step up from a regular stove top kettle for a Chemex pour over?

Maybe. Chemex is a pretty forgiving pourover method compared to others(mainly thinking of the v60) so you don't HAVE to have a fancy variable temp gooseneck kettle to make a good cup of coffee. If you can pour halfway competently with what you have and keep your water temp in a consistent 2-3 degree range while doing it then don't worry about it unless you have the money burning a hole on your pocket.

It is faster and I can hook it up a smart plug and get out of bed with the water already hot.

Well I have a stove top gooseneck kettle right now. Thinking about purchasing an electric one because it does seem to have some benefits and you can get a good one for like $60.

My next question is, considering I broke my chemex last night, should I get another chemex or get a Hario V60? Or should I get both and have one at the office and one at home? Or should I get two of each? Would one of each be too confusing considering they are different methods?

mrmill3218 said:

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My next question is, considering I broke my chemex last night, should I get another chemex or get a Hario V60? Or should I get both and have one at the office and one at home? Or should I get two of each? Would one of each be too confusing considering they are different methods?

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I have a chemex at home and usually make about 500 ml at a time. I keep a v60 at th office for smaller single cups.

Duncan is right that electrics are faster, and if you can get a variable temp one then even better.

As far as v60 vs Chemex, I have both( actually the Chemex is a target knockoff, but it takes Chemex filters) and the Chemex is better for larger batches and is less fiddly(I.e. consistent). The v60 has the potential to make an incredible cup of coffee, but is dependent on getting all the variables (grind, temp, pour technique, etc) dialed in. I like both, the nice thing is you can find a plastic v60 and a pack of filters for under 15 bucks, so you can try it out for pretty cheap.

There's lots of differing methods/techniques people use for v60s, I like this one:

I think I'm gonna go with a chemex for the house since I usually make two or three cups, and a v60 at work since I usually just do one cup after lunch. Will go with the ceramic v60 cause heated plastic makes me nervous with some of the stuff coming out about cancer.

Vernada said:

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Does this animal exist?

I currently use a Nespresso machine and Chemex as my main two coffee fix devices.

I'd like a good value espresso machine.

I drink coffee, espresso, americano. Nothing with milk so a frother isn't' necessary.

I'd like something that can grind beans.

Can I get something for the house that makes a great cup for $300? $400? $500? more?

I THINK what I'd like is a low end model from a high end brand. But I've just started looking so I really have no clue what I should be looking for.

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You're not near where you need to be price wise for all that.

Yeah I'm with you, but I still use my plastic aeropress all the time. If they made that in Pyrex or something similar I would buy it in a heartbeat. I managed to find a glass v60 and a carafe at a big lots type place for under $10 once, wish I had bought the bigger one while I was there.

Got my new chemex and will be going back to it tomorrow morning. Going to buy a v60 and some filters on amazon tomorrow. Just need the electric kettle before I'm fully sorted for set ups at home and the office.

I've really been enjoying the black label roast (blend) from Ship Channel Trading Company up near GO/OF in Houston

K Bo said:

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I've really been enjoying the black label roast (blend) from Ship Channel Trading Company up near GO/OF in Houston

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Hadn't heard of these guys before. I am going to stop in and give them a try.

I'm not sure when the grand opening is but they're open in 0730-1200 during the week and all day on the weekends. He's got a great spot with a huge outdoor area, a food truck, serves liquor/beer/wine, and looks to have some tasty coffee-based cocktails, as well. I've bought a couple bags of beans and have been very pleased running them through my Chemex.

K Bo said:

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I'm not sure when the grand opening is but they're open in 0730-1200 during the week and all day on the weekends. He's got a great spot with a huge outdoor area, a food truck, serves liquor/beer/wine, and looks to have some tasty coffee-based cocktails, as well. I've bought a couple bags of beans and have been very pleased running them through my Chemex.

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I've been debating getting a Chemex to start enjoying better coffee. I'm just wanting to dab in this hobby for now, and if I get a grinder I want a burr grinder, so trying to do without that expense until I see if I want to continue. Is it worth it if you're going to these local roasters and having them grind your beans vs. grinding yourself?

With fresh beans you want to grind them yourselves. After roasting coffee beans let off gas. Grinding speeds that up and you will lose some of the more subtle flavors.

Depending on your budget you can get a decent burr grinder for a Chemex in the $100 range. If you need one let me know and I will see what our suppliers have on sale.

I'll echo what n_touch said.

My first grinder was a Hario Skerton, which I still have and sometimes still use, and a 6 cup Chemex. That'll run you just about $100 with filters and will make really good coffee. Sometimes hand-grinding can be a pain in the azz but more often than not I find it zen and I that I've earned that delicious cup of coffee.

Definitely interested

Just got a v60. Anyone have any tips or advice for the method?

Y'all have any other fresh roaster tips in Houston? My in-laws finally got away from a pod coffee maker so I thought it might be a cool christmas gift to get some locally roasted coffee from different places in the Houston area.

Dodd Coffee, but I may be a little biased. If they would like to try some coffee, write me through the contact form and I will set you up a shipping coupon.

That'd be awesome. I was thinking of maybe getting 2-3 different ones from around Houston for like a gift bag for Christmas.

I like House of Coffee beans on Bissonnet a lot. The Charlie's blend seems to fit my pallet

So after thinking on this a little further, I think I'm going to get my in-laws a grinder and some beans from different places. You guys have any advice on any grinders in the $100 or less range?

I hand grind mine but I know my in-laws won't do that so trying to get something easy for them to use.

They have a Technivorm Moccamaster brewer.

I use a Baratza Encore for my Technivorm. Not quite under $100 but close. I had a Cuisinart before the Encore and have noticed a big difference in grind quality and taste.

Quote:

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There's lots of differing methods/techniques people use for v60s, I like this one:

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Right on! Came here to post this link.

Encore is probably the best entry level grinder for the money. A little over $100 but worth it.

You can find the Capresso Infinity for under $100. It's comparable to the Encore and may be the most quiet grinder on the market, but their customer service isn't great wheras you can get replacement parts and service for an Encore.,

Got a Prismo cap for my Aeropress as a Xmas gift. I stopped using the inverted method because I kept making a mess and burning myself, but this lets me do it in a little more uncoordinated goober proof way. Also been able to make some real strong fauxspresso, not sure I'm gonna bother with a moka pot anymore.

Anyone have any experience with the flair espresso makers?