I know high end grinders are probably worth it for espresso, but for pour-over coffee does it make that much difference? I use a Capresso Infinity at either fine coarse or medium coarse and that’s about it. Visibly the grind size does look a bit variable to me. Since I’m already in conical bur territory here, are higher end grinders really going to make a noticeable difference in my pour-over brews? If you feel strongly the answer is yes, I’m also curious what you would recommend (but please don’t bother naming anything over $500usd unless you provide a link to a used version that is in that range).
Ever considered hand grinding? The comanante is the high-end for that. But James Hoffman just made a video about a decent 35$ hand-grinder. Try to get metal burrs.
Seriously, hand grinder with a power drill on the shaft. Even if you bought a cheap second hand drill just for this, you’d still be ahead
I do this and would not recommend for someone with arthritis. You have to have a strong grip to keep the hand grinder from spinning
Ha. Okay, I’ll bite. What’s so great about the hand grinders? Understand you’ll save a little money without a motor, but M I missing something else?
This is what I’m waiting for. I have a birthday coming up. $299, great reviews on pre-production units, and the bigger brother (sister?) model is highly regarded.
Hoffman’s (comparison) review of the DF64.
I keep editing this. James’ review is for espresso grinding. As long as it can dial to as coarse as you like, and these should, they should be fit for purpose for pour-over.
Interesting. I should have mentioned I typically brew a two person batch in a chemex with 60g of beans. The 54 would be too small. I’ve seen the df64 before though and heard good things. Do you really think I’d notice a taste difference as compared to my infinity though?
I have no idea. I currently have a much more expensive grinder, but it’s a big hopper type; it’s great for entertaining, or would be good for a small coffee shop… but it’s too much grinder for my use.
But you said your issues is with consistency. Maybe you just need to replace the burrs? It might be worth a shot. However, if the DFs had any issues with consistency, James would have jumped all over that, and in fact if you watch that video he uses his fancy new machine to measure consistency. Yes, it’s the 64, but by all accounts the new 54 is the same machine as the 64, but with a smaller motor. It’s going to perform very similarly.
If you think improved consistency is going to improve your coffee, and you notice poor consistency in your current grinder, then yes. The DF will be an improvement. I know nothing about your machine, but a less expensive thing you can try first - like I said - is replace the burrs.
The grind consistency and shape of the grinds can be better for pour over. The 1zpresso ZP6 and the Fellow Ode 2 are two grinders that are specifically designed to produce better grinds for pour over. Both under $400.
I’ve got my sites on the ode 2! Was hoping to find a good deal on a used one and probably replace the burs, but not seeing many options. Will likely get a new one in a month or so.
I got a Fellow Opus thinking I might get an espresso machine in the future and I was thinking it might be better for moka pot which I was doing at the time. Now I have abandoned the moka pot and have at least for now decided not to consider an espresso machine. So I regret not getting the Ode 2. Not that the Opus is a bad grinder, it isn’t bad especially at less than $200 but I am now doing only V60 pour over and the Ode 2 would be a better grinder for that.
Perhaps, but ive heard the opus is still a damn good all around grinder. Why did you give up on espresso dreams? I actually drink more espresso than coffee but love the convenience of my Jura fully automatic. Coffee is something I can really get into tweaking but I feel like playing with espresso perfection is something I don’t have the time or pockets for presently.
I’m a fan of the Breville smart grinder pro, 200 USD. Primarily used for espresso but I do occasional pour overs. Prior to the Breville I had a cheap mr coffee burr grinder from target, maybe 30 usd. I don’t taste a difference for pour overs.
I’m not familiar with the Capresso Infinity, but I can compare my Fellow Ode 2 with the Baratza Encore I got my mom for Xmas last year. Both were purchased on sale for Black Friday. The Ode I got for $265 and the Encore for $120.
I’m not really a super taster. I don’t think I can tell “muddy” from “clear” without doing a direct side by side comparison. As long as the beans are fresh and not over roasted, I’m basically fine. This was the conclusion I came to after doing James Hoffman’s Great American Taste Test.
So with all that said, what I appreciate feature and design wise with the Ode over the Encore:
- The Ode is much quieter
- The Ode’s anti static technology is a game changer for me. (I would honestly consider going back to preground coffee without this)
- The Ode’s controls are nicer.
- The Ode has less retention (but still more than I’d like)
- The Ode’s design is more pleasing visually (to me)
I know a lot of this is subjective and I also understand a lot of what makes the premium worth it to me is irrelevant to others.
