Best press and grinder? HELP the Newbie!

[iminaquagmire]

I've started down the slippery slope of coffee. I'm only purchasing every day, so I've only crested the hill I guess, but I figure I should really slide down head first and do things right.

1) So I'm looking for a good press. I read Bodum makes good ones and I like this one:
http://www.bodumusa.com/shop/line.asp?M ... G67KPA2FEE]

Would that be a good choice? Are there better ones?

2) I also know I should get a good burr grinder. I have no clue there, so any suggestions are welcome.

3) I won't say money is no object but I want to do things right and get quality stuff that's going to last. Budget of say $150 to $200.

Thanks all, any help is certainly appreciated.

 

[Capt]

The Bodum presses are great. As far as Burr grinders go, you will hear alot of different suggestions. I use a Cuisinart.

 

[Bloofington]

http://www.orensdailyroast.com/cat/French+Presses.html

Here's a few grinders.

http://www.bizrate.com/coffeegrinders/

Myself, I have this one:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/grind ... anual_mill

I've been using it for just over 15 years, and have put at least 600 pounds of coffee through it, no lie.

 

[SLEEPER]

Maybe this will help:
http://coffeetea.about.com/cs/grinding/tp/grinders.htm

Conical burr grinders seem to be the recommended grinder but they can be expensive. French press pots seem to be the recommended pots. A quick google search lead me to several sites.
A little searching would probably result in lower costs. Spotted several sites offering free shipping on > $50 to $100 total order.

 

[RecoveringGT'er]

I'd go to http://www.coffeegeek.com and read the reviews by the pros and the average joes. They review stuff in my middle class budget, and stuff for true coffee connoisseurs. Thats how I selected my current brewer and future grinder.

The Bodum presses are great, and I have used several of them. I'd put a towel around it after pouring the water in to keep it hot.

Personally, I use a Capresso MT500 brewer, a Starbucks insulated French press, and a Kitchenaid blade grinder (really, I'm getting a burr for Christmas, I promise).

The Capresso and French press are great, but a bit pricey (150-200, and about 50 for the pot), but were gifts. The blade grinder is 19.99 at target, IIRC. It's actually one of the better grinders I've used, but is starting to break down (I think it's too much torque between the body and the grinder mechanism).

If you only want one piece of coffee equipment, go for the press pot. Makes great coffee, cheap, and if you have your coffee ground at the store or local coffee shop, it should be free.

 

[cybrus]

I use the Bodum press and a blade grinder - have a burr grinder on my Christmas list, but I don't know if it's worth the price difference compared to a blade grinder. Anyone want to loan me one so I can test grind my coffee and see? haha

 

[Glockman55]

I used to grind my coffee then brew it, I just picked up a Cuisinart Grind and Brew, it makes it so much easier in the morning. I'm sure there are better machines out there but this( for the price) works for me.