I have been researching for a good coffeemaker, and I have boiled it down to the Technivorm KB-741. However, there are two versions of the same maker, one with a glass carafe, and one with a thermo stainless steel carafe.

http://www.twinvalleycoffee.com/gear_technivorm_glass.htm
http://www.twinvalleycoffee.com/gear_technivorm_thermo.htm

BTW, the glass carafe version has a heated hotplate with adjustable temperature setting, whereas the stainless steel version does not.

Which do you think is better, and why?

if not the best drip maker, it is in the top three. I would choose a glass carafe only because I think the stainless may impart a flavor to the coffee.

you will get a fuller bodied, fuller flavor from a french press. There is nothing to trap (filter) the oils during the brew process.

We are still standing by your recommendation of a french press, we will use one of them as well, however we cannot use it every single day for the inconvenience of boiling water and then pouring it into the press.

Being that it only makes approximately 2 20 oz. cups, the thermal carafe is not really important to us.

Our decision would be based on cleaning the glass compared to the thermal, and using the machine with the glass vs. the thermal (there is some mention of not being able to fit the thermal carafe under the machine with the lid on.)

I guess I just wanted to know if anyone here has any comment about either version.

BTW, in researching this, we found that there are only two machines recognized by the SCAA (Specialty Coffee Association of America), the Technivorm KB-741 and the Newco OCS-8. The KB-741 is 1475 watts, and the OCS-8 is 1400 watts.

A few "experts" told us that it is all about having the water temperature at 203 degrees F. These were the only two reasonably priced machines that produce 200 degree water, one reviewer says he tested the temperature of the water and repeatedly found it to be exactly 203 degrees on the Technivorm KB-741.

More than a few sites that specialize in selling coffee said they consider the KB-741 coffeemaker simply the best coffeemaker you can purchase today.

As a side note, we all know a good coffee maker can be ruined by not being able to clean it properly. The KB-741 has a completely removable shower head that's made out of stainless steel, and can go right in the dishwasher.

Here is a page you may find interesting: http://www.ruscelli.com/technivorm_newco.htm

Thanks for any comments you can give us.

I just bought this model: http://www.capresso.com/coffee-makers-mt500.shtml

It was highly rated, but I am still learning about the "upper echelons" of coffee and wasn't aware of the SCAA.

I have it, but haven't actually used it yet. I wonder if it is totally garbage compared to something like the Technivorm KB-741?

Paul

I like to read what the coffeegeek.com people say about products. They usually have some good, fair reviews of products:

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/drip/capressomt500

http://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/drip/technivormmoccamasterthermal


Smoke Signals

Looks like the worst problem (aside from not being a precise 203°, albeit close) is overflowing on a full pot. Since I rarely if ever brew 10 cups of coffee, and generally use paper filters (Melita unbleached) this should not be a problem. The only other negative thing is that a few people had problems and had to have their machine's serviced. I suppose if it doesn't hold up I could try the Keurig B60. We use the K-cups at work and this seems to be a good, consistent, solution for people who do not drink a lot of coffee at a time. They have a k-cup filter so you can use your own coffee.

After looking at some of those home roasters at Maria's I am now tempted to try the home roasting thing. Not too sure my smoke alarm is going to like that (lol)...!

Paul

I love it and it does not generate a lot of smoke. Of course the amount of smoke depends on how deeply you roast the bean. Roasts meant for espresso will certainly generate much more smoke than roasts for French Press or Drip.

I say go for it ! I think you will enjoy the coffee roasting experience.


Smoke Signals

So I may be ok. I was looking at the i-Roast 2, but the FreshRoast Plus 8 for $75-$85 may be a better choice if I'm just getting started. Hmm....... Thing is I am very detail oriented, so the FreshRoast may not give me the level of control I'm going to want once I finally learn what I am doing (and I usually learn very quickly)...

Paul

as far as timing and numbers than yeah, the iRoast will probably keep you happy. I'm more of a look and smell kinda guy.

My friend has the Gene Cafe roaster and he loves it.


Smoke Signals

Good point. As detail-oriented and technical as I can be, I have discovered that simpler methods are often more effective. :)

Paul

you will definitely want a decent grinder. I went with the Baratza Maestro Plus. I don't see myself doing espresso at home in the near future so I didn't go for a higher end grinder. The grinder is probably the most important part of the brewing process.


Smoke Signals

I have a Starbucks Barista burr grinder. It is probably 8 years old (I don't think they make it anymore), but the burrs are still in good shape. It's not the best on the market, but it seems to give me a nice, even grind. I don't make Espresso so it should do. If it ever dies though, I will know where to go for a recommendation! It's funny, I don't buy their coffee, but they did make a halfway decent grinder once.

On another note - when I bought the grinder the guy who sold it to me suggested I run some rice through it to clean it. I have never actually tried this, because I was afraid it would gum up the burrs. Have you ever tried this? I have a special brush I use to clean it, but it only does a so-so job and makes a royal mess!

Paul

there is also a commercial product out there called Grindz. I received a single use, trial size with my grinder. I have yet to use it though.


Smoke Signals