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).

  • @ccunning
    5•7 months ago

    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:

    1. The Ode is much quieter
    2. The Ode’s anti static technology is a game changer for me. (I would honestly consider going back to preground coffee without this)
    3. The Ode’s controls are nicer.
    4. The Ode has less retention (but still more than I’d like)
    5. 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.