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Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

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  • Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

    Hello CoffeeSnobs

    Just in the last few days I have started my Coffee Journey after much reading through this site.  

    Whilst an Alex Duetto would be nice to start with (Its shiny!  Its got computer stuff! I want one!!! ), I thought it better to take small steps.

    So Ive been playing with my recently arrived Aeropress and Hario grinder from Thingscoffee.  I picked up some fresh roasted decaf and some sumatran mandheling from CosmoreX and have started to grind and press.

    I find I can get a really good grind with the decaf - the puck in the press is very smooth and solid, and comes off the filter mostly in one big chunk.

    With the Sumatran though as soon as I push the plunger out after taking the cap off most of the puck falls away immediately, and about half the puck breaks away.

    My question: a crumbly puck - does this mean my grind is too large?

    Regards

    James
    SniffCoffee

  • #2
    Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

    Interesting question James. Ive noticed I get the same on some pucks but I experiment with different grinds and my coffee is always changing so I havent narrowed it down to a specific factor. Without being able to give you an answer Id say the grind would be part of it (too coarse as you suggested); I reckon age of beans could play a part too as I think Ive noticed this a couple of times on beans that were fairly old (too fresh could cause the puck to keep degassing and separate too, just a thought).

    Sorry I cant be more conclusive but I think youre on the right track.

    Greg

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    • #3
      Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

      Thanks for the response Greg.

      This morning, three clicks in on the grinder and the grind was a revelation!  Much more grind produced from the same spoonful, and formed a nice solid puck.  

      I tried the inversion method too, and the brew was much richer and darker.  The first sip seemed bitter, but with a little milk it was lovely, and disappeared quickly!

      I look forward to more experimentation with this nifty grinder and nifty Aeropress!

      Cheers

      James

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

        LOL...

        In all the time Ive owned and used my AeroPress, I dont think Ive inspected a puck even once - just goes straight into the knock-box. I tend to concentrate more on the quality of the resulting brew in the cup and adjust the grind setting in accordance with that....

        Mal.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

          In that case Mal youve probably not experienced this problem. When this has happened to me half the puck is left behind on the bottom of the plunger. Even if those eyes cant pick out TrueTamp rings I reckon they should be able to see half a dirty puck still in the system - unless thats whats making your coffee taste so interesting? ;D ;D

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

            I experimented with a coarse grind this morning and found that some of the puck did indeed stick to the plunger.

            Comment


            • #7
              Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

              Originally posted by 4A5F484A5D584141404C432D0 link=1273323092/4#4 date=1273447618
              In that case Mal youve probably not experienced this problem. When this has happened to me half the puck is left behind on the bottom of the plunger. Even if those eyes cant pick out TrueTamp rings I reckon they should be able to see half a dirty puck still in the system - unless thats whats making your coffee taste so interesting?   ;D ;D
              Youre quite correct on one point there Greg.... :

              I would indeed notice if half-a-puck was sticking to the bottom of the piston :P and I really dont like gravely coffee all that much. I think the "interesting" characters I notice with the AeroPress is mostly due to the great coffee being used.... 8-)

              Mal.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

                Mal

                I havent yet managed as impressive a pour as youve got from your Junior Extra - as seen in those amazing photos you posted with your review!

                Cheers

                James  ;D

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

                  Thanks James...

                  It is possible to obtain excellent brews from the humble AeroPress too mate. I suppose the mistake I made when I first started using mine, was to grind the coffee a little too fine. This resulted in the piston being much too difficult to depress and the resulting coffee a bit too thin.

                  Eventually arrived at a grind setting that was about halfway between Espresso and Pour-Over/Drip and a Brew Water Temperature of 88C. This gives me the sort of brew I enjoy but you should experiment a bit to find out where your sweet spot is. The AeroPress makes a lovely Long Black and a very passable Flat White too for that matter, it is a very versatile little brewing system and one that I still enjoy using from time to time. In fact, one of my old shooting buddies wont drink his coffee prepared with anything else .... So there you go, with great beans ground immediately before brewing, its a terrific brew system.... 8-)

                  Mal.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

                    Cheers Mal

                    I have to say that every cup Ive made so far with the Aeropress has been a success.

                    I think one of its big advantages is that even when you get the grind wrong, you still get a decent cup of coffee. Nothing wasted!

                    When my Presso arrives I will be curious to see whether I can produce a good cup every time.

                    I have wisely followed the gospel preached on this forum - Fresh roasted beans, freshly ground!

                    James  

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

                      Originally posted by 3C223A3721223938560 link=1273323092/9#9 date=1273659419
                      I have wisely followed the gospel preached on this forum - Fresh roasted beans, freshly ground!

                      James  
                      Hallelujah!!

                      Greg

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: Aeropress - Grinding and the consistency of ones puck

                        Originally posted by 5F6A7D7F4F776A7579747C180 link=1273323092/10#10 date=1273746691
                        Originally posted by 3C223A3721223938560 link=1273323092/9#9 date=1273659419
                        I have wisely followed the gospel preached on this forum - Fresh roasted beans, freshly ground!

                        James  
                        Hallelujah!!

                        Greg

                        At last... Another one...

                        Considering the quality of the cup...

                        I still find it had to comprehend why so many, can not cross to the dark side and enjoy fresh beans :

                        Comment

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