ease of use Hey all. I'm considdering bying this, but am wondering how easy the buttons are. I'm totally blind, providing I might need help with the grind settings and timer, is it worth my money? If someone can respond with any comments I would be rateful. Thanks.Siobhan ease of use Hey all. I'm considdering bying this, but am wondering how easy the buttons are. I'm totally blind, providing I might need help with the grind settings and timer, is it worth... » Read More ease of use Hey all. I'm considdering bying this, but am wondering how easy the buttons are. I'm totally blind, providing I might need help with the grind settings and timer, is it worth my money? If someone can respond with any comments I would be rateful. Thanks.Siobhan « Show Less
267576
Not sure if anyone replied, but I have had my Melitta for going on 8 years and I have used a variety of beans. Most commonly are the ones from Costco. The Costco brand is package by Starbucks.
267577
I am receiving my new coffee maker today, and i was wondering what kind of coffee beans to use, I came accross Kirkland Signature beans at outlet store for $3 for 2 lbs. and they are def. I mix with French Roast, and this makes a good cup, but the good buy at $3 is no more.
1846172
Yeah that was the same for me. I used it for 2 plus weeks to get used to it but it never happened. I did return it and im still working on finding one that works for me. Hope this helps. Take care
1972011
It would take a few minutes to grind the coffee. It's slow, not an issue for me, could be for you. The grind is adjustable and there is a wide range. It's a really neat very simple machine.
562288
I wish I could help you..........I have mine set for just weekdays and different times for weekends. It's not very intuitive and when I've had to make changes it takes too long a time to re-learn what to do. But it works really well once it's set, and the override button is great. I encourage you to just review the tiny print instructions and play with the thing, eventually you'll get the settings you want. I've learned these digital devices with so many bells and whistles are annoying but I also figure it's part of keeping my head in current technology and I don't want to be too behind the tech curve. You wanted technical advice, not lifestyle....my apologies and good luck! I wish I could help you..........I have mine set for just weekdays and different times for weekends. It's not very intuitive and when I've had to make changes it takes too long a time to re-learn what to do. But it works really well once it's set, and the override button is great. I encourage you to just review the tiny print instructions and play with the thing, eventually you'll get the settings you want. I've learned these digital devices with so many bells and whistles are annoying but I also figure it's part of keeping my head in current technology and I don't want to be too behind the... » Read More I wish I could help you..........I have mine set for just weekdays and different times for weekends. It's not very intuitive and when I've had to make changes it takes too long a time to re-learn what to do. But it works really well once it's set, and the override button is great. I encourage you to just review the tiny print instructions and play with the thing, eventually you'll get the settings you want. I've learned these digital devices with so many bells and whistles are annoying but I also figure it's part of keeping my head in current technology and I don't want to be too behind the tech curve. You wanted technical advice, not lifestyle....my apologies and good luck! « Show Less
1099626
Yes it is very easy to use, I don't have strong hands either and I have no trouble at all with this grinder.
2156353
my grinder won't even operate!!! am i missing something? should it just come on when I press "on"??
2003428
There is a manual adjustment knob just like on a normal variable speed grinder/polisher. We haven't clocked the speeds but, slow is really slow and fast is good enough. We use it mostly for polishing and metal prep (high grit) not material removal. It doesn't get used everyday, but it is $300 well spent when we do use it.
1928584
Hi Amanda, Well I've had more time with my KA grinder since I wrote that review. I'm still pleased with the way it operates but have come to realize that grinding times need to be longer than the directions call for. I, too favor a fine grind so have been holding the grinding to a count of twenty (one one thousand, two one thousand, etc.). Sometimes it helps to pause at ten and shake the grinder lightly to ensure a thorough grinding with no left over whole beans. Enjoy!
2071826
I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric chopping types. I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric... » Read More I don't think your doing anything wrong. Depending on the bean, it can be tougher to turn at times than others. I noticed that beans such as Starbucks are easier because they have more oils then some other brands I have bought. I thought the effort required was reasonable for the amount of beans. Considering the price of most burr grinders I looked at, I thought this one was a decent deal. I have had issues where the handle kicked back and beans spilled out, that can be frustrating. But, otherwise I like the grinder it cuts evenly and I think the coffee tastes better then the electric chopping types. « Show Less
640824
The previous responses are valuable. I have gas burners and a french press so if I lose power the grinder becomes essential. For the times I need to use it I took a hint from one of the reviewers on Amazon and attached my little cordless hand screwdriver. So easy. More than a couple of cups is a lot of work manually but a good exercise for your arm muscles. The good thing is that the coffee comes out with the same quality of the most expensive grinders. You can't find an electrical conical grinder for $20.00. There are the blade variations that get terrific reviews, but you need to visually watch for the correct grind. Once you do fresh ground it is difficult to go back. The previous responses are valuable. I have gas burners and a french press so if I lose power the grinder becomes essential. For the times I need to use it I took a hint from one of the reviewers on Amazon and attached my little cordless hand screwdriver. So easy. More than a couple of cups is a lot of work manually but a good exercise for your arm muscles. The good thing is that the coffee comes out with the same quality of the most expensive grinders. You can't find an electrical conical grinder for $20.00. There are the blade variations that get terrific reviews, but you need to visually... » Read More The previous responses are valuable. I have gas burners and a french press so if I lose power the grinder becomes essential. For the times I need to use it I took a hint from one of the reviewers on Amazon and attached my little cordless hand screwdriver. So easy. More than a couple of cups is a lot of work manually but a good exercise for your arm muscles. The good thing is that the coffee comes out with the same quality of the most expensive grinders. You can't find an electrical conical grinder for $20.00. There are the blade variations that get terrific reviews, but you need to visually watch for the correct grind. Once you do fresh ground it is difficult to go back. « Show Less
537532
I don't use French press, so can't speak to whether or not coarse grind works best. From what I've read and seen, that is the proper grind. However, if you're not happy with your results, you'll definitely be happy with the Baratza Preciso. I got mine a year ago, and have never been sorry. For me (I use several different fine grinds for lever press espresso), it is simply the best and only grinder to have. Be sure you get the Preciso. It has the most options for grinds, other than the Vario, which is way too expensive.
2113563
You may be grinding too fine. Plus, you should take your time when pressing. Twenty-five seconds to press is not too fast. I just lay both hands on top and let gravity do the job for me. And no, I don't have giant hands.
1013362
We went for the 840 Infuser, I read a lot of reviews and having a stand alone grinder of good quality is better all round than having one in the machine.I'm sorry to say I haven't found a grinder that I like, so I grind in the store with a professional grinder, I'm not prepared to pay for a professional grinder (yet).Plus the infuser is idiot proof and it makes great coffee, time after time. I do feel it needs cleaning more often than our last Breville but I'm ok with that.
1927179
Great! Thank you both so much for your responses. It was the one thing I used a lot on the old one I'm replacing, but the documentation and photos do not show that button.Thanks again!
1717814
See edit further down... I JUST looked through the menus when I got this question... I haven't tried it, so I don't know if it's what you're looking for, but under the "System Settings" menu, there's a menu called "Tool" that has a couple of settings that look like they might be used as timers ("Power Off," etc.). OK, edit... Had a chance to try it - only tried it with FM, but since it basically just totally powers down the whole unit, it should work for all functions. Using the above instructions, and using the "Power Off" menu, you can set the timer in 10-minute increments, up to 120 minutes. When done, it powers off the entire unit; to get it to turn back on, you must press and HOLD the right-most button. It was a little disconcerting when I tried to use the "Menu" button to turn it back on, and nothing happened... Once the timer has turned the unit off, the timer is reset to "0" -i.e., the timer is not active. Because of the way you set it, I was afraid it might stay set on a 10-minute turn-off until I went back in and zeroed it, but that's not the case. If you want the timer again, you have to reset it, each time. I also do not agree that it's not worth the very low price. I find the sound pretty good, the volume is good, etc. I'd like to know what some people thought they were going to get for such a low price... Then again, they may have simply received a bad unit... . .
2233528
Thanks JJLet me know how you like the A10.Now the question is, how are you grinding your beans? I have a Baratza Vario and I am also very happy with it. Occasionally grinds will stick in the basket due to static, but overall pretty rock solid. They have the new Vario that doses by weight; wish I had it. When I use my Chemex or Hario pour overs, I weigh out the beans and water. If you haven't tried a pour over, it's an inexpensive investment which brews excellent coffee.Happy brewing my friend...
1580466
It's very easy to use. Adjust the size of the gring tighting or loosing the screw in the inner part of the grinder. Then just turn the crank and enjoy.