Hey guys, so far all my bodum vac pot drinks have been a bit more bitter than I feel they should be. I use an MDF and set it about 18. The first time I ran it for the full 3 min in upper chamber, way too bitter, the next time I knocked it down to 2 min, but I stupidly also switched to a 16 grind for some reason (a mistake). Still a little bit too bitter.


Sweet marias recommends 45 seconds for a "fine" grind and 3 minutes for "coarse." Now, would mid-way on the MDF be considered between these two, or still be considered fine, with the espresso shots of 2-5 (on mine) ranging in the "extra fine"?

such terms as fine and coarse are hard to understand without more hands on experience or barista instruction. Thanks for any tips!

Rather than compare numbers on a dial, I recommend learning to dial in a grinder by feel. Fine tuning grinder setting with minimum waste elaborates on this point, e.g., medium grind (vacuum pots, fast French Press, and cupping) = a tad finer than table salt. With just a little practice, you'll be able to dial in any grinder within 1 click using only a couple tablespoons of coffee.

Brian,

You're on the right track by experimenting on the grinder dial and with your steep time. No one can prescribe the right setting on your grinder exactly, but as Dan says you can learn to evaluate the grind setting by feel.

One thing to keep in mind - most grinders, including your MDF, produce a range of particle sizes at a given setting. Try smearing some of the grind on a paper towel and you'll see a mixture of coarse and fine particles. For that reason you may still get some bitterness even at coarser settings. Shorter steep times can help.

Keep experimenting!

Ryan

Hi. A bit off topic, but I've had a vac pot for a while and don't use it often because I feel there's too much of a lack of body. I guess the purpose of vac brewing is clarity, but I'm just not getting "it".

I tend to use a medium grind and like Brian have tried 1 - 3 minutes. Does anyone have a recommended bean that the vac pot really makes shine? Maybe it's just not for me. I tend to like good drip, perc and even Turkish (not necessarily in that order), then french press and finally vac pot least.

I just thought when I bought it, it was going to be coffee nirvana!

Thanks,
John