Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by Eridrus on Monday January 16, 2017 @08:21AM
(#13409789)
To follow up on the grinder idea: is there a way to individually seal pre-ground coffee in a way that means it doesn't lose the aromatics or whatever it is it loses in the first 15 minutes? Maybe look into what coffee pods use to seal coffee? It might be Nitrogen sealed?
Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by danpalmer on Thursday January 19, 2017 @12:06PM
(#13437334)
Individually sealed portions are much more expensive per-cup, and therefore nowhere near as accessible. Also sealed coffee is still not the same as freshly ground - it's a big step up from non-sealed, but not the same at all.
Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by SyneRyder on Monday January 16, 2017 @08:22AM
(#13409794)
What about the Hario Hand Grinder (MSS-1)? They're only $35 on Amazon, and I found it a great first step after instant coffee & the low quality grinder I'd bought at a chain cafe.
Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by dustinmr on Monday January 16, 2017 @07:25AM
(#13409586)
I find the biggest way you can improve your coffee is to get out the kitchen scale and weigh it rather than using a scoop/spoon to measure it. That makes a much bigger difference than grinding.
I think there's lots of room for education to explain brewing methods. People know all about how to store and open and taste wine (for example), but coffee it's just a drip pot or Nespresso, which are both pretty subpar.
Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by Eridrus on Monday January 16, 2017 @08:02AM
(#13409701)
For espresso? Sure. For drip coffee? I don't buy it. I can taste variation in beans much more easily than the variation in my scoop size.
Re:Ask HN: What do you want from a coffee startup?
by Broken_Hippo on Wednesday January 18, 2017 @06:15AM
(#13425562)
Small variation isn't so bad if you are making coffee in a coffee pot.
I use a pour-over though. Over-filling a scoop with a single serving means you get quite a different flavor - stronger than intended. In the basket of the coffee pot, it is just a tiny bit more as it is spread out over 8-10 cups of coffee.
I have a burr grinder that automatically measures the beans out, however, so I get the same amount with the same grind each time (Unless I change settings).
Grinding at the time of use is the single best thing one can do to improve their coffee, and probably matters more than the brewing process, the equipment, the beans used, etc. Most people (in my experience) tend to buy pre-ground beans.
First thought is can you include a grinder in your subscription? A grinder is pretty expensive, so probably not, which means either some creative marketing to get people to buy one up-front, or maybe repositioning yourself as "you've bought a grinder/cafetiere/aeropress - now what?" sort of educational brand, and market in shops where equipment is sold?
Alternatively, the gifting market might be a good way to sell a grinder with a small subscription, people more willing to pay $80 up front for the grinder if they are paying for 6 months in advance.