[AdmiralAsshat]

I guess a French Press would be an example of "low tech" I've embraced to make an awesome cup of coffee every morning.

But being a perfectionist tech geek, I had to ruin it by investing in an expensive Barzata conical burr grinder, so I guess it's not low tech anymore.

Does it still count if I switch to a manual burr hand-grinder? :P

[axaxs]

It's funny I just posted about the same thing. If you're interested, check out vintage Elma grinders on ebay. I have one we restored and it looks nice. If something smaller, Kalita makes nice ones too. Somehow I now have 3 total. It's not as fast or simple as electric, of course, but there is some satisfaction to its simplicity.

[JackFr]

I have them grind it for me at the store. It's definitely improved my quality of life. I prefer drip to press, but my wife is the other way around, so I deal with it.

[AdmiralAsshat]

The problem with grinding them at the store is you vastly decrease the lifespan of the beans in terms of quality. Whole bean coffee, properly stored, can keep in the pantry for months. Once the coffee is ground, it starts losing its aromatic qualities within hours (even if you are storing it in an airtight, opaque container). It won't go stale or rancid that quickly, but there will be a noticeable drop in quality. So I really wouldn't recommend pre-grinding unless you go through the bag within a week.

[axaxs]

This mirrors my own experience. I was grinding a lot at home and storing it, but the next day it just felt flat. I'm one of those people that likes heavy aromatic Konas. Grinding for what you're making now is the way to go for sure.

[agitator]

I use a hand grinder, and a moka pot. My favorite type of coffee. Super simple and reliable.