ProView – VSSL Java G25 Grinder + Nest Pour Over Kit Review

Picture this: you and your friends are gathered around a cozy, crackling morning campfire; you feel the warm sun on your face as it peaks over the mountain top, and there’s a fresh scent of coffee in the air. I set up my VSSL Nest Pour Over atop a flat rock near the campfire while the aroma of freshly ground beans from the Java G25 grinder mixed with the earthy scent of pine. I slowly poured hot water over the coffee grounds and with each careful swirl, I watched as rich, dark liquid dripped into my mug. There is nothing better than a hot cup of fresh coffee on a cool crisp mountain morning — it is simplicity in its finest.

I live in Park City, Utah and have been a professional barista for the last five years at the busiest coffee shop on Main Street. I have always loved coffee, but have evolved into quite the coffee connoisseur since becoming a barista. I have spent considerable time trying different beans and perfecting the foamiest cappuccino milk. At home I have experimented with different ways to make a delicious cup of coffee, in lieu of having access to the espresso machine at work. Out of the various methods of making coffee at home, I keep coming back to the classic pour over method. It provides a strong single cup of coffee, has an easy clean up, and takes little time to make. For this reason, I was beyond excited to obtain the VSSL G25 Coffee Grinder and Nest Pour Over set.

I used my VSSL gear the most while camping in the beautiful Uinta mountains near my home. On recent camping trips, I found myself sitting by the crackling fire, surrounded by friends who shared my love for both nature and good coffee. We sipped our brews and exchanged stories under the clear sky. Back home I used the Java G25 Coffee Grinder and Nest Pour Over set to recreate this ritual. Though the setting was different – a cozy kitchen instead of a rugged campsite – the essence remained unchanged. The pour over set brought a touch of wilderness into my urban routine as I reminisced about the serenity of those forest mornings and the simplicity of life. In the near future, I am planning to use the VSSL Java G25 coffee grinder and Nest Pour Over set for road trips to Colorado and more camping/biking trips this summer throughout the mountains of Utah.

Features

The Java G25 coffee grinder is perfect for any coffee lover who values precision and functionality in every grind. Crafted from durable aluminum, the grinder is lightweight and versatile, ideal for outdoor escapades or daily use at home. I really appreciated the functionality of the locking carabiner that twists off into an extendable grind handle. This feature not only makes it easier to grind your coffee beans but the ability to remove the top cap and store it in the grounds compartment makes the coffee grinder extremely packable. The Java G25 coffee grinder can finely tune through 50 grind dial settings. Whether you crave a coarse grind for French press mornings or a fine grind for a perfect espresso shot, the Java G25 caters to your every preference. The instruction manual was very helpful in determining how to change the dial settings to adjust the grind size. Included is a small brush, conveniently stored in a small pouch on the felt case to make cleaning extra grounds on the grinder a breeze.

Weight/Packability

The Java G25 coffee grinder is compact, standing at just 6.3 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter, and weighing a mere 15.2 ounces. Its compact dimensions make it effortlessly packable, fitting snugly into any backpack or kitchen drawer without adding unnecessary bulk. I was able to easily take my entire coffee set up on a weekend trip to my grandmas, on road trips, and camping. Despite its portable size, the grinder is capable of holding about 30 grams of coffee beans, enough for multiple servings depending on your brewing method. This made it versatile enough to accompany me on my solo adventures and when I would camp with friends. I like my coffee strong, so I personally would use a full grinder of grounds for my pour over and it was perfect.

Included is also a felt case for the Java G25 that offers protection, whether it’s stowed in your kitchen drawer or nestled snugly inside the VSSL Nest Pour Over Kit. The Nest Pour Over set is truly tailored for those who appreciate a quality coffee experience wherever they roam. Its sleek dimensions make it incredibly easy to pack into any backpack, camping kit, or travel bag without occupying precious space. The pour over top even fit my friend’s Miir camp mug so it was perfect on our group camping trip.

Function/Performance

Despite its lightweight build, the Nest Pour Over set doesn’t compromise on functionality. It includes all the essentials for brewing the perfect cup: a stainless steel filter, a collapsible silicone cone, and a sturdy lid that doubles as a base for the cone during brewing. These features made the entire set up, and the coffee making process not only seamless, but mess free. It was essential that I found a flat surface to put the Nest Pour set on so it was stable enough for pouring hot water over. I was pleasantly surprised at how well the reusable mesh filter worked; I was able to grind my beans fairly fine without any grounds falling through and ending in my mug. That has been a problem I’ve seen with other reusable coffee filters I’ve tried in the past. It was also very easy to rinse out and reuse for the next friend at camp.

The Java G25 has completely replaced my electric coffee grinder at home. It is far more compact and gives a consistent grind every single time. My electric grinder would just keep grinding the beans in the same reservoir so there would always be variability in grind size. Whereas, the Java G25 allows the grounds to fall through to the ground basin once the beans are of perfect size depending on what grind setting you choose. Correct grind size in pour-over coffee brewing is essential for achieving balanced extraction, controlling brewing time, and ultimately producing a flavorful cup of coffee. As a long time barista I know this is a fundamental variable that coffee enthusiasts often fine-tune to enhance their brewing technique and enjoy the best possible coffee experience.

Durability/Construction

The durable construction of both the Nest Pour Over and Java G25 ensures longevity and resilience when roughing it in the outdoors. If I were going backpacking though, I would pre grind the beans and just bring the Nest Pour Over, because the Java G25 Coffee Grinder would be too heavy to haul. The Nest Pour Over set’s lightweight construction is complemented by its durability as it is crafted from high-quality materials. At its core, the Nest Dripper and Mug are crafted from stainless steel, which is not only durable but also environmentally conscious as it is constructed with 80% recycled materials. This material choice provides exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear and ensures that your mug provides proper insulation for your freshly brewed coffee.

Accompanying the Nest Dripper is the Nest #1 Filter, also made from stainless steel. The use of this durable material ensures that the filter remains effective and capable of withstanding repeated use without compromising on its filtering capabilities. Completing the set is the Nest Lid which seals the Nest Mug securely and prevents spills during transport. This allowed me to take the mug on hikes around the campground with my cat, Mowgli and on walks around the neighborhood with my roommate’s dog without any spills or splashes on the go.

The Final Word

I appreciate VSSL’s commitment to quality craftsmanship and sustainable materials, ensuring that your coffee brewing experience is not only enjoyable but also eco-friendly and built to last. The VSSL Nest Pour Over Kit paired with the Java G25 coffee grinder delivers a consistently delicious cup of coffee, making them durable and dependable companions for any adventure. Whether I was venturing into the wilderness, embarking on a road trip, or simply enjoying a lazy weekend morning, the Nest Pour Over set ensured that I could indulge in a flavorful pour over coffee experience wherever my adventures took me.

The Java G25 isn’t just a grinder; it’s a catalyst for enhancing your coffee experience and leading to the perfect cup of coffee no matter your preference. It’s thoughtful features blend functionality and durability making it a perfect addition to any coffee lover’s brew kit. For these reasons, both the VSSL Java G25 coffee grinder and the Nest Pour Over set deserve a 5 star rating. Whether in the wilderness or at home, this complete coffee set up became very cherished in my camp kitchen and brew cabinet at home. Coffee is one of my favorite simple pleasures in life and best enjoyed when it is guaranteed fresh wherever I go. The joy of sharing coffee with friends is now easier than ever thanks to VSSL.

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