Opinions sought regarding Gevalia coffees

[GA Russell]

An old girl friend of mine used to give me Gevalia coffee for Christmas. I enjoyed it.

I am thinking about becoming a subscriber. I thought that they sent you four boxes (two pounds) a month, and the boxes just kept piling up until you have bought your obligation. But I now learn that you are free to quit at any time. You can have the shipments sent at an interval of your choosing, such as once every six months. You need not get two pounds at a time, or even two boxes of the same blend.

It appears that the shipping charge is $6.00 no matter what you order. It looks like most of the coffees are $15 a pound. So if you order two pounds, that comes out to $18 a pound including shipping.

So my questions for all of you coffee aficionadoes are...Is Gevalia overpriced? Do its competitors sell comparable coffee for less? Who are its competitors?

I know of an Atlanta mail order coffeehouse that is highly regarded called J. Martinez, and I know of green bean places like Sweet Maria's, but in terms of price and selection and service, who compares favorably with Gevalia?

[mellowT]

For 18 bucks a pound, you can buy the best Peets or Starbucks has to offer, and you buy it when you need it. Unless you need a new coffeemaker, I wouldn't bother.

[Christiern]

I once visited a coffee plantations in Sweden,but I have to say that I was not impressed. When I asked about the smoke and mirrors, my coffee guide mumbled something in Swedish and offered me a lingonberry. The do know their lingonberries.

As I see it, the only reason one might have to subscribe is the ultra cheap coffeemakers, but a google or two is likely to find a comparable brewer bargain.

[GA Russell]

Actually, I just bought a new small coffee maker which I am pleased with, so I don't need a new one. The Gevalia offer is two boxes of coffee (one pound total) and a steel travel mug for free plus the $6.00 shipping. No further obligation.

[Christiern]

That sounds like a steal. Sweden has always given good steel.

I'd grab it.

...and run!

[GA Russell]

LOL! I signed up, and now I have found a better deal: 3 boxes (1.5 pounds total) for $3.00 with free shipping! Then with your third order they send you the free coffee maker.

Edited August 25, 2010 by GA Russell

[sonnymax]

For 18 bucks a pound, you can buy the best Peets or Starbucks has to offer, and you buy it when you need it. Unless you need a new coffeemaker, I wouldn't bother.

And the best Charbucks, I mean Starbucks, has to offer is....

Really, that shit is awful. Burnt ain't better.

[Christiern]

I, too, find Starbucks to be highly overrated. I have yet to get a really good cup of coffee there. I recall Horn & Hardart's coffee, the cups were as thick as the Gaza wall, but the coffee was heavenly.

[jostber]

I have tasted Gevalia, and I liked it a lot. Liked both their selection of blends and burning. They're conscious as well: http://www.gevalia.com/about-gevalia/sustainable-coffee.aspx

Edited August 25, 2010 by jostber

[GA Russell]

OK guys, thanks for all of your input. Here's the situation:

1) I signed up with Gevalia with the six dollar deal mentioned above.

2) Shortly after I did that, I found the better deal: 3 boxes for $3 with free shipping. With your third order they send you the free coffeemaker.

http://www.gevalia.com/continuity/quick-enroll.aspx?keycode=125167&vd=15-000&cm_mmc_o=W4-%20REkbEwCjCZYpyzCjCniDvCjCvnDvxI

3) If that deal is tempting to you, let me know, because I can probably get you an even better deal through their "refer a friend" program.

4) Now I have found a local roaster who is only six miles from my home! I was aware of various cafes, but I don't think that this place serves coffee.

http://roastofthetownnc.com/

[PHILLYQ]

I ordered from these guys as a gift and my sister liked them a lot:

http://barclayscoffee.com/

[jazzbo]

My sister sent me the Gevalia coffee grinder for Christmas one year about sixteen years ago. Still use it to grind my coffee, all the time. I have become addicted to an organic coffee grown by a collective of growers in Mexico supported by a local Austin company that roasts the beans here. Amazing stuff.

http://rutamaya.net/

I used to try a lot of different coffees from Africa, Asia, Americas. .. but I quit experimenting about ten years ago.

[Adam]

I used to get my espresso beans from Peet's, and now generally get it from Urth caffe in Los Angeles.

http://www.urthcaffe.com/

They have good food too.

[GA Russell]

I received my Gevalia coffee today. I'll have some tomorrow.

There are two "refer a friend" programs.

The first is by mail. You get two half-pound boxes of coffee from a selection of 19 coffees and the fancy coffee maker. This costs $10.00 with free shipping.

The second way is via the internet. The internet deal costs $12.95. It isn't clear if the shipping is free. (As far as I can see, shipping when not free is always $5.95.) You get the fancy coffee maker plus a stainless steel scoop, plus two half-pound boxes from a selection of 40.

Or you can take the internet deal to get a stainless steel tea kettle with a canister and a travel mug and two boxes of tea from a selection of 19 teas.

PM me if you are interested.

[Tim McG]

Gevalia?

Weak, weaker, weakest coffee. Glorified Folgers. Tastes like it was strained through a sock.

Save your money and go with WinCo Foods for coffee beans [superior, IMHO] or buy the CostCo brand [Columbian] Kirkwood. Starbucks, although way too freakin' expensive, is a good choice, too.

[GA Russell]

I like everything about Dave Brubeck except his piano playing.

I like everything abut Starbucks except their coffee.