Good coffee really does require a good grinder. If you're willing to pay more in pursuit of that perfect brew, you certainly can (and of course we encourage it, we do have boat payments after all) but you really don't have to. The Encore will get you started at an entry level price and since we grind with it ourselves, we can tell you for sure it will play nicley with your American Press as well as pour over and that other kind of press (you know the one we're talking about. Not recommended for espresso though! If you're looking for a grinder that can do both espresso and also American Press and other "filter" methods at the lower end of the price range, check out the Baratza Encore ESP. Also available in black!