Can anyone recommend a relatively inexpensive (under $150), "quiet" grinder? Unfortunately, I've found very few decibel ratings for grinders outside of the high end models, and I'm afraid a Rancilio Rocky, MD40, or Gaggia MDF are out of my price range.
As for what I mean by "quiet", I'm looking for something that doesn't sound like a jet taking off, which is about the db rating for the junky Cuisinart DBM-8 I'm currently using. (Also, looking for something with a more uniform grind than this model, which is a hand-me-down from the office.)
I only drink coffee, not espresso, at home, and I use a Technivorm CD Thermo to brew it.
The Bodum Bistro and the Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder are at the top of my lists at the moment, but I've seen no evidence backing up claims of these grinders being "quiet".
Had the black plastic Capresso for a while, it worked alright for drip and press. However, it was on the loud side. If I were going to buy again I would spend the extra money on the stainless steel one which is weighted and will have a better grind/less loud.
For the money I would either go with a refurbished Baratza Virtuouso, which can be purchased from their site baratza.com. Or if you wanted a new grinder I would go with the above mentioned Capresso or the Baratza Maestro Plus (weighted).
Any of those grinders I think will fit your needs just don't go with something that is light as it will not grind as well because it will move more and be louder.
I have the stainless steel version of the Capresso Infinity. I once had the noisy Cuisinart you speak of too. There's no comparison. Having said that, the grinder does make a little noise, but not enough to raise the dead. I think you'll be satisfied with it.
Re: noise, I can grind using my Virtuoso and not wake the 3-year-old upstairs, so there you go. I've been very happy with the Virtuoso. Don't think there are any Virtuoso refurbs available currently on Baratza's site though.
Intrepid510 -- is the Starbucks Barista the same as the Virtuoso you mentioned? It's the only refurb available on its site at the moment.
Java_Jiver -- that's great to hear. I know it won't be as quiet as the professional models, but as long as it's a good bit quieter than the Cuisinart I'd be happy.
Nope, the Barista is essentially a rebranded Baratza Maestro Plus. It's a decent burr grinder--just a step below the Virtuoso in terms of the burrs, motor, and heft IIRC. There's a nice technical paper that Mark Prince wrote up recently comparing the different models of Baratza grinders that you might find useful.
Nope, the Barista is essentially a rebranded Baratza Maestro Plus. It's a decent burr grinder--just a step below the Virtuoso in terms of the burrs, motor, and heft IIRC. There's a nice technical paper that Mark Prince wrote up recently comparing the different models of Baratza grinders that you might find useful.
Most burr grinders in the $150 and below range are going to make some noise - if you want to grind quietly without spending a good deal more money then a hand grinder might be in your future. The burrs on the Bodum, Capresso, and the Baratza look pretty close and all will grind more precisely than your current grinder. Build quality on the Baratza is very nice for the price.
I chew coffee beans with my teeth while gargling with 195 F water to enjoy coffee. What is this "coffee brewing" device you speak of?
I don't necessarily have a problem with a hand grinder, although I found none with decent reviews at various sites so I ruled them out. If you have one you could recommend, I'd certainly entertain the idea.
Else it looks like trying to sort out a refurb Baratza or get the weighted, SS Capresso Infinity.
I don't necessarily have a problem with a hand grinder, although I found none with decent reviews at various sites so I ruled them out. If you have one you could recommend, I'd certainly entertain the idea.
Else it looks like trying to sort out a refurb Baratza or get the weighted, SS Capresso Infinity.
Give Baratza an email and see if they have any, that is how I was able to get a refurbished Preciso.
If that doesn't work just check their site first thing Friday as that is when they update the page for the week and they take the grinders down as they sell them.
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