Posted Sat Nov 24, 2012, 8:12am Subject: "Newb" Needs some help on Grinder Choice
Hi,
This is one of my "sporadic" posts. I am essentially a "Newb" here (but I lurk a lot!).
Anyway, I am in need of a new grinder. I have read reviews here and elsewhere and think that I have narrowed it down to 2 units.
I am considering one of these:
Rancillo Rocky
Baratza Vario
I want to achieve a more consistent grind particle size distribution. And Since I do French Press, Technivorm Mocamaster Filter drip, and (as soon as I order a new espresso machine) espresso, ease of adjustment is an important factor.
Turkish/Greek coffee is a possibility as well.
My question: Is the Vario worth the extra money? I will pay it gladly if it is worth it. I don't constantly change equipment to follow the latest "trends" (e.g. my Avanti espresso machine ws about 25 years old when it died last year).
I would appreciate any insights that you may have as a user of the equipment.
Opinions offered on this site are valued highly by me.
I am thanking you in advance for your input.
Cheers,
Dave
Don't forget to stop and smell the coffee...... er flowers!
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,665 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Sat Nov 24, 2012, 11:42am Subject: Re: "Newb" Needs some help on Grinder Choice
Rocky is showing his age, his steps are rather large by todays standards and the Vario gives you more "bang for the buck" Also, look at used commercial espresso grinders. Espresso grinders do a great job on espresso but not so much on drip or press pot coffee. The Vario seems to be able to bridge both fairly well.
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
Posted Sat Nov 24, 2012, 1:07pm Subject: Re: "Newb" Needs some help on Grinder Choice
calblacksmith Said:
Rocky is showing his age, his steps are rather large by todays standards and the Vario gives you more "bang for the buck" Also, look at used commercial espresso grinders. Espresso grinders do a great job on espresso but not so much on drip or press pot coffee. The Vario seems to be able to bridge both fairly well.
Good Point, Wayne! I am going to order the Vario without the W (weigh option) as i already have a very accurate scale to measure the beans for each "shot".
My old (relic) grinder is just too "tired" and spare parts are probably non-existant. It is going the way of my old Avanti single pumper espresso machine i.e. the scrap heap.
When I recover from this "hit" to the wallet, I will see about a replacement Espresso machine. I am looking at a Breville BES900XL as it looks like I could set it up so that my wife (loves coffee.... but definitely a non-coffee geek lmao) will be able to pull a drinkable shot. The price point looks good too (circa $1000.00)
Thanks for the reply,
Dave
Don't forget to stop and smell the coffee...... er flowers!
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