slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 7:36am Subject: Espresso only grinder
Hi forum,
I am new to the forum and to the world of espresso for that matter. I would like some help deciding on an espresso only grinder. I do not yet have an espresso machine as I am taking the advice of many and determining the right choice for the grinder first and then moving on to the decision of the machine afterwards. That said, what would be your advice for an espresso only grinder in the under $800 USD range? Your comments are appreciated.
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 8:19am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
This is a difficult question to answer, just because there are SO many right answers within the bound of espresso grinder up to $800. Do you have any any size restrictions or are you concerned about the appearance? Are you worried about it being loud? Are you willing to put some work into it?
If these are really your only prerequisites, I would suggest one of the Mazzers. You can find a used Super Jolly in the $300 range and you can get a brand new one in the $600s. If you're a bit more concerned about counter profile, the Mini will fit under the cabinets just fine and you can get that about $100 cheaper. you can probably even find a used SJ doserless if you looked around a bit. There are plenty of other options, though.
NobbyR Senior Member Joined: 10 Jul 2011 Posts: 1,609 Location: Germany Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Poccino Opus One, Ariete Grinder: Eureka Mignon Istantaneo,... Vac Pot: N/A Drip: Melitta Linea Unica de Luxe Roaster: N/A
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 8:25am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
I would recommend a stepless grinder, no matter what. With your budget you ought to be able to find a more than capable grinder. Here are some suspects (in alphabetical order):
Baratza Preciso: $299 (actually not stepless, but with 440 settings virtually stepless) Baratza Vario: $449 (not stepless either, but with more than 200 settings also virtually stepless) Compak K3-touch: $530 MACAP MC4: $549 MACAP M4: $629 Mazzer Super Jolly: $695 Mazzer Mini-E: $799 Nuova Simonelli MCI: $700
Check them out on consumer reviews, for example.
*** "This drink of the Satan is so delicious that it would be a shame to leave it to the infidels." (Pope Clement VIII on coffee)
slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 8:44am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
Thanks for replies. I do have some space restrictions (should have mentioned earlier). The set up will need to go under counter of which I have only 17.5 inches. Good looks is a preference but quality of the grinder is certainly more important.
I agree, but some stepped grinders, such as indicated below have such fine steps it doesn't seem to matter
All of the following will fit under a standard kitchen cabinet:
Baratza Preciso: $299 (actually not stepless, but with 440 settings virtually stepless) Baratza Vario: $449 (not stepless either, but with more than 200 settings also virtually stepless) MACAP MC4: $549 MACAP M4: $629 Mazzer Super Jolly: $695 (without the hopper) Mazzer Mini-E: $799
There's a great review article here on CG from several years back comparing 5 or 6 undercounter grinders in the Mazzer Min/Macap M4 class.
I removed two from Nobby's list only because I don't know their height for sure, not because they definitely won't fit.
You also need to decide between doser and doserless models.
Coffeenoobie Senior Member Joined: 11 Dec 2011 Posts: 2,317 Location: PNW Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: N S Oscar Grinder: Vario W
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 10:08am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
I like the Vario W it is more ($50-100) than the vario but I love dosing X grams into my basket in the morning with no mess and no fuss. It looks good on the counter and it is neat. The bad things about commercial grinders they are messy and huge. That is all that is keeping me from having a commercial grinder. I love the size and convenience of the Vario W.
I personally did not like the idea of spending $300 for a commercial grinder used and having to mod the heck out of it to sorta get what I wanted to begin with. And I hate the grind retention of commercial as well.
Coffeenoobie
Buying advice: GRINDER GRINDER GRINDER. Don't cheap out on the grinder. My coffee treasure map... Click Here (maps.google.com)
slim4511 Senior Member Joined: 22 May 2012 Posts: 9 Location: US Expertise: Just starting
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 10:33am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
As far as doser or doserless goes, my use will be about 2 or 3 double espressos per day. Having not been a coffee maker previously, I would think amount of mess, ease of operation to make a consistent, good product, and quality workmanship would be of much value to me. After reading so much on this forum, things are getting a little fuzzy for me on the topic. I don't think I need all of the bells and whistles but am not afraid to spend money for the right equipment.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,716 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 11:11am Subject: Re: Espresso only grinder
I believe the mess problem that people report with doserless can be overcome by using a dosing funnel. However, I've always had doser models, so I can't say for sure. I don't think you can go wrong with those listed recently. It might boil down to price and looks. I'm pretty sure most will agree the Mazzer, Macap and Compak are better build quality than the Baratza (though I may get thrashed for saying that).
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