Posted Thu Jun 21, 2012, 6:05pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
just got done reading the long thread over on HB.
i'm in the camp of 1000 is too much for a hand grinder(850 plus whatever the portafilter mount costs). if i were spending that much, i think i'd be looking at the compak k10.
it is gorgeous and i'd love to have one, though. im just not that rich.
oh btw, they said that the burrs are coming from Mazzer so they probably are actually Robur burrs.
Posted Fri Jun 22, 2012, 8:20pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
Very cool looking machine!
My experience suggests that perfect alignment between top and bottom burrs is very important. I would worry that this design might not retain good alignment after a lot of use. Especially since it is touted as an "heirloom" grinder.
Beware of burrs! The burrs you buy today might not grind the same as an "identical" set with the same part number that you buy a year from now. Quality Control in burrsets is very poor.
Experiments with my Robur's variable speed drive show that effective grind fineness varies with burr rpm. If one grinds by hand, it is possible that one may get inconsistent shots if one's cranking speed inadvertently varies?
I believe a refractometer is VERY useful in evaluating grinders. If one adjusts two grinders to produce shots that measure 18g dose/28g beverage/27 sec (or any other typical set of numbers), the grinder that produces a higher TDS beverage will produce better tasting espresso over a wider range of coffees and concentrations (IMO).
Andy, would you mind expanding that? You have a lot of equipment experience and knowledge, and I am interested in knowing what is behind your concern about the possibility of eventual misalignment and what relationship the heirloom claim has to long-term alignment.
Posted Sun Jun 24, 2012, 7:57pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
rwyble Said:
I am interested in knowing what is behind your concern about the possibility of eventual misalignment and what relationship the heirloom claim has to long-term alignment.
I don’t want to sit here and rag on this grinder, never having personally seen or used it. I was referring to the soft aluminum “C” frame design and long slender shaft that must maintain extremely good alignment for years, all the while grinding beans that constantly vary in size and hardness. Conventional grinders (like Mazzers) are built with more rigid structures.
Let me repeat, the HG-one is gorgeous. It's hard to exaggerate the challenges involved in bringing new products to market, and what these guys have built (so far) is really impressive.
Posted Sun Jun 24, 2012, 11:50pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
Oh wow, I'm surprised that this is the first we've heard of this. I do especially like how in their news section they've given us a look at how they've prototyped and sought to debug the machine as much as they can.
Very cool! Not cheap, but hey, it may have a niche.
Posted Thu Sep 27, 2012, 11:44pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
One nice looking albeit expensive grinder. Lots of comments from people saying that they would pick up the K10 over this grinder. The K10 is still a more expensive grinder but the biggest issue is grinds retention in the K10. The K10 is a fabulous grinder but it retains a lot of grinds unless one goes through a very detailed ritual of brushing and purging it out. Keep in mind that its built for a commercial environment whereas the HG One is meant for residential use. They are both great grinders (hopefully) but only great in its intended environment.
JasonBrandtLewis Senior Member Joined: 9 Dec 2005 Posts: 6,098 Location: Berkeley, CA Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Elektra T1 - La Valentina -... Grinder: Mahlkönig K30 Vario -... Vac Pot: Yama 5-cup Drip: CCD, Chemex Roaster: No, no, not another...
Posted Sun Sep 30, 2012, 5:00pm Subject: Re: HG One: new hand grinder
Yes, but for $1,000 . . . is it better than the OE Pharos? Four times better???
Hmmmm . . . nope. Not for me. Pass.
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Then again, anyone want to start a pool on when the first post will appear from someone who has both the HG One grinder and the Blossom coffee maker paired in their kitchen?
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