marlap Senior Member Joined: 5 May 2012 Posts: 49 Location: Montreal Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Starbucks Barista Athena Grinder: Braun KM 30 (modded)
Posted Sun Jul 8, 2012, 11:28pm Subject: Baratza Meastro Plus modification
I have an opportunity to purchase a used Baratza Meastro Plus for $85.00 (I'm on a tight budget, and can't afford expensive grinders. I presently own a modded Braun KM 30 grinder and a Starbucks Barista Athena Espresso machine)
I was wondering if the Baratza Meastro is able to grind fine enough for a non-pressurized porta filter, after performing the re-calibration modification to adjust it to the finest setting?
It might be able to grind fine enough, but let's consider a very typical scenario in coffee. You manage to find the perfect grind setting on day one, with fresh beans. You can pull a pretty tasty shot,and you're happy. The next day, the shot runs too quickly, and tastes a bit thin and sour. In order to correct this, you need to be able to grind just a little bit finer. On the Maestro Plus, it's the "little bit" that will be the problem - the adjustment steps are too wide for non-pressurized baskets, and you'll find that while some days espresso is possible, many others it is lackluster or downright bad, because you can't find the right grind.
Honestly, if you're tight on cash, I'd suggest you look at a hand grinder. Many give a very good espresso grind, with ample control over fineness, they're often built to last, and really only sacrifice the convenience of an electric motor.
Thanks Steve, sounds like great advice; I'll take it.
I haven't seen many reviews for hand-operated grinders. I'll start looking around a bit. Meanwhile if any members have any suggestions to offer, I'd welcome it.
Hey mar, I have a bit of experience with both a maestro and a virtuoso. Neither are capable espresso grinders IMO. It will absolutely be able to grind fine enuf and you can mod it to be stepless; but even at that, I don't consider them to be capable for espresso. The grind consistency in the finer settings is too inconsistent. That being said they make phenomenal non espressro grinders. Like steve said you'll get inconsistent shots but also the flavor profile won't be there.
Don't bother with the Maestro... too many good hand grinders for close to/cheaper than that prices. I've got a modded Hario Mini Ceramic, but since your looking at $85, go for the Porlex. It has better burr stability then the cheaper grinders (reason I had to mod my Hario). You can find it on Ebay and Amazon and Orphan Espresso.
Hey mar, I have a bit of experience with both a maestro and a virtuoso. Neither are capable espresso grinders IMO. It will absolutely be able to grind fine enuf and you can mod it to be stepless; but even at that, I don't consider them to be capable for espresso. The grind consistency in the finer settings is too inconsistent. That being said they make phenomenal non espressro grinders. Like steve said you'll get inconsistent shots but also the flavor profile won't be there.
Thanks Joel, I've taken Steve's and your advice and will not purchase the grinder. I'll stick with my Braun grinder until I decide upon a manual to purchase, or find a sweet deal on some other recommended used machine.
Don't bother with the Maestro... too many good hand grinders for close to/cheaper than that prices. I've got a modded Hario Mini Ceramic, but since your looking at $85, go for the Porlex. It has better burr stability then the cheaper grinders (reason I had to mod my Hario). You can find it on Ebay and Amazon and Orphan Espresso.
I'm not sure, I've only heard good about the Porlex. When I was looking to buy a cheap hand grinder, it seems everyone preferred the Hario Ceramic Slim vs the Kyocera/bigger Hario. But it had some play in the burrs so you have to mod it.
I would just go for the Prolex, think I've seen it on Ebay/Amazon/Orphan in the $60 range. I looked on Ebay quickly and seems their all shipped from overseas and may take a week or couple weeks to arrive looking at their shipping schedules. You could check Amazon and Orphan Espresso. I think Orphan sells a burr stability kit for the Kyocera (there's a 45 and 50, and think 45 is the model for espresso and shaped different for easier use).
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