Posted Mon May 21, 2012, 4:43pm Subject: Re: Grinder Recommendations for Rancilio Silvia
I've been down this road.
Started with rocky Silvia combo which was great to learn on. Got limited by the rocky as only had 1-2 notches of control.
Then got used mazzer SJ that was much better in the cup but big. Rocky went to my work . With new burrs the SJ was great.
Vario came out and I was tempted. Went for it and wow. To my palate was great and brighter than my mazzer. Also less counter space. Was able to sell the SJ and recoup a lot of the price.
Now have added a PHaros and its opening yet more flavors. Really fun grinder.
So to the OP. if you are space challenged and can save a bit more get the Vario. You will be happy. For most people the Vario will get you into great espresso and is equal to grinders double its price.
If you have the time to use a manual grinder every day the Pharos is definitely worth a look. For me best as second grinder.
mcaruana Senior Member Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Central New York Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia (v.2) Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Posted Mon May 21, 2012, 5:51pm Subject: Re: Grinder Recommendations for Rancilio Silvia
Thanks to everyone who has posted a reply to my inquiry and offered their insights and recommendations. It has been instructive and very helpful.
At this point, I have dropped the Rancilio Rocky from my possible purchase list. The idea that sooner or later I will grow frustrated with the limitations of the Rocky and want to upgrade makes sense. It also makes sense to me to purchase the very best grinder I can afford within my financial constraints.
I have begun looking for a used Mazzer Mini. I think the challenge will be finding one at the same price point as a new Rocky (A new Rocky doserless can currently be purchased for $339 with shipping.) I would like to limit my investment to about $350.
In doing some research, I discovered the Cunill Tranquilo. It appears to be a solid grinder with large flat burrs and a powerful motor. Reviews are generally positive, but not as glowing as the Mini's. At $275. + shipping does it warrant consideration? Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Posted Mon May 21, 2012, 5:57pm Subject: Re: Grinder Recommendations for Rancilio Silvia
With used grinders - on a tight budget - you might want to include the price of new burrs in your estimate and assume that the ones that come with a used Mazzer will be worn. They are easy to swap out.
tracerbullet Senior Member Joined: 13 Feb 2012 Posts: 152 Location: Saint Paul Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Tue May 22, 2012, 8:05am Subject: Re: Grinder Recommendations for Rancilio Silvia
I did a quick Google search on "Cunill Tranquilo" and one of the first hits I saw was on the HB forum asking if the steps were small enough. So - is it a stepped grinder? If so, why would you ditch one grinder for having steps and then contemplate another that also has steps?
(Unless that post is off and the grinder in question isn't stepped or has been changed or something since then).
A note on the Rocky, which I know you aren't looking at, is that mine was <$300 including shipping around Christmas. I guess things have changed since then, up to $340 or more now which helps make it less appealing.
mcaruana Senior Member Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 7 Location: Central New York Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silvia (v.2) Grinder: Mazzer Mini
Posted Wed May 23, 2012, 7:51am Subject: Re: Grinder Recommendations for Rancilio Silvia --- PURCHASE MADE
Thanks to everyone for their feedback. When I began this process, I thought I would probably purchase a Rancilio Rocky, or perhaps an Ascoso I-1 Steel. For about $40 more, I settled instead on a lightly used Mazzer Mini. The photos the seller has provided show a very clean looking machine. Payment has been sent and I am looking forward to its arrival. Once I have the the opportunity to get it dialed in and grow accustomed to it, I will post my observations. Thanks again to everyone who has posted!
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