The Quamar M80 Espresso Grinder has been rated 8.60 overall by our member reviewers
This product has been in our review database since November 6, 2012.
Quamar M80 Espresso Grinder reviews have been viewed 2,329 times (updated hourly).
Ratings and Stats
Overall Rating: 8.6
Manufacturer:
Quamar
Quality:
8
Average Price:
$450.00
Usability:
8
Price Paid:
$460.00
Cost vs. Value
10
Where Bought:
1st-Line Equip
Aesthetics
7
Owned for:
2 weeks
Overall
10
Writer's Expertise:
I love coffee
Would Buy Again:
Yes
Similar Items Owned:
Baratza Virtuoso
Bottom Line:
At a $400 discount compared to Super Jolly (et al), and a slight premium over very used models, the M80 may be a great product. So far, all good, but too early to declare how much of a value it will prove to be.
Positive Product Points
Solid commercial build with solid aluminum and heavy metal parts (mostly); large flat burr (63mm); simple looks fits home use; short hopper fits under cabinets; micro-step adjust plenty fine enough for espresso adjustments; not TOO loud; price is steal compared to even used Mazzer and Macap options.
Negative Product Points
Some aesthetic parts are plastic, and cheap. None seem to be in load bearing locations, but cost savings clearly applied in areas. Large for home use. The sound is not too loud, but it is not a pleasant sound either. Manual is useless.
Detailed Commentary
Stepped up from Baratza Virtuoso for espresso grinding after multiple issues. Large gap in the market from plastic-based grinders to commerical grinders had me looking for a use Mazzer Super Jolly to get 64mm burrs and longevity. But even 20 year old Mazzer SJs auction for over $400. Thus, the $460 price point of the Quamar was attractive, if it was a legit grinder...and it is.
Can't say it will last 20+ years like the Mazzer yet, but the build quality is a world apart from the Baratza. (I'm not down on Baratza, just saying their plastics based design game me problems with espresso quality after 2 years; on two consecutive models.) The Quamar is the same as the defunct Fiorenzato Italian design. They changed a few things, but it looks to be an old design with heavy metal innards.
The cost savings are obvious in the places plastic is used. Real thin, cheap, weak, plastic hides in various little places. None seem to be important or expensive to replace, but I wish they would have spent just a few cents more to add some polish to the package in terms of the plastic bits. I already replaced the lower body cover with an aluminum sheet (with an added funnel to stop the left-spray) and took off the doser arm. The only obviously weak plastic left is the hopper stop
Buying Experience
Spoke to support before the sale to confirm short hopper was included - a live person who tracked the info down quickly. Shipping confirmation was in my inbox within hours, and shipment on the front door in 4 days. Excellent service.
