Well, it's the time of year where fortunately, we get a bonus. After about a year of using a Rocky doserless, I'm considering upgrading to a doser model of the Macap M4 or Mazzer Mini. However, while searching Chris Coffee's website, I noticed an interesting grinder... the Cimbali Max Hybrid. Instead of just using flat burrs, it uses both flat burrs in conjunction with a conical burr setup.
I know there was a detailed review written back in November on HB... but I wanted to check in with some of the owners who have been using this grinder for the past few months to get their impression.
Have any of you gone from a Rocky to a Cimbali Max Hybrid (or a Mazzer/Macap to this model) and noticed a big difference with their distribution and pulls? Right now, with the aid of a click-clack lid, yogurt cup and having re-wired my grinder, I can get pretty good even flowing shots consistently. But it's a bit of a juggling act and looks funny when I have guests over. All I need is a couple of sticks with spinning plates on my head to complete the act. :)
Well, I have been using one for a while, and worked on the HB write-up so I may be somewhat biased. But the quick answer to your question, yes, there is a big difference. I went from a Mini and Cimbali Jr to two Max’s and kept my Jr for press pot and backup espresso. No voodoo is required, grind, dose, mash and brew. No problems with either of my machines and I have run a pound or 20 through them. FYI, I have the Max, not the Jr hybrid but they are essentially the same grinder, just a smaller hopper and the grind adjustment knob is on the side instead of the front on the Jr. I think it makes adjusting between French press and espresso much quicker.
A lot of them have been sold, and I have yet to see anyone that was disappointed with the decision, including a skeptic or two.
Dismantling is a bit more problematic, but does not need don very often. The hopper is screwed onto the base via 3 phillips head screws. They are located inside the bean hopper so it needs to be empty. Once you remove them the hopper lifts off. Under that is the worm gear for the grind adjustment. That is held onto the upper burr carrier with 3 more Phillips head screws. Remove them and the adjustment ring and grind index lifts off. Then you can unscrew the top burr carrier and remove it. I have not needed to take my grinder apart other than to tinker with the innards. I just blow it out with some compressed air every couple of months and keep on drinking.
I wrote a "Consumer Review" of my experiences with the La Cimbali Max Hybrid (CMH) on CoffeeGeek.com, but after requesting that they add the machine and getting no response, I just added it under the La Cimbali Junior reviews -- click on this to read it. (It clearly indicates that I'm not reviewing the Junior but the Max Hybrid.)
I shifted from a Mini Mazzer to the CMH, and haven't regretted it for a single shot! No single change to my routine, my equipment, my beans -- my anything -- has so improved the quality of the espresso shots I'm pulling.
Thanks for your help! I pulled the trigger and pre-ordered it online from Chris Coffee. My wife will be out of country in June when it arrives, so maybe she won't notice the new grinder in the kitchen. :)
cannonfodder Senior Member Joined: 14 Dec 2004 Posts: 864 Location: Dayton, Oh Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ElektraA3,Faema2G, Isomac,... Grinder: Cimbali, Mazzer Vac Pot: Dont smoke pot or vac it. Drip: Press pot Roaster: Hottop, drum roaster
Posted Thu May 1, 2008, 11:53am Subject: Re: Cimbali Max Hybrid Users
Use the ‘what, that old thing? I have had that in the basement for years’ line. When I got my first Jr grinder the wife asked me what the big box that just got delivered was. When I got home I look at the box, looked at the little box with some assorted parts in it and then exclaimed ‘Damn, they messed it up again. I ordered a little part and they sent me a grinder. Guess I will have to keep it’. She was semi amused but no blood was spilt, so I was happy.
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