I would like to get all of your opinions on the Azokoyen Capriccio. Is there something wrong with this grinder? I do not own a cafe, I would be using it in a home environment.
First of all, look here. Then here. These are the only discussions I have found re: this grinder.
I have never seen this grinder in person, let alone used it. So take the following with as many grains of salt you deem necessary.
Certainly for $500, it's well worth it (IMHO). It uses 64mm flat burrs, and appears (on paper at least) to be similar in performance to Mahlkönig K30 Vario (which uses 65mm flat burrs). Most places are still selling this grinder anywhere up to $1,325.
Also, be aware of one thing . . . according to one website offering this machine:
As you can see in the (embedded) demonstration video, once the group handle is placed under the doser, the Capriccio will instantly produce a shot of ground espresso. Then, automatically the Capriccio will grind a new shot and hold it on the inside until another group handle is placed under again.
The Capriccio is also programmable to not hold that pre-ground espresso inside and only grind instantly on demand. This is a popular setting for high volume shops where speed and instant ground coffee is desired.
Hmm. . . That 1,325 price makes me wonder if the ones I saw were used. . . I only noticed a few vendors online selling them. It kind of made me wonder why that would be the case if it is such a wonderful grinder. I like the specs behind it, it just is not the greatest looking grinder in the bunch. The ability to program the dose is pretty cool.
And then, there is their website, which I really could not find any espresso related things on. It looks like a large company that has their hands into a lot of different areas.
I know there are several grinders that have an auto dose function. I simply thought that if the price I saw was accurate, that would be a steal for a grinder that had the auto dose function. I really only saw it mentioned two or three times between the coffeegeek and home-barista forums. So, I was just curious if anyone had any experience with the grinders, and Azkoyen as a company.
If I saw a Mahlkonig K30, or really any of the other grinders you mentioned, for the same price, I would swoop them up in a heartbeat :) ! Unfortunately, I know a lot more about all of those companies then I know about Azkoyen.
a) The Baratza Vario is less than $500 -- though not the same, I know.
b) Keep an eye out for specials on the Ditting USA and/or the Mahlkönig USA websites for deals on machines used as demo models at shows, etc. They may not be $500, but they will be substantially less than "regular retail."
c) You may want to check out the Astoria-badged Mahlkönig K30 ES at Espresso Parts NW . . . suggested list is $2150; it's at EPNW for $1582. (Not $500, I know.)
ananda Senior Member Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 16 Location: Brooklyn Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silivia, Bezzera... Grinder: Mazzer Mini, SJ, Major Vac Pot: none Drip: French Press or Aeropress Roaster: westbend poppery II
Posted Sat Oct 24, 2009, 6:20am Subject: Re: Opinions on Azkoyen Capriccio?!?
I just got one from an ebay purchase. Arrived yesterday. I managed to find a manual at Click Here (www.espressospecialisten.se) The manual is poorly written. For example, it says to turn clockwise for coarse and counter for fine when, in fact, it is the reverse. the data on the automatic dosing screen is in italian and abbreviated so I have no idea what it means. (and may post to find italian speakers) I just pulled a fantastic shot with fluffy clumpless grinds! awesome.(I also have a mazzer mini)
Lots of overspray of grounds which I believe, right now, is due to my lack of understanding of how it works. It has a dose feature that grinds 2 doses initially and gives you one so there is one in a hidden pre-dose area inside the body of the machine. I know it can only grind one at a time but I haven't yet figured out how to do that. I will post all of the data on its functioning when i figure it out as it seems there are many unanswered questions on this machine.
As for the Size? HUGE! here are a couple pictures with a mazzer mini and silvia for scale. If I had bought this as my first grinder and intended to keep it in the kitchen, I think my wife may have left me. Please pardon the pic quality as it is taken from a blackberry, but...you get the picture(s)
ananda Senior Member Joined: 11 Jul 2009 Posts: 16 Location: Brooklyn Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Rancilio Silivia, Bezzera... Grinder: Mazzer Mini, SJ, Major Vac Pot: none Drip: French Press or Aeropress Roaster: westbend poppery II
Posted Sat Oct 24, 2009, 7:38pm Subject: Re: Opinions on Azkoyen Capriccio?!?
Yeah, like maybe if I had a backpack that was like, the size of the ones those guys wore on the moon. Yeah, then maybe I could "throw it in my backpack" and bring it over!
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