MikeReilly Senior Member Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 277 Location: Vancouver Island Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: La Cimbali Junior D, Gaggia... Grinder: Mazzer Mini Drip: Cuisinart Roaster: Behmor, I-Roast 2, Popper
Posted Tue Feb 19, 2013, 10:20am Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
I've used a Mazzer mini as an 'everything' grinder. Some claim it's hard to get back to the right espresso setting from drip or press, but I have no issues with it. My only problem with it is that it produces too many fines for press (I don't find it affects the flavour much, just end up with too many fines in the cup). I would expect the SJ and Major to be similar in operation in this regard, but faster and better espresso.
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Wed Feb 20, 2013, 9:04pm Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
The Cuisinart DBM-8 is not a real burr grinder. Its a consumer toy. It has things that LOOK like burrs, but aren't actually burrs, rather, round disks with two raised nubs that smash the beans.
Its a toy. Worthless. I know, I owned one. Its best suited for pairing up with a steam toy espresso machine. Funny enough, they're usually on the same shelf at the department stores...
The Capresso infinity is a capable grinder, using the conical burr set seen in so many entry level grinders. Is it good for espresso? Not really. I would never suggest buying on for espresso use. For brewed coffee, sure, by all means, check it out.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
So, it's worth the upgrade? I just don't want to step up to the Capresso if I could step up to something else in the around $100 range that would be a better choice.
Jmanespresso Senior Member Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2,108 Location: Westchester NY Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Alex Duetto II Grinder: Compak K10 - Vario Vac Pot: Yama-SY5/SY8/TCA5 Drip: V60, Beehouse, CCD Roaster: Hottop B
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 7:34am Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
Anything will be a huge upgrade from the Cuisinart.
Comparing the Capresso infinity to the OE Lido... Well, I think(THINK)the Lido has the slight edge in grind quality and stepless adjustment, but its a hand grinder, not electric. Im not too familiar with the OE Lido, forgive me.
But ANYTHING that is a real burr grinder will be leaps and bounds better then the Cuisinart.
Follow Your Bliss
Coffee makes your constantly overcome your prejudices and re-evaluate your own "received wisdoms" when it comes to judging cup flavors. -Tom Owen, SweetMarias
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,801 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 10:00am Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
The Lido is waaaay better than the Capresso Infinity...in my opinion...although not everyone agrees it is good for espresso (see third link below, first post). Of course, I use it only for AP and Espro press. I've yet to try it for espresso, but someone on HB who has the Macap M4 says he finds them comparable. Lido uses a 38mm conical burr set.
CheapBastid Senior Member Joined: 3 Dec 2012 Posts: 62 Location: Los Angeles Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: None Grinder: Talking myself into a LIDO Vac Pot: None Drip: Mr Coffee Roaster: None
Posted Thu Feb 21, 2013, 11:37am Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
Thanks for those links. I really liked the showdown and the critical take on the Lido.
Part of my interest in upgrading my grinder is to future-proof myself from having to do this all again soon. Seeing that the Lido really isn't going to shine as an espresso grinder makes me think that I'm better off with Capresso or the Hairo PFP mod as a transitional step.
calblacksmith Moderator Joined: 25 Nov 2007 Posts: 5,772 Location: Riverside, Ca, U.S.A. Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: ECM Veneziano A1 Grinder: Many different commercial Vac Pot: 40s era Silex Drip: Milita, Bunn&Curtis... Roaster: Cast iron pan, gas burner
Posted Mon Feb 25, 2013, 6:51am Subject: Re: Everything grinder?
another good way to go is to get a reasonable and quality grinder for use OTHER than espresso, such as the Encore or the Virtuoso then when the time comes add a quality espresso grinder. You will have two grinders on the counter but you will also not have the mucking about with changing grind from one to the other either. YMMV! Click Here (www.baratza.com)
In real life, my name is Wayne P.
Feed the newbs, starve the trolls and above all enjoy what you drink!
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