RNAV Senior Member Joined: 19 Aug 2012 Posts: 24 Location: Fayette'nam, NC Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Expobar Office Lever
Posted Sat Mar 23, 2013, 6:18am Subject: Seeking grinder recommendations
I'm looking to upgrade my grinder and feel a bit overwhelmed by what's out there. My current setup (get ready to laugh): a Hario Skerton w/handle removed and operated with a DeWalt power screwdriver.
Machine: Expobar Office Lever (HX E61 machine). Usage: ~6 shots per day Budget: up to $700 (would prefer to be around $500)
My top priority is quality in the cup. That said, here are other items that are important to me. - I value dosing consistency -- I don't want shots to vary to 2 grams shot to shot - I want dosing consistency to be easy. I currently pre-weigh the beans, and don't mind continuing that. - Whether doser/doserless, I don't want to grind into a tray and then pour into my portafilter, aka vario-w. - I don't like wasting espresso (i.e. excessive grounds retention, having to maintain grounds in doser, etc.) - I want a quality machine that will last me countless years to come.
Intrepid510 Senior Member Joined: 30 Dec 2010 Posts: 303 Location: California Expertise: I love coffee
Posted Sat Mar 23, 2013, 9:54am Subject: Re: Seeking grinder recommendations
Well there are continued hand grinder options in the OE Pharos and HG-One hand grinders, the later being a couple hundred over your budget.
Then there is just the normal Vario, which is small, very little retention, good grind quality, but will probably break after a few years. However, should be very simple fix and is under your budget.
Then there are grinders like the the Quamar M80, but they will have grind retention issues. However, they probably won't break unless you drop them or abuse them in some way.
Unless you go the hand grinder route again, I don't think you are going to get what you want.
emradguy Senior Member Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Posts: 1,722 Location: Houston Expertise: I live coffee
Espresso: Izzo Alex Duetto II Grinder: MacapM4T, Macap M4, OE Lido,... Drip: Espro press; Aeropress Roaster: internet
Posted Sat Mar 23, 2013, 12:48pm Subject: Re: Seeking grinder recommendations
There are a lot of good choices within your budget. Your current grind setup is nothing to laugh at, but considering you want electric, your at a good starting point. I have doser Macap M4s. Grind retention is minimal. The doser sweep mechanism is efficient and smooth, leaving very little behind. I don't ever leave grounds in it. If you setup a timer, you can achieve automated dose consistency, and start something else while it's grinding. You could also buy a doser less model. I think dose consistency is relatively easy to achieve with a little practice. Home Barista has a nice comparison article on the Mazzer Mini class, which I think is worth reading, given your budget (unless you are open to used commercial grinders). Also, a recent thread on Rocky, Macap M4, Mazzer Mini has an excellent post by Jmanespresso comparing Macap and Mazzer grinders.
Posted Sat Mar 23, 2013, 1:53pm Subject: Re: Seeking grinder recommendations
RNAV Said:
I'm looking to upgrade my grinder and feel a bit overwhelmed by what's out there. My current setup (get ready to laugh): a Hario Skerton w/handle removed and operated with a DeWalt power screwdriver.
Machine: Expobar Office Lever (HX E61 machine). Usage: ~6 shots per day Budget: up to $700 (would prefer to be around $500)
My top priority is quality in the cup. That said, here are other items that are important to me. - I value dosing consistency -- I don't want shots to vary to 2 grams shot to shot - I want dosing consistency to be easy. I currently pre-weigh the beans, and don't mind continuing that. - Whether doser/doserless, I don't want to grind into a tray and then pour into my portafilter, aka vario-w. - I don't like wasting espresso (i.e. excessive grounds retention, having to maintain grounds in doser, etc.) - I want a quality machine that will last me countless years to come.
No laughing here. You are truly a Geek doing the DeWalt thing! Congratulations. :>D Good luck choosing your grinder. There are many to choose from, in the $250-$500 area.
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