Stubbs Senior Member Joined: 2 Feb 2004 Posts: 17 Location: Vancouver Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Expobar Office Control Grinder: Mazzer Mini Drip: Krups Cafe Centro
Posted Tue Feb 24, 2004, 8:00pm Subject: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
I have been using a Mazzer Mini for about 2-weeks. Since my new Espresso machine is not working I have been using the grinder and making espresso with my old Krups Cafe Centro. The results I had with the Krups and pre-ground over three years were only ok, hence my decision to upgrade to a better package.
Having spent some time researching products and learning via C.G. I understood the importance of a good grinder. However I still could not believe the difference that quality, fresh ground coffee from a grinder like the Mini could make. I am able to get properly timed, great looking shots that taste great and are a huge improvement over anything I could get before.
If there are any of you out there who doubt the importance of this component, think again and invest in a good grinder. There is an enormous amount of information available and lots of choice. Personally, I'm sold on the Mazzer Mini.
MarkPrince Moderator Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 4,664 Location: Vancouver Expertise: Professional
Espresso: Frankenstein'ed LM Linea Grinder: Anfim Super Caimano Vac Pot: 1922 Silex Drip: Krups Moka Brew Roaster: Hottop
Posted Wed Feb 25, 2004, 7:58am Subject: Re: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
Awesome post.
I preach it, I reiterate it, I harp on it, I become a broken record on it.... get a good grinder, and get it first (if the choice comes down to machine or grinder)... people tend to gloss over it. I even got an email once from someone claiming I was a secret marketer for "some grinder association" :)
So it's always good when someone in the trenches steps forward and hammers the point home. The grinder isn't an accessory - it's crucial to a quality shot.
I say don't even bother buying a decent espresso machine unless you already have a good grinder :)
Posted Wed Feb 25, 2004, 5:53pm Subject: Re: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
I have repeatedly hit on this on a certain cigar board that frequently has major coffee threads. I always say that a Zassenhaus (and your own stamina/cheapness) are the minimum. I have not been alone on that board in repeating this mantra. The few that go cheap, always have returned with a mea culpa. It's like with any tool you use: you will never regret going for quality.
"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most." A. Brilliant
jim_schulman Senior Member Joined: 19 Dec 2001 Posts: 3,772 Location: Chicago Expertise: I live coffee
Posted Wed Feb 25, 2004, 6:53pm Subject: Re: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
Stubbs Said:
I have been using a Mazzer Mini for about 2-weeks. Since my new Espresso machine is not working I have been using the grinder and making espresso with my old Krups Cafe Centro. The results I had with the Krups and pre-ground over three years were only ok, hence my decision to upgrade to a better package.
Posted Wed Feb 25, 2004, 7:03pm Subject: Re: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
Mark said "I say don't even bother buying a decent espresso machine unless you already have a good grinder"
Just this week I got my Isomac grinder. I would have never believed that a quality grinder was more important than a quality espresso machine, but it is. Now I'm using a quality grinder, the espresso experience is all new again.
btw the Isomac is a great grinder, no static, direct to the porta filter and very very little mess.
I just bought a Mazzer Mini a couple weeks ago as well (to go with my new Silvia). I had an Infinity burr grinder, and the difference between the two is easy to tell. With the Infinity, some shots would take 10 seconds, followed by a shot that would only be half full at 40 seconds. The good grinder really makes things consistent from shot to shot.
Posted Mon Mar 10, 2008, 4:12pm Subject: Re: My lesson on the importance of a good grinder
I was scared to death when I made the decision to buy a real espresso machine. I had been a lurker on the site for the past year or so, and I didn't want to have to deal with members telling me that it was important to have a good grinder to go with whatever machine I bought. I had $800 to spend, and I really didn't want to put $300 of it towards a grinder. I had my Zass Knee Mill, and it actually turned out to be more than adequate for grinding espresso. If I wasn't so lazy...I would have used that until the cows came home as I was pulling great shots with plenty of crema consistently (I learned about Zass from CG as well). Well...I bit the bullet after picking up a new Livia 90 for the $800 I budgeted, and bought a Macap M4 Stepless. I've got two different espresso's on hand with a pound of Redcat on the way. It's so nice to be able to fine tune my grind based on whatever beans I'm using. Getting a good grinder has really brought everything together for me. Thanks CG! = )
Well, I wouldnt go that far, but at least be planning and budgeting for one on the near horizon. I got a lot of joy from my Saeco machine before I had a good grinder. As much as we hate them, the pressurized PFs allow you to get something drinkable from inferior grinds. With my home roasted, fresh coffee, I was making drinks that tasted better than my local Starbucks using a $40 Black and Decker "Burr" grinder. Now I am using a Dienes PeDe hand grinder, I have depressurized my PF, and my espresso has improved tremedously. For some, its a process - it doesnt have to be all-at-once or nothing.
I do think its silly when people spend $1000 on a machine, and then $45 on a grinder (hopefully that doesnt happen too often). If you have that kind of budget, definately go for the best grinder you can afford first, and buy your machine with whatever you have leftover.
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