Groovygear Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Montreal Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Elektra Deliziosa Grinder: Mazzer Major, Zassenhaus... Drip: What'd you call me? Roaster: Grain D'Or, Terra, Toi Moi...
Posted Mon Jan 17, 2005, 7:42pm Subject: WTB grinder in Canada
Hello to all of you there in the land of custom coffee madness.
I have recently committed what I imagine is a classic newbie error, in purchasing an HX machine before any kind of grinder (insert knowing shakes of head here).
So I need a grinder. But I'm getting married this summer, and will probably get something good then.
In the meantime, does anyone have a second-string burr grinder to sell, preferably doserless? I would also seriously consider a quality hand mill eg. Zassenhaus.
I will spend up to $100 CDN.
I am in Montreal, but travel frequently to Toronto.
It's difficult to get a good electric burr grinder at your pricepoint - However, you could buy a good manual grinder at Homesense - for locations of Quebec dealers click here.
I just purchased a Birchleaf grinder from them for 39.99 Canadian plus tax. - for more info click here. They also have manual grinders for 19.99 Canadian plus tax, which I judge to be of good quality.
After purchasing a good quality electric grinder, the hand grinder is still useful for grinding decaf or french press.
Groovygear Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 71 Location: Montreal Expertise: I like coffee
Espresso: Elektra Deliziosa Grinder: Mazzer Major, Zassenhaus... Drip: What'd you call me? Roaster: Grain D'Or, Terra, Toi Moi...
Posted Wed Jan 19, 2005, 9:53pm Subject: Re: WTB grinder in Canada
It's difficult to get a good electric burr grinder at your pricepoint
I have an offer to buy a used Starbuck's Barista with a year left on the warranty for $100CDN. Is this worthwhile to make espresso for 6-odd months? What would be a fair price , in anyone's opinion?
I am willing to crank, and Ashton Green in Ottawa has new Zassenhaus grinders for under $100 CDN. Also, there are Zass. knee grinder look-alikes for $16 BIN on ebay. Anyone know the difference between the knock-off and the real thing?
I just purchased a Birchleaf grinder from them for 39.99 Canadian plus tax.
As for the Birchleaf, can you use it for espresso? I can understand if it doesn't really stack up next to your Mazzer, but can I get the 25-second pour grind finesse required, elbow grease notwithstanding?
blader Senior Member Joined: 24 Jun 2003 Posts: 149 Location: Calgary Expertise: I love coffee
Espresso: Gaggia Baby Class Grinder: Mazzer Mini, Birchleaf... Drip: none Roaster: support local roaster
Posted Thu Jan 20, 2005, 12:58pm Subject: Re: WTB grinder in Canada
Groovygear Said:
As for the Birchleaf, can you use it for espresso? I can understand if it doesn't really stack up next to your Mazzer, but can I get the 25-second pour grind finesse required, elbow grease notwithstanding?
I purchased the Birchleaf with the notion of dedicating it to grinding for decaf (espresso), French press, and vacuum pot. That way I can dedicate the Mazzer to caffienated for espresso - no need to make adjustments once dialed in. Since the vast majority of coffee that I prepare is caffienated espresso, I'll be using the Birchleaf rarely.
Yes, you can use the Birchleaf for espresso. I adjusted the burrs to the point of touching and then backed off 1/4 turn and then locked it with the locking wheel. I'm presently using an organic Peruvian that seems to be roasted in a Northern Italian style. The fines appear to fairly even without much evidence of dust. The pour is about 25 seconds with the correct volume. This style of roast is not easy to find the correct grind. I've also had to change my leveling technique. At the moment the puck is a bit soft - although it knocked as a single piece. I'm still refining everything and will make minor adjustments to achieve better results. It's built like tank and should last a long time.
The Starbucks Barista is not consider a good choice for espresso and certainly the burrs will not last as long as the Birchleaf (IMHO). Nonetheless, the Birchleaf is advertised for medium to coarse grinds. I suspect this applies to the Zassenhaus as well. However, the proof is in the pudding.
One caveat, be prepared to grind for 4 to 5 minutes for a double.
Regards Duane
EDIT
Groovygear Said:
Also, there are Zass. knee grinder look-alikes for $16 BIN on ebay. Anyone know the difference between the knock-off and the real thing?
Some of these grinders are poorly built with inferior materials - HomeSense is carrying these as well. You'll immediatley spot the quality difference. The one's with cast iron are of better quality.
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