The Mini Mazzer is a very well made unit. It can handle a large volume, has very durable parts and is very user friendly with easy maintenance.
Negative Product Points
Grounds always drop to the left of the portafilter basket when dosed. I eyeball all grounds going into the dosing chamber and shut grinder off accordingly. I have removed the plastic finger guard on the grinder it also makes it easier to clean the dosing chamber. As previously stated power cord should be at the rear of the machine and not on the left side. The veins in the dosing chamber could do a better job of sweeping the dosing chamber. Portafilter fork is a little high on the unit.
Detailed Commentary
I purchased my Mazzer from Jim at 1St-line equipment it arrived brand new and in perfect condition with no grounds in the grinding chamber even though I am told this is a normal occurrence. I have been using the Mini everyday sometimes three times daily for the past nine months with no problems to report. I have disassembled the grinder cleaned it and lubricated all metal treads with no problems. This grinder is not a toy I own the model with the on and off switch. I have never had an issue with leaving the grinder on accidentally for an extended period of time. I have ground all types of coffee's from oily to very oily to light roasts with very visible oil on the surface of the bean. In all applications the grinder has worked flawlessly with out any static and has never jammed. The grind is very consistent I usually grind closer to my zero point with non oily beans and closer to the manufactures marking for oily beans. In addition I have purchased an additional set of burrs for this grinder from Jim as well. I did so in case this particular model is discontinued or the size of the burrs change. The grinder is also very quiet, with no beans in the hopper you barely know it is on. Prior to the Mini I was using the Rancilio Rockey for six months and then I moved on to the Pasquini Moka. The moka is a fine grinder but lacks the fine tuning grind adjustment available on the Mini. Additionally I always adjust my grind setting with the grinder motor off. I have read that others do the opposite but I have had no issues to report with this practice. To be honest I actually paid more for the Pasquini Moka grinder in chrome than the Mini. But I must say the Mini is a far more superior grinder larger motor,more power and finer grind adjustment. I have seen a tremendous improvement in my espresso over the Rancilio Rockey. If you purchase this grinder you will not be sorry the price has come down and some vendors are offering it in a combo deal with a semi commercial espresso machine. I highly recommend it,I suggest you purchase one ASAP since I hear that this model will be discontinued and replaced with a timed on and off switch at a much higher price around $600.00 US. You will not be sorry in purchasing this grinder very well made.
Buying Experience
No complaints my buying experience on the product or with Jim at 1St-line Equipment
