What grinder best for San Marino Compact CKX ?

tauyeung

Hi,

It's been a while since I've used this forum and am so happy to be back (was too busy dealing with life  ).  In that time I've bought myself a San Marino Compact CKX for home use, and I find that no matter how fine the grind and how much I tamp, the coffee is still gushing out  ???

Has anyone had similar experience with the CKX ?  Does this machine prefer really really fine grind ? ::)

I'm now in the market to buy a proper grinder...which would you recommend ?  The Mazzer Mini takes my fancy (of course !) but I'd like to get something a little cheaper than that if possible (but with similar functions).

Thanks for your advice !

mattyj

do it! the mazzer mini will deliver with no fuss ... it's worth it! rancilio rocky is good too - never used one, but heard lots. Iberital grinders are good too and a bit cheaper - but plastic dosers can be staticy.

tauyeung

Thanks Mattyj !  Do you know of a decent supplier for the Mazzer Mini ?  By decent I mean decently priced and good service.  At the moment I really only know the guy who sold me my San Marino (and he's ok).

FreshCoffee2

Hello Green Bean, have sent you a private email. Regardz, FC.

tauyeung

I took the plunge and got that Mazzer Mini (thanks FC !) and NO REGRETS !!!  I brought the baby home tonight and spent 2 hours playing with it, only to realise that it's almost midnight (mind you, I got my hubby aka nunu to try all the test shots...I have to go to work early  ;D). So far I think I've gotten it pretty close to a 'normal espresso shot' (25 seconds ~20ml).  However I'm noticing that when I take the portafilter out, there's a layer of water sitting on top of the biscuit, and when knocked the biscuit was a bit damp.  That means the grind's a little too fine ? I'm looking forward to another sleep so I can wake up and play again  ;D

andianjul

I have had this problem before. About one in five shots would come out okay and the rest had water pouring through. Upon investigation, I found there was a hairline fracture in the group. We replaced the group and the problem never re-occurred. I hope this helps anyone still searching for an answer to this problem - Andrew

askthecoffeeguy

Also I would say try dispensing with the single group handle all together and run with the double for all your shots as more powder in the lager baskets should leed to a tighter extraction...

Lovey

on 1123162821:

So far I think I've gotten it pretty close to a 'normal espresso shot' (25 seconds ~20ml).  However I'm noticing that when I take the portafilter out, there's a layer of water sitting on top of the biscuit, and when knocked the biscuit was a bit damp.  That means the grind's a little too fine ?

Those 'symptoms' can indicate too fine a grind and/or under dosing.