Upgrading grinder ... any advice?

Pete39

Hi All,

I currently have a Breville Smart grinder which has served its purpose (espresso grinder only) pretty well for the last couple of years. However, the time has come to seriously consider the next step. I've read heaps and have the following thoughts. I'd appreciate feedback and/or corrections from anyone ...

1. The new grinder would be for espresso drinks only (I use an Alex Duetto II).

2. I'm pretty set on doserless.

3. I'm not sure I can go to a big conical yet, but haven't ruled it out. Similarly with say a Versalab (would really have to be able to justify the spend in terms of flavor and consistency). Info around suggests the big conicals are a bit easier to dial in than the flats - flavor profile is different, but not necessarily better. Should note I drink mostly small FWs, no sugar etc,  and the odd straight shot.

4. Assuming I don't go the route discussed in 3, I'm mostly interested in a MACAP m4d. I guess in an ideal world I'd like to try out this grinder and compare with an M7D or MAZZER equivalent (Kony E?). I'm assuming I'd notice a flavor improvement if I compared the Smart grinder with any of these.

5. Anyone know where in Brisbane (or closer to Toowoomba!!) I could try these grinders?

Thanks for anyone whose managed to read all that.

Pete

Koffee_Kosmo

I visited sponsor Barazi / Bezzera Australia yesterday He was showing me a new range of grinders that are badged as Bezzera but look like DRM grinders http://lnx.pielle.biz/drm/en/coffee-grinder-maxy/ He has the doserless as the demo grinder and its the main grinder that grinds for the demo machine So next time you are in Brisbane Coopers Plains stop in He does have a limited assortment of other grinders BB012 Versions: AT-MN-TM BB012 9942054.01 ed02.13 gb rev00 Available in automatic version with auto start and stop switch, and manual version with ON / OFF button. Both versions are equipped with grinded coffee dispenser adjustable from 5 to 9 grams per dose. Version: TM The timer version without coffee dispenser Allows the setting of 2 doses, single or double, through adjustment of the grinding time. The coffee is ground Directly into the filter holder. BB012 AT-MN-TM professional coffee grinder 64 mm flat millstones grinding capacity 7.5 kg per hour, 1400 RPM motor. Adjustable dosage and grinding Structure in stainless steel AISI 304. Hopper capacity 1kg Technical data BB012 AT-MN-TM Versions: manual / automatic / timer Power supply http://translate.google.com.au/translate?hl=en&sl=it&u=http://www.bezzera.it/&prev=/search?q=bezzera+italy&client=safari&hl=en Attachment not found.Attachment not found.Attachment not found.

Pete39

Thanks for the info KK. Was on their website the other day and will keep them in mind. Pete

Brett H

Doser is no dramas if you are prepared to sweep out the chute.  The big conical e grinders would have to be similar I assume.  Let us know how the search is going. 

Jonty

Pete, I dont know a lot about grinders but I throw my 2 cents in: 1. Disclaimer I have an M4D with my Alex.  Looks and does a great job - 10-10.5 sec doubles. 2. I wanted doserless 3. I rarely drink espresso or LB - so figjam conicals like M7D or Kony in a household situation were out of the question even though I had the coin to purchase either of them! 4. If a conical came in a M4D version I would purchase one.  For me it was either SJ-E or the M4D in the end. Good luck with it Jonty

Rider

We have an M4D as well and it rocks!! Have the worm drive stepless one. I'm with you, much prefer doserless. Personally I can't really see any reason to change from this for domestic use. Rider

Brett H

I too would have bought the M4d from Cosmorex Coffee in Canbera if I didn't already have an absurd number of grinders, a very large kitchen and an understanding wife.  I did tlk it through with th salesman and it made sense, dollare-wise and useage-wise except for the aforementioned.

RichardM

My biggest advice is to have a play with them if you can. While I'm happy with my Mazzer Super Jolly, I probably wouldn't recommend it purely on how tight the adjustment is on these machines. This may or may not be a deal breaker for someone else though. Most of them are pretty good in the $500-$2000 mark, and a lot of it comes down to personal preference. (There is a lot of love for the M4D though here).

Koffee_Kosmo

I also had an M4 D stepped but quickly upgraded I liked it while I had it but the bigger grinders do produce better coffee ( well my taste buds say so ) At the same time I went doser ( not that there's anything wrong with doserless ) KK

lemoo

more m4d love here the adjustment for grind is one of its best points imho!

Koffee_Kosmo

At Barazi right now with Derrelex  :thumb: Talking levers and testing new grinders Attachment not found.

Kelsey

Ohhhh, that looks nice. I'll have to check that out next time I get a chance.

Brett H

on 1371606319:

At Barazi right now with Derrelex  :thumb: Talking levers and testing new grinders Attachment not found.

Cool KK... Price and burr size please  :angel:

Koffee_Kosmo

on 1371622778:

Cool KK... Price and burr size please  :angel:

You will need to call them on price The doser model is hybrid conical / flat burr set and I believe are 64mm The electronic doser-less is flat burr is flat burr KK