Grinder

[Doc226]

I recently updated my coffee maker to a technivorn moccaster from a mr coffee. Big improvement. I am looking to grind my own beans and would like a reccomendation on a grinder.

What do you gents reccomend.

[nemo]

There are lots of nice expensive coffee mills out there which I can't afford. I will probably be scorned for this but I've found the affordable Braun CafeSelect (around $40) to be reliable and it works fine for me, years of daily service. Your results may vary of course.

It may not grind fine enough for the true espresso machine hounds and a minor annoyance is some static can build up in the powder when using the finer settings like I do. Making a good cup of coffee can be messy at times though.

[Doc226]

There are lots of nice expensive coffee mills out there which I can't afford. I will probably be scorned for this but I've found the affordable Braun CafeSelect (around $40) to be reliable and it works fine for me, years of daily service. Your results may vary of course.

It may not grind fine enough for the true espresso machine hounds and a minor annoyance is some static can build up in the powder when using the finer settings like I do. Making a good cup of coffee can be messy at times though.

I am not planning on grinding for espresso but I might in the future. Would like a machine that can do it.

[gearchow]

I got a Rocky, works wonderful for me.

-jim

[EricBNC]

There are lots of nice expensive coffee mills out there which I can't afford. I will probably be scorned for this but I've found the affordable Braun CafeSelect (around $40) to be reliable and it works fine for me, years of daily service. Your results may vary of course.

It may not grind fine enough for the true espresso machine hounds and a minor annoyance is some static can build up in the powder when using the finer settings like I do. Making a good cup of coffee can be messy at times though.

I have the older 4045 version that I think is the same as yours on the inside. As you mention, it is acceptable for paper filter auto drip, but not for espresso. The Baratza Preciso is the lowest priced model I would recommend if a serious espresso machine is in your future.

Some are touting the Baratza Encore since it can grind fine enough for espresso, but like the older Virtuoso, it has large steps which will end up frustrating you every time you pull a sub par shot. It won't be the grinder's fault but you will blame it any way since stepped grinders are from the devil. Strangely enough, popular wisdom now holds in high regard the older Virtuoso burr set (search OE Lido hand grinder) and touts the conical burr set for lack of variation (conical 68 now only offers easier dialing in, not better taste than flats instead of the early reports that flat burrs are trash and the 68mm can't help but produce brown nectar of the gods at practically any setting).

Sure makes me question internet grinder advice - should make you question it too. Good Luck and let me know if I can help.

I have a million grinders (none for sale!) and will be happy to test one vs. your desired application.

[Doc226]

I went on coffee geek and purchased the Baratza Vituoso. They list it as a good mid priced grinder. I'll see when it arrives.

[StillShaving]

Sounds like a good choice. I have no real opinion on that grinder since I have not used it, but have read lots of positive reviews. And its appearance should complement the Technivorn.

[jazzguy]

Baratza makes good grinders. Be sure to clean it thoroughly periodically as the adjustment on the ones I've owned was prone to jamming with grounds.

[PozzSka]

The virtuoso (like the other Baratza grinders) will do terrifically for most brew methods. The Virtuoso and Encore can do espresso (though they aren't the best), the Preciso is acceptable, and the Vario is very good. Aside from a espresso dedicated commercial machine, the Vario is one of the best you can get (and I've even seen it used in relatively high volume commercial settings, as well as at my house, haha).

[benvh]

I have a Rocky. Works well for coffee, not the best for espresso but it gets the job done.

Ben

[Doc226]

I will most definitely report back when I receive the machine.

[gearchow]

I have a Rocky. Works well for coffee, not the best for espresso but it gets the job done.

Ben

Really? I will probably never own an espresso machine, but I always thought the Rocky would be fine for espresso. In espresso, is there a big difference in "gets the job done" and "perfect"?

Of course when I think about it, if I were ever to buy an espresso machine, it would probably be one that gets the job done.

-jim

[gearchow]

I will most definitely report back when I receive the machine.

Awesome, should we be expecting packing day pics?

-jim

[benvh]

Really? I will probably never own an espresso machine, but I always thought the Rocky would be fine for espresso. In espresso, is there a big difference in "gets the job done" and "perfect"?

Of course when I think about it, if I were ever to buy an espresso machine, it would probably be one that gets the job done.

-jim

I pull about 5 shots a year, so for that it works just fine. If I got a serious machine I would get something else. It grinds evenly but the lack of stepless adjustment hurts it. On my lever one click can go from no resistance to choking the machine so I need to dial in the tamp to get a decent result depending on the bean.

That being said I've had the grinder since 2007 or so and it's still going strong. Been through a couple sets of burrs already. Definitely due for a cleaning.

Ben

[Doc226]

Awesome, should we be expecting packing day pics?

-jim

I have a tracking number so its en route.