AudioCircle
Community => Non-audio hobbies and interests => The Culinary Circle => Topic started by: twitch54 on 7 Jul 2020, 08:47 pm
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I know there has been some talk in our long running 'coffee' discussion but I thought I'd start one specific to burr grinders. My current unit (Shardor), while it grinds just dandy drives me nuts as the Cuisinart did before it with static electricity. Buddy of mine uses this unit with a glass catcher and gives it a thumbs up........ :thumb:
https://www.bodum.com/us/en/10903-913us-3-bistro
anyone have any other units that I should consider ?
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I've been using a Gaggia MDF for over a decade. Static is a somewhat rare problem, but on bad days it can a nuisance. I've use a friends Kitchen Aid which is also a good unit, and quieter than mine. Both give a consistent grind. But neither are hundred dollar grinders.
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No more static hack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Dh1W40ILY
When I use my manual grinder, I add two drops of water to the whole beans, give it a gentle shake and grind away. It's Steely Dan FM good.
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Baratza "Encore"...no static with this one.
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I've sort of gone off the coffee deep end during quarantine, and recently picked up a cafe-surplus Bunn G1 from a place that was closing down. Had about a gram of retention before doing some easy mods to the discharge chute, now it retains basically less than a bean's worth. 80mm flat burrs that are removable for cleaning with just a screwdriver, and all parts are shared with Gs going back decades. It's a two-foot tall, 50lb edifice for bean demolition...
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I know there has been some talk in our long running 'coffee' discussion but I thought I'd start one specific to burr grinders. My current unit (Shardor), while it grinds just dandy drives me nuts as the Cuisinart did before it with static electricity. Buddy of mine uses this unit with a glass catcher and gives it a thumbs up........ :thumb:
https://www.bodum.com/us/en/10903-913us-3-bistro
anyone have any other units that I should consider ?
The Bodum will wear out after a year or so (I've had two) and it is messy leaving grinds all over the counter.
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When I use my manual grinder, I add two drops of water to the whole beans, give it a gentle shake and grind away.
This.
Some types of bean carry more static charge than others. If ambient humidity is very low, static may build up more readily.
All grinders that I know of—even those that cost well north of USD 1000—will generate static when grinding. The better grinders use some form of grounding, usually a screen on the outlet chute—which usually causes clogging to develop more readily. Even good grounding will not obviate static buildup.
I put a few drops of water in the beans before grinding with my HG One manual grinder to help static electricity find a path to ground. It works very well for most beans. For some beans, nothing helps.
If you have an old Zerostat, it can be repurposed for neutralizing static in the grounds. It also makes an interesting conversation piece for those watching.
HTH
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My Rancilio Rocky has worked flawlessly for years. Definitely no static. I have the “doserless” version.
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No more static hack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Dh1W40ILY
When I use my manual grinder, I add two drops of water to the whole beans, give it a gentle shake and grind away. It's Steely Dan FM good.
I see the it working except that I keep the hopper full of beans, if measured out what I wanted to grind then did the water trick, I'll give it a try .....
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It's an investment, but hard to beat a small commercial grinder like the Mazzer Mini for espresso and drip, but probably not a coarse grind as they are mainly espresso grinders.
JimJ has a good strategy though, with covid there maybe a lot of cheap commercial grinders out there, the Mazzer Major is pretty common and not quite as huge as some others. The Bunn he mentioned will grind a wide range, from coarse to fine, but typically isn't used in coffee shops, mostly supermarkets so I'm not sure how it compares to the espresso grinders like the Mazzers I mentioned.
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I have a KitchenAid grinder and use a Zerostat to eliminate the static.
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+1 on Mazzer Mini for espresso. Have mine for over 10 years now with no issues.
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Baratza "Encore"...no static with this one.
+1. Same here :thumb:
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It's an investment, but hard to beat a small commercial grinder like the Mazzer Mini for espresso and drip, but probably not a coarse grind as they are mainly espresso grinders.
JimJ has a good strategy though, with covid there maybe a lot of cheap commercial grinders out there, the Mazzer Major is pretty common and not quite as huge as some others. The Bunn he mentioned will grind a wide range, from coarse to fine, but typically isn't used in coffee shops, mostly supermarkets so I'm not sure how it compares to the espresso grinders like the Mazzers I mentioned.
There are aftermarket burr sets for Bunns that give more adjustability on the espresso end, but yeah, the stock ones are better for pourover.
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I used one of these until I bought an espresso maker that comes with a grinder.
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/oxo-brew-conical-burr-grinder-with-integrated-scale/1044790196?skuId=44790196&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZX4BRDmARIsAFYh7ZIZ68xlJon9UPDoxpK3RNj3PwL9hj7zHjvZUNQREny1UmWAdNIQhDAaAkdiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds (https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/store/product/oxo-brew-conical-burr-grinder-with-integrated-scale/1044790196?skuId=44790196&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZX4BRDmARIsAFYh7ZIZ68xlJon9UPDoxpK3RNj3PwL9hj7zHjvZUNQREny1UmWAdNIQhDAaAkdiEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds)
Burr grinder and has an integrated scale so you get the "EXACT" amount desired.
T
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Whats your budget?
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Bartaza Encore. Very useful entry level burr grinder. $140. Make great grounds for pour over coffee.
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No more static hack.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0Dh1W40ILY
When I use my manual grinder, I add two drops of water to the whole beans, give it a gentle shake and grind away. It's Steely Dan FM good.
well, I gave it a go, with no luck, still plenty of static. Perhaps my Sumatra beans are so inclined ?
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Major bummer. Some random thoughts. I assume the grinding chamber is plastic.
You could try a light spritz of water on the inside of the chamber or as others have indicated you could try zerostating the beans and/or collection vessel. I don't know if a spritz of water on the outside of the chamber or wrapping the outside with a wet paper towel would reduce static.
You might try grounding the Shardor or collection container in some additional fashion.
I would check the the outlet you have it plugged into just to confirm that it is wired correctly. You could consider using a cheater plug and see if orientation makes any difference.
While it might fix the static issue you probably don't want to use any Nordost Eco on the container.
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You know, I didn't think about giving it a shot from my zerostat gun, I'll try that tomorrow and report back
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What about a dryer fabric softener sheet under it???
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You know, I didn't think about giving it a shot from my zerostat gun, I'll try that tomorrow and report back
Rather than just adding a couple of drops of water, I think I'd wipe the catch canister with a wet paper towel. The plastic gets much of the charge whenever my grinder produces static. Then use the Zerostat if that doesn't work.
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Or, if you want something for your grinder and your records try this: https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/ds-audio-vinyl-ionizer-ion-001/
:D
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Hey!
I've been using Capresso Infinity burr grinder for the past 11 years. I grid coffee for French press and Moka pot. I got it in black. The letter rubbed off a bit over the years. I do wish it had on off switch though for more precise amount setting. Otherwise it still works fine.
This reminded me of an episode of America's Test Kitchen about coffee grinders...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7LAzSKgeoQ (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7LAzSKgeoQ)
The episode is from December 2018. Look like my Capresso Infinity grinder is still holding up against other grinders well.
As for static, well it is not so bad with this machine, depending on the day. But overall it is not messy with this machine. I do have some grind coming out around a bit after a few times but nothing major.
Buddy
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Baratza Vario here. I sometimes notice a little static, but it hasn't been an issue for me. My first grinder was a Rancilio Rocky doserless. It's in my vacation home now. I've owned it for about 6 years now, and it just keeps chugging along.
If I ever upgrade from my Vario, I'll take a hard look at the Mazzer Mini.
Michael
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Well, the zerostat worked, somewhat, it's old so I don't know how effective it really is
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Reading the comments I see that several of us have grinders we've been using for 10 years or more, and I realized I'd never taken my Gaggia MDF grinder apart to clean it thoroughly. After watching a quick youtube how to video, I took it apart and wow! I can't believe it still worked. So much gummed oil and coffee had built up, it's amazing that it still ground a bean. :oops: Over the years, I hadn't noticed how the grinding time was getting longer and longer. It's now grinding at twice the speed of before. I'm sure you guys haven't been as negligent as I was, but if your grinding time seems to have gotten longer, it may be time to clean you machine.
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I have a Baratza Sette 30. No static at all. Nice reliable grinder. Have had it a few years.
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Solis. Maestro. 15 years.
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I need to clean mine for ages,Just never get around to it.
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I need to clean mine for ages,Just never get around to it.
I understand completely. This thread was made me realize I'd had mine forever and never really cleaned it. I had no idea how badly it needed it.
By the way, the Maestro looks like it's really easy to clean.
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Reading the comments I see that several of us have grinders we've been using for 10 years or more, and I realized I'd never taken my Gaggia MDF grinder apart to clean it thoroughly. After watching a quick youtube how to video, I took it apart and wow! I can't believe it still worked. So much gummed oil and coffee had built up, it's amazing that it still ground a bean. :oops: Over the years, I hadn't noticed how the grinding time was getting longer and longer. It's now grinding at twice the speed of before. I'm sure you guys haven't been as negligent as I was, but if your grinding time seems to have gotten longer, it may be time to clean you machine.
It helps a lot to avoid oily beans, they are burnt and best avoided anyways!
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It helps a lot to avoid oily beans, they are burnt and best avoided anyways!
I roast my own, and seldom to the point of oily... but crap builds up over enough years.
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I've used Grindz with decent success. ( Baratza Encore) Seems to do a good job. This considering I roast to an occasional French or Vienna Roast as well. Oil build up hasn't been as issue.
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I really like my Vilfa Svart, but I don't brew espresso. It grinds very well from cupping to moka pot size, but not fine enough for espresso.
It's a lot of grinder for the money! Around 100€.
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Just jumping in this thread....is this good coffee grinder?
https://www.amazon.com/Baratza-Sette-Conical-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B01G82WVZ0
will probably pair it
https://www.amazon.com/Gaggia-RI9380-46-Espresso-Stainless/dp/B07RQ3NL76/
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I've used an older Gaggia Baby (very similar to the Classic) for years, and kept it over more expensive Rancilio Silvia. The Baratza should be a nice pairing for it.
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I use a Gaggia MDF for espresso grind and have never had any problems. Also have Zassenhaus hand grinder for French press. It's definitely worth spending a bit extra for a good quality grinder.
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Anybody have any experience with any of the Eureka Mignon grinders? Considering upgrading from my Baratza Encore to something like the Silenzio. Mainly for espresso for my Gaggia Classic Pro
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I dont know these grinders but learned that only the very fine grinding is desirable, the finer the coffee the better for any type of coffee, the medium grind is useless.
I yet dont found such grinder, usually they have only one grinding blade, which is insufficient.
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...the finer the coffee the better for any type of coffee, the medium grind is useless.
This is not my experience at all. I'm not an expert, but I've been roasting and grinding my own beans for about a decade. Different grinds for different brewing processes. For example, a very fine grind would be a disaster for french press coffee.
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Anybody have any experience with any of the Eureka Mignon grinders? Considering upgrading from my Baratza Encore to something like the Silenzio. Mainly for espresso for my Gaggia Classic Pro
Hi, Tommy!
I have no experience with this brand, but it seems to be a solid grinder with a lot of positive reviews. Link: https://www.wholelattelove.com/collections/espresso-grinders?_=pf&pf_v_brand=Eureka
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Hi, Tommy!
I have no experience with this brand, but it seems to be a solid grinder with a lot of positive reviews. Link: https://www.wholelattelove.com/collections/espresso-grinders?_=pf&pf_v_brand=Eureka
Hey, thanks Michael! Yeah it’s hard to find any notable negative reviews about the Mignon grinders and they’ve been out for a little while so the track record seems good. I’ve gone back and forth on which one to get and the Silenzio and the Facile seem like great grinders for the money which is about what I spent on the Gaggia. Spending more would have me contemplating upgrading the Gaggia and I really can’t do that right now. Would love to have a dual broiler with flow control but that gets pricey, of course I’ve spent more on speakers but a guy has to have limits! :lol:
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This is not my experience at all. I'm not an expert, but I've been roasting and grinding my own beans for about a decade. Different grinds for different brewing processes. For example, a very fine grind would be a disaster for french press coffee.
Same here, been roasting/grinding (Baratza Encore) for over a decade. Yes, fine grind thru a French press would end up pretty grainy. Turkish coffee anyone? That said, I've experimented with various grinds with pour overs, drip, Aeropress, etc. and feel it's simply a case of each to his or her own. However and in regard to fine grinds, too fine a grind with a moka pot was a complete disaster for me. Despite what one has read, grind a shade coarser than expresso for the moka.
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The Eureka Mignon Silenzio looks like a nice upgrade to the Baratza Encore. Keep us updated.
My Baratza Virtuoso+ and Gaggia Classic Pro are finally playing nice together, at first the Virtuoso seemed to have issues grinding fine enough but now the burrs have worn-in and I get a consistent fine, clump free grind for both espresso and a coarser grind for the Kalita Wave pour over.
The Virtuoso+ grind setting is at the first mark (#2). 18g of beans yields 36g espresso in 25 seconds. I did the Gaggia Classic Shades of Coffee 9 bar spring mod (https://www.shadesofcoffee.co.uk/) to lower the pressure from the original 14 bar. A bottomless portafilter allows room for a scale and an 8oz Acme Evo latte cup (https://www.seattlecoffeegear.com/shop-gear/accessories/cups).
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This is not my experience at all. I'm not an expert, but I've been roasting and grinding my own beans for about a decade. Different grinds for different brewing processes. For example, a very fine grind would be a disaster for french press coffee.
agreed, as it would for 'perc' coffee
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Hey, thanks Michael! Yeah it’s hard to find any notable negative reviews about the Mignon grinders and they’ve been out for a little while so the track record seems good. I’ve gone back and forth on which one to get and the Silenzio and the Facile seem like great grinders for the money which is about what I spent on the Gaggia. Spending more would have me contemplating upgrading the Gaggia and I really can’t do that right now. Would love to have a dual broiler with flow control but that gets pricey, of course I’ve spent more on speakers but a guy has to have limits! :lol:
I have been using a Silenzio for about the 18 months and I love it. I find it quiet (important as I grind my coffee while others are sleeping), precise, and best off, it holds its settings. I highly recommend the brand/model.
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I have been using a Silenzio for about the 18 months and I love it. I find it quiet (important as I grind my coffee while others are sleeping), precise, and best off, it holds its settings. I highly recommend the brand/model.
Ah good to hear! I went ahead and placed an order for a white one for $480. The Facile seems to be exactly the same except for the timer option but the looks of the Silenzio won me over.
I saw where the new Mignon Single Dose is coming soon, price around $800 I believe?, and Eureka said the single dose hopper with bellows will be an option or add on for other Mignon grinders. I pretty much single dose so that might be something I consider.
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Ah good to hear! I went ahead and placed an order for a white one for $480. The Facile seems to be exactly the same except for the timer option but the looks of the Silenzio won me over.
I think that you’ll be happy with your decision, I haven’t regretted my purchase. Every few months I’ll measure a dose and I find that they are very consistent. I noticed that when I grind oilier beans I do have to give a gentle tap with my index finger to the discharge chute but that doesn’t cause me any grief, in fact I make it part of my routine with most grinds just to ensure the chute is clear.
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This is not my experience at all. I'm not an expert, but I've been roasting and grinding my own beans for about a decade. Different grinds for different brewing processes. For example, a very fine grind would be a disaster for french press coffee.
Iam a new user only 2 years on coffee, I noticed that the finer the coffee the more flavor it has, so need fewer beans.
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Seems like the Eureka Mignon is a good middle ground between an affordable conical and a big flat burr grinder. It should bring out distinct flavors that a cheaper conical tends to homogenize.
I recently got a Mahlkonig EK43S w/SSP espresso burrs, Titus carrier, and a precision burr alignment, found it slightly used for too good a deal to pass up. If you're really into espresso using a variety of beans and roasts, a big flat burr grinder is well worth it as they really bring out the nuances and maximize extractions. The lack of fines makes it possible to do extractions that would otherwise turn bitter. However if you're into traditional espresso blends a big conical espresso-specific grinder has it's advantages...
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Seems like the Eureka Mignon is a good middle ground between an affordable conical and a big flat burr grinder. It should bring out distinct flavors that a cheaper conical tends to homogenize.
I recently got a Mahlkonig EK43S w/SSP espresso burrs, Titus carrier, and a precision burr alignment, found it slightly used for too good a deal to pass up. If you're really into espresso using a variety of beans and roasts, a big flat burr grinder is well worth it as they really bring out the nuances and maximize extractions. The lack of fines makes it possible to do extractions that would otherwise turn bitter. However if you're into traditional espresso blends a big conical espresso-specific grinder has it's advantages...
Wow, congrats on the Mahikonig Dave!
I toiled with ordering a Turin DF64 with the big 64mm flat burrs. They have SSP burrs to upgrade to as well but reviews were hit and miss and the Mignon series seemed to strike a nice balance of dependability and user satisfaction. It is interesting how some people prefer the taste of a flat burr vs conical. The 50mm flat burrs on the Silenzio should be an upgrade over the conical of the Encore I have so I’m hoping for good things to come.
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Another Gaggia MDF user. Works great for espresso. Only complaint is it is loud (like all grinders) and my kids yell at me when I use it :lol:
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Baratza "Encore", been working like a charm for years.
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Iam a new user only 2 years on coffee, I noticed that the finer the coffee the more flavor it has, so need fewer beans.
Grind size needs to be adjusted to match the brewing method. As with most things, there is no "one size fits all."
James Hoffman has an excellent set of videos where he experiments, takes measurements, and discusses optimal approaches:
https://www.youtube.com/@jameshoffmann/search?query=grind
The biggest factor, I think, is how attuned each person is to the variations that can be produced by changing the variables in coffee brewing. It is exactly like audio equipment: what you are listening for, how trained your ear is, and what you like will all determine which aspects of the brewing process matter to you.
In a pinch I have taken espresso grind coffee and put it in near boiling water in a French Press when improvising something in a hotel room. It definitely had a lot of flavor. Taco Bell also has a lot of flavor, and it is cheap as well. Just like audio, there's the cheap and cheerful audience.
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My Christmas list this year will have a new coffee grinder. At home, I'm a French press kind of guy because it's cheap and simple, so finding a nice burr grinder will make me very happy. I'm done with my cheap crappy bladed grinder that chops beans to dust while also leaving whole beans in the same shot. I'll be combing through this thread for sure. :thumb:
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After years of faithful service, my Baratza Encore has passed on. ( actually just needs a new motor) I replaced it with a Baratza Virtuoso+. I think it's a cut above the Encore in refinement. FWIW, you'll find you can spend a LOT more on a high end burr grinder, but this was the logical ($) stopping point for me. In summary, if the Virtuoso+ seems a bit steep in price, the Encore will serve you well.
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I replaced it with a Baratza Virtuoso+. I think it's a cut above the Encore in refinement.
:thumb:
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I use the older KitchenAid burr grinder the "Contour" model which I guess they don't make anymore. The thing is a freaking beast:
https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KCG0702CS-Coffee-Grinder-Contour/dp/B00XPRQW2A?th=1
(https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81cjtVe2xhL._AC_SL800_.jpg)
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My friend has that Kitchen Aid... much quieter than my Gaggia, and probably just as well built. It does occupy quite a bit of cabinet space.
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My friend has that Kitchen Aid... much quieter than my Gaggia, and probably just as well built. It does occupy quite a bit of cabinet space.
I made room for it by moving my KitchenAid stand mixer into the lower cabinets. I use the grinder far more often than I use my mixer.
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Very thankyou for your detailed reply, much appreciated.
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Baratza - Virtuoso for drip coffee and Sette 270 for espresso. Very happy with both.
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I use the older KitchenAid burr grinder the "Contour" model which I guess they don't make anymore. The thing is a freaking beast:
https://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-KCG0702CS-Coffee-Grinder-Contour/dp/B00XPRQW2A?th=1
The KitchenAid is also my grinder. A very durable product, not the best espresso grinder, but great at other grinds.
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Switched to an OXO grinder last winter, I couldn't be happier :thumb:
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The KitchenAid is also my grinder. A very durable product, not the best espresso grinder, but great at other grinds.
Agreed, I use the KitchenAid for the times I make coffee with my Aeropress. For Espresso I have a Gaggia Brera:
(https://www.gaggia.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/gaggai-brera-34.png)
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I recently got one of these, with a little bit of practice it makes better espresso than anything else I've tried. I have a $2500 spring lever machine, this is better. The reason is you can adjust on the fly for how the shot is running. You can change preinfusion pressure and length, as well as shot pressure profile depending on flow and feel. Once you get it down you can really optimize every shot.
I should disclose a friend of mine owns the business, and the Espresso Forge is made in the USA, including machining the parts.
https://espressoforge.com/
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That manual espresso maker is super interesting. Almost makes me want to make espresso. (I cold brew coffee, as I find it more efficient in the morning to drink that way; I prepare it the night before.)
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Not sure if Baratza has been mentioned but they are very highly recommended by coffee professionals, roasters, baristas , etc...for a home grinder.
You can always buy parts for them , even for their discontinued models.
I have a 15 year old Maestro with a separate weighing unit called the Esato which connects to the grinder and allows me to auto grind a precise amount. I've replaced the burrs with better ones from Baratza and other small parts that wear out.
Many of their current offerings have the weighing/scale feature built in if that's important.
Some of the grinders are more "geared" towards coffee and some more towards espresso.
Even their base model, the Encore is an excellent unit.
They are an Italian company but have a service center in the Pacific Northwest...I think Seattle.
https://www.baratza.com/landing/product/grinders
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Switched to an OXO grinder last winter, I couldn't be happier :thumb:
Just purchased the OXO. Can't wait to try it out.
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I just do drip in a Moccamaster and its a medium-coarse grind. The Baratza Encore ( grind 18-20, with a fine calibration setting) and our OXO ( grind 9 ). The only difference is the cost comparison as far as drip goes.. The Encore, just a little messy.
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I have a Baratza Encore for french press...I really don't like it. It grinds well, but its noisy, slow and makes a mess.
I have a Eureka Silenzio for espresso and its been great, thinking of trying a Eureka Filtro to replace the Baratza.
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I have a Baratza Encore for french press...I really don't like it. It grinds well, but its noisy, slow and makes a mess.
I have a Eureka Silenzio for espresso and its been great, thinking of trying a Eureka Filtro to replace the Baratza.
I, too, own an Encore. I like it, but I must agree with your comments about its being noisy and it spews grounds with every grind.
Not sure if Baratza has been mentioned but they are very highly recommended by coffee professionals, roasters, baristas , etc...for a home grinder.
You can always buy parts for them , even for their discontinued models.
I have a 15 year old Maestro with a separate weighing unit called the Esato which connects to the grinder and allows me to auto grind a precise amount. I've replaced the burrs with better ones from Baratza and other small parts that wear out.
Many of their current offerings have the weighing/scale feature built in if that's important.
Some of the grinders are more "geared" towards coffee and some more towards espresso.
Even their base model, the Encore is an excellent unit.
They are an Italian company but have a service center in the Pacific Northwest...I think Seattle.
https://www.baratza.com/landing/product/grinders
The design and engineering teams for Baratza grinders are based at their HQ in Seattle, while the grinders are manufactured out of the factory in Taiwan."
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I have a Baratza Encore for french press...I really don't like it. It grinds well, but its noisy, slow and makes a mess.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLnB99VJ0HE