Green Coffee Buying Club
Coffee Discussion boards => Hardware & Equipment => Topic started by: Monte on April 24, 2017, 03:16:07 AM
-
Are there any suggestions for a new coffee grinder. Budget is under $100. I have been using a Hario hand grinder and I am getting tired. I mainly brew Aeropress and French press, so an espresso grind is not important to me. We don't have a lot of cabinet/counter space so small the better is nice too. Thanks!
-
Hello Monte:
Here is a link to one I have used for a few years now and it works great.
Pay attention to this listing though, this is just to give you a look. There are many of these being sold on E bay.
Pay attention to the voltage, and the color. They came in a few models so don't just point and click w/o making sure it's the 115 vac model etc.
This machine is fairly compact and has a pretty good spread of grind coarseness. It would fit in nicely on a smaller table top / shelf etc.
It grinds the beans fairly quick too, Id say about 2 to 3 Gram a second.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commercial-Electric-Coffee-Grinder-Milling-Grinding-Home-Coffee-Bean-Grinder-/391670903471?var=660769449748&hash=item5b3167b2af:m:mBMW9rcOH202UosQzmX-f1Q (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commercial-Electric-Coffee-Grinder-Milling-Grinding-Home-Coffee-Bean-Grinder-/391670903471?var=660769449748&hash=item5b3167b2af:m:mBMW9rcOH202UosQzmX-f1Q)
Aaron
-
Thanks! I actually buy a lot from Ebay, but this ships from China. Did you buy yours from that far away?
-
I just did a quick look to find that type of grinder.
I have seen them ship from all over, including the US, Japan and Mexico actually. You said your budget was under 100 bucks so I used that as a search criteria to see if I could find any of
these ones that sold for that cheap. Generally they are right at 100 dollars or so.
I am at work so couldn't twiddle and nail down the search for just those types, but if you do, I am sure it will bring up many of them from all over with different prices.
Again, watch the voltage on them if you buy, they also come in 220 volt.
Aaron
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
Agreed. While I have the Virtuoso, both my kids and parents have the Encore and I'm always impressed when I use it. A refurbished one directly from Baratza is $99.
-
I agree as well. You can also goto their web store and they sell refurbished NICE units for pretty good prices too. I had one that ate a rock, I sent it in to be rebuilt and it cost me I think 80 dollars to get it back complete with new burrs in it. They really hook you up.
Aaron
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
When I search about the Encore, the Cappreso Infinity comes up also. It's maybe slightly cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is the Encore better?
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
When I search about the Encore, the Cappreso Infinity comes up also. It's maybe slightly cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is the Encore better?
They're probably very similar in construction and performance. The difference will be in the customer service down the road. I've never tried or needed to call Capresso, but you can call and get a live person at Baratza who knows their grinders inside and out. And they stock parts and have a ton of videos on their website if you want to fix them yourself. They all wear out; buy a Capresso and in 5 years when it dies, you buy a new one; buy a Baratza and you'll have it for a looooong time.
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
When I search about the Encore, the Cappreso Infinity comes up also. It's maybe slightly cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is the Encore better?
They're probably very similar in construction and performance. The difference will be in the customer service down the road. I've never tried or needed to call Capresso, but you can call and get a live person at Baratza who knows their grinders inside and out. And they stock parts and have a ton of videos on their website if you want to fix them yourself. They all wear out; buy a Capresso and in 5 years when it dies, you buy a new one; buy a Baratza and you'll have it for a looooong time.
+1
:)
-
Let me suggest that the $100 number is arbitrary and you adjust it up just a tad and buy a Baratza Encore.
When I search about the Encore, the Cappreso Infinity comes up also. It's maybe slightly cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is the Encore better?
They're probably very similar in construction and performance. The difference will be in the customer service down the road. I've never tried or needed to call Capresso, but you can call and get a live person at Baratza who knows their grinders inside and out. And they stock parts and have a ton of videos on their website if you want to fix them yourself. They all wear out; buy a Capresso and in 5 years when it dies, you buy a new one; buy a Baratza and you'll have it for a looooong time.
+1
:)
ordered one yesterday! Thank you for the input
-
My Baratza lasted about oh probably 4 years or so. What killed it was I ate a rock with it. The piece to fix it was like 20 dollars or something, had to replace a gear in it. I didn't want to do all the tearing apart so opted to do the send in for overhaul method instead. I put literally a few hundred pounds of beans through it easily, so it was probably time for new burrs as well. Overhauled, cleaned up, new parts, new burrs was less than 100 dollars to arrive back on my doorstep a short time later. You really can't beat that for customer service.
Aaron
-
You're absolutely right Aaron.
I love my Baratza grinder and I love the support I've gotten from them even more. They are the BEST!
;D
-
ordered one yesterday! Thank you for the input
Good for you. One purchase you will not regret.
:)
-
With all the positive talk about Baratza I'm going to call them about getting my re-badged StarSux grinder rebuilt. It's 14 years old and has original burrs. Maybe time to replace them but it isn't heavily used.
It's been worth it to me to spend a slight amount more to buy products from a company who stands behind what they build. VPI Turntables, 8). Pasquini Espresso Machines, 8) Cheap as sh!t Eagnas tennis racket stringers, :'(
-
You go, Brian!
;D
-
brian, it is worth it, you'd be amazed how much better they run after an overhaul. If you decide to do it yourself, they even have those types listed for a specific part or two I think that are different in it.
I don't know if they'd do this or not but hey Joe, possibly we could get some kind of group buy on these? Although I do not need a new grinder (god I got too many as it is!!) I got my sister really liking the coffee and getting her a good grinder would make it even better.
Aaron
-
+1 for Baratza. I've had mine for about 10-12 years, have recommended it to others, and bought a few for gifts. Their customer service is fantastic. A few years ago when I broke the timer mechanism (operator issue, not the machine's fault), they calmly guided me through the process to take it apart and sent the part right away. About a year ago, it tried to grind a rock, which didn't go very well. But after a quick visit to their web site, I had a new burr on the way and it arrived in just a few days. Replacing it was about a 2 minute task.
If this grinder ever dies and can't be repaired, I'll buy another Baratza. No question about it.
Good luck.
-
Is the Baratza suitable for espresso grinding? I always see grinders claim they can run at that setting, but then read reviews that they are not up to snuff for espresso.
-
I would not recommend it for the long haul. It may be able to do a decent espresso but was not really designed for that precision for the longevity one would want on an espresso grinder. If you do go to their website, they do have other machines for sale that ARE specifically for espresso (and everything else grinding) you may find at a decent price.
Dammit now, you mentioned it, I got the ear worm going. I think this weekend when I have a little time to tinker around I am going to try using mine to do an espresso and see how it comes out. It may not be super but may still be very drinkable.... we shall see.
Aaron
-
Is the Baratza suitable for espresso grinding? I always see grinders claim they can run at that setting, but then read reviews that they are not up to snuff for espresso.
Yes, check this (https://prima-coffee.com/blog/baratza-encore-review-espresso-grinder) out.
:)
-
Is the Baratza suitable for espresso grinding? I always see grinders claim they can run at that setting, but then read reviews that they are not up to snuff for espresso.
Yes, check this (https://prima-coffee.com/blog/baratza-encore-review-espresso-grinder) out.
:)
I say no, but make sure you read all the info online you can. This one review said '+ knowing what you're doing'... It might work, given you have lots of experience, and know your equipment well. Everything I've ever read says it's not a capable espresso grinder. But then it might depend on what you consider good espresso.
-
10 years ago at a previous job...ouch, hurts to type that 10 yr part btw...
We had a Baratza Encore in the office to grind whatever came through our monthly coffee subscription. I remember thinking it was a neat little grinder and was impressed at the grind consistency over my whirly bird grinder. But, being the uneducated consumer that I was at that time, that was where the contemplating stopped.
I'll check out some of the other options. I need a grinder that handles pour over duty grinding for the weekdays, but handles espresso grind on the weekend.
-
What's your budget? Joe reviewed a Baratza over the winter that would suit you better than the Encore if you can swing it.
-
Thanks Peter. I will look for Joe's review.
-
I need a grinder that handles pour over duty grinding for the weekdays, but handles espresso grind on the weekend.
~~~If you want to drink espresso, you need an espresso grinder, so buy your first espresso grinder last. I'm pretty happy with my Mazzer Super Jolly. Others may have better and different ideas
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8506/8553953686_cd7923cd14_k.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8530/8553953486_e687d5f03a_k.jpg)
Best,
Jake
Reddick Fla.
"I am the new superhero, 'Captain Apathy'. I have all the super-powers
but I don't have any desire to use them."
-
I need a grinder that handles pour over duty grinding for the weekdays, but handles espresso grind on the weekend.
~~~If you want to drink espresso, you need an espresso grinder, so buy your first espresso grinder last. I'm pretty happy with my Mazzer Super Jolly. Others may have better and different ideas
Best,
Jake
Reddick Fla.
"I am the new superhero, 'Captain Apathy'. I have all the super-powers
but I don't have any desire to use them."
And if you want people to view your photos, you need to re-size them. ;)
-
:)
-
...
When I search about the Encore, the Cappreso Infinity comes up also. It's maybe slightly cheaper. Does anyone have any experience with it? Is the Encore better?
I use one for drip coffee. It's reliable, and worked well enough when new-ish. The last time I called to order replacement burrs, Capresso would only sell the upper half - which is sorta pointless IMO. Currently (after years on the second set of burrs) it's producing a lot of fines again - so it's on my 'gotta be replaced' list.
It IS worth the modest price, but I'd go for the Baratza personally.
-
For a budget friendly choice I would look into the Orphan Espresso Lido E manual grinder. I often use a Lido 2 and find that it grinds and adjusts easily enough for espresso, so the model E with an even more precise adjustment ring should work great. If you drink a lot of coffee I believe you will find it is a worthwhile upgrade even though it is twice what you are budgeting.
-
cracked bean brings up a good point,if you go through a lot of coffee, and by a lot I am not necessarily talking 15 pots a day but even two or 3 pots, you may want to spend the money up front for a good machine that will last, rather than half the money every couple years as you wear out your grinder.
Aaron
-
I need a grinder that handles pour over duty grinding for the weekdays, but handles espresso grind on the weekend.
~~~If you want to drink espresso, you need an espresso grinder, so buy your first espresso grinder last. I'm pretty happy with my Mazzer Super Jolly. Others may have better and different ideas
Best,
Jake
I learned this the hard way. I tried to make my Breville smart grinder handle espresso and tried to modify other grinders. Nothing was ever as good as the Nuova Simmonelli MDX I finally purchased. If you're looking to grind for espresso I wouldn't waste my money trying to go the cheap(er) route, just get the right grinder up front. Super Jolly is a great machine and it reasonably priced for great espresso. A lot of the commercial espresso grinders are built like tanks, you won't ever HAVE to purchase another, although there is always bigger and sometimes even better.
-
I also have a super jolly, love it, and it can go through coffee too. If I am grinding for customers ill adjust to regular grind and eat a few pounds.
Aaron
-
Now for the derail. I'm sorta in the same boat as the OP, tho' at a higher price point.
I really enjoy an espresso OCCASIONALLY but investing $2k on a Mahlkonig isn't justifiable for the occasional weekend where I pull ~6 shots. $700 on a Mazzer isn't quite so irrational, but seems over the edge to me.
A Baratza Sette 270 w/ both the AP & BG burr sets looks very attractive but ....
- many reports that it lacks range on the coarse/drip range, and that the BG burrs aren't a complete solution (too many fines on coarse).
- there are a LOT of reports of infant-death. The machine just stops spinning. Seems to be a headache w/ the DC motor. *MAYBE* recently fixed, Baratza has good support, but ...
Baratza Vario ~$480 ?
- several burr choices, from a default ceramic to a (+$60) steel replacement that promises to do manual/coarse better ? Good enough ? Reputedly hard to dial-in for espresso.
A Super Jolly ~$700 for a 90% drip/manual operation sounds like a bad idea tho' probably a superior solution for espresso. Comments ?
Should I just get an Encore or Virtuoso and a Lido hand-grinder (maybe $430 total) ? BUt that's more $$ than a Sette 270 + BG burrs I have to crank the beast.
I'm not a Baratza fanboy, but they seem to have a number of reasonable grinders. More than willing to look at better options.
-
...so buy your first espresso grinder last.
Uhh is that "buy your last grinder first" ?
So I was just reading on the Bataza website that the Sette motors are rated for 150 hrs, and at 6 seconds a double that SOUNDS like a long time, but ....
-
so lets see 150 hours X 3600 seconds in an hour gives us 540, 000 seconds
lets say we are a bit slow and make that 12 seconds for us to grind that shot, 45, 000 shots.
divide that by say two shots a day for 61 and a half years worth of shots.
That sounds like a lot but....
Aaron
-
so lets see 150 hours X 3600 seconds in an hour gives us 540, 000 seconds
lets say we are a bit slow and make that 12 seconds for us to grind that shot, 45, 000 shots.
divide that by say two shots a day for 61 and a half years worth of shots.
That sounds like a lot but....
Aaron
That leaves out the first dump shot of the day and calibrating grinds. And only two shots a day? Who are you fooling? hahahaha
-
Dump shot? None of those here...
-
Dump shot? None of those here...
+1
Only the best!
;)
-
Dump shot? None of those here...
When you are as space brained as me, you're going to be drinking thin/sour shots on the first pull of the day.
You guys must be latte drinkers ;D ;) Foofoo drinks. Ahahaha
-
You guys must be latte drinkers ;D ;) Foofoo drinks. Ahahaha
We treat all coffee drink variants as equals.
:o
-
Well if you treat everything as equals mp then I guess you are going to put all of your coffee equipment up for sale and just drink starbucks because it's easier... afterall, all things are equal right? 8)
hehe
Aaron
-
[...] but ... it ignores that a lot of the wear in a small dc motor brushes is the high inrush current at startup under load. Running a nominal 150hr motor for 6 second intervals at full loadis very rough duty. This might partly explain the early infant deaths. Baratza claims they've addressed it.
-
[...] but ... it ignores that a lot of the wear in a small dc motor brushes is the high inrush current at startup under load. Running a nominal 150hr motor for 6 second intervals at full loadis very rough duty. This might partly explain the early infant deaths. Baratza claims they've addressed it.
Not sure if this makes any sense, but I always turn on my grinders before adding the beans, thinking it's less stress on the drivetrain to not have it under a load at startup.
-
Not sure if this makes any sense, but I always turn on my grinders before adding the beans, thinking it's less stress on the drivetrain to not have it under a load at startup.
That makes great sense.
:)
-
Now for the derail. I'm sorta in the same boat as the OP, tho' at a higher price point.
I really enjoy an espresso OCCASIONALLY but investing $2k on a Mahlkonig isn't justifiable for the occasional weekend where I pull ~6 shots. $700 on a Mazzer isn't quite so irrational, but seems over the edge to me.
Best of both, buy a good course grinder since that is what you tend to do most. The vario-w with metal burrs does a great job. Then get a good hand grinder.
I tried to get a single grinder to do both and it didn't work as I wanted. Even with the ek-43, double duty wasn't possible. I will say that part of it may be the lever profile with the reduced fines.