Grinder mod or upgrade?

[Dmsweatt]

So I've had a kitchenaid proline grinder now for several years.  Already made it stepless.

I usually use a french press and the occasional drip. But I am thinking of putting together an entry level espresso setup in a year or so.

What are thoughts on modding the grinder with mazzer burrs?  I figure it would be $75-100 to convert/get new burrs.

Or would I be better off saving the money to upgrade to an entirely new grinder?

[John F]

I don't know much about that grinder and it's mod ability but I'll put in a vote for keeping it for non espresso preps.

Get another grinder for espresso.

I've always thought that KA is a cool grinder for what it is.

[mp]

For espresso you will find a stepless grinder of value. A good brand new, inexpensive grinder would be the Cunill Tranquillo at $275:

http://sovranastore.com/esgrin.html

You could go for a Baratza, but you would need to get a higher priced model to be espresso grind capable and they would be substantially more than the Tranquillo.

You will find it extremely convenient to keep one grinder for drip, pour over and other methods of extraction and another for
espresso.

If that is too much you can keep your eyes peeled on a used commercial espresso grinder. They will not set you back too much unless you insist on getting a conical burr.

I hope this helps.

 

[MMW]

I'd keep the KA as is...as a matter of fact, that is exactly what I did.