Rancilio Rocky Coffee Grinder VS. Cunill El Cafe' Tranquilo

[mrgreenbean]

Input is appreciated.

[mp]

Are you looking for new or used?  Is this for espresso or drip?

 

[mrgreenbean]

Either new or used, looking to get into Espresso.

[milowebailey]

I'd look for a used commercial grinder if you have space for one.  I've picked them up for under $150.  Check the cost of new burrs before you buy used as they can be really expensive ($200) or $40 for new burrs. 

[mrgreenbean]

There was a guy on Craigslist locally that was selling a Mazzer for 200.00, I missed it by two days. That would have been a good deal I think. Bad timing as usual.

[mp]

Either will do.  If new get the Tranquilo.  If used the best deal you can get.  As Milo mentioned the cost of burrs will factor in at one point.  Best to find out before hand how much they will set you back.  Any good used commercial grinder will do the trick.  I have a La Cimbali Junior and it is excellent.  That is not to say others are not as good.

 

[mrgreenbean]

I have read about burr replacement, My question on that is how do you know if you get a used grinder that you can get replacment burrs for it?

[mrgreenbean]

This Tranquilo seems reasonably priced and I would think can handle home use. Anyone want to confirm that they are of good quality?

[mrgreenbean]

However, it appears the Rocky is more popular, I dont care about popularity, I want quality and a low operating cost.

[mp]

The Tranquilo will work very well.  

As for the burrs you can check here amongst other places.

 

[John F]

Either.....

+1

[mrgreenbean]

Well I was wondering if the Tranqulio was the better value. But with all the expertise here I thought I would run it up the flag pole to see what others thought.

[mp]

Yes ... the Tranquillo is a great value new.  Used is a different ball game.  You can get fairly amazing deals on used professional grinders.

 

[yorel23]

Well I was wondering if the Tranqulio was the better value. But with all the expertise here I thought I would run it up the flag pole to see what others thought.

I know that Tex thinks quite highly of the Cunill.  If buying new, it is probably the way to go.  However, my suggestion would be to watch CL and ebay for a good, used commercial grinder.

[Tex]

Well I was wondering if the Tranqulio was the better value. But with all the expertise here I thought I would run it up the flag pole to see what others thought.

I know that Tex thinks quite highly of the Cunill.  If buying new, it is probably the way to go.  However, my suggestion would be to watch CL and ebay for a good, used commercial grinder.

+1

I don't like the Rancilio Rocky - small burrs, high price ($359), and widely spaced stepped adjustment.  

The Cunill Tranquilo is now my minimum starting point for espresso grinders - 60mm burrs, low price ($235), narrowly spaced stepped adjustment.

Features to look for in an espresso grinder;
larger burrs/lower RPM = cooler bean temps retains volatile flavor compounds
HP rating
Stepless burr adjustment preferable/narrowly stepped adjustment acceptable = the differeence between an acceptable shot & a God shot might only be a minute change in burr position!
Replacement burr cost = replace when the edges won't dig into a thumbnail drawn across them (some ceramic or titanium burrs can be very costly!)