Secondhand Mazzer mini on eBay?

desb

After lurking here for years and getting by using fresh ground Bewleys mature java in my filter machine, I am now finally ready to take the plunge and buy a grinder and coffee machine. Rather than do everything at once, my plan is to get the grinder first and get familiar with it before buying the Espresso in a few months.

I initially decided on a Rocky/Silvia combination but was put off the Rocky when I actually viewed it in a local bricks and mortar store. I was also put off by the sales guy who tried to spoof me by describing the 2008 model as the 2009 model "just in". I know there isn't much difference but I was still annoyed.

This got me reconsidering the Rocky and - after a lot of web research (!) - deciding on a Mazzer Mini Electronic (non-doser). You usually get what you pay for, but it is very expensive in these times - even buying from www.anothercoffee.co.uk who have the lowest price at STG495.

www.lovecoffeemachines.co.uk had been selling reconditioned Mazzers at STG295 but are out of stock with no plans to have more. So now I am watching eBay and spotted this:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Mazzer-Super-Jolly-Mini-Coffee-Grinder-Automatic_W0QQitemZ220420489437QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_BOI_Restaurant_RL?hash=item335215c0dd&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1688%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50#ht_500wt_1168

Just wondering if any of the wise heads here would have any thoughts before I take the plunge and bid tomorrow for delivery to friends in Northern Ireland? I trust you guys not to bid against me!

Gran Hermano

That's a nice price for the one on the bay, even if you needed to replace the burrs. My fear would be that the price could jump with people bidding
and sniping at the last minute.

I'm getting to grips with a new Silvia which I got delivered last week and
one thing I have noticed is that mine is much fussier on the grind than
my old Gaggia was.

Have you considered the Iberital MC2 burr grinder? It's cheaper than the
Mazzers and a class below but I'm happy with mine paired with the Silvia.
It'll help save you some more cash towards the espresso machine.

desb

You're right a bidding battle could push the price up to much. I posted because I have mixed feelings about buying secondhand on eBay. Even with (in this case unclear) photos of the product and the safeguard of ratings, you are buying something unseen from someone you don't know who may be selling for a reason they won't tell you!

Many others have recommended the MC2 and I might end up buying it yet. I know people say to go on an upgrade path but I really want to buy something that feels good enough for many years to come.

As a matter of interest where did you buy the Silvia?

Thanks!