Grinder Advice

dkln

Hi all

I'm buying a grinder and I need some advice on what to get.

I want the grinder to grind for a french press initially, however I do plan on getting an espresso machine sometime in the future and I would want the grinder to be suitable for that too (so I don't have to upgrade then). I also want to be able to adjust the grind between french press and espresso.

My budget is €300 - €400. I might be able to stretch a bit more if I need to.

Many thanks

stimpson

There is a big grinder thread here ->http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055560615

dkln

Ok thanks. Missed that when going through old posts.

dkln

Ok I read the thread Stimpson gave and it recommended the Iberital MC2.

However someone mentioned in the thread that it's not really meant to be switched back and forth between grinds, unless I get two, but I would prefer one grinder to do both type of grinds. From reading other threads the other grinders people here seem to use is the Rancilio Rocky or the Macap MC4. I've also been reading that burr grinders come in stepped and stepless models. From what I understand of this the Iberital is stepless, the Rancilio is stepped and the Macap can come in either.

So from this I gather I need a stepped grinder as it's easier to adjust grind or are other stepless grinders easier to adjust than the Iberital?

Sorry for the long rambling post and I'm greatful for all advice I get, it's just that I want to get the right grinder from the start.

Mr Magnolia

What about the Anfim Haus Self reviewed here? Would you consider 2 separate grinders, one for espresso and one for filter?

stimpson

Basically, for espresso, a stepless grinder is best. The problem with using this for french press and espresso is that it's difficult, if not impossible to reset it back to the espresso grind - you'll have to "dial" in your espresso grind again to get a 25-30 second pour. As you have a generous budget you should consider getting a cheap Bodum burr grinder or similar to use for the french press and invest in an MC2 purely for espresso when you go down the espresso route.

nc6000

I've this one which I use with my French Press, it does the job and was very good value.

http://theotherblackstuff.ie/machines/machine-review-bodum-antigua-grinder/

Gran Hermano

Providing you have room in the kitchen and enough counter-top real estate I'd go for the two grinder option - MC2 for for espresso and the Bodum for the french press.

kenmc

My MC2 arrived this morning, just in time for the weekend!! Will be mainly using it for filter/french press, perhaps the occasional espresso, so not too worried about adjustability.

dkln

Hi all thanks for the replies and advice.

When I first started looking for a grinder I thought I would be getting one but it looks like a dedicated grinder for both course and fine grinds is the way to go. Even though counter space is limited the Bodum one looks small enough to store in a cupboard or on a shelf.

I think I'll get the MC2, just have to think about it a bit more before deciding and I think I'll get it first, just something a bit more grown-up than the Bodum to play with.

Again thanks for all your advice and I'm sure I'll be on here again looking for more coffee related advice in the future.

Mr Magnolia

That's a similar set-up to myself. I keep the bodum in the press most of the time too.