Dualit / Solis 166 grinder

rymus

Got one of these for Christmas and from what I've read so far, it's not a bad grinder, just not much cop for espresso. Wanted to invest in a somewhat decent espresso machine in the coming weeks (not your cheap & cheerful €100 Argos model mind you) and I'm worried that the dualit might not cut the mustard.

I've read the article about adjusting the burrs to give a finer/more consistent grind but as the grinder is spanking new (hasnt even been removed from the box yet) I don't want to break it if there's a chance I'm going to have to return it and get something like a Rocky or similar.

Anyone own this grinder or have any advice?

Regular Latte

Yeah, I have this grinder and I've been fairly pleased with it. Kind of loud, but you get used to it. For medium to coarse grind it will be fine, though static builds up in the grounds container with the coarser grind. A few taps and it gets rid of most of it. I think that might be a common problem with most other similar priced grinders.

Grinding fine for espresso has had various results. I have found that lower quality beans (ie from a bag in the supermarket) for some reason don't grind fine enough for a decent pour. Better quality beans gave a much better result - though the dial was pushed right to the edge, or just a touch back.

I haven't tried making the adjustments to the machine that I have come across on the net so I can't say anything about that...except that I will give it a go sometime. If you're keeping the machine I'd try it as is first to give you and idea of how it might improve.

For me it was about price and space. I didn't have much available cash (I still don't!) and not much space on my kitchen worktop. If you have a bit more money and space the Rocky would be nice I'm sure.

My espresso machine is a Gaggia Classic.

If you're the slightest bit interested you can look at a video I made a while ago after using the Dualit grinder.

Gran Hermano

Regular Latte wrote: »

I have found that lower quality beans (ie from a bag in the supermarket) for some reason don't grind fine enough for a decent pour. Better quality beans gave a much better result - though the dial was pushed right to the edge, or just a touch back.

I find as beans age and dry out you need to adjust to a finer grind than you would if those same beans were fresh. Supermarket beans tend to be older
than the 'quality beans'.

rymus

Regular Latte wrote: »

If you're the slightest bit interested you can look at a video I made a while ago after using the Dualit grinder.

Superb! Thanks for the link. I ordered a gaggia classic on Tuesday so expecting delivery of it tomorrow hopefully

I *hope* to only use fresh beans. Might get a bag or two of the supermarket ones for practicing but going to get fresh whenever possible. Had thought about doing the mod to the grinder right off the bat but dont really want to screw the brand new grinder up just yet. Thanks for the info, it's been incredibly helpful/reassuring!

Regular Latte

You're welcome. Hope your new kit works out for you. Enjoy!

If you get around to doing the mod maybe you could stick a post on here to say how it went. Likewise, if I get to it first. (Or if others have already done it??)