Coffee Grinders

Thraxen

I have only started drinking coffee 4 months ago but I am entirely in love. I still do not understand how I made it through college without the stuff! My problem is that I live so far from anywhere, so I need to keep the coffee fresh, plus to be honest I just want to grind my own beans
Now my main problem is what do I get!? I have read so many articles but I still just do not know which one. Sure I have the strength to use a manual, but then again being able to just leave it do it's thing with an automatic would be good too. I adore expresso but found most reviews on the coffee grinders say they are not fine enough.

Someone just tell me what to buy lol I see all the reviews but they 50-50 on all the grinders :rolleyes:

Gran Hermano

How are you making coffee? Are you using more than one method? If not currently using an espresso machine, do you plan to buy one in short to medium term? Budget?

Thraxen

Gran Hermano wrote: »

How are you making coffee? Are you using more than one method? If not currently using an espresso machine, do you plan to buy one in short to medium term? Budget?

I have a 15 Bar pump pressure Oster coffee machine which can do espresso, Latte and cappuccino.
I also have a Moka Pot which I use for some of my coffee.
An yep I would like for more than one method, I would prefer to find something which had the ability to change the grind instead of some which only allow 3 settings. My brain just hurts from trying to figure out what to get lol.

Oh and budget would be around €50, however I want to invest in something that actually works and will continue to work.

_ciaran_

Thraxen wrote: »

I have a 15 Bar pump pressure Oster coffee machine which can do espresso, Latte and cappuccino.
I also have a Moka Pot which I use for some of my coffee.
An yep I would like for more than one method, I would prefer to find something which had the ability to change the grind instead of some which only allow 3 settings. My brain just hurts from trying to figure out what to get lol.

Oh and budget would be around €50, however I want to invest in something that actually works and will continue to work.

I'd highly recommend a porlex for espresso

Thraxen

_ciaran_ wrote: »

I'd highly recommend a porlex for espresso

Out of curiosity how long would you have to grind for? I just realised I never seen anywhere which shows how long it would take to grind. Looking at the description I am unsure if it is just for espresso or would do a coarser grind too? Thank you for the help

Okay just found it on amazon and it says I can do all types of grinds but still no estimated time. I am sure it would be no trouble to me but if I was going for 10 min grinding it may not get used as much haha

Diziet

You need a burr grinder, and definitely not one of these mini blender things. I got a Krups from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Krups-Expert-GVX231-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356704403&sr=8-1 and it works well. You can adjust the grind and the amount. It only takes a few seconds to grind enough coffee for 2 cups.

Grinders can get very expensive, but my budget did not allow for more. I do have a very good espresso machine and I get good results with the grinder.

Thraxen

Diziet wrote: »

You need a burr grinder, and definitely not one of these mini blender things. I got a Krups from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Krups-Expert-GVX231-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356704403&sr=8-1 and it works well. You can adjust the grind and the amount. It only takes a few seconds to grind enough coffee for 2 cups.

Grinders can get very expensive, but my budget did not allow for more. I do have a very good espresso machine and I get good results with the grinder.

Ah yes I saw this one in Debs yesterday but they sold out haha. It does look solid, have you found any coarse bits in with the finer espresso?

_ciaran_

Thraxen wrote: »

Out of curiosity how long would you have to grind for? I just realised I never seen anywhere which shows how long it would take to grind. Looking at the description I am unsure if it is just for espresso or would do a coarser grind too? Thank you for the help

Okay just found it on amazon and it says I can do all types of grinds but still no estimated time. I am sure it would be no trouble to me but if I was going for 10 min grinding it may not get used as much haha

I've never timed it to be honest but I'd guess around 3 minutes or so of grinding for a double. Depends how fast you grind too. It doesn't bother me really as I usually do it while my gaggia heats up. 5 mins at the very max I'd say but you'd want to be going pretty slow.

I have adjusted the grind for a french press with great results too.

To be honest, if you want a ceramic burr grinder for less than €100 the only main contenders IMO are the Porlex & the Hario. I prefer the way the porlex has no plastic parts so might last that bit longer but I hear the Hario is great. I think Coffee Angel sell them too, you can go in and have a look at one if you are in Dublin any time soon.

Thraxen

I really do not know much about Krups but I did find: De'Longhi KG79 Professional Burr Grinder
Around the same price range, anyone know anything about this one?

Glebee

Thraxen wrote: »

I really do not know much about Krups but I did find: De'Longhi KG79 Professional Burr Grinder
Around the same price range, anyone know anything about this one?[/Quote





I have that De'Longhi. It's find for grinding for French press but it finest grind is not good enough for espresso. I manually adjust it to grind finer but in the process I can't get it back to grind French press.

Got a Hario hand grinder and aero press as a Christmas gift and can't believe how much the quality of the grind affects the quality of the coffee.

Have not really got into using it in detail yet but changing the settings between fine and coarse consistently may be a problem

PPC

You're not really going to get an electric grinder for espresso sub-€150.
Best just getting the Hario or Porlex.
Also if that machine is at 15bar its far too high for espresso and probably more suitable for one of the pod systems.

Thraxen

PPC wrote: »

You're not really going to get an electric grinder for espresso sub-€150.
Best just getting the Hario or Porlex.
Also if that machine is at 15bar its far too high for espresso and probably more suitable for one of the pod systems.

An though I wish I had the money I just do not have it. Trust me I wouldn't have the machine unless it was given to me

Hun please read my post I said I have a Moka Pot just for my espresso. The machine espresso one is more for adding extra shots of coffee lol.

Thraxen

Glebee wrote: »

I have that De'Longhi. It's find for grinding for French press but it finest grind is not good enough for espresso. I manually adjust it to grind finer but in the process I can't get it back to grind French press.

Got a Hario hand grinder and aero press as a Christmas gift and can't believe how much the quality of the grind affects the quality of the coffee.

Have not really got into using it in detail yet but changing the settings between fine and coarse consistently may be a problem

Ah that is good to know, hmm seems like I will be getting a hand grinder.

At least from what I am reading the electric ones are hit and miss but the manual ones are very good? Or are they hit and miss too lol. Oh shesh

Gran Hermano

For an even grind you need a burr grinder and not a blade grinder. As mentioned above there are some good manual ceramic burr grinders. If you're hand grinding for espresso it will be a workout. For consistency and decent performance you are looking at 300 euro upwards for a decent electric burr grinder. You might get away with spending in the 150 euro range if you don't need a grinder to cope with numerous grind settings.

Here's an idea of both the manual and electric grinders you should be looking at
http://coffeeangel.com/product-category/grinders/

Diziet

I find the Krups burr grinder works well - consistent and adjustable fine grind that makes decent espresso with good crema (with a Rancillio Silvia). A 300 euro grinder may give better performance but I find my current setup more than acceptable. Having tried a 200 euro grinder as well I cannot say I could tell the difference.

I don't think I would fancy a hand grinder for every cup of coffee I made!

Thraxen

Kay update, I got a De'Longhi KG79 Professional Burr Grinder. I found it in my local shop for a lot less so I thought I would try it out. I had some ground espresso from my local supermarket and also some fresh ground espresso from a coffee shop. Have to say the De'Longhi did a very close grind, it was slightly coarser but nothing to complain about. Am very happy

qwert2

Thraxen wrote: »

I have only started drinking coffee 4 months ago but I am entirely in love. I still do not understand how I made it through college without the stuff! My problem is that I live so far from anywhere, so I need to keep the coffee fresh, plus to be honest I just want to grind my own beans
Now my main problem is what do I get!? I have read so many articles but I still just do not know which one. Sure I have the strength to use a manual, but then again being able to just leave it do it's thing with an automatic would be good too. I adore expresso but found most reviews on the coffee grinders say they are not fine enough.

Someone just tell me what to buy lol I see all the reviews but they 50-50 on all the grinders :rolleyes:

Hi. I recently bought a Porlex hand grinder. I'd highly recommend it. http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/product/merchandise/porlex-hand-grinder

I bought it in a coffee shop called 3FE on grand canal street. It cost 30 or 40 euros.

The product is Japanese but you'll find uselful instructions in English online

wannabecraig

What about this? The i-1 in particular.
http://www.ascaso.com/2012/eng/espresso-coffee-machines-grinders/i1i21.html

Jezek

Hario / Hario as others have said. pretty much in the same league, very cheap and do the job much better than fancy-looking electric blade grinders

wannabecraig

IO think those ones are burr grinders. A mate has one he's looking to ship me for 60€. I'm interested and would just like to know if it's goof for espresso.

llatsni

I really don't understand the perpetual faffing with grinders; the advice from those who have tried, failed and seen the light, is always: buy a hario/porlex hand grinder or spend the proper cash on a baratza/mahlkonig.

This is acutely true for espresso. A so-so grinder will drive you mad, waste your money, time, beans and result in terrible shots. It's a total false economy.

If you learn from your own mistakes you are smart, if you learn from the mistakes of others you are wise.

Gran Hermano

Option A - Spend on average 70 euro on a cheap burr or blade grinder.
Get frustrated. After on average 6 months, invest in suitable grinder, spend 300 euro.
Total cost 370 euro (not including cost of frustration and wasted coffee).


Option B - Spend 300 on suitable grinder
Total cost 300 euro

PPC

€60 seems like a bit of a steal for that grinder as they're normally closer to 200.
Its getting good reviews on http://coffeegeek.com/reviews/grinders/ascasogrinders

I'd still advise going towards a Baratz/Malkhonig if you could stretch your budget to include it though.

brokenarms

I have been looking at the De'Longhi KG79 . It seems it can be modified to produce a finer grind.

Has anyone tried it. I dont want to invest to much in somthing I might lose interest in later , so this looks like a good starter when modded. I guessing if I want to invest more later I can sell it on. 50 quid is cheap.

http://geekandgrind.tumblr.com/post/17171106555/hacking-a-dehlonghi-coffee-grinder

I have 130 saved to spend so i am open to suggestion other than hand grinders.

Gran Hermano

For around the 130 eur mark, your bet is probably http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/hd0866-iberital-mc2-auto.html

Check whether they ship to Ireland still.

brokenarms

Gran Hermano wrote: »

For around the 130 eur mark, your bet is probably http://www.happydonkey.co.uk/hd0866-iberital-mc2-auto.html

Check whether they ship to Ireland still.

Thanks. I will ship it to parcel motel . I got it. Its more like 140 pounds when you add the vat and delivery.

Cant wait to get it now.

Gran Hermano

The MC2 is bigger than most domestic grinders and it is noisy.
It is also a mare if you want to change grinds from coarse for french-press to fine for espresso.

However at it's price point it is the best option I'm aware of and if just using for espresso it will grind fine
and consistent enough. More modern designs with more features which address the MC2's shortcomings
will cost you EUR250+

Make sure the price you're looking at includes VAT. Might be worth putting a call into Scott in HD to confirm
shipping and exact price.

Persius

Diziet wrote: »

You need a burr grinder, and definitely not one of these mini blender things. I got a Krups from Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/Krups-Expert-GVX231-Coffee-Grinder/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1356704403&sr=8-1 and it works well. You can adjust the grind and the amount. It only takes a few seconds to grind enough coffee for 2 cups.

Grinders can get very expensive, but my budget did not allow for more. I do have a very good espresso machine and I get good results with the grinder.

I also get good results with this grinder. I only use it for single espressos. I have set the grind about three quarters of the way towards the coursest grind and it's just right for my espresso machine. I get plenty of crema. If I set it much finer, then it's too fine for my machine and the coffee comes out much too slowly. No crema and tastes bitter.

The grind is probably too fine for a french press, even at the coursest setting. Though I've never tried to make coffee this way.

brokenarms

Gran Hermano wrote: »

The MC2 is bigger than most domestic grinders and it is noisy.
It is also a mare if you want to change grinds from coarse for french-press to fine for espresso.

However at it's price point it is the best option I'm aware of and if just using for espresso it will grind fine
and consistent enough. More modern designs with more features which address the MC2's shortcomings
will cost you EUR250+

Make sure the price you're looking at includes VAT. Might be worth putting a call into Scott in HD to confirm
shipping and exact price.

Thanks for your advise.
I did read it was a bit of a brute to adjust .
I don't think this will bother me as I had a french press before and did not really get on with it very well. I hope that once I get the grade right I wont have to go near the knobs to much.
The price was frustrating . As you said the prices were ex vat and postage which made the grinder look like a steal . But after the charges it came to 140 mark. I think that website should state the price including VAT . Its the UK not the US.
I will let you guy know how I get on at my virgin grind. Youtube is the teacher. Im just going to get a tin of Illy beans to get going. Tesco sell the tins for 6.50 .

PPC

For the same price you can get a bag of Forsa Gala in Coffee Angel.
It'll be a lot nicer than the Illy coffee and you'll get better results.

Gran Hermano

PPC wrote: »

For the same price you can get a bag of Forsa Gala in Coffee Angel.
It'll be a lot nicer than the Illy coffee and you'll get better results.

Get the cheapest beans you can for the initial setup as you'll waste a good amount dialing in the correct setting.

brokenarms

I cant seem to get any beans cheaper than the 6-7 euro mark for 250g.

There is this.
http://www.tesco.ie/groceries/Product/Details/?id=261258831

15 euro.

I wont need the whole lot to set the machine up (i hope) .

Has anyone tried it on an espresso machine? Is it nice? Certainly good value and I just have to walk 5 mins to get it. No where else in Naas sells coffee beans.
Im guessing any bean is going to be better than pre-ground and may last a bit longer before going off. Im also guessing it will be stale coffee before I start but hell its cheap.
I got Forsa Gala ground while I waited last week and it does not taste as good as it did on friday. But the bag is nearly gone already . Its extremely tasty and im starting to see how one could make the art of coffee making into an obsession . Im really improving a technique after less than a week. Tweaking it all the time. I have to slow down though. Coffee is not agreeing with my ulcer .

fergaldublin

Hey,
Just wondering if you've any idea where I might get a Gaggia MM Coffee Grinder repaired? I tried watermark (Ireland's Gaggia importers) and Kenilworth Electrical and they couldn't help. I think it just needs new burrs. Any ideas?

Regards,

Fergal

snollup

fergaldublin wrote: »

Hey,
Just wondering if you've any idea where I might get a Gaggia MM Coffee Grinder repaired? I tried watermark (Ireland's Gaggia importers) and Kenilworth Electrical and they couldn't help. I think it just needs new burrs. Any ideas?

Regards,

Fergal

You should be able to buy the burrs online for about e60 and easy enough DIY job. Have changed the burrs on my Gaggia MDF easily enough.

fergaldublin

Sounds like a good idea. What site did you get your burr's from? I want to make sure i get the right ones.

enda1

I'd hang out on eBay and get a secon hand mazzer super jolly and buy a new pair of burrs to replace the old ones with. Aroun €150 in all and worth every penny. A highly versatile machine!