So does the grinder really make a difference?...

livingthedream

Hi,

I've had my Gaggia Classic for about a year and a half now along with a hasbean subscription.

Up until recently I had been using one of those blade grinders to grind my nice freshly roasted beans and while yes the coffee was good (probably more to do with the quality beans and machine), I always felt it could be better.

I had heard that using a good burr grinder would make a big difference but I couldn't afford to take the plunge for a decent grinder... Anyhoo I spoiled myself this crimbo and picked up a Gaggia MDF grinder, which from what I can see is pretty much the entry level of the decent burr grinders but at 175 euros isn't terribly cheap either!!

Results?
The grind is muuucccch more consistant.
To be honest the difference in taste when making a latte or cappucino etc isn't so huge but there is a very big difference when it comes to espresso/americano etc..

So far I have it set at 6 for grind level for my espresso and I'm quite happy with it. I find I'm using more coffee as it is grinding finer than with the old blade grinder.

So overall, I would agree that yes the grinder does make a difference and if you can stretch to a good burr grinder, it's worth it.

Cheers,

~LTD

PPC

Have a read of http://marco.ie/uberproject/?p=602 and aim for the 18g ground to 29g espresso is around 29 seconds ratio.

If you don't have a small scales already you should pickup one that does at least .1g increments, Coffee Angel have a nice small one for sale http://coffeeangel.com/product/mini-precision-digital-scale/

Hopefully it should help a little more.

donnacha

I'd definitely PPCs suggestion on the digital scales. If you are willing to wait for them then some bargains can be had at DX - all prices include shipping costs but do note that nearly all the digital scales get shipped from Hong Kong so you'll be waiting a month for delivery:
http://dx.com/s/portable+digital+scale+0.1g

okedoke

I also have an MDF grinder, I've made two modifications - first removed the step function so its adjustable in tiny increments and second - cut out the finger guard - which lets you poke all the ground coffee into the dispenser every time you grind (the MDF doesn't dispense the last couple of grams of each grind). Both of the very easy

livingthedream

Thanks for the replies guys...

I think I'll leave the weighing of shots for a bit, I'm enjoying the improvements based just on the grind quality, though give me some time and I'm sure I could end up experimenting as above!!

llatsni

You should definitely weigh and time. The improvements will be as much again as the grinder.