Espresso Grinder?

WhiteMemento9 · 18-06-2021 9:51pm #1

What is the best option for a grinder? It needs to be able to grind for Espresso.

I am not completely closed off to the idea of a manual one but as a first preference, I would prefer an electric one.

I don't really have any particular set budget but would like to keep it within the reasonable range.

Newtown90 · 18-06-2021 11:03pm

WhiteMemento9 wrote: »

What is the best option for a grinder? It needs to be able to grind for Espresso.

I am not completely closed off to the idea of a manual one but as a first preference, I would prefer an electric one.

I don't really have any particular set budget but would like to keep it within the reasonable range.

I purchased a Eureka Mignon last year and cannot fault it. Its used 3 times a day and makes a massive difference when you dial in your coffee.

The Niche Zero is meant to be the dogs b#*ox alright but wife would throw me out if I change anything.

WhiteMemento9 · 18-06-2021 11:24pm

Newtown90 wrote: »

I purchased a Eureka Mignon last year and cannot fault it. Its used 3 times a day and makes a massive difference when you dial in your coffee.

The Niche Zero is meant to be the dogs b#*ox alright but wife would throw me out if I change anything.

Actually am in the middle of watching the James Hoffmann review of this at the moment. It is currently sold out everywhere at the moment from what I can see. Seems to only come back in stock periodically and sells out very quickly.

adrian522 · 18-06-2021 11:25pm

I guess it comes down to what you think is a reasonable range?

I presume you are looking at new not second hand?

I think you are looking at €200+ of espresso grinder. Not only do you need something that grinds fine enough for espresso, you need a consistent grind and the ability to make very small adjustments to get the coffee dialled in exactly right.

The only one I have direct experiece of is the Mahlkonig Vario. Other options I've seen recomended include the Rancilio Rocky, Sage Smart Grinder Pro, Wilfa uniform, Niche zero.

As with many things stock is at a premium right now so you may struggle to find something at a discount.

I'd recommend choosing a seller with a good reputation when it comes to returns or disputes if something goes wrong. It's worth paying a bit extra for that peace of mind.

I'd also say it's probably better to buy the best grinder your budget will stretch to so you are not frustrated and looking to upgrade again in the near future.

If 2nd hand is an option there are usually some good options on adverts and similar sites.

WhiteMemento9 · 18-06-2021 11:40pm

I'd be lying if I said £500 for a grinder (Niche Zero) doesn't make me wince a little and I don't consider it reasonable :P but I have come around to your line of thinking that I would like to buy something decent and not have upgraditis in a few months.

Buying second-hand wasn't something I had considered but I'll have a dig around on adverts and see what I can find.

adrian522 · 18-06-2021 11:48pm

Yeah, I did something similar when I bought my Vario, I spent more than I was planning to but it has lasted now 12 years so I see still see it as good value.

This may be worth a look:

https://www.adverts.ie/small-kitchen-appliances/compak-k3-touch-coffee-grinder/22830574

It's from a poster on here that is pretty reliable.

Squidgy Black · 19-06-2021 4:15pm

I love my niche. Honestly wouldn't trade it for anything, it's so versatile for filter etc too. Personally would deem it well worth the investment, I've had one of the sage grinders and a Mazzer Super Jolly before it and wish I had just gone this route in the first place.

Planet X · 20-06-2021 7:22am

adrian522 wrote: »

Yeah, I did something similar when I bought my Vario, I spent more than I was planning to but it has lasted now 12 years so I see still see it as good value.

This may be worth a look:

https://www.adverts.ie/small-kitchen-appliances/compak-k3-touch-coffee-grinder/22830574

It's from a poster on here that is pretty reliable.

Have the same grinder for a few years now and can vouch for it's effectiveness.

WhiteMemento9 · 21-06-2021 8:08pm

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I love my niche. Honestly wouldn't trade it for anything, it's so versatile for filter etc too. Personally would deem it well worth the investment, I've had one of the sage grinders and a Mazzer Super Jolly before it and wish I had just gone this route in the first place.

I kind of have my heart set on one of these at this point but it is extremely annoying that I can't even buy one. It seems even when I get a chance to order I'll still be waiting a few months for my delivery date.

Take my money, goddam you!

Did you order it from the official site?

Squidgy Black · 22-06-2021 11:43am

WhiteMemento9 wrote: »

I kind of have my heart set on one of these at this point but it is extremely annoying that I can't even buy one. It seems even when I get a chance to order I'll still be waiting a few months for my delivery date.

Take my money, goddam you!

Did you order it from the official site?

I got it about a year ago from when they were still selling on indiegogo, think I was waiting 2 months from when I ordered to when it was delivered. They used to release them in batches with the delivery dates, but at least it was visible when you'd be getting it

Tom__jnr2 · 22-06-2021 2:52pm

I got Beteza Sette 30 and do recommend. For extra $70 you can add micro adjustment and have Sette 270 at half price.

WhiteMemento9 · 22-06-2021 4:02pm

Tom__jnr2 wrote: »

I got Beteza Sette 30 and do recommend. For extra $70 you can add micro adjustment and have Sette 270 at half price.

Thanks, it is more the time that I'll be waiting to get my hands on a Niche that means I am going to have to look at something else. The 270 is one of the options I am considering.

Weepsie · 23-06-2021 2:04pm

If you're going handgrinder route, 1zpresso jx pro is excellent. 140 from then direct but budget another 20 for customs and 15 for FedEx (though FedEx have started billing weeks later so I said I wasn't paying that fee, but customs no problem)

Bluefoam · 23-06-2021 2:55pm

I got the Sage Smart Grinder Pro just over a year ago for €160 & am happy out with it... It may be difficult to find it for that price now, but it exceeds my ability to produce good coffee...

Some people here will consider it an appliance... but theres little to compete against it for the money... the next logical step up for me would be the Niche or an even more expensive machine...

bricky06 · 23-06-2021 3:09pm

I bought a Eureka mignon last year from Germany as it was a lot cheaper there. Very happy with it and would recommend. I also considered the sette 270 but from reviews I read that the eureka was the way to go for lifespan/reliability, grind consistency and noise reduction.

FairFrank · 25-06-2021 7:43am

Squidgy Black wrote: »

I love my niche. Honestly wouldn't trade it for anything, it's so versatile for filter etc too. Personally would deem it well worth the investment, I've had one of the sage grinders and a Mazzer Super Jolly before it and wish I had just gone this route in the first place.

Agree with that! Probably the best in their price range and easy to clean! They deliver it fast also

Frozen Veg · 19-07-2021 9:19pm

Is a filter needed after grinding to make a nice Americano?

Have a de longhi grinder. Just checking what other apparatus I need.

qb123 · 09-08-2021 4:45pm

Hi. Got a Rocket Espresso machine earlier this year and had been using an old blade grinder for the last few months to grind beans - frustrating sometimes, but tended to get there in the end. Just after buying a Sage Smart Grinder pro, and while it seems to work well when grinding, when I use it to make espresso the flow is way too fast. I've tried setting grind gauge to the finest point, but even then I've the same problem. What am I likely to be doing wrong?

Planet X · 09-08-2021 5:09pm

I have the 'first world problem" of grinding at two settings, espresso and pour over coarse. 3 days a week on espresso and about 3 days coarse (to bring to work for Aeropress)

I absolutely hate swinging the dial all the way around to get the to the other setting......cannot be good for the grinder!

Compak K3 touch as above.

Looking out for a 2nd hand like the Rocky, which I used to have 😂.

Planet X · 09-08-2021 5:11pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117729216#Comment_117729216

Seems still to be too coarse a grind then. Fast flow = coarse grind = less extraction.

qb123 · 09-08-2021 6:04pm

Unfortunately just after getting this grinder, so would prefer not to have to get another one.

And yes, fast flow would indicate too coarse a grind, but this is on even the finest setting and hence why I think I must be doing something wrong.

Krusty_Clown · 09-08-2021 11:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117729608#Comment_117729608

I think some of the Sage grinders used to have a shim, that would allow you to grind even finer. Surprised that a recent purchase would still have the problem though. Here's a thread on the subject: https://coffeeforums.co.uk/topic/35781-shim-kit-advice/

That thread suggests that shims are no longer required and the burr is adjustable. Is there anything in the manual about adjusting the burr to make the grind finer?

Krusty_Clown · 09-08-2021 11:40pm

This video describes adjusting the outer burr. Have you tried this?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX4So_uo9F8

qb123 · 10-08-2021 9:38am

Think I might have to go down route of adjusting it ok. Just doesn't seem right for something fresh off the shelf. Also wary in case I damage it.

WhiteMemento9 · 10-08-2021 2:12pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117729216#Comment_117729216

Funny enough this is what I ended up buying in the end. Having similar problems to you. One thing that did help is that apparently, the grinder tends to clump a little which can lead to channeling, and just using something like a paperclip to run through it after it comes out of the grinder has helped. I'll have to try the above as well of adjusting the burrs as while it helped I still am not getting an extracted shot I am fully happy with.

WhiteMemento9 · 11-08-2021 8:51am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117731816#Comment_117731816

Another thing I meant to mention is good fresh beans make all the difference. I was waiting for an order online and picked up some stuff in the Aldi/Lidl to get me by until it arrived but no matter what I did with the beans I couldn't get anything resembling a decent shot with a very similar problem that you describe of the flow rate being way too fast even at the lowest setting so the beans themselves make a huge difference. Good quality, freshly roasted beans fixed that problem and my issue now is more getting the shot dialed in at this stage.

qb123 · 11-08-2021 3:50pm

Always have fresh beans, so that's not the issue. Am going to try adjust burr this evening and will report back...

FileNotFound · 11-08-2021 4:04pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117729608#Comment_117729608

Contact Sage - smart grinder is similar (pretty much same) as the BE - even with preset internal and external at 5 I can clog the espresso machine to death.

When you get a sage grinder I understand there are 2 adjustable parts (is the case in the BE anyway) - google how to adjust internal Birr and you might have some joy. If not some of the grinders on BE's (thread here on it) have not worked and needed a shim kit to be sent out which solved the problems.

qb123 · 11-08-2021 5:26pm

Just tried adjusting the burr (twice) and unfortunately doesn't seem to be aligned correctly as making a bad sound and not grinding :( Will try again tomorrow, hopefully with better results....

WhiteMemento9 · 11-08-2021 7:16pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117739059#Comment_117739059

As the other poster said I don't think you should have to do this to grind fine enough. Something else is going on here. With good quality coffee, I have only had issues dialing in the shot where I didn't think the grind size was adjusting finely enough between moving from let's say 5 to 4 but if I went to 3 the lowest I have got any bean it choked. I think I need to adjust other factors in compensation. I am thinking am I better off returning it. It is a lovely piece of kit that is so simple to use if I could get the shots dialed in I would be very happy so going to spend another bit of time with it to see what I can manage.

qb123 · 16-08-2021 12:25pm

It.was.the.beans.

So, had been using beans bought from local Bewleys. Switched to a bag bought from Shoe Lane coffee (roasted in the last week) and machine works well. Setting at 12 for a good espresso grind, with upper burr restored to default setting of 6. So won't be buying any more beans from Bewleys - funny given I bought the machine through them.

Krusty_Clown · 16-08-2021 4:17pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117761451#Comment_117761451

Bewleys have an unearned reputation for great tea and coffee, because in the 80s and 90s good coffee was very rare and Ireland, and Bewleys was one of the few places you could buy whole-bean in different varieties. I used to love visiting their store in Blackrock as the smell from the different bean roasts was amazing and probably triggered my love for the stuff. Nowadays what they sell in supermarkets are mostly the long expiry date stuff without a roast date, that won't yield a great espresso. James Hoffman has a pretty good guide to buying coffee that's worth a watch. Glad you got it sorted. Eventually everyone will realize that the secret to good coffee is to roast it yourself. 😁

Bewleys nostalgia:

774888_475471565843627_1734931560_o[1].jpg

qb123 · 16-08-2021 5:15pm

It was the store in Blackrock that I was visiting too - looks good in the dispensers, but guess roasted a while ago (thought I'd be alright going for their main one as you'd guess that would be fresher).

VonLuck · 18-08-2021 8:32am

Does anyone know where I can buy a Smart Grinder Pro in Ireland, preferably in black? I've checked so many websites and it seems to be out of stock everywhere! Are they no longer in production?

WhiteMemento9 · 18-08-2021 9:31am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117770093#Comment_117770093

The sage Ireland website has them in stock. Choose Black Stainless Steel and it has the add to cart option

https://www.sageappliances.com/ie/en/products/coffee-grinders/bcg820.html

VonLuck · 18-08-2021 3:01pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117770286#Comment_117770286

Great, thanks. Was looking on the usual Currys, DID, Harvey Norman sites and didn't think to look at Sage itself.

Is there a general shortage of the Sage grinders or what's the reason it's unavailable from the usual retailers?

qb123 · 18-08-2021 3:48pm

I ordered off Bewleys. Delayed about a month - they cited an ongoing parts shortage. Would assume its just related to supply chain difficulties that are being seen quite widely due to shipping issues etc.

VonLuck · 19-08-2021 11:07am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117772299#Comment_117772299

How much was it from Bewley's if you don't mind me asking? Can't find it for less than €250 anywhere.

qb123 · 19-08-2021 12:15pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/117775233#Comment_117775233

€249.99 - just checked receipt. I'd say to take the option of notification when available - it's likely to be there in the next few weeks. And nothing to stop you buying it from elsewhere in the meantime.

KellyKelly · 19-08-2021 12:30pm

Lidl Are selling a Coffee Bean Grinder, Electronic. We use it in work for the Coffee beans, and its very good.

I think it cost €20.00 ??

If its literally just to grind Coffee Beans, into Powder Coffee, try Lidl 👍️

VonLuck · 19-08-2021 9:40pm

Was hesitating on buying that Sage Smart Grinder Pro and was going to pull the trigger tonight. I see it's sold out now on the Sage website! Very frustrating.

emy · 08-09-2021 3:16pm

I am using a Magister grinder, Fiorenzato t-80 rebranded. I found it sitting abandoned :(, ready to go into the bin, in a coffee shop, while installing a coffee machine. I took it, invested around €100 in it and is back to life, it is very good grinder. I have to attach a customized hopper, is too big this one for home user.

IMG_1.jpg

IMG_2.jpg

DaveyDave · 16-10-2021 12:38pm

Lads, am I mad for considering a Sette 270 Wi? I really like the grind by weight option. It's a fair bit more expensive than the standard 270 but I like the idea of not messing around with a scale. It's also important that we have something easy to use for my girlfriend making coffee, it's ideal being able to just put the portafilter in and be done so something like the Niche is out.

I know it sounds mad looking at a grinder that is slightly more expensive than the Barista Express we have but I'm considering treating myself for Christmas and eventually moving on to a different espresso machine next year.

The grinder wouldn't be held back by the Barista Express would it? The only real negatives I hear about the Barista are mainly from the grinder.

Alanstrainor · 08-11-2021 5:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118027959#Comment_118027959

Just on your last question, about whether the Barista Express is up to the task with a good grinder. My experience is yes it is. I got an 1zpresso JX-Pro manual grinder a while back. It is very well regarded, and produces a very impressive grind. I can pull incredibly consistent and perfect shots using a naked portafilter, no channelling and it looks picture perfect when coming out. Using the Barista Express grinder it would be much more hit and miss, even if I felt it was well dialled in.

I've had my Barista Express for a year and a half and it's been brilliant for me. I'm sure I will upgrade in time, but I can't see much point given my results.

bergipau · 22-11-2021 9:57pm

I am going to hijack this thread. I am going to replace my Rancilio rocky grinder, I am thinking of a eureka mignon specialita or a Sette 270. The Eureka is more expensive but from the reviews I have read the Sette is probably as good.

an integrated scales would be nice, but this isnt vital. Should I consider anything else?

phelixoflaherty · 24-11-2021 8:12am

The settle can have gear problems over time.

The eureka is more trad design and longer lasting.

https://youtu.be/4xRGzy869wg

DaveyDave · 24-11-2021 2:08pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118214272#Comment_118214272

Gear problems only effected early Sette models as far as I know.

bergipau · 24-11-2021 8:29pm

Thanks, I think Ill go with the specialta, I looks like its the best value for money

alec76 · 24-11-2021 8:42pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118215750#Comment_118215750

I presume gears are still the same old or new.

Traditional design normally involved soft driving belt which connect motor to the burrs . If anything happens you only need to replace belt , not the gears itself

Just have to be careful so there are no stones mixed through the beans , that what destroys the gears .

I’ve caught stones 3 times : twice with Bel Lane , once with Bailies beans.

bergipau · 25-11-2021 4:37pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118217836#Comment_118217836

Stones!!! Wow I have never found stones in my coffee. BellLane are my main go-to coffee, I’ve been buying from them since they started and I never found stones.

how did you find them? I assume the grinder to would completely stop

alec76 · 25-11-2021 6:19pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118221785#Comment_118221785

It was small stones ,size of a bean , once it went between the burrs you'll hear some nasty cracking noise. Good chance to damage burrs or gears . If it is old classic design, there is soft driving belt which just worn out and protect the gears from breaking .

Espresso Grinder?

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