Espresso machines

[sevencyclist]

This place seems to convince me to upspend!

I have abandoned the idea of lower end grinders and decided to go for it!

Now, Mazzer Mini or Macap M4? How about Baratza Vario or Macap MC4?

[oldguy00]

This place seems to convince me to upspend!

I have abandoned the idea of lower end grinders and decided to go for it!

Now, Mazzer Mini or Macap M4? How about Baratza Vario or Macap MC4?

From the way too much reading I did when making the same decision....
The Vario seemed to be the best deal. It is less expensive by at least 200 I think, yet many folks think the espresso grind from it is just as good, and sometimes better (big ceramic burrs) than the Mazzer and Macap. The Vario is also very easily adjusted, thus can be used to grind for coffee and espresso, and easily switched between the two and still be accurate.
The only thing I could really find about the Macap and Mazzer that were better is the fact that they are built with sturdier materials, and they look nicer.

[sevencyclist]

From the way too much reading I did when making the same decision....

The only thing I could really find about the Macap and Mazzer that were better is the fact that they are built with sturdier materials, and they look nicer.

Seems to be the case. I don't know the use setting of the reviewers (home vs restaurant vs cafe) and perception of the benefit of heft and durability of the grinder. So hoping to see if anyone chimes up about durability issues etc with any of these machine for home use.

The Vario seems great for adjustment on the fly although we are likely sticking to only espresso making.

[Octave]

I can weigh in with my own Mazzer experience - mostly in the fact that I've run a few hundred pounds through it and only had to overhaul once, even though I'm the second owner. It's a beast, and indestructible to boot.

[sevencyclist]

I can weigh in with my own Mazzer experience - mostly in the fact that I've run a few hundred pounds through it and only had to overhaul once, even though I'm the second owner. It's a beast, and indestructible to boot.

Thanks. Good validation for a sturdy machine.

[stackie]

Compak makes excellent grinders at a slightly lower price point than the Mazzers. I recommend the Compak K3 over the Mazzer mini to anyone who asks.

Myself, I'm using a Compak K10 after getting talked into it over the Mazzer Robur. Totally happy with my decision. And yes, I have used Mazzer grinders. Still have a mini. It's fine, but imho the Compak just a little more solid for a little less money.

Jon

[sevencyclist]

Thanks for the help. Got my setup, now just need to learn the nuance of espresso pulling as well as foaming for latte art.
2015-05-20 20.58.17 by sevencyclist, on Flickr

[oldguy00]

Thanks for the help. Got my setup, now just need to learn the nuance of espresso pulling as well as foaming for latte art.
2015-05-20 20.58.17 by sevencyclist, on Flickr

Congrats, pretty much the same setup as mine. I have the Giotto, which is the exact same plus a little more metal design on the sides.
You'll be amazed at how powerful these things are at steaming, and how easy it is to get a good shot out of them.
Make sure you use fresh roasted beans!! I notice a huge difference in my shots, for the worse, if they are over 10 days old.
Cheers

[BryanF]

I just bought a Rocky Cellini V3....before I got to the last page and saw Seven's setup! Waiting for Seattle Coffee Gear at this point...will go well with my Mazzer Mini.

[oldguy00]

I just bought a Rocky Cellini V3....before I got to the last page and saw Seven's setup! Waiting for Seattle Coffee Gear at this point...will go well with my Mazzer Mini.

I assume you mean 'Rocket', not Rocky! :)

[t-hoe]

I just bought a Rocky Cellini V3....before I got to the last page and saw Seven's setup! Waiting for Seattle Coffee Gear at this point...will go well with my Mazzer Mini.

Bryan, you will be willing that Mazzer to one of your offsrping.

unic2.jpg

[Tristan]

2015-10-30_09-08-10 by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

[Octave]

OHMY

How do you like it? I've been toying with picking one up for an upcoming birthday, now that I sold off my old machine before moving overseas. Rocket is at the top of my list, at the moment...

[pajotfix]

2015-10-30_09-08-10 by Tristan Thomas, on Flickr

Coolness.

So what about that grinder? I need to upgrade my grinder...

[dashDustin]

any recommendations for descaling?

[Octave]

any recommendations for descaling?

What kind of a machine?

So what about that grinder? I need to upgrade my grinder...

What are you working with now, and how much are you willing to spend? I've got grinder research for DAYS.

[dashDustin]

What kind of a machine?

Espresso



















just kidding.

Gaggia Classic.

[pajotfix]

What kind of a machine?

What are you working with now, and how much are you willing to spend? I've got grinder research for DAYS.

It's a pretty basic Isomac Macinino... I'd need something stepless and preferably without doser... Budget - I've 500 Euro in mind... That covers some of the Macap range... Or a Mazzer mini but that comes with a doser...
Anyway - it's been a while since I looked into to this so share your insights...

PS: my espresso maker is a Bezzera Giulia... my current grinder is no match...

[BryanF]

I assume you mean 'Rocket', not Rocky! :)

Yep. Rocketini.

[Mark Kelly]

any recommendations for descaling?

I use a 5% solution of sulphamic acid (AKA amidosulphonic acid, obtainable from agricultural suppliers as milk stone remover, just make sure it's sulphamic acid based not phosphoric acid).

Put the acid solution in the water tank, run about a third of it through, wait five minutes, repeat, run the rest through then rinse until you can't detect any acid in the rinse water.