Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

[SlowRain]

Hi.  Im in the process of researching espresso machines and accessories.  Two Australian products have caught my eye, the Grindenstein knockbox and the Coffeelab tamper.  Im pretty much sold on the Grindenstein as Ive been able to find a lot of information on it, but Id like to know what people think of the Coffeelab tamper.

Also, is there an online store that sells both?  If I do decide on the Coffeelab tamper, Id like to buy them from the same place to save on shipping charges.  (You can send me the link to the online store in a private message if it is inappropriate to mention specific stores on the boards).  How well do the colors match between the two companies products, specifically the reds and blues?

Thanks,

SlowRain

[blanyon]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

Have used a coffeelab tamper in the past and it is a good solid tamper, would recommend a pullman instead (not just because they are a sponsor) as I have found it a superior product. Cant comment on colours matching the knockbox though.

What machine/grinder are you going with?

[Epic76]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

A few words to add to your already made up mind regarding the Grindstein...

Tough, good looking, easily washed, Aussie made, plenty big enough.

As for the tamper, I cant say but I am absolutely satisfied with my Pullman Tampers.

[Thundergod]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

Have you seen how small the Grindenstein is?

[SlowRain]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

Thanks for the replies.

Im planning on going with either a Rancilio Silvia or a Gaggia Classic, plus a PID on whichever I get.  As for a grinder, Im planning on a Turkish hand mill, based on this thread and a coupe of emails to Tim Wendelboe.  It seems the only issue is time (which I have), not grind quality.  Ill probably go with a Sozen or Acar Turkish mill.

Yes, Ive seen the small size of a Grindenstein (2 different pictures in this thread), which is why I want it: space is at a premium in our apartment.

Thanks.

[pwegener]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

i have both - the box is fine, the tamper is excellent although i have never used a pullman and there seems to be a lot of people who have them here

i bought the coffeelab tamper direct from them - i dont know if anyone else sells it ?

[pie_in_ear]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

I love the CoffeeLab tampers, if you buy direct from their website there is no shipping charge, I too sell the CoffeeLab tamper however have to charge $5 freight

[gazing_south]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

The grindenstein is fantastic - small/low enough that it sits on my machine under the group head when not in use. Throw it in the dishwasher to clean. Holds about 6-8 pucks before its totally full.

[Dimal]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

Im planning on going with either a Rancilio Silvia or a Gaggia Classic, plus a PID on whichever I get.

Welcome SlowRain (has a Native American ring to it 8-))..... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

Probably better to start a new thread in the appropriate category for further discussion about this aspect of your queries but if you are really set on installing a PID Controller into a machine, the Classic will offer you a more responsive outcome whereas the Silvia with PID would provide a more stable outcome. This is due to the significant differences in each machines individual design and differences in thermal inertia between them.

So, if you like to fine tune your machine to suit various bean types relatively often then the Classic might be a more attractive option due to its responsiveness but if youre more interested in having a machine that you can just walk up to at any given time and pull a shot that will be the same time after time, then the Silvia would probably be a better proposition. This all supposes that you know what you are doing, own a decent grinder and have access to freshly roasted, high quality beans.

Notwithstanding any of this, a PID Controller installed and set up properly in either machine will be a much friendlier machine to use; no temperature surfing to worry about and coffee excellence probably on a par with either machine.

There are quite a few members with Silvia+PID and a couple kicking around with Classic+PID so hopefully they will chime in with their experiences

All the best,
Mal.

[Wushoes]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

I love the CoffeeLab tampers, if you buy direct from their website there is no shipping charge, I too sell the CoffeeLab tamper however have to charge $5 freight

Correct...its just $80 RRP with no shipping charge. That would be your best bet!

[pie_in_ear]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

I love the CoffeeLab tampers, if you buy direct from their website there is no shipping charge, I too sell the CoffeeLab tamper however have to charge $5 freight

:-[ no freight from me either, talk about not being on top of your prices :-[

[pyrmontboy200]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

SlowRain, how did you go with your hand mill/Silvia combo ? Im a bit hooked on the idea of a hand mill myself. However Ive heard that the new generation of Zassenhauss are rubbish. Anyone else know a decent alternative?

[bjeck14]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

I love the CoffeeLab tampers, if you buy direct from their website there is no shipping charge, I too sell the CoffeeLab tamper however have to charge $5 freight  

:-[ no freight from me either, talk about not being on top of your prices :-[

Haha!! You might want to get that last post adjusted - just so you dont lose any business!

[flic3352]

Re: Grindenstein Knockbox AND Coffeelab Tamper

HI, if youre still looking for the Gindenstein knock box, I saw them for sale in gjc the other day - good to get a chance to check out the size of the box before you buy