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Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

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  • Elizabeth_Liersch
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    In my POV, I would def have to agree- If you are able to, purchase the highest quality grinder you can (It will last a lifetime) instead of buying a mediocre one each year.

    One day- I will take my own advice and buy the best I can when I am not a poor student!! LOL (haha) :P

    Leave a comment:


  • Randy_G.
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    I did not at all mean to belittle the OP, and if it sounded that way, I apologize. If you read my website you would realize that I started out in much the same way. When contemplating purchasing my first espresso machine I figured that my $30 coffee grinder that my wife and been using for flaxseed would be just fine. I ended up getting the Rocky with Silvia, and about 7½ years later ended up selling the Rocky (after two burrset changes) and picking up a Kony at a good price. The point of all that (and the rest of my post in this thread) was to try to state (unsuccessfully, evidently) that the quality of the grinder is more important than the quality of the espresso machine, and if you ave a choice, get a better grinder and worry about the espresso machine later.


    If I can summarize my comments- If your budget is limited, get as good of a grinder as you can now and use an economical form of brewing until the espresso machine can be purchased.

    I apologize if my comments seemed negative towards the OP.

    Leave a comment:


  • Spoony
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Oops ... I didnt mean to cause such a stir with my first post ;D

    I do admit that if I could have afforded it I would have bought a better grinder, but considering the current financial situation with high interest rates, inflation etc. I purchased what was sensible for me ... I am dead set against going into debt for this sort of thing, it just doesnt make sense to me.

    Having said that, I will eventually buy a better grinder and no doubt a better espresso machine (even Im not immune from upgrade-itis) but it will be when I can afford it.

    For now, I (and my wife) are happy to be able to get up in the morning and have a great cup of coffee without stepping out my front door ... its just that little bit of luxury that makes life that little bit more pleasant.

    Leave a comment:


  • Sparky
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder


    I agree. However, I dont think Randy is aware that the EM0450 performs very similar to the Lux, with essentially the same burr set.

    When put up against the Robur, the Lux came out surprisingly well in terms of shot quality. The difference with these cheaper grinders is their longevity and ease of use. Problems with the Sunbeams plastic burr carrier have been well documented on this site. Nevertheless, when they work they do a pretty good job.

    Cheers,

    Mark.

    Leave a comment:


  • Dimal
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Originally posted by fatboy link=1161409619/45#59 date=1210920389
    Anyhow, thats how I read it.
    Yep, me too.....

    I thought Randy was trying to be helpful with a very comprehensive reply,

    Mal.

    Leave a comment:


  • fatboy_1999
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    I really didnt think that was the point of Randys reply.
    I thought he was saying well done, but youd be amazed at how much better it can be.

    He even says in the post:
    Not everyone can (or would want) to invest $1000 or more for an espresso machine and grinder,. but when it comes to grinders, more is often better... and will last longer!
    Seems to me he was acknowledging that not everyone can (or wants to) spend what others might, but if they can or do spend more, they will usually be rewarded with a superior product.

    Anyhow, thats how I read it.

    Leave a comment:


  • versatile
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Im not sure if its correct etiquette to comment on the reply above, but I just dont see what the point was in posting a reply that basically belittled and derided Spoonys obvious delight in being able to afford an entry level grinder. He said that hes read and learnt alot from this site, which would obviously include knowledge that you get what you pay for when it comes to grinders. He purchased what by all accounts is a quite good entry-level grinder in accordance with his budget, and relates how happy he is with his resultant coffee. Was there any need to post what is referred to on many other sites as a d**ksizing reply?

    If this is all way too off topic or goes against any of the rules, I apologise and understand if the moderators delete it.

    Leave a comment:


  • Randy_G.
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Originally posted by Spoony link=1161409619/45#56 date=1210863158
    ...... I have had my Breville Ikon espresso machine since they first came out and had a $60 Breville (CG12) flat bur grinder ... and I didnt realise how poor the coffee was until today. Thats because I purchased an EM0450, and I must say that the coffee Im getting now rivals the coffee I am used to getting from the cafes here in Perth. I .... managed to get the new grinder for $130, which I was very happy with.

    Well, all I can say is thank God that the old Breville grinder broke and I now have the slightly reasonable em0450 grinder ... it may not be reasonable in some of your eyes but it has made my day and Im well pleased ... thats for sure.
    Everything is relative. You can only imagine how a grinder like the Rancilio Rocky, MD,et.al. in the $300 USD can do for you, or even the $700 range like the Mazzer Super Jolly.

    Espresso is all about the grinder. I have coaxed some drinkable espresso for a $7.50 thrift-store, used Krups espresso machine by pairing it with a $300 grinder.

    At the other extreme, just the replacement burrs for my Mazzer Kony cost about $160 USD!

    Anyway, this is all a good lesson for newbie baristas just beginning to shop for their first home setup. Not everyone can (or would want) to invest $1000 or more for an espresso machine and grinder,. but when it comes to grinders, more is often better... and will last longer!

    Take a look at "Chapter 79" on my website for an example of the burrs found on many economy grinders.

    Leave a comment:


  • Spoony
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Hi all ... this is my first post but I have been lurking around for quite a while, and I must say that I have learnt a heap of stuff and am well on my way to becoming a coffee snob. I have had my Breville Ikon espresso machine since they first came out and had a $60 Breville (CG12) flat bur grinder ... and I didnt realise how poor the coffee was until today. Thats because I purchased an EM0450, and I must say that the coffee Im getting now rivals the coffee I am used to getting from the cafes here in Perth. I had a budget to stick to and managed to get the new grinder for $130, which I was very happy with.

    I first tried grinding straight into the portafilter which left me with coffee grinds all over the kitchen bench and stuck (via static attraction) to the body of the 0450 which initially left me a bit dismayed. So I have decided to grind into the little container that came with the grinder and then transfer it, which works well for me, and I spill absolutely no grinds at all

    My pours at this early stage have increased in quality 2000% ... I now get a nice crema (which I never got with the old grinder at all) ... I have taken to the original basket with the dremmel so it is no longer pressurised and seems to work ok ... I might look at getting a replacement basket soon.

    Well, all I can say is thank God that the old Breville grinder broke and I now have the slightly reasonable em0450 grinder ... it may not be reasonable in some of your eyes but it has made my day and Im well pleased ... thats for sure.

    Leave a comment:


  • marcstolk
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Yes, but it is trail and error... depends on the thickness of the washer that you buy

    Leave a comment:


  • msilent_one
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    thank you MarcS. Im assuming you would then just place the new washer on top of the original washer and then reassemble the burr. Is this correct?

    Leave a comment:


  • marcstolk
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Thin metal washers... Youll need to pull the lower burr off, there will be a washer already underneith it - take that to a Hardware and get a few more like it...

    I think Sunbeam may send you out some if you call and ask them

    Leave a comment:


  • msilent_one
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    sorry guys its an old post but I just got onto the website and saw this thread as I also have an em450. The washer you refer to so the burrs can be brought closer together, are they the ordinary rubber o-rings or the ordinary metal washers you can get from hardware stores. Any one know the actual diameter of the washer?

    thanks

    Leave a comment:


  • marcstolk
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    Originally posted by Stoveboy link=1161409619/45#50 date=1171379017

    PS: When asking about peoples grinder cleaning regimes, JavaB suggested for cleaning to run the grinder clear of any grind before adjusting it finer. The idea is that if you adjust it finer while there is still beans and grind in there, it will be working against that material, and compressing it into the burs. e.g. go to coarser setting, run grinder clear, then go finer once clear.
    Theory this sounds correct - however I havent had a problem not doing this... but in saying that, I dont go from course to fine and back again and so forth...

    Leave a comment:


  • Stoveboy
    replied
    Re: Sunbeam EM0450 - new conical burr grinder

    here is one such example of late night caffeine overdose in progress, neighbour in apartment above me is on their balcony making a racket of what sounds like table air hockey.

    anyone Ive just struck a dilemma - now that I have cupped my first roast after 3 days rest and found it is absolutely brilliant and I cant distinguish it from the professionally roasted $24/kg I just went through, I will need a grinder for work.

    I dont think I can bring myself to have this great coffee at home, the same equipment (Presso) at work, and have to pre-grind at home and store in a container for it to stale throughout the day for my afternoon coffee... so I need another grinder.

    I already have the EM0480, so I think for work I will get the EM0450, as I actually favour its small footprint (no fixed base) unlike the EM0480 which is fixed base, larger footprint.  I was wondering if there is a cheaper hand-driven burr grinder, but figure for the minor difference it might be, the EM0450 is great value.  Looks like Ill be taking my beans to work tomorrow and buying a new grinder on the way in!

    PS: When asking about peoples grinder cleaning regimes, JavaB suggested for cleaning to run the grinder clear of any grind before adjusting it finer. The idea is that if you adjust it finer while there is still beans and grind in there, it will be working against that material, and compressing it into the burs. e.g. go to coarser setting, run grinder clear, then go finer once clear.

    Leave a comment:

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