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  • #16
    Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

    Originally posted by 4D534B4650534849270 link=1274427912/14#14 date=1274963473
    AM

    Have a look at this Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_DTGHBVHjg

    Gives you a good idea of size & sound of Eureka v Mahlkonig.  I reckon my Vario is quieter than the one in the video though.

    Cheers

    Sniff  
    Yea... But considering the way most places go over the top with temp and pressure... One would think that a simple db meter would settle the arguments..

    Opps.. db measurement can be tricky for lots of reasons... But still.. two units side by side ... Run and measure.. The background should be sort of consistent and thus so long as measured at the same distance... All would be good.

    So is it worth the extra 100 plus over the other unit ?

    Comment


    • #17
      Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

      Well......  :-/

      I dont know.  This morning I ground two spoonfuls of beans at the coarsest setting and the grounds were still very very fine.  

      I hardly tamped at all, and didnt press at full steam, and the pour from the first press still stopped after about 5 seconds.  The second press pour was much longer, and went well, but my impression is that even at its coarsest setting the grinder is producing a fair amount of dust which is clogging the Presso.  

      My Hario doesnt produce near as much dust...is this a fairly standard thing with electric burr grinders?

      To contrast the pour I put through some pre-ground filter coffee from PNG that was given as a freebie to my wife at work, and of course the grind seemed huge by comparison, and positively flooded through the Presso.

      Ive read on the net that the Vario seems to vary a great deal in its factory calibration, with some coming out wit the burrs set very fine (like mine) and others coming out very coarse.  Ive seen a way to adjust the grind (apparently theres a hex nut under the spout) but am reluctant to start tinkering given the grinder is only a couple of days old.

      The Eureka is smaller, and probably quieter (judging by the video).  Its also got a more conventional method of grind adjustment.  It also comes in black which would match your DCM very nicely... :.  And its at least $180 cheaper...

      Sniff

      Comment


      • #18
        Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

        Originally posted by 435D45485E5D4647290 link=1274427912/16#16 date=1275001371
        The Eureka is smaller, and probably quieter (judging by the video).  Its also got a more conventional method of grind adjustment.  It also comes in black which would match your DCM very nicely... .  And its at least $180 cheaper...
        Some good info and I guess for the home coffee/s that I do in a day or weekend....

        One must consider Functionality OVER bling/looks..

        Now say that to ya partner and see what happens... ;D

        Comment


        • #19
          Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

          I got a Eureka a couple of weeks ago and am on a steep learning curve with both my machine & grinder. The coffee is getting better, I think I just need more knowledge & practice.

          It is by far the most expensive grinder I have owned so as far as comparisons I cant give you one. I paid $550 and I am sure you could probably find it cheaper but your other grinder will cover it. As all the reviews state its very easy to clean and there is plenty of adjustment. There is no reference point to track the knob against and I guess if you are going to switch to a plunger grind you may need a few turns of the knob so will have to keep count of that so you can get back. Its a solid heavy little sucker too. If you get one, be aware that there are two hopper sizes, I would go for the small one.

          My biggest issue I am having with it is the clumping/static which I am hoping is due to my inexperience and hopefully a too fine a grind. There is what I am calling a diverter plate in the spout which seems to restric it to half its width, I was thinking this was making the clumping issue worse so removed it. Its made it a lilttle better but not a lot so I plan on puttin git back on the weekend. I have read similar comments on the clumping/static so plan to mess about a lot this weekend.

          My goal is to get it to where I can grind direct to the portafiller without too much mess, the wife is not keen on the grinds all over the place.

          Not sure there is much to help your decision in there good luck making the choice.

          Comment


          • #20
            Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

            Originally posted by 5952405C5D4A46415C73545E525A5F1D505C330 link=1274427912/18#18 date=1275007017
            My goal is to get it to where I can grind direct to the portafiller without too much mess, the wife is not keen on the grinds all over the place.
            Oh... Dont tell me that.. "

            My wife will forgive me lots; But coffee mess in her kitchen is like me setting up a party in no mans land... "Some body gunna get hurt real bad...

            1: Doser that means some close management when only doing one or two shots at most...

            OR

            2: Doserless that sprays - thought that was only cats and spaded men.


            Decisions .......  decisions....

            Comment


            • #21
              Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

              Originally posted by 6D667468697E72756847606A666E6B296468070 link=1274427912/18#18 date=1275007017
              I got a Eureka a couple of weeks ago and am on a steep learning curve with both my machine & grinder. The coffee is getting better, I think I just need more knowledge & practice.
              Originally posted by 6D667468697E72756847606A666E6B296468070 link=1274427912/18#18 date=1275007017
              My goal is to get it to where I can grind direct to the portafiller without too much mess, the wife is not keen on the grinds all over the place.
              He is talking about the Eureka grinder AM
              You may still keep your head from the wifes knife

              KK

              Comment


              • #22
                Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                I have to say the Vario is very good at not spraying grounds everywhere.  

                My Presso portafilter is a little small for the PF holder and at the holders highest setting fits in but doesnt sit flat, and easily gets upset, but if you hold it there its fine.  

                And the nifty thing is that any grounds that do fall out of the PF (rather than getting sprayed out) can easily be retrieved as the whole PF holder thing pulls out and then you can just tip out the grounds from the bottom of it.

                One thing that put me off the mignon was the demo video on the espresso italia website:

                http://www.espressoitalia.com.au/showProduct/MACHINES/36+Grinders/EUREKA+MIGNON+ELECTRONIC/Eureka+Mignon+Electronic+Coffee+Grinder

                If it was falling out of an E61 PF then it was definitely going to fall out of my Presso PF!

                Sniff

                Comment


                • #23
                  Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                  The Mignon is only as messy as its user Gianni (the guy in the video) must have been a bit nervous during the video shoot, or he had a few espressos too many

                  Originally posted by 5D435B5640435859370 link=1274427912/21#21 date=1275017384
                  I have to say the Vario is very good at not spraying grounds everywhere.  

                  My Presso portafilter is a little small for the PF holder and at the holders highest setting fits in but doesnt sit flat, and easily gets upset, but if you hold it there its fine.  

                  And the nifty thing is that any grounds that do fall out of the PF (rather than getting sprayed out) can easily be retrieved as the whole PF holder thing pulls out and then you can just tip out the grounds from the bottom of it.

                  One thing that put me off the mignon was the demo video on the espresso italia website:

                  http://www.espressoitalia.com.au/showProduct/MACHINES/36+Grinders/EUREKA+MIGNON+ELECTRONIC/Eureka+Mignon+Electronic+Coffee+Grinder

                  If it was falling out of an E61 PF then it was definitely going to fall out of my Presso PF!

                  Sniff

                  Comment


                  • #24
                    Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                    Originally posted by 003635372036362A072A27450 link=1274427912/22#22 date=1275017903
                    The Mignon is only as messy as its user
                    I think that is likely the case with me

                    Comment


                    • #25
                      Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                      Originally posted by 6E70686573706B6A040 link=1274427912/21#21 date=1275017384
                      Vario
                      Id go the Vario over the Mignon, just from what ive seen, and other ppls reports..... i think the Mignon looks a little cheap, and there could be a mess prob there too AM, IMO


                      Comment


                      • #26
                        Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                        Ive never tried the Vario myself, so I cant really comment on its quality. I guess what it comes down to is personal taste. I like the square form of the Mignon myself, and if the coffee that it grinds tastes better, thats a no-brainer for me. After all, its the end result that counts for a good cuppa

                        Originally posted by 0C082E3737322D3A355B0 link=1274427912/24#24 date=1275024795
                        Originally posted by 6E70686573706B6A040 link=1274427912/21#21 date=1275017384
                        Vario
                        Id go the Vario over the Mignon, just from what ive seen, and other ppls reports..... i think the Mignon looks a little cheap, and there could be a mess prob there too AM, IMO

                        Comment


                        • #27
                          Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                          I can shed some light for you guys as i have owned the Vario for around 8 months...
                          Originally posted by 6E6B7C6F690A0 link=1274427912/10#10 date=1274539944
                          .recently a few reports about the toothed belt breaking if a stone gets between the burrs or they jam. Strips the belt and nylon cogs within the grinder
                          In my time owning the Vario i had 1 stone It lodged its self between the burrs and stopped it instantly. It made a terrible noise and was easy to remove(3 screews from memory?). Damage was minimal considering the ceramic burrs but despite visual damage it made no difference to grind quality.
                          Originally posted by 4B646D6F78476B646B6D6F676F647E0A0 link=1274427912/19#19 date=1275009831
                          JasonY wrote on Today at 10:36:
                          My goal is to get it to where I can grind direct to the portafiller without too much mess, the wife is not keen on the grinds all over the place.


                          Oh... Dont tell me that.. "
                          Ddont let this worry you i always used the portafilter holder and ground directly. Almost 0 wastage once calibrated for you baskets AM. There is very little clumping and maybe no static but because you can adjust the hight of the PF holder i had it so it only fell 2 1/2 cm to the basket. I get more wastage from the Mini Mazzer by far. Vario wins that 10-1

                          Noise wise the Mazzer Mini is louder.
                          Speed wise the Vario is much faster.
                          Appearance wise the Vario doesnt look as expensive as it really is but its not a clunky plastic unit and the build quality it very nice.
                          Size wise the Vario is small...not EM480 small but small compared to a Mazzer Mini. I would take the Vario on vacations(and have) As aposed to the MM which i would not.
                          Adjustability is great on the Vario. When i first pulled it from the box i was a bit overwelmed by all the lights and buttons but i managed to do the man thing and not read the instructions for programing. 2 x 6.3sec for my double basket. One thing i didnt like about it is that it wont store your settings when powered off for me this sucked a bit as i get multiple blackouts per year. No big deal though as its only the timer u need to re program. The grind remains the same. Which brings me to the adjustables.... "Micro" on the left and "Full" on the right. The "full" remained 2 full clicks down 95% of the time while the "Micro" was used from top to bottom. Most blend, roast or SO problems were quickly fixed with a few clicks of the "Micro".

                          Teamed with the DC it was a perfect match. After swapping to the MM recently i have had more wastage, longer prep times and less bench space. I love being in the drivers seat with the MM but i have more shot variences without the programable grind on demand.

                          AM.. the Vario matches the DC very well but if your the type that likes the shiny things(big IF) you may find yourself wishing it was bigger or...shinier?

                          Otherwise...pull the triger and buy one!
                          Try ABC again... i hear they have an EX demo unit

                          Comment


                          • #28
                            Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                            Originally posted by 0E3729271D05420 link=1274427912/26#26 date=1275029326

                            AM.. the Vario matches the DC very well but if your the type that likes the shiny things(big IF) you may find yourself wishing it was bigger or...shinier?

                            Otherwise...pull the triger and buy one!
                            Try ABC again... i hear they have an EX demo unit  
                            The $$$ says E the look and stuff says V

                            What more is there to causing; procrastination  ;D

                            If I liked bling, the MaCap would be staying...

                            But now that you have told every other CSér about a possible demo unit   ;D ;D ;D

                            Who knows...  

                            PM man ... The PM, when the news might be HOT    ;D

                            Comment


                            • #29
                              Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                              Originally posted by 1C253B350F17500 link=1274427912/28#28 date=1275029945
                              Well i know of 2 units recently arriving home the Aus Bev Corp. Low usage, good condition.

                              Shoot them an email and smash them on price.

                              Id be looking for $400 including delivery??


                              Give it a try?

                              Ive never used the K3 or a Macap but i can see the quality difference in the cup between the Vario and the Mazzer.
                              Vario wins!

                              Done... Now read post 27  ;D


                              Post comes and post goes... Posts he want to go home  ;D 8-)

                              Was there not a song like that  

                              Day-o, Day-ay-ay-o
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
                              Me say day, me say day-ay-ay-o
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Work all night on a drink a coffee
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Stack coffee till the mornin come
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Come, Mister tally man, tally me coffee
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Come, Mister tally man, tally me coffee
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Its six Kg, seven Kg, eight Kg BAG!
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Six Kg, seven Kg, eight Kg BAG!
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Day, me say day-ay-ay-o
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day, me say day, me say day, me say day...
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              A beautiful Bag a ripe coffee
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Hide the deadly black tarantula
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Its six Kg, seven Kg, eight Kg BAG!
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Six Kg, seven Kg, eight Kg BAG!
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day, me say day-ay-ay-o

                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day, me say day, me say day, me say day...
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Come, Mister tally man, tally me coffee

                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Come, Mister tally man, tally me coffee
                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day-o, day-ay-ay-o

                              Daylight come and me wan go home
                              Day, me say day, me say day, me say day
                              Me say day, me say day-ay-ay-o
                              Daylight come and me wan go home

                              Comment


                              • #30
                                Re: Mahlkonig Vario Grinder

                                I have to say, Im not a fan of the 4-way review. Essentially it uses a grinder I dont rate highly (the Mini-E) for comparison, and is set to make other grinders conform. The vario might benefit from a totally different dose/tamp/grind size/pour time to the mini-e to extract the most out of the beans, and treats fines as a bad thing. Other niggles include marking something down for being plastic while admitting that plastic had been fine in another project where hed misjudged it. Ive also no idea why the poster cant get a decent shot out of a mini without reverting to the cut-off cup and stir routine, the i2 review is substantially different to the Aus. market one (just for reference, not a criticism of the reviewer). Additionally, using a coffee grinder for multiple beans/purposes requires dialling the bean in each time, and could require a dozen shots or more to really nail one great shot. It makes more sense to use a grinder with a particle distribution designed for french press/chemex for those brewing methods, and the conical version of the i1 wasnt covered but is a great little grinder.

                                The Eureka grinders in the past have been full of ugly welds - this may be different with the Mignon, so Ive not got much to say about it. On the other hand, Im confident of the build quality of the Vario.

                                AM - congrats on your purchase!

                                Comment

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