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Comparing the Mazzer Mini and Baratza Preciso

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  • #16
    I agree - thanks for the info James.

    I do think its worth comparing new cheaper grinders to Mazzer grinders for home-users. The Mazzers have often previously spoken about shortcomings that become a significant issue for home users. If a grinder can produce a comparable grind quality and last half as long and come at half the price, there is a decision to be made by the consumer.

    Pete

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    • #17
      I can't recall the Mazzers saying anything of the sort!!!!! Are they anything like the Incredibles?.............Fictional, cartoon characters?
      Other than grind retention in the Robur, what 'significant' issues ?

      Post#13 &#16 could use a bit of fleshing out...... off the cuff statements often lack a certain logic.
      There is a bit of apples and oranges going on, even from the start, as one grinder is planar, the other conical.
      Conclusions shouldn't be drawn until the 'in the cup' results are 'in the bag', all else is meaningless as nothing
      much of value has been compared yet.

      I, for one, will now wait for James to finish the job.
      Last edited by chokkidog; 15 December 2012, 08:24 PM. Reason: some more thoughts while backflushing my machine

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      • #18
        Cookkidog,

        Sorry, didn't mean Mazzer had said that, I meant that others have reported issues.

        By issues I mean mainly grind retention and difficulty in making fine, repeatable adjustments. I did not flesh these out because a) it wasn't my main point and b) a quick search will turn up plenty of reviews that are not all positive.

        In my defense, I don't think mine was an "off the cuff statement". Search for reviews of the above mentioned grinders and you'll get criticisms of all (some probably justified, some not).

        I still don't think we're comparing apples and oranges - we're comparing two possible grinders for home use.

        I don't think "all else is meaningless" - there are many things that people consider when choosing a grinder including cupping results.

        Last time I checked this forum wasn't a place for cited, academic discussions.

        Pete

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        • #19
          What a waste of time even starting any of this...

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          • #20
            Originally posted by JamesM View Post
            What a waste of time even starting any of this...
            Yes its a shame this happens James M

            Enjoy your preciso !!!!!!

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            • #21
              Comparing the Mazzer Mini and Baratza Preciso

              Not a waste of time James, what you wrote has given me a grinder to think about as my Dad needs a new one at the lower end of the market and I reckon it sounds like a goodun'. It is always worth comparing expensive to affordable if the latter is coming up with the goods

              Let others argue the small stuff

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              • #22
                I only really did the comparison because of "claims" that the Baratza's are doing as good a job as more expensive grinders and because I have one of each.

                I'm glad some found it useful, even if only for my "non scientific" opinions.

                FYI, this morning I ran off four espresso's (two ground by Mazzer and two by Preciso). Not before I was quite sure I had them both dialed in for identical shots (in appearance, speed and volume). Conclusion. They both tasted the same. Sorry, I couldn't pick any differences. I ran the shots on my ECM Giotto which I consider to be a pretty stable machine.

                Next I'll do some filter brews with both. I'll calibrate the grinders coarseness for filter by running some clever coffee drippers and timing "the drop". It's the best I can do aside from my eyes looking at the actual coarseness.

                I should say, I'm not qualified or trained in any aspect of coffee whatsoever, I do, however, attend cupping sessions at LEAST weekly and consider myself to have a fairly good palate. I'm also familiar with the cupping process (from roasting the coffee through to setup and cupping) and have some experience with various manual brewing methods.

                Take my opinions and writings here however you will. I was going to just forget about this, but it seems some folk are getting some value out of it.

                Quick observation from this morning's espresso's:

                I used the Baratza portafilter holder, which holds the PF under the grinds exit chute, on it's own, so you don't have to hold it. While the idea is good, it isn't as fantastic as it sounds, the grinds don't fall exactly in the middle of the PF so a little jiggle is required to get it all in there. Also, my E61 PF is a tight squeeze getting in and out.

                My Mazzer (with a small bit of paper as a funnel in the exit chute of the doser) will dose absolutely brilliantly right in to the centre of my PF. Even if I have to hold the PF there, I love how awesome the mini is for dosing shots in to the PF, really solid, really accurate (but only with my paper funnel mod, most people know that mazzer dosers throw grinds out to the left when factory standard, badly)

                I did no other tests when grinding because I've already touched on most things. I was going to time the grinding, but I've mentioned that already, and, speed isn't a big concern for me, the coffee in my mouth is.

                My family is coming over later this morning and will probably want coffee. Most of them have espresso-based drinks. I'll be using the Mazzer.

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                • #23
                  Hi James,
                  My apologies if I affected your enthusiasm, I certainly didn't mean to convey the feeling that your project was a waste of time at all.
                  To the contrary, I think that informed decisions are best made with an accumulation of input from various sources.
                  Like I said , I'm looking forward to your further explorations and reporting of personal results.
                  I've not had experience with mid priced grinders and often get asked by first time grinder buyers about good entry level/mid price units,
                  so informed opinion is always welcome. I have pm'd you with some more thoughts.
                  Once again, my humble apologies.....

                  Chokkidog.

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                  • #24
                    Not offended, this is a public forum for these exact discussions (and sometimes arguments). Everyone is entitled to their own opinions! Thanks for the PM

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                    • #25
                      Originally posted by JamesM View Post
                      ......I'm glad some found it useful, even if only for my "non scientific" opinions.

                      FYI, this morning I ran off four espresso's (two ground by Mazzer and two by Preciso). Not before I was quite sure I had them both dialed in for identical shots (in appearance, speed and volume). Conclusion. They both tasted the same. Sorry, I couldn't pick any differences. I ran the shots on my ECM Giotto which I consider to be a pretty stable machine.

                      Next I'll do some filter brews with both. I'll calibrate the grinders coarseness for filter by running some clever coffee drippers and timing "the drop". It's the best I can do aside from my eyes looking at the actual coarseness.................

                      Take my opinions and writings here however you will. I was going to just forget about this, but it seems some folk are getting some value out of it.

                      ....
                      Well done. That's my kind of real life, practical, useful test. Let us know how you go with the next round.

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                      • #26
                        Hoping to have an epic brew up this Thurs if I can find time. I have the day off work to look after my daughter (school hols). Could be an opportunity! Might roast something I'm really familiar with for the occasion!

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                        • #27
                          This bloody Preciso keeps invading my headspace and now I really want one. Seems to be a ripper and I just wanted to let you know I got a lot out of this thread. Big win for me seems to be the easy switching between the grind sizes and price. Always about the price haha. No chance of getting one at the moment but for now will have to print out a Preciso sticker to put on my Bodum Bistro

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                          • #28
                            Subject of another thread of course, but I think then you need to seriously look at comparing the preciso to the brevile smart grinder. Your budget may be easier to achieve than you think for a similar outcome.

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                            • #29
                              Comparing the Mazzer Mini and Baratza Preciso

                              Hi James,
                              I'm fairly new to the coffee forum but have been following your topic and I find the information extremely useful. I am in the market for a quality domestic grinder and the Precisio is top of my list. I was buying a Iberital Challenge Doser before but the deal fell through. So, now looking to get a good deal on the Precisio. The Smart Grinder was an option but the cost is close to the Precisio in WA so it doesn't seem like such a good deal.

                              Right now, I mainly use manual brew methods (aeropress, stovetop, press) but hope to resurrect my Gaggia Clasic from slumber in the new year. So, the ability to change grind settings would be useful.

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                              • #30
                                WenV,

                                Welcome to CS, I see you are quite new here!

                                For your requirements, I gotta say I think the Preciso is a good fit. The Preciso really excels for manual brew methods thanks to the low retention of grinds, speed, and great grind consistency at coarser settings. Plus, when you resurrect your Gaggia, you'll have easy stepped adjustments for spro and filter.

                                The Breville smart grinder is still an excellent home grinder (from what I've read and heard, I don't own one). It's a bit fancier looking, has all kinds of digital magic built in, however I don't believe the burr quality matches the Baratza.

                                If you are able to actually try different units, I would recommend that. Usually domestic grinders for home use are harder to 'try' because not many places have them avail for demo.

                                Something else to consider, of course, is support from the retailer or manufacturer. I know that Baratza have outstanding customer service, as do the Australian distributors (5Senses)

                                I'm really enjoying the result in the cup from the Preciso with all brewing methods. I still plan to do some more comparo's with my other grinders, but at this stage, it's a real treat

                                Cheers

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