Grinder shortlist

[NZer]

Hi. 1^st time poster but long time lurker. I’ve been searching through the old posts but I don’t seem to be able to decide between grinders options!

I’m looking to upgrade from a BrevilleBGC820. I have a Rocket Cellini Evoluzione V2.

From reading previous posts, the standard recommendation seems to be the Macap M4D so I’m considering options either side of this (in order of $):

Compak K3 Touch
Quamar Q50P
Macap M4D
Quamar M80E
Rocket Fausto

I’m looking to spend as little as possible, but not buy something that I feel the need to upgrade in a few years. Any help and opinions that would help narrow down the list would be greatly appreciated!

Price-wise the K3 is 65% of the Macap,the Q50P 75%, the M80E the same price and the Fausto 15% more.

[artman]

They are all quite decent grinders that should last forever in a domestic environment.

Best bet would be to check them out in the flesh if possible and see how you like them both in use and looks. Also suss out if you need a timed dose (cost factor) and compare speed , some will be quicker then others, if that is a consideration.

Cheers

[AlastairMcG]

It seems the M4D is the recommended pick of the home grinders and obviously for good reason. I don't see many bad comments or many for sale second hand.

I bought a Compak E5 OD a few weeks ago and am very happy. It is on the same level as the M4D but I chose it for the more modern interface and liked the looks better. It costs a bit more than the M4D but less than the Rocket Fausto. Both of those were on my short list too. The E5 is a fairly new release and unfortunately not a lot of reviews or user postings on them.

For me, I wanted a grinder I didn't feel I'd have to/want to upgrade in a few years, one that gave me no excuses. Also I wanted set programmable dosing. Being fairly fast was on my list too (not at the top) to keep the wife happy for length of exposure to the noise for our kid.

[NZer]

Thanks Artman and AlastairMcG.
In New Zealand there is not really one place to go and seemany grinders, so it’s very difficult to see these side-by-side. I think thereis much better support in Australia! Idon’t think the Quamar Q50 is available at all in NZ.
All the grinders listed are timed and on demand (I think).This is one of the features I like on the Breville.
The E5 OD would be a good option, but I have a height limitof 450mm.
The lack of an LED/LCD display on the Q50P makes it visuallymore appealing, but I’m not sure if this is a compromise in terms of functionality.
At this stage I think the Q50P and the Fausto are the frontrunners.

[AlastairMcG]

My E5 measures in at 425 high. It came with the short gourmet hopper 290g, which I think is same as the K3's.

[Dimal]

Grinder buying guide here also...
Buying guide- coffee grinders | Talk Coffee

Mal.

[alextrippa]

Grinder shortlist

You are only limited by how much you will spend. Personally I would buy the Fausto. The general recommendation when I first bought my gear was to spend the money on the grinder not the machine.

[chokkidog]

Grinder buying guide here also...
Buying guide- coffee grinders | Talk Coffee

Mal.

The best grinder guide on the interwebs, by a very long shot, backed up by years of experience, thousands of sales and full industry support.

I have a coffee cart client running a Qamar, it's a good grinder but has its limitations, especially when getting a workout.

One of my old Macap's (the M4 ) is still running like new next door. It's about 8 or 9 years old, never had a problem, burp or hiccough.
The other one (the M4D) bought at the same time went to Brisbane after 5 years or so of faultless service and like nearly all Macaps, has never been heard of again.
The Fausto is good but overly blingy for me. It would, however, be my second choice.

[mjs]

Thanks Artman and AlastairMcG.
In New Zealand there is not really one place to go and seemany grinders, so it’s very difficult to see these side-by-side. I think thereis much better support in Australia! Idon’t think the Quamar Q50 is available at all in NZ.
All the grinders listed are timed and on demand (I think).This is one of the features I like on the Breville.
The E5 OD would be a good option, but I have a height limitof 450mm.
The lack of an LED/LCD display on the Q50P makes it visuallymore appealing, but I’m not sure if this is a compromise in terms of functionality.
At this stage I think the Q50P and the Fausto are the frontrunners.

M4D just measured at 430mm on my bench. I love it

(mind you, you need to be able to get the lid off to get the beans in!!)

[wattgn]

I have the M4D in Chrome. I got the Chrome one as it matched the SS/Chrome Wega Mini Nova Classic. I use the timer all the time. It isn't perfect as the coffee changes but I always meter the amount by 'eye' / volume and level off the portafilter with my finger. This method has always worked well for me. I use the timer then flick it onto continuous to top up if necessary. Yup, I love the simplicity and looks of this grinder, it works well and looks great.

[NZer]

Just a final update. I ended up getting the rocket - mainly because of price and availability. There didn't seem to be anyone selling/supporting the Macap or Quamar in NZ.

Fausto is going great - a huge step up from the BGC820. Thanks to everyone for their input.

[Venery]

My usual recommendation is to pair an ECM, Profitec or Rocket machine with a brand-matching grinder

Yep, keep it simple for the newbies so the wires in their brains don't cross.

FBI AGENT: "Mr Simpson, from now on your name is Homer Thompson. When I say "Hello Mr Thompson", and press down on your foot, you smile and nod.
HOMER SIMPSON: "Gotcha!"
FBI AGENT (stepping hard on Homer's foot): "Hello Mr Thompson".
[Homer stares blankly]

[wattgn]

Yes, neurotics and the OCD can often be found hiding in dark places like grinder chutes. The Clumper people often co-exist here too.

[Venery]

Very funny. Which camp do you fall into, wattgn?

[wattgn]

Hi Venery. First of all, most of us are a bit OCD about our coffee which is why we are here in the first place. We just argue sometimes about who is more OCD than others.

The simplest grinders, are ones like the Rocky and the M4D and the ones I prefer. The motors and the burrs are connected directly, the adjustment is by rotating a ring and they are the most simple and generally the most compact. You can get grounds hung up on any grinder but I don't worry about it. Clumping is a thing that happens the more oily, the more highly roasted the bean is maybe combined with humidity. Grinders with the big cones on the front but are doserless, are there to break up clumps and deliver the grounds directly into the portafilter with less mess. The only downside is it makes the grinder bulkier and there is a question of asthetics. Clumping though when it occurs I never regard as an issue as I have never known it to spoil a shot. Other people might get in there horrified and break them up but that isn't me and anyway, all grinders will produce some clumping regardless of design.

I personally just like simple grinders that are very easy to strip and clean, robust and reliable.