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Originally posted by gavin link=1202864432/0#9 date=1203656922
Hey kremmen, fellow CSers
I use a doserless grinder - Ascaso i-Mini, and it used to be messy with coffee grinds spilling all over the bench and on my hands, then i learnt a trick from a fellow CS. Cut a plastic cup, the bottom bit to suit your portafilter, and the top bit so it extends to surround the spout of your grinder where the coffee comes out. Best trick ever - heaps cleaner, less wastage.
This video on Youtube shows the plastic cup trick. Nice!
Hmmm, the plastic cup trick is a great idea. Will try it the next time with my EM0480.
You can pick up a used Sunbeam EM0480 for <$150 pm Ebay and they are pretty good. Ive been using one for a while now and I must say that if not for anything, its very consistent. Been on the same setting for over 6 months now with barely any shift (other than when I use a different bean).
I use a doserless grinder - Ascaso i-Mini, and it used to be messy with coffee grinds spilling all over the bench and on my hands, then i learnt a trick from a fellow CS. Cut a plastic cup, the bottom bit to suit your portafilter, and the top bit so it extends to surround the spout of your grinder where the coffee comes out. Best trick ever - heaps cleaner, less wastage.
The Iberital Challenge is great. I just picked one up 2nd hand for 150 (my first grinder 8-)) and it has exponentially increased how good my coffee is now through my gaggia classic. Is a little messy, but most doserless are i guess.
Please consider my almost new Ascaso I Mini just listed on Harware For Sale. Its a great little grinder, only selling cos I got caught by upgraditis just after I bought it.
Its a conical grinder which if you read the reviews are considered to grind better... but this probably only applies the higher end commercial machines. In the consumer end of the market most seem to think that flat burr grinders perform better, but tend to be more expensive. I chose the Ascaso because it received great reviews and was not very expensive, was doserless and micro adjsutable
I draw your attention to my listing but please feel no expectations on you.
I definitely concur with Yeezas recommendations - either the Iberital Challenge or, for slightly less $$$, the Ascaso i-Mini perform admirably for this this price range grinder. The i-Mini is a smaller unit, with polished alloy casing - very nice! I understand both these grinders have same essential components (burrs, motors etc).
Word of caution, these grinders would be ideal if you were going to stick to drinking espresso only - the "worm drive" would drive you nuts constantly winding the burrs out for a courser plunger grind (and back again).
Ive just bought one recently from Di Bartolis (see site sponsors on the left) and I cannot speak highly enough of their service and advice (ask for Ofra, youll be glad you did )
Originally posted by yeeza link=1202864432/0#2 date=1202867915
Krups - http://www.krups.com/Tools/Contact/Contact.htm The part number for the double basket that fits most Sunbeam machines is #0907163.
There is actually a better option for Breville machine owners now.... The baskets fitted to a Breville Bar Italia Model ESP4, will fit the PortaFilter of the Breville Ikon and other similar machines. It can usually be ordered from any local Authorised Breville Repair Agent and costs less than $10. The Breville Part Number is #ESP4/51 1-2 Cup Filter. They also make a larger capacity one intended for 2-4 cup use but it is too big to fit an Ikon PF, dont know about the 800ES.
The reason why this is a better option than a Krups is that the Krups is slightly smaller in diameter and has a flat rim which causes difficulty in sealing properly with some machines. No such worries with the Breville basket though as its made for the standard Breville PF and is a nice snug fit and seals properly.
Hi Yeeza,
<<how there are hundreds of holes from the top of the basket and only one pinhole und>>
Yup, thats mine.
<<that fits most Sunbeam machines is #0907163>>
You mean Breville right ? Will look out for the Krups filter. The link you gave points to the office in NSW. Guess Ill have to order on-line.
<<Where abouts are you located, maybe theres one right near you>>
Im in Narre Warren Sth, Vic. Ive already ordered some roasted beans on-line. Hope to get my grinder these few days.
Heres some info if you need, you may want to double check the part no. though.
Krups - http://www.krups.com/Tools/Contact/Contact.htm The part number for the double basket that fits most Sunbeam machines is #0907163. If you contact them they should head you towards the nearest agent. They shouldnt be more than 20 bucks... the best 20 youll put towards your machine though.
You may want to get these baskets asap, cos I think if you grind too fine with the pressurised baskets you run the risk of choking your machine... which isnt the end of the world, just no, or very little, coffee coming out.
As far as a grinder goes, for that budget, Id encourage you to push the $300 mark... something like an ASCASO I3 Mini, or Iberital Challenge should cover your bases. Check out the reviews on the Grinder info/review page.
The 800ES has what is known as pressurised baskets and has a wrap for perculating the coffee within the basket (see how there are hundreds of holes from the top of the basket and only one pinhole underneath. Its good for supermarket coffee and gives.... well fake crema in most cases. You want to get yourself some non-pressurised baskets... the Krups ones fit nice. I just got some of these double baskets for a friend who has the same machine and its turned his world upside down as far as how much better the coffee is once I brought my grinder over and we changed his baskets.
To step up your experience as well, basically take coffee off your shopping list next time you goto the supermarket - its all stale, nuff said. Find yourself a local roaster so youre getting some fresh stuff. Where abouts are you located, maybe theres one right near you.
The EM0480 is apparently a bit messy, being doserless as well.
Getting in contact with one of the site sponsors can set you up with a good price and excellent after-sales service... plus theyre good blokes/gals.
Gday fellow coffee lovers,
Im a new member here, just joined yesterday. First things first, thanks Andy for the very warm welcome yesterday.
A short introduction about myself. Im a 45 year old software author. Although Im new to this forum, Ive been loving good coffee for several years now. I love my coffee black with no sugar but occasionally in the afternoon I also go for a Latte or flat white with no sugar. (why do I feel like Im in an AA meeting now )
Now that work is a little quieter for me, I thought Id like to take a little time to enjoy some really fine coffee. About 3 weeks ago, I bought my 3rd espresso machine a Breville 800ES. Extremely happy with this buy. But Im still using pre-ground supermaket coffee (either Vittoria Mountain Grown or Lavazza Perfectto). While these 2 grounds do make a decent cup, looking at the posts here, I get the feeling Im still missing out on a good thing.
Can anyone suggest a grinder so I can try some good quality beans ? Given my budget, Im leaning towards Sunbeans EM0480. Heres my criteria :
- Budget : < $300 preferrably < $200. I know this severly limits my choices, but Im the only one at home who drinks coffee. I prefer to keep within this budget.
- Machine : Only need to grind for espresso machine (Breville 800ES). Dont need to grind for plunger, turkish etc
- Volume : 2-3 cups in the morning mostly black coffee. 1-2 cups in the afternoon usually black or white.
- Something that makes a good consistant grind thats easy to clean and doesnt make a mess while using.
Could someone please enlighten if theres a big diff between a burr grinder and a conical burr grinder ?
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