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Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

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  • #16
    Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

    Im just going on the RRP. In both cases Im sure lower prices are available, but probably by the same margin which gives the same net result of a cheaper K3E. FWIW I didnt pay anything like $630 for my K3E, or $790 for my Mini for that matter, but the K3E was still about 20% cheaper.

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    • #17
      Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

      OK, heres my shorlist in order of preference:
      1. Mazzer Mini
      2. Macap M4 (short hopper)
      3. Compak K3 elite

      I think its going to be the MM due to its infinite stepless grind adjustment.

      Does anyone know if the Macap M4 and the Compak K3 Elite are stepless? Maybe Im reading old review on CG.

      Cheers
      Javabeen.

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      • #18
        Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

        I think they all are, certainly the K3E is, but the main difference with the MM is the spring-loaded burr carriers which completely removes the play from the burr carrier. The K3E has a bit of wobble each way before the burrs actually move - no big deal cos you can easily feel when the burrs are about to move, but not quite as easy to come back to a given setting if you rely on a scale. Between the K3E and the MM (cant comment on the Macap), if moneys not an issue and youre a function over form guy Id take the MM every time. If aesthetics have a high level of importance and youre happy to save a buck then seriously consider the K3E, the doser for example is a work of art. Both grind as well as each other, its just the peripherals which make the difference.

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        • #19
          Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

          Thats remarkably my tentative shortlist too... The thing is, is that theres not too much air between them. Youve gotta try them all though to get the best feel for it. I think thats what it comes down to for me. Ive tried no. 1 & 2, but not the K3 ....yet. Its definitely a personal thing though.

          Yeeza

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          • #20
            Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

            Originally posted by javabeen link=1204112340/15#16 date=1204246309
            OK, heres my shorlist in order of preference:
            1. Mazzer Mini
            2. Macap M4 (short hopper)
            3. Compak K3 elite

            I think its going to be the MM due to its infinite stepless grind adjustment.

            Does anyone know if the Macap M4 and the Compak K3 Elite are stepless? Maybe Im reading old review on CG.

            Cheers
            Javabeen.
            All are stepless Java, with the M4 available in both stepped and micrometric- employing a very fine worm drive. With the K3E, you need to work around the auto cutout flap which covers the grinder throat and makes it tougher to clean and also the tamp permanently located on the front of the doser. Other than that, its a fantastic grinder!

            I have mentioned to Michael from Diamond, that the perfect CS grinder would be a K3G (geek spec.) with no tamper or cutout- a WBC style of grinder in either silver or polished. I think Compak would have a category killer then...

            Hopefully, one day

            Chris

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            • #21
              Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

              I think you should try them all if you can. Some things that look good - or bad - on paper can feel very different when you actually use them. Also, some things that seem like faults or features can take on a different perspective. For example, the problems that the MM has in throwing to the left and not sweeping clean are extremely easy to fix, but it will depend on whether you want to have to do anything to fix them. The throw problem is most easily fixed with a piece of doubled up black gaffer tape fixed round the inside edge of the doser exit chute. The same tape can be fixed to the bottom of the sweeper blades to make them sweep clean (plenty of instructions on the net). I did both mods about a year ago and have not had to redo anything. Both are easily reversible.

              You need to try the position of the pf support in the K3; I found it to be rather high and not so comfortable in practice. Cleaning up after use on the MM is very simple, as the tray is so well designed, as is the doser. However, grinding is a messy business, however you look at it - get a good brush.

              I think all grinders are very similar in terms of quality of grind and build strength. All are designed for commercial use as supplementary grinders. To be honest, over the life of the grinder, I dont think the initial price should be a consideration.

              Just my opinion. Happy hunting!

              matt

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              • #22
                Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                Yeah, I think Im going to try them all out with the intention of getting the MM. To me its ultimately about the grind quality and as Greg put it, function over form.

                Javabeen.

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                • #23
                  Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                  Quick update, I went for the MM over the Macap M4, its sitting in its box under my desk at work ATM. I was able to check them out side by side and play with them thanks to Chris from Talk Coffee. Here are my findings:
                  - I preferred the Mazzers doser simply because it felt more solid. The pulling action of the doser lever on the M4 was soft and clicked but it felt too plasticy for me. Again this is a personal choice. The M4 reminded me of my current Iberital Challenge but a better version of it
                  - I preferred the grind collar on MM as it can be quickly changed from fine to course to go from espresso to plunger etc. The M4 was stepless micrometrical via a wrom drive mechanism and although Chris told me there is a mod you can do, I want to keep the mods to the minimum. Again, I grind for plunger to take to work so need to be able to switch quickly
                  - I prefered the MM as it basically had less plastic and felt more solid.

                  The decision was extremely difficult and I wanted to walk away and have a think. But I went for my gut feeling as there was so very very little to pick on between each grinder. In the end, it came down to a personal choice for me that included:
                  1. being able to change grind settings quickly
                  2. which one looked like it had less plastic and felt more solid.

                  I didnt get to test the grinding quality of each one. With the calibre of both these grinders, I personally dont think Id be able to tell them apart.

                  Hope this helps anyone else in my predicament. Ill post more on quality of grind and usability at a later date.

                  Thanks again to Chris from Talk Coffee.

                  Cheers
                  Javabeen.

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                  • #24
                    Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                    Congrats on the purchase javabeen and thanks for the kind words...

                    At the Mazzer/Macap level its a toughie and ultimately comes down to personal preference...

                    Enjoy your new kit 8-)

                    Chris

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                    • #25
                      Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                      Congrats. Youll love your MM (well, youd love whatever you bought ). The grind difference would be non-existent between those two grinders, so you were right to focus on usability. I also think its great that people like Chris will so happily let you try things out so you feel right about it. This is the hallmark of a good supplier, and Im sure all site sponsors share it. Whatever advice Chris gives is honest advice, no matter what. He will never sell you anything he thinks is unsuitable for your needs.

                      Have fun!

                      matt

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                      • #26
                        Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                        You might want to look into a sweep mod for the MM. The older versions were quite average in this regard. Ive done one that doesnt require tape, but its a bit fiddly getting fully into place.

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                        • #27
                          Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                          Thanks guys,

                          OK, heres another update after using it tonight.

                          It grinds very quietly, which is magic for a family with kids. Also keeps my wife happy. It has no trouble grinding the PNG Peaberry beans Im enjoying at the moment. They use to take ages to grind with the Iberital and pop all over the place. No longer. 20g ground in about 28 secs with no need to pulse the grinder. Fantastic.

                          The shots, oh the shots. Much better tasting than the Iberital. They have lost their sourness and harshness which I though was OK and normal. I did a side by side comparison to the Iberital basing the pours on time. I even calibrated my tamp using scales. Ive been using some PNG Peaberry and the results from the MM are sweeter and smoother. Magic. Also more velvety than from the Iberital.

                          I know this sounds crazy but I would not have though such diufferences were possible from a grinder. Ive always know the grinder to be the most important aspect in espresso, but the step up from the Iberital to the MM puts the espresso in a different league!

                          Very happy, it can only get better from here.

                          WOTB - got any pics and instructions of the sweeper mod?

                          Cheers Javabeen.

                          PS My Iberital Challenge is for sale in the coffee hardware for sale forum for anyone interested.

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                          • #28
                            Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                            javabeen,

                            Im not at all surprised at the improvement in espresso quality by your upgrade.

                            When I upgraded from the La Cimbali Jnr (a small commercial grinder about $1200 new) to the La Cimbali/DRM conical and flat grinder (in excess of $2000 new) I experienced a similar improvement... I suspect the DRM is providing similar quality to a K10 or Mazzer Robur.

                            Some believe these large commercial (very expensive) grinders are only chosen to provide the high volumes in a commercial environment.... and that they do.... but they also provide a better quality grind.

                            As Ive said many times before.... buy the BEST grinder you can afford. It will give you the best results in the cup - from any coffee machine!

                            Enjoy your new toy!

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                            • #29
                              Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                              Javabeen, my sweep mod is simple, yet a bit fiddly.

                              You take a lid of a takeaway box, and using some sharp scissors, cut small rectangular shapes. It is a bit of trial and error getting the right size to fit.

                              Take apart the sweep mechanism, and simply fit the rectangles between the top and bottom parts of the sweep.

                              For simplicitys sake, I only put one rectangle in, and it was a bit frustrating trying to keep it from falling out while I reassembled the sweep mechanism.

                              The rectangles only need to be a mil or so longer than the bottom part of the sweep to be effective.

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                              • #30
                                Re: Maz Mini or Macap M4 - which one to choose?

                                For all Sydney based snobs..

                                We agree! nothing is more helpful then trying out yourself all grinders you consider seriously, and get a hands on feel for the one most likely to make you happy!

                                Mini Mazzer Manual, Macap M4 Micrometric & Compac K3 Touch (Doserless) are all available for demonstration in our store. Looking also to get the Compac K3 Elite soon for you to try out...

                                Prices are most likely to be cheaper than RRP quoted above, as youre entitled for 5% discount on your first purchase with us! drop in anytime that suits you, no need to book in advance.

                                Check our contact us page for directions: http://www.dibartoli.com.au/Contact.html

                                Happy to assist with any query! Ofra & Renzo

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