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  • The perfect grinder match

    Grinders seems to be one of the busiest forums on CS. I often see questions about a good match or a better match but when I searched for grinder and match I cam across posts including quotes like this (talking about a Macap M4D iirc)

    KK:  It will be a perfect match for the Bezzera Domus
    Is there such a thing a  "best match" or "perfect match" for a grinder/machine combo? I know all the advice about getting the coffee machine that feels best for you and getting the best grinder you can afford. But if you bought HX machine x  is there really a grinder y that would best suit it ?
    (sorry about the algebra on a Satdee morning - I used to be a maths teacher  :P)

  • #2
    Re: The perfect grinder match

    I think the answer is more about getting a grinder that is good enough for the machine.


    Example:

    You wouldnt hope to get the best out of an LM FB80 commercial machine with a Sunbeam EM0450 grinder.

    However, my Macap M5 is more than capable of bringing the best out of a Sunbeam EM6910.

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: The perfect grinder match

      flynnaus,

      IMHO there is no "perfect match" between grinder and machine....

      A capable machine will always benefit from a better grinder.... all the way up to a robur...

      As the grinder and grind quality improves so will the espresso.... and by quite a bit! However the best grinder matched with machines which are of increasing quality will produce some improvement in the resulting espresso... but not as much as determined by the quality of the grinder....

      So get the best grinder you can afford..... and with what you have "left over" get the best machine you can afford!

      For example - for home use a robur would be considered by most to be too big and far too expensive (which are probably both true)..... but if you can afford that sort of grinder..... matched with a reasonable machine (AND GOOD BARISTA TECHNIQUES!!!)..... you would have great espresso...

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: The perfect grinder match

        Originally posted by Thundergod link=1215814579/0#1 date=1215824816
        I think the answer is more about getting a grinder that is good enough for the machine.
        Thanks TG. I wasnt sure what some meant by perfect match.

        So the rule of thumb still is to get the machine that feels right for you and the best grinder you can afford within your budget, ensuring that you dont skimp on the grinder.

        At the risk of labouring a point that has been made often enough on these forums, would it be fair to say that you (TG) could get a better result from mid-range machine + prosumer grinder than a pointy end machine + entry level grinder?  

        Thanks also JavaB. I guess it is somewhat academic for me as I already have the grinder part of the equation so its a matter of buying the HX machine that feels best for me.

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: The perfect grinder match

          Originally posted by flynnaus link=1215814579/0#3 date=1215825817
          At the risk of labouring a point that has been made often enough on these forums, would it be fair to say that you (TG) could get a better result from mid-range machine + prosumer grinder than a pointy end machine + entry level grinder?
          My best result with those two options would have to go to the pair with the better grinder.

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: The perfect grinder match

            Hi Flynnaus
            Just to clarify when I said my combo was a perfect match
            Answer - It does everything that I want to achieve without complication and it produces an espresso that is a joy to drink and proud to serve.

            My technique would be on par with most cafe baristas but not as good as David Makin
            However I suck at latte art (for now)

            From an engineering and build quality perspective my combo is above average
            So for me build quality is a major factor (something built well will perform well)

            However as with all things there are better quality and lower quality machines than my particular combo currently on the market.

            Yes I am a coffee snob but a "practical” coffee snob
            I found something that works well for the conditions it is being used for

            As JavaB said below how far are you willing to go?

            For example - for home use a robur would be considered by most to be too big and far too expensive (which are probably both true)..... but if you can afford that sort of grinder..... matched with a reasonable machine (AND GOOD BARISTA TECHNIQUES!!!)..... you would have great espresso...
            Some of the best grinders "not" all are commercial grinders
            Same goes for commercial espresso machines eg dual boiler

            But in both cases not practical in a home installation

            So every individual chooses a combination that suits the home user and that user’s personality and budget, to achieve a result if not the same at least as close as the commercial units

            If you want a Rolls Royce of a home espresso combo and have a spare 10 thousand you could get the LM G3 and a Mazzer Robur or K10 Grinder :-/


            KK


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            • #7
              Re: The perfect grinder match

              Originally posted by Koffee Kosmo link=1215814579/0#5 date=1215835353
              Just to clarify when I said my combo was a perfect match Answer - It does everything that I want to achieve without complication and it produces an espresso that is a joy to drink and proud to serve. KK
              Thanks KK. I have since gathered that you meant it is the perfect match for what you want.

              ... something built well will perform well
              Is there an easy way to tell build quality? I am impressed by Bezzera as well but is there something about yours that made you decide to go for one over similarly priced/specced machines?

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: The perfect grinder match

                I found this sentence below on the bezzera site

                In 1901, Luigi Bezzera invented the espresso process – the correct temperature and pressure needed to extract the aromatic oils resulting in the flavoursome espresso coffee we all love today.


                Is there an easy way to tell build quality? I am impressed by Bezzera as well but is there something about yours that made you decide to go for one over similarly priced/specced machines?
                One of the reasons I favoured the Galatea model is that its also available as a commercial version (2 group machine)

                Bezzera (not excluding some others) tend to make things to a standard and have a good reputation

                What you get in the commercial machines you get in the home machines just smaller with some small changes to suit home users

                Before I purchased my machine I had the luxury to take a look at the insides
                What impressed me was the
                Casing (back, sides & top) came off with only 6 screws it is in one piece
                I am pretty sure the casing is welded (such good workmanship)
                Solid Frame same as the commercial unit
                Plus all pipe work, boiler ect were of commercial grade

                For my Grinder I consulted with Chris at Talk Coffee
                I was in two minds but Chris and I agreed on the Macap as best suited to my needs and more than adequate for the machine

                My needs were apart from grind quality as that is always first
                Low height, quiet, easy to use, clean operation (not messy coffee grounds all over)
                and the wife had to like it

                KK

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: The perfect grinder match

                  Originally posted by Koffee Kosmo link=1215814579/0#7 date=1215861972

                  My needs were apart from grind quality as that is always first
                  Low height, quiet, easy to use, clean operation (not messy coffee grounds all over)
                  and the wife had to like it

                  KK
                  I found this video about macap m4

                  http://es.youtube.com/watch?v=vgEsWqG3Zqw


                  argh!  This is the normal operation? My wife will kill me if i buy a macap and all the coffee grounds are all over the table.


                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: The perfect grinder match

                    Oton on this link you posted
                    This is not my grinder on youtube
                    The Macap M4 is a shop/deli grinder to grind into bags


                    Mine is a Macap M4D
                    Try this link to see my grinder
                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hg2JX_oky-o



                    KK

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: The perfect grinder match

                      I have a dosered Macap and dont have a problem with a messy benchtop.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: The perfect grinder match

                        In my experience, the mess depends on how careful you are at dosing time.
                        Espresso grounds are fine and will fly/fall any/every where at the slightest provocation--just look at the mess around any cafe coffee station.
                        If no mess is first priority, I can only recommend instant. :P
                        Greg

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: The perfect grinder match

                          Originally posted by GregWormald link=1215814579/0#11 date=1225096710
                          If no mess is first priority, I can only recommend instant.
                          I beg to differ.
                          You should see the mess the instant drinkers at work leave.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: The perfect grinder match

                            with a 6910 and grinder at work, some people still choose instant?

                            heathens

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: The perfect grinder match

                              Originally posted by Senator link=1215814579/0#13 date=1225151487
                              heathens
                              More like tight@rses.

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