Help: Buying a grinder this weekend, ~$1,500, advice

[SouthwestBLT]

Hi all

Want to keep this tight; looking to buy a grinder for my home set up this weekend, which is a La Pavoni Europiccola + Pre ground at present, and eventually something E61 down the line. Between me and my housemate we go through 3-5 double shots a day (~17g each). Grinder will only ever be used for espresso grinds, i have a cheap Bodium grinder that can do filter.

Budget: $1,500 tops
Major consideration: Reliablity - Hoping to get 10+ years out of the grinder
Minor consideration: Stepless, minimal mess, minimal clumping
Not a consideration: Noise, size, single dosing

I know single dose is really popular, but i just can't see a need for it, i just want a great coffee first thing in the morning with little fuss and if my beans degass a little over the week that they are in the hopper thats preferable to weighing out and grinding into a cup each morning while i am uncaffinated and barely functional.

Current shortlist (in order):
Profitec T64
Eureka Atom 65
ECM S-Automatik 64
Rocket Fausto
Mazzer Super Jolly

Will be grateful for any advice, really don't want to stretch above $1,500 from Jetblack, needs to be from Jetblack as i have gift voucher to spend.

Thanks

[Andy]

Mazzer Super Jolly Electric

• Fits in your budget
• 20+ year grinder (can't kill 'em)
• Step-less and the funnel on the "E" makes it cleaner to use

You said size isn't an issue but check the height of your over bench cupboards, the Mazzers are tall but if it fits it's the one I would pick from that list.


https://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/...ly-electronic/

[Magic_Matt]

As Andy pointed out, the electronic version of the Super Jolly is within your budget, and a much better option - if not for the timer (which IME is only a convenience rather than an essential feature, as none of the timed electronic grinders I've had experience with were accurate enough to rely on without also weighing the dose) but to get rid of the doser, which would be an antiquated piece of technology in a cafe but is an outright liability in a domestic setting.

I've had experience with a couple of grinders on your list - an ECM V-Titan (which is internally and functionally almost identical to the ECM and Profitek on your list) as my 'daily driver' for milk-based drinks, and a Mazzer Kony-E for the occasional straight-up espresso using lighter roasts and single origins. I've since sold the Mazzer; while I didn't dislike the results in the cup, the retention of ground coffee (which is really what single dosing is all about - the freshness of the output, not the input) was just way too high, especially for my occasional use. I couldn't say whether the Super Jolly would have similar retention issues, being a flat burr grinder so quite different internally, but I'd guess the others on your list would all be comparable to the ECM, and this would be a major (lel) consideration for me.

Between the ECM and Profitek, I'd choose the latter for its dosing cone (I originally bought an ECM S-Automatik but traded up to the V-Titan for mostly aesthetic reasons, but also the fact that the dosing 'beak' seriously restricts access for cleaning).

I don't have any experience with the Eureka or Rocket so won't comment beyond saying they didn't make it to my shortlist for various reasons.

[tompoland]

My pick would be Mahlkonig X54 all rounder. Site sponsors have them so you could use the quote feature (bottom on this window) and ask for prices.

[DaveD]

OP is limited to Jetblack Espresso because of gift vouchers - hence the list above.

[SouthwestBLT]

Mazzer Super Jolly Electric

• Fits in your budget
• 20+ year grinder (can't kill 'em)
• Step-less and the funnel on the "E" makes it cleaner to use

You said size isn't an issue but check the height of your over bench cupboards, the Mazzers are tall but if it fits it's the one I would pick from that list.


https://www.jetblackespresso.com.au/...ly-electronic/

So I really like the super jolly, it does fit but I’ll probably get the small hopper if I go that way. My only concern is the adjustment which many say can be jumpy because it’s not on a worm gear. I like idea of a worm gear and getting a touch finer as the beans change through the week. At present with pre ground I find I have to up my dose or tamp harder as we get through the bag towards end of week.

the SJ looks like very small adjustments can be quite hard given it tends to jump a little. Outside of that it was my first preference.

[Javaphile]

They're only jumpy if you don't keep up on your regular maintenance of cleaning and lubing the threads.


Java "Another vote for the Super Jolly" phile

[San]

Atom or Fausto are great choice too: easy to adjust, easy to clean without need to redial, build for commercial use.

[Javaphile]

Ahem...It helps if you read the post before replying to it.

Will be grateful for any advice, really don't want to stretch above $1,500 from Jetblack, needs to be from Jetblack as i have gift voucher to spend.

Java "Glasses anyone?" phile

[Magic_Matt]

Did a post get deleted or something? 🤔

[level3ninja]

You could see if they would get you the Super Jolly V Pro. It's not on their website but it's Mazzer so they should be able to source it.

[EspressoAdventurer]

First up SW BLT welcome to the forum. Im sure you'll enjoy being a fellow CS here.

So I really like the super jolly, it does fit but I’ll probably get the small hopper if I go that way.

Yes I get it there's something magnetic about having a hopper full of beans in your home kitchen etc.etc. but you'll eventually pack both hoppers away and then realise the most consistent way to get consistently good shots is single dosing. FWIW many here and myself use a repurposed plastic dairy container or similar, plus something ( a decor' picnic jam thimble) as a bean weight. It works.

My only concern is the adjustment which many say can be jumpy because it’s not on a worm gear.

I realise you may not be able to get to the store to try it for yourself. Nor ever used one etc., but It takes a Very Poorly cared for Mazzer not just a SJ for the threads to stick or jam up.It generally happens when old grounds finally release their oils and turn into a good takeoff of Engineers valve grinding paste. Which takes / occurs after 12+months. Even a moderately cared for grinder receives a clean out inside that time line.
So 'internetty commercialistic poster meets fakism' ! Or poor barista care & skills IMO. Ive owned / used one for over 10years.

I like idea of a worm gear and getting a touch finer as the beans change through the week.

Yes no doubt a worm gear provides for controlled fine movements however in reverse makes it even harder to make large adjustments.
In my case I mark up my adjustment ring with grind points for many baskets that I switch between such as a Single synesso, VST 15/20/22, OEM 18, Precision HQ Dble/Triple and filter. And when doing micro adjustments for a particualr basket can easily manage to move it a 'pofteinth' at a time....read the thickness of a biro line marking.

At present with pre ground I find I have to up my dose or tamp harder as we get through the bag towards end of week.

Not a consideration. With Fresh beans such as Andy offers plus a SJ you will get full control over the shot. And micro movements only take reasonable dexterity / control

the SJ looks like very small adjustments can be quite hard given it tends to jump a little. Outside of that it was my first preference.

See above. Not really a true issue And I dont think that the guy who replied to you first off would have recommended a SJ if it didn't meet his standards ! .... A 3 times awarded Golden Bean Roaster (official) And the worlds fastest roaster ! (Ok unofficial. Yes ok ok maybe just maybe internetty fakism)

[Andy]

I have commercial customers very happily using Super Jolly -E's and yes, due to the fine thread on the burr carrier, they have no trouble making small adjustments without a worm gear. It's a big heavy industrial lump that's far from pretty but it will last forever (or there about's) and parts should always be available if ever needed.

World's fastest roaster? I like that, I think I'll claim it too until someone can show me a time slip for faster than 342kmh (212.867mph) average on a mile.

[Javaphile]

Yup, my Super Jolly is at least 25 years old and likely 30 or more and still going strong even with 10 years or more in a cafe before I acquired it.


Java "SJ still gets my vote" phile

[Tronn]

I have the Eureka Atom 75 and can't fault it. It does have some retention, so adjusting grind or changing beans will require a good purge. I paid around $1,500 at the time, but looks like they're a bit more expensive now.

The Atom 65 is within your budget, shouldn't be too different to the 75. Perhaps just a bit slower.

I'd suggest opting for the smaller hopper, the default one is just stupidly large for home use. The small hopper will fit a 250g bag of beans.

[SouthwestBLT]

Thanks guys - am heading in to jet black in the morning (they are localish for me) so will give a bunch a go. Hold to hear the SJ isn’t as jumpy as some of the online reviews make out, so will bump that up the list. I think it’s probably going to be between the profitec and the SJ at the moment.

Thanks all

[SouthwestBLT]

Alright went in, great service from the team. Ended up with the T64. The SJ wasn’t in stock and to be honest I just couldn’t resist the beautiful Teutonic design of the T64.

so far I’ve got her dialled in - I think, 17 grams in 32 out with a pre infusion and full pull on the pavoni. Might be a little fast so some adjustments to make tomorrow but I’m four doubles deep right now so I think that’s it for today.

thanks for everyone’s help - I feel a bit bad for going against the advice but I just couldn’t resist the sexy looks.

[herzog]

I think you made the right choice. I ran one of these for several years and it never missed a beat.