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Cheap grinder for a friend with a Gaggia Classic Pro

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  • Cheap grinder for a friend with a Gaggia Classic Pro

    Hey guys.
    Some mates loves using our old and battered but still pretty good Rancilio Rocky grinder when housesitting. They just got a Giggia Classic Pro, which is a pretty good start (they only do stovetop coffee to date). I want to get them a grinder as a pressie, but don't want to spend a tonne. Whilst I'm tempted to give them our Rocky and upgrade, I'd better start here first. I note the Rocky can be had for as low as $150 used. I'd likely assume they'd need new burrs, but I can fit them if needed.
    So a question:
    - what else to consider at the cheaper (but well built/reliable) end of the market. Note that bench space fairly limited, so no huge old Mazzers! I toyed with maybe a Lagom mini, but not available and pricey (may eventually get one and give them my Rocky....).
    Thanks Snobs.
    Mat

  • #2
    Mat thr Breville Smart Pro grinder is IMHO perfect for the Gaggia. Smallish footprint and a big step up is flavor from anything at that price point. "Bang for bucks" is what I'm saying.

    https://alternativebrewing.com.au/pr...rt-grinder-pro

    Comment


    • #3
      PS always lots of second hand ones around on GT or Ebay. But new price is not too hefty and snags a warranty too.

      Comment


      • #4
        Smart Grinder Pro is decent
        It struggles with consistency, which can be frustrating if you're new to the hobby, though
        I get decent shots with mine, but its took a while to work out where the issues were
        A decent hand grinder would be worth looking into as well

        Comment


        • Blues1143
          Blues1143 commented
          Editing a comment
          Agree Kingrinder K6 when on sale for 200 bucks on aliexpress is hard to beat.

        • Bosco_Lever
          Bosco_Lever commented
          Editing a comment
          Why not buy from the local Aussie distributor for $199? They offer $10 off for subscribing, so freight works out to be free. My daughter got one from them, no issues at all.

        • Blues1143
          Blues1143 commented
          Editing a comment
          Great price, Def buy local then

      • #5
        Thanks all so far. I won't look at manual ones, as they're new to all this, so I want to make it easy!! Was actually using the Breville Smart Pro recently, however found it slow and over complicated, with results a bit hit and miss? Perhaps I'm just used to the Rocky?

        Comment


        • 20in40out
          20in40out commented
          Editing a comment
          No, your observations are accurate (I have 2 SG Pros)
          I can get a decent espresso out of mine but it required a bit of effort

      • #6
        A second hand Rocky $150 (as you say); new burrs $60 -- as solid as it gets for the price. I had mine from 2009 until I gave it away to my daughter after buying a Niche Zero (see https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/equ...375#post940375).

        BTW, my old Rocky held its own for dark roasts compared to my new NZ when I brewed with them together during the week I had both. Hand on heart, I wouldn't have known which grinder produced which espresso. On the lighter roasts, though, the NZ gives better clarity (not 100%... think 10-20%), although this could be down to my technique with the Rocky. However, workflow on the Niche is sweet.

        But I digress. If you're looking to upgrade for not much more than $600 +/- mark, you could give them your Rocky and go Vario VS3 -- looks interesting -- or the DF64. Or another Rocky.
        Last edited by BanjoPaterson; 24 January 2023, 11:50 AM. Reason: Can't spel

        Comment


        • #7
          Originally posted by BanjoPaterson View Post
          A second hand Rocky $150 (as you say); new burrs $60 -- as solid as it gets for the price. I had mine from 2009 until I gave it away to my daughter after buying a Niche Zero (see https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/equ...375#post940375).

          BTW, my old Rocky held its own for dark roasts compared to my new NZ when I brewed with them together during the week I had both. Hand on heart, I wouldn't have known which grinder produced which espresso. On the lighter roasts, though, the NZ gives better clarity (not 100%... think 10-20%), although this could be down to my technique with the Rocky. However, workflow on the Niche is sweet.

          But I digress. If you're looking to upgrade for not much more than $600 +/- mark, you could give them your Rocky and go Vario VS3 -- looks interesting -- or the DF64. Or another Rocky.
          Thanks Banjo. Yeah I suspect that's what'll happen! I have had the Rocky for at least 20yrs!! Been a workhorse and I agree - quite a chunk of metal for the price. I've not really heard any stories of them breaking either - just the usual issues of difficulty getting old burrs out and so on. I also agree - they don't really have much scope in terms of grind. I don't tend to change beans much, so just know what to dial for a darker roast and that's about it. I'd love to get into a more accurate grinder to play with other beans however, so I've been considering the Niche, Option O mini, Vario VS3 and so on. But I also digress!!!

          So other than the Rocky, any other grinders to fit the parameters discussed?

          Comment


          • #8
            Originally posted by mat-with-one-t View Post
            Hey guys.Some mates loves using our old and battered but still pretty good Rancilio Rocky grinder when housesitting.
            They just got a Giggia Classic Pro, which is a pretty good start (they only do stovetop coffee to date). I want to get them a grinder as a pressie,
            So a question:- what else to consider at the cheaper (but well built/reliable) end of the market.
            Note that bench space fairly limited, so no huge old Mazzers!
            Thanks Snobs.
            Mat
            Sorry Mat....you may not of noticed -But that 'Ole myth ...size doesn't matter....well its been admitted it was falsehood all along !
            So lay of the Mazzers....And whilst your at it..... also the 'Old' !
            My Mazzer Major just R O K s !!
            Otherwise I'll leave you to the impressionable newbies and the endless recommendations .....
            Carry on.

            Comment


            • #9
              The Rocky gift and upgrade path for you sounds like the best way forward. Otherwise the Breville grinder wouldn't be bad with the Gaggia and has very beginner friendly controls on it.

              I got my Dad a Breville Dual Boiler kit and he's been enjoying his results from the Smart Grinder Pro.

              Comment


              • #10
                Originally posted by Kooka View Post
                The Rocky gift and upgrade path for you sounds like the best way forward. Otherwise the Breville grinder wouldn't be bad with the Gaggia and has very beginner friendly controls on it.

                I got my Dad a Breville Dual Boiler kit and he's been enjoying his results from the Smart Grinder Pro.
                Yeah maybe I'll look at those Brevilles given they can easily be "set". Anything to worry about second hand? What can they usually be had for new? You're right - I may just end up giving them my old Rocky!

                Comment


                • 20in40out
                  20in40out commented
                  Editing a comment
                  The SGPs can sometimes suffer from broken driver gears when they get a little long in the tooth as they're plastic, then you have to toss them
                  They can often be found brand new for around the $250-300 mark from most major electrical retailers and come up on market place fairly frequently for around the $200 mark

              • #11
                Maybe a second hand entry level Macap/Compak/Eureka could fit the bill?

                Comment


                • #12
                  Originally posted by IrisGanache View Post
                  Maybe a second hand entry level Macap/Compak/Eureka could fit the bill?
                  Yeah they'd be on the cards too. I suppose I'm looking at the Rocky foremost as I've had mine for 22 years and going strong.....

                  Comment


                  • #13
                    Maybe if anyone has a Varia VS3, a Lagom mini, or similar to offload, hit me up! I am tempted to gift my beloved workhorse to my mates to go with their Gaggia and try a new grinder!! In meantime, I'll keep an eye out for a cheap Rocky......

                    Comment


                    • #14
                      mat-with-one-t Put a Wanted ad in the For Sale section.


                      Java "Never know what'll show" phile
                      Toys! I must have new toys!!!

                      Comment


                      • #15
                        Originally posted by mat-with-one-t View Post

                        Yeah they'd be on the cards too. I suppose I'm looking at the Rocky foremost as I've had mine for 22 years and going strong.....

                        Some just seem to keep on keeping on.

                        I have a little Macap M2D that I use with my Europiccola, it's a bit on the noisy side, it can be a bit on the messy side but boy is she solid, I can see it going forever really.

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