Wanted Mazzer Mini

[JavaB]

Re: Wanted Mazzer Mini

I have an opportunity with a used Cadet (reconditioned with new blades) at around the $500 mark, does that sound like a good buy? I know they go for around $860 new from Coffex, so it seems reasonable.

Seems on the high side to me, but if it they have used genuine La Cimbali burrs it probably isnt too bad.

It will last forever.... do a fantastic job..... and you might even grow to like the design!

[_zach_]

Re: Wanted Mazzer Mini

True it is in the eye of the beholder

I have an opportunity with a used Cadet (reconditioned with new blades) at around the $500 mark, does that sound like a good buy? I know they go for around $860 new from Coffex, so it seems reasonable.
But was sussing my options and hoping to get my hands on a used mazzer but that is unlikely!

Now for a tamper....and then... arghhhh this is an expensive passion we all have here! :O

Cheers,
Zach

[mauricem]

Re: Wanted Mazzer Mini

Hi all,

Wondering if there are any used Mazzer Minis out there for sale??

Else I may have to go for a used La Cimbali Cadet, does anyone have experience with these grinders? Ive read some reviews that these two grinders are on par with each other. Just that the Cadet is uglier.

Cheers,
Zach

Ive had a mazzer mini which I replaced with a cimabli cadet. Both are great grinders which will last forever in a domestic setup but the cimbali is definitely a heavier duty unit. It has a bigger motor, larger burrs, grinds faster, weighs more and cost more when new.

Operationally the cimbali has a couple of small advantages, the sweeper in the doser is much more efficient and when dispensing the ground beans the cimbali drops them neatly in the centre of the basket whilst the mazzer throws out to the left if the doser isnt full.

The mazzer adjustment mechanism is more condusive to large changes in grind settings say from fine for espresso to coarse for filter press. With the mazzer you just grab the adjsutment ring and rotate through about 90 degrees but on the worm drive cimbali you need several 360 degree rotations of the adjsutment knob to make large changes

Aesthetically the Mazzers curves may be initially more appealing but the Cimbali outer design mirrors the strength and overengineering of its inner workings.

this is a  good overview http://www.home-barista.com/feature-spotlight-grinders.html

[luca]

Re: Wanted Mazzer Mini

Wondering if there are any used Mazzer Minis out there for sale??

Bwahahahahaahaaaaaa ... theres a reason why you almost never see minis for sale! But if there happen to be two out there for sale, Ive got dibs on the second ;P

Else I may have to go for a used La Cimbali Cadet, does anyone have experience with these grinders? Ive read some reviews that these two grinders are on par with each other. Just that the Cadet is uglier.

Yeah. The Cadet is pretty ugly. In the attached photo, you can see the sort of crappy quality, stainless thats wrapped around to make the body, as well as the ugly looking plastic that the hopper, etc, is made from. I had a deal with Sparkman to sell my Cadet to him, otherwise I would have probably sold off my Rocky instead, in hindsight. Unfortunately, I think I only ever got around to grinding a few shots from it, but it seemed OK. I think that the equivalent mazzer is probably more likely the Super Jolly than the Mini. The Cadet that I had was pretty big, like the SJ, and seemed to have an identical burr set. If you can get one for a good price, its probably a good deal.

Cheers,

Luca

[JavaB]

Re: Wanted Mazzer Mini

Else I may have to go for a used La Cimbali Cadet, does anyone have experience with these grinders? Ive read some reviews that these two grinders are on par with each other. Just that the Cadet is uglier.

Cheers,
Zach

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

I have a La Cimbali Jnr (the earlier model to the cadet) and I dont think it is ugly... just squared off and modern looking (pats his grinder... there, there) ;D

They are a brilliant grinder with adjustment for espresso grinding second to none. Very heavy, commercial quality grinder- built like a tank and will just keep going. Heavy brass burr holders (from memory it is the heaviest grinder in its class but occupies no more bench space!)

I wouldnt recommend it if you wanted to go from plunger coffee to espresso grinding - would take forever as the adjustment is just soooooooooo fine

But for espresso, it is fantastic

See:

http://www.home-barista.com/feature-spotlight-grinders.html

for a comparison

[_zach_]

Hi all,

Wondering if there are any used Mazzer Minis out there for sale??

Else I may have to go for a used La Cimbali Cadet, does anyone have experience with these grinders? Ive read some reviews that these two grinders are on par with each other. Just that the Cadet is uglier.

Cheers,
Zach