There seems to be a newer version of the i Mini out at the moment:

http://www.myespresso.co.uk/produ...---stainless-steel

This appears to have been put on that site overnight. Aside from the chrome look, it also appears to have a couple of physical alterations also. Whether this has addressed any of the coffee clumping in the chute issues I don't know. Might be another option however.

Interesting - this new Ascaso stainless steel i-Mini has an external appearance that looks somewhat like the Le Lit PL53. The Le Lit is a grinder that a lot of folks on H-B love, has "innards" that are essentially identical to the "old" Ascaso i-Mini, has a "boxy" stainless steel exterior unlike the "old" i-Mini's more rounded cast aluminum exterior and instead much like this more boxy "new" stainless steel Ascaso i-Mini, and I think was a US-only import. (If you search, you'll find many references to the Le Lit, e.g... Visit here ) However, this new Ascaso seems to have a larger conical burr than either the old i-Mini or the Le Lit.

As for how to judge the proper grind... with the i-Mini and my Gaggia Factory lever machine, here's what I did (not that what I did is necessaily correct...) I started by turning the i-Mini's fine/course knob far into the "fine" range ("many, many, many" turns clockwise - "many, many, many" being, of course, a very precise technical term of art... ) Basically, I wanted to get it to the point where the burrs were just touching and the grinder wouldn't grind - essentially to get the grinder to the "finest" "end of the line". Then I dialed the knob back a few turns toward "course" so that it would actually grind - and dosed into the pf. I tamped lightly and gave it a try in the Gaggia Factory. The Gaggia Factory essentially choked, so I knew I had the i-Mini still set too fine. After a few more turns of the i-Mini's knob back toward "course", I tried again... Eventually, through several iterations of trial and error, adjusting both the i-Mini's grind knob and my tamping, I arrived at what seemed to be the optimum grind knob setting and tamping parameters for the "resistance in the pull" that I wanted. BTW, this grind knob setting was still relatively close to the "fine" end of the line. Of course with each different variety/batch of beans - and even with each successive day as the same batch of beans ages - the grind knob setting and amount of tamping needs to be slightly ajusted for optimum results - generally a bit more fine (and tamped a bit harder) each day as the batch ages... All this "dialing in" remains a mix of trial & error and intuition... it always seems like the next try will be the one that will nail it just right... but the illusive nature of the process is part of the fun!

Hope this helps...

Blimey - it does look alot like that Le Lit!! Not entirely concerend over paying extra for the new look (although the price of the 'new' i mini from that site, is the same as most others are charging for the original) but if the 'chute' has been designed for the better, then I'm all for it. As I've gone for the chrome Gaggia Classic (got a good price on a used one...they're generally given good reviews for their longevity, so a 3 year old machine should see me right for a good few more...I hope!!), then I guess this new S/Steel Ascaso would be a nice companion piece. Either way I'll be ordering one next week.
Just wondered how you could tell that the conical buss [may] be larger in the new Ascaso?

Ok - I understand the dialing in process now...I'm thinking of all that wasted (and if I get the nicer stuff in), expensive coffee through trial and error.

Many thanks for the advice Richard.

Actually - just read that the 'old' i Mini has a 38mm burr whilst the 'new' i Mini has a 50mm burr...can't begin to tell you if this is beneficial or not mind ...sure it's bigger, but is it any better ?

The Ascaso I1 has been completely reliable and consistent for me through some two years of daily home use. Yes, it's stepless. Yes, it clumps with oily roasts - just WDT the portafilter if your shots aren't good and the issue disappears. Brush out the chute every morning, and run GRINDZ through once a quarter or so after a thorough cleaning. The new hoppers are exponentially more durable than the old ones. Mark Prince's review of the grinder over on CoffeeGeek was what convinced me - and I've not regretted the decision.

You can spend less on the new Mini - but I wouldn't want one, even were it a gift.

YMMV
(YourMileageMayVary)

Enjoy!

Trisha

^^ I ordered the new i-Mini in the end!
Size, money and looks were quite important and I've read many positive reviews of the i Mini: was it the i-Mini in general you were not too keen on or the new Stainless Steel model?

Thanks.

I think it is the i-mini in general. I favor the sturdy construction and the burr set of the I1; but then I'll never end up having multiple espresso machines or various grinders "just because" (I have something of an addiction to IDPA that claims much of my discretionary funds, you see. . .) one becomes available!

IDPA?
http://idpa.co.uk/

?

Ah, no. . .

http://www.idpa.com/

Category: SSP (Kimber, Colt 1911 pattern; HK USP C; all in .45acp (handloads)

Power level (chronographed M/v X bullet weight): 249,550

http://www.idpa.com/Documents/IDPARuleBook2005.pdf

Nothing like going to the range on an empty stomach and 2 double cappas to make it a little more realistic (simulating adrenaline & stress), yes?

Hi All,

Well I wanted to add a little something to this thread as its the single one reason I found this forum and glad i did too.

I was looking for info on the i-Mini Grinder and more so UK companys that supply it.

I must say i mainly went for this grinder because of its looks but since owning it for 4 months really like it and the stepless adjustment for refining the grind.



The only issue is if your changing from fine or couse grind if you fancy a filtered coffee. I just use the same setting it takes longers but still tastes good. Im going to add a few sticker marks on the hopper soon so i can change easily.

Anyway I would recommend this grinder more so if your using it with a Classic as thats my set-up for now.

Cheers

PaulN