Ascaso i-Steel I-1: Should I Upgrade?

by **Crantzdorf** on Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:54 am

I currently have an Ascaso i-Steel I-1 grinder (54 mm flat bur). It is a stepless, doserless grinder and I have been pleased with it; however, I don't have experience with other grinders to compare. I have just upgraded my machine to an Izzo Duetto II. So here's the question: Does anyone feel that an upgrade to a more expensive grinder will produce appreciable results in the cup?

Stated a little differently; I can see that the larger, heavier grinders will last longer and that larger flat burr or conical burr might produce better and/or different results, but is there a consensus that going from a 54 mm decent quality burr grinder to a say 64 mm higher end grinder will make a noticeable difference?

Thanks in advance for you replies,

Andy

by **Philg** on Thu Sep 22, 2011 8:34 am

Hello,

I didn't find it and don't have time to really look but I thought a grinder with your burr set was tried in the Titan Grinder Project (TGP).

It might be worth a look in any case, lots of detailed user experience and comparison with lots of grinders.

Good luck.

by **Crantzdorf** on Sat Sep 24, 2011 5:39 pm

Thanks Phil. Yes, I had read through much of the TGP, and it is amazing and informative. A lot of work went into that project, and I admire the group's efforts very much!

There was an I-2 tested at one point, all very interesting reading. I was wondering if many people had made such a leap from the $350 price range grinders to the $1000 range, such as a Mini Mazzer, and found an amazing difference, or not?

Thanks for your reply and if anybody else that has made the leap to the next level grinder I'd love to hear your opinion.

Andy

by **Jeff** on Sat Sep 24, 2011 5:52 pm

Andy, I took a smaller leap, from a Mini Mazzer to a Baratza Vario and found striking differences that I consider to be a worthwhile improvement. I have an E61 HX machine.

I also find that there are noticeable differences between the Vario (or a Super Jolly) and the cup that comes from a big conical. I struggled with "Is it worth another $1,000?" and find myself answering with all kinds of meaningless calculations and justifications; which tells me that I want one and I'll just have to deal with deciding if it is a gift I want to give myself or not.

The step up to a Vario or used Super Jolly (counting on adding the cost of new burrs) from a lesser grinder, even a Mazzer Mini, is, for me, a clearly worthwhile one.

by **Crantzdorf** on Thu Sep 29, 2011 7:20 am

Jeff, It's good to hear that you that you had noticeable improvement with your upgrade. I have been eying the Major as a possible choice. I'm really just getting started on developing consistency with the new Duetto; so I'm in no rush at the moment. Thanks for your reply, I appreciate you sharing your experience! Andy

by **mariobarba** on Thu Sep 29, 2011 8:32 am

Do you enjoy the espresso you make? If yes, why upgrade?

by **michaelbenis** on Thu Sep 29, 2011 8:38 am

If you don't mind the manual work and have a little patience, consider the Pharos hand grinder from Orphan Espresso http://www.orphanespresso.com/OE-PHAROS-Hand-Coffee-Grinder_ep_636-1.html. It compares magnificently with the best big conicals (having a big conical burr set) for a fraction of the price.

You can read plenty about it here: Owner experience with Pharos manual coffee grinder by Orphan Espresso

by **Randy G.** on Thu Sep 29, 2011 12:01 pm

Since you just got the new machine, hang onto that grinder for a while. Learn to get the most out of the pairing as they are now. Down the line, and consistency sets in and you feel like you have gone as far as you can, decide if you want to try to go further and base the purchasing decision on that.

I own the Kony that was the one used in the Titan Grinder Test, and will say that I do not foresee ever wanting to upgrade. Small adjustments can be tasted in the cup, and that makes it easy to "tune" the grind to taste. The big conicals are impressive. The only thing I would like is the Kony (or Robur) burrset in a grinder with a straight-through grounds path with near-zero retention.

I have not used the Pharos, but as stated above, it is an affordable way to step up to a big conical grinder if the effort and time involved in grinding is not a problem.

by **Crantzdorf** on Thu Sep 29, 2011 3:19 pm

mariobarba wrote:Do you enjoy the espresso you make? If yes, why upgrade?

Yes and that is partially why I was asking for opinions. The Ascaso I-1 is a very nice grinder in it's class. I took the advice I read on the various sites, including HB, and bought a grinder that if purchased new was about double the cost of my first machine. And I can continue to use it quite satisfactorily with the new machine.

michaelbenis wrote:If you don't mind the manual work and have a little patience, consider the Pharos hand grinder from Orphan Espresso

Thanks Mike, this is an excellent option. I'm really considering this one, btw, nice write up about the Pharos, particularly helpful for those who try it are your tips on adjustment.

Randy G. wrote:Since you just got the new machine, hang onto that grinder for a while. Learn to get the most out of the pairing as they are now.

Good advice Randy, and that's just what I'll do. I may, after settling in with the new machine, have to give the Pharos a try. That's a pretty neat device.

Thanks for the advice all, I really appreciate it!
Andy


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