I suppose you are correct about the grind speed. They're both pretty damn fast grinders, and a couple of seconds here or there is not going to make much difference.

I actually already own a K10 WBC, and it's definitely true that you waste a good deal more coffee than with a basic flat burr grinder, mainly because of the large amount held in the grind chamber. I have several espresso sessions every day, and having to grind out 10g each time does add up. I also find that the last couple of shots worth of beans tend to produce poor espresso, because without the weight of the beans on top, the grind changes quite a bit. Updosing a little helps, but my normal dose is almost at the limit of what the basket will hold, so I can only add so much. I know the Robur has an auger to feed beans to the burrs. Does it help with this issue? Also, is the grind retention any better than the K10 WBC?

I'm just mulling over the thought of purchasing a Robur. It seems like it would be a rather pointless upgrade from a K10 WBC, but it's often in the back of my mind. The Compak grinders don't give quite the same impression of rock solid construction and dependability, but I know they get the same use in a commercial environment, and it is a moot point for a home user like me. It's nice that Compak listens to its customers and adds useful features so quickly, but it would also be nice if they updated the damn product manuals to reflect these changes!

I received word from Espresso Parts that the price increase is indeed correct. The basic Robur now costs over $3000! I guess now is the time to order a Robur if you want one

Bob_McBob wrote:I actually already own a K10 WBC, and it's definitely true that you waste a good deal more coffee than with a basic flat burr grinder, mainly because of the large amount held in the grind chamber.

Once again, I usually load just enough beans for each shot and I grind through and sweep the chute. I weigh my dose before and after grinding and routinely come out within +/- 0.2 g

This usage pattern has virtually zero waste, and shot timing and taste are very consistent.

Bob_McBob wrote:Also, is the grind retention any better than the K10 WBC?

I don't know about the K10, but the Robur has a big grind chamber that can hold ALOT of coffee.

Bob_McBob wrote:I'm just mulling over the thought of purchasing a Robur. It seems like it would be a rather pointless upgrade from a K10 WBC, but it's often in the back of my mind.

Consider that (IIRC) the two grinders have nearly identical burrsets so grind quality is a wash. Then the question is if you want to trade the slick package for the super-ultra-ROBUST build of the Mazzer flagship grinder. The Mazzer has more motor power, a HUGE body, and a sweet soft start contactor.

For me it was an easy decision, because I am a big fan of robust engineering and build PLUS which I got a great deal on a used Robur (thanks Nicholas! )

Bob_McBob wrote:I'm just mulling over the thought of purchasing a Robur. It seems like it would be a rather pointless upgrade from a K10 WBC, but it's often in the back of my mind.

I have both grinders and have been using the K10 WBC alot lately.

It's a sweet grinder. Not the same rock solid feel of the Mazzer, but easy to dial in, slightly less trapped coffee in the chamber (if you sweep the chute), smaller footprint, etc. On the other hand, the Mazzer grind setting feels more solid, the chute is easier to sweep, and the motor start/stop is faster. There are probably another half-dozen minor differences that escape me at the moment, but in my view, it would be a pointless upgrade unless you worship build quality.

JonR10 wrote:Once again, I usually load just enough beans for each shot and I grind through and sweep the chute. I weigh my dose before and after grinding and routinely come out within +/- 0.2 g

This usage pattern has virtually zero waste, and shot timing and taste are very consistent.

This is a pretty sensible usage pattern, but I do prefer just keeping a reasonable amount of coffee in the hopper. Personal preference, really. I try to only load about half a pound at a time, and go through it pretty quickly. I can definitely tell the difference when pulling shots if I leave the coffee in the hopper and skip a day or two.

JonR10 wrote:I don't know about the K10, but the Robur has a big grind chamber that can hold ALOT of coffee.

I've read a few times that the Robur is better in this respect, but I've never seen any sort of proper direct comparison. I understand they both hold a fair bit of ground coffee just because of the basic design, so I'm sure the Robur isn't a whole lot better.

Here's the K10 lower grind chamber:

JonR10 wrote:Consider that (IIRC) the two grinders have nearly identical burrsets so grind quality is a wash. Then the question is if you want to trade the slick package for the super-ultra-ROBUST build of the Mazzer flagship grinder. The Mazzer has more motor power, a HUGE body, and a sweet soft start contactor.

For me it was an easy decision, because I am a big fan of robust engineering and build PLUS which I got a great deal on a used Robur (thanks Nicholas! )

I think the K10's motor should actually generate more torque than the Robur's because of the higher gear reduction. Obviously it has no effect in actual usage, though. I also appreciate robust engineering, which is why I am drawn to the Mazzers. The K10 is a real winner in price vs. the Robur, but it doesn't seem to be built as solidly.

How soft is the Robur's starter? The K10's is a little jarring, with some visible torquing in the grinding area. Can I ask if you disabled the automatic doser filler? This is a reasonably simple mod, I believe. Does the flapper assembly completely unscrew from the doser?

I can't get over that crazy price increase... I guess we will be seeing it at other retailers as they sell out of old stock?