I'm in the process of picking a new grinder for my new La Spaz Mini Vivaldi. I'm looking at a Mazzer Mini doserless type A. Any other grinders I should consider? I am limited by 17 inch cabinet height.

I used a dosered mini for a number of years, and it gave me decent results, and you can't fault its bullet proof build quality.

If you're willing to hand grind and do a little shaking to get the grinds out, the Orphan Espresso Pharos is without a doubt the absolute best value in terms of grind quality / $ . I haven't touched my mini since I got mine.

If you've got more money to spend, the HG-One is another hand grinder of equal quality that is considerably easier to use in an ergonomics sense.

The baratza vario does not have the bullet proof semi commercial design of the mazzer mini, but many seem to think it has better grind quality.

Any number of commercial grinders would fit under your counter if you are willing to spend that level of cash and run them without a hopper. I didn't want to do that personally, which is part of why I ended up with a Pharos.

I did look at the Vario but am concerned about build quality. It looks like a lot of plastic. However it is significantly cheaper. Grind quality is better though? Anyone use both the MME and Vario?

I would say, "Be concerned about the Vario's build quality."

I own one, and as soon as I stopped using it regularly for espresso it stopped being a pain in the a$$. The Vario made the K10 seem like a usability dream and I single-dose! I've always regretted spending the money on the Vario. IMHO don't get a Vario. I'll also say, if you don't think you'll like hand grinding, I wouldn't consider the Pharos. I use a hand grinder at work, it works great and it's easy to adjust because I use it for drip/pour-over. The Pharos, stock form, is a giant pain in the a$$ for espresso (with all due respect to Doug and Barb, it just realllllly didn't work for me)... dialling in a new coffee was a very bad experience. IMHO.

Just thought I'd chime in. Many people spend hundreds more dollars on the Pharos to make it more user-friendly and the Vario's build is hit-or-miss in my opinion. Sorry, I have no experience with a Mazzer Mini.

I'd say, it seems your budget constrained to well below $1000. I'd get a used Major or a used SJ. The wait will be worth it.

Is the 17 inch height a hard set requirement? If you can swing 19, my vote would be for an SJ with mini hopper

Yeah, I don't have any counters without overhanging cabinets. Don't think I want to use the grinder without the hopper either. Any other suggestions? I'm really open to any. Thanks!

https://www.coffeegeek.com/forums/membe ... ell/629880

That is $350 and will last a lifetime, I'm sure.

The Baratza Preciso, available for $250 refurbed from the mfg, will keep up nicely with the Mazzer Mini E. . . . probably not in longevity as the Mazzer grinders will last a lifetime. I have had that Mazzer for about 7 years and it is problem-free. I also have had and sold several Baratza Preciso refurbs and they also perform well.

A good review is here: http://www.orphanespresso.com/Baratza-V ... 627-1.html

I'm thinking Mahlkonig K30 Vario with the short hopper. 17.5" http://www.chriscoffee.com/Mahlkonig_K3 ... variog.htm

or Pro-M http://www.chriscoffee.com/Mahlkonig_Pr ... /pro-m.htm 15"