Shopping around for a grinder and finding it hard to bite the bullet and order one. Mostly because this will be my first espresso machine and grinder so I have pretty much no previous experience to work off of.

At first I had the line of thought to buy cheaper and upgrade later. Then I was worried that I would be frustrated with a cheaper grinder and I should just go with a stout model to begin with. Right now in my house I make a press pot each morning but I am looking to supplement or exchange that to espresso drinks when the machine is up and running (a Gaggia). While the grinder doesn't need to grind for both methods that would be a nice bonus.

So being mechanically inclined I first looked at used Mazzers on eBay or Craigslist. It appears that the going rate for a SJ or Major is around $300 with shipping plus the cost of new burrs (~$360 total). This is what I would consider the baseline to weigh my options against. I know the SJ or Major won't make it for a multi use grinder so down the road I would likely have to invest in something else. On the other hand I should be able to unload a used Mazzer for about what I spent for it with no issues later if I ever wanted to.

Based on that price range I am close to the Vario. That would afford me a terrific grind, better aesthetics in the kitchen (SAF), and the ability to grind for all my likes. Downside is the long term durability and resale of the Vario does not appear to be as certain as a Mazzer.

Third option that I just stumbled upon is a sale on IllyUsa for 25% off with what appears to be free shipping. That would knock the Mazzer Mini they have down to $375 which is in the same range and would be a new machine that would fit better into my kitchen but also provide good grind quality and long term durability. Downside is that it still won't be good for multi-use so I consider this option somewhere between the above two options.

Fourth option, and the one I have ignored mostly. Buy a cheaper grinder (Vanelis, Cunill, etc) and get to know what I like and don't like before going all in on a grinder.

Home Baristas, I implore you for your input! How would you spend my money?

Thanks!

Simple.

Used Super Jolly, or Baratza Vario.

Seems like it would be hard to beat a new Mazzer Mini at $375, free shipping and no tax (maybe). That said, I'm looking forward to my new Vario arriving today.

Another suggestion... give Chris' Coffee or 1st Line a call and see if they have any returns. You'll get top quality, a great price (or a fair price on new equipment) and great service.

As a previous Mazzer Mini owner I'd no doubt get a Vario. The Mini, though very well built, was slow and messy (even with mods to contain the grounds). Given the rave reviews on the Vario I'd be more willing to try it out, especially since I hear Chris Coffee is letting them go for $380 (only $5 more than the illy discounted Mini). Also, electronic dosing rocks! Just my $.02

In that price range I'd settle on the Baratza Vario. A casual perusal of the threads on H-B should validate why.

Don't go the low end grinder route. You will just be mad at yourself later and keep wondering what could have been.

Based on what I've read from the Titan Grinder Project and various comparisons, I think it's generally accepted that the Super Jolly and Vario are very close to the same grind quality, whereas the Mini is a bit lower in grind quality. 375 is for sure is a killer price for a new Mini, which is a great machine, but if espresso taste is your top priority then you should probably pass.

I bought a used Super Jolly from Craigslist. Given the same choice again between Super Jolly and Vario, I would still buy the Mazzer. I love it's chunky design - the aesthetics are more my style - and I wanted a doser. But that's obviously simply a personal preference.

You are certainly on the right track. A used SJ or Major would be excellent choices, and I find that I can grind for both espresso and drip/press. Not ideal, but certainly not bad.

A Vario also looks to be an excellent choice. I am strongly considering one in the near future.

I would lean towards the Super Jolly or Vario. I had a Macap M4, that was a very good grinder, but I found a steal on a lightly used Super Jolly and there is no question that it is a better grinder. The best cup out of each was not too far off, but the average cup out of the Super Jolly is much better. It is just rare to pull a bad shot out of it. The mini should be very similar to the M4 - a great grinder, but not in the league of the much more expensive SJ. The odd thing is that the Mini and M4 hold their value very well when sold used relative to the SJ, so the used SJ's are a bargain.

Reports are that the Vario is similar in the cup to the quality of the SJ and if so it will be a steal even if it isn't as bomb proof as the other grinders mentioned above. I won one from Stefano's on the HB gift list and I expect to have it in hand and ready to use very soon, so I'll be able to report more on my opinion of it vs the SJ and the Macap (which I sold to pay for the SJ) soon, but many more qualified people have already raved about it.

Hugh

Ok, thanks everyone who has weighed in so far!

In response to everyone's suggestions I have taken the Mini out of consideration. Truthfully the only real thing it had for it was the minimal depreciation and it's good looks on a countertop.

Now on to the rest. As it stands right now the deciding factor to me between a used SJ and a new Vario is the ability to grinder for multi-use vs long term durability and ruggedness. Unfortunately I guess from my research it is not quite that clear cut. The SJ can theoretically grind for other machines and the Vario may very well last a lifetime.

Sigh, if only I could win a Vario so I wouldn't have to make up my mind.

SwingT wrote:Simple. Used Super Jolly, or Baratza Vario.

+1

uscfroadie wrote:As a previous Mazzer Mini owner I'd no doubt get a Vario. The Mini, though very well built, was slow and messy (even with mods to contain the grounds). Given the rave reviews on the Vario I'd be more willing to try it out, especially since I hear Chris Coffee is letting them go for $380 (only $5 more than the illy discounted Mini). Also, electronic dosing rocks! Just my $.02

+1, again. As a former Mazzer Mini owner, I can safely say that my Baratza Vario runs proverbial rings around the Mazzer Mini!

hperry wrote:In that price range I'd settle on the Baratza Vario. A casual perusal of the threads on H-B should validate why.

+1, again -- jeez, not only do I come late to the party, but I seem to have forgotten the hostess' present at home!

And so on and so on and so on and . . . well, you get the idea.

Cheers,
Jason