I have a Rancilio Silvia which Ive had and enjoyed for many years. I get that 'sweet'spot about 2/3 of the time, and the rest are still very very good

I also roast my own from green beans using a modified iRoast 2 with a long cooper thermometer through the top.

Ive been using the Baratza Virtuoso which I clean each time i roast.

should I 'move up' to the Alexia PID which Im close to doing, what grinder should I match it to?

the Rocky Doserless or even the Mazzer Mini doserless.

i feel that keeping the grinder very very clean is important (and over looked)


it seems that both the Rocky and even the Mazzer are 'difficult' to keep super clean.

Im interested in the final product: the perfect espresso in that 'sweet' spot.

not just paying the extra for the Mazzer because, well its a Mazzer.

the cleaning issues concern me for these prices

many thanks

The Mazzer mini is a great grinder. VERY popular.

Pretty easy to keep clean as well. If you use the doser, there are a few SIMPLE mods to make it sweep 100% clean, and as for the exit chute, a quick brush out and an on/off with the motor is all it takes for me.

As to the quality of grind and build between the rancilio and the mazzer.. The mazzer wins. I would definitely sugest the mazzer time after time, especially to be paired with the Alexia.

You could also jump above the M Mini, and get something like a SuperJolly, or even a Cimbali Max Hybrid. The Max Hybrid seems to be an amazing deal for the money, everyone seems to be superbly please with thiers.. Not that anyone is really complaining about the mazzer mini either. But id wager the max hybrid is a better grinder the mini.

Do you make any milk drinks? The alexia is a great machine if you make VERY few milk drinks. For the price of a NEW alexia with PID, you could probably get the Qm anita, which is a HX, allowing steam on demand. If milk drinks are common, the alexia might not be the BEST choice.. The wait for heating up to steam is kinda long.. Ok if you make one milk drink here and there.. Not the best if you need to make a couple, or make them often.

thanks for your input

I make no milk drinks at all really.

keeping these 'upgraded' grinders clean is a concern. my current one is easy to take apart and wash the plastic and clean out the inner grind area.

my impression is that this is difficult to do with the masser.

I don't find it hard to clean a Mazzer. Look for a used Super Jolly....best deal going.

rotuts wrote:my impression is that this is difficult to do with the masser.

It's "Mazzer" (there is no letter "S" in the name of this grinder).

The Mazzer grinders are very easy to clean. If you want into the burr area you just remove the limiting screw from the collar (I have mine permanently removed) and then you can unscrew and remove the upper carrier. Clean inside with a vacuum and toothbrush and reassemble.

Mazzer keeps closer tolerances on the thread engagement so there is less backlash. This translates into a more precise adjustment with NO NEED to tape the burr carrier threads. At the very most, perhaps a light dab of foodsafe grease to lubricate the threads (be careful not to trap coffee dust on threads with the grease, it will make the assembly get "gummy")

Rocky grinders often benefit from a layer of teflon tape, and this tape would complicate matters for someone who wants to frequently remove the upper burr assembly to clean inside the burr area.


I would personally choose a Super Jolly over the Mazzer Mini, they are frequently available used for less than a new Mini. Of course with a used grinder you will probably need to do a deep clean, but that shouldn't pose a problem for you

rotuts wrote:... it seems that both the Rocky and even the Mazzer are 'difficult' to keep super clean.
... the cleaning issues concern me for these prices

Commercial espresso grinder designs all retain around 5 to 10 grams of compacted grinds in the grind chamber. You will notice this the first time you open the grinder up. If the knowledge of all those nasty grinds will drive you nuts, get the Baratza Vario, which retains virtually no grinds, and is as easy to clean as the Maestro.

In terms of taste, the Baratza Vario would be my pick over a Mini or Rocky, although probably not a Jolly.

rotuts wrote:should I 'move up' to the Alexia PID which Im close to doing...?

See Rancilio Silvia to Quickmill Alexia - A real upgrade? for additional opinions.

JonR10 wrote:The Mazzer grinders are very easy to clean.

Agreed. Cleaning a Mazzer Mini provides photos and instruction that may help understand what's involved.

I have had my Mini for a few months now and love it. I also do not find that keeping it ultra clean is of any particular trouble. I am like you I like to keep my grinder as clean as possible between shots. Either way you can't go wrong as it's been said both of the grinders you have listed are excellent and while I can't comment on the new La Cimbali it does look like it has been received very well by it's users. As far the Anita goes I upgraded to my Vetrano from the Anita. I was very pleased with the machine when I had it and the only reason I upgraded was a smoking hot deal on the vetrano and a chance to help out a friend by passing along my good fortune to him by selling him my Anita for a smoking hot deal. I don't think you can go wrong with the Anita if it fits your lifestyle.

I use an Alexia PID with a Rocky. If milk drinks aren't a priority, you will love the Alexia. The Rocky is acceptable for it; but many times I find myself wanting to tweak the thing to an in-between setting in order to really nail the grind. I would go with the Mazzer Mini as the minimum grinder for the Alexia.

Not wanting to pile on, but I agree:

• a Mazzer Mini (or its equivalent -- think Macap M4 or Compak K3) is the minimum you want to go if you're serious about realizing the full potential of the Alexia and your home-roasted beans;
• if possible, seek out a used Mazzer Super Jolly, or even a Major, and get yourself a new set of burrs for it -- better grinder, less money, than a new Mini;
• if grind retention is that crucial of a concern, or if the "footprint" must be small, Jim's suggestion of the Baratza Vario is an excellent one*.

Cheers,
Jason

* Note: I haven't used the Baratza Vario, but I've been following everything that's been said about it here, and it's my next purchase (birthday present, I think) -- I'll use it as a second espresso grinder (decaf or SO beans), and for press.

many thanks for fine advice

what would the group think about cleaning the Mazzer mini vis the MACAP M4, especially the dosing chamber?

thanks again!

This grinder review summarizes how they compare. If you allow for modifications (e.g., Improving Mazzer doser efficiency and How to Tame a Messy Mazzer Doser), neither the Macap M4 nor Mazzer Mini hold an advantage over the other in terms of neatness.

another_jim wrote:In terms of taste, the Baratza Vario would be my pick over a Mini or Rocky, although probably not a Jolly.

While I can't speak from experience with the Rocky, I've owned the Mini and both a used and new Super Jolly, and I've reviewed the Baratza Vario along with Dan and Jim. I wholeheartedly agree with his assessment in placing the Vario close to a Super Jolly (and above the Mini/Rocky)--Depending on one's priorities, preference could go to the Super Jolly or the Vario. The Vario is a dream grinder for someone looking to minimize retention and keep the insides of their grinder clean. The Super Jolly has a definite edge in that it's a little less 'finicky' and obviously way, way better built. I'd also say it's easier to keep your counter clean with the Super Jolly (with a few doser mods): the Vario occasionally has static issues that will leave some grinds in your work area after dosing.

If I were in your situation, I'd strike the Mini, M4, and Rocky off my list and try to decide between these two.