I may have an opportunity to get a Cimbali Max of the non-hybrid variety. Is there any one who could advise me on whether there would be any advantage or disadvantage over the Max Hybrid from Chris Coffee?

The height with the larger hopper is not an issue for me. Actually, I find that it balances the look and makes it look better.
I know of the switch issue. I currently use a Rancilio MD40 which has one of those rubber covered switch. Not good but not a real concern.
I like the grind adjustment on the right side better than the front.
Most important, I have read somewhere (at least I think I did, but even researching it for a while I cannot find it again to confirm what I remember) that the Max hybrid was more noisy than the original Max.

Anybody with experience with both grinders can point in the good direction?

search cannonfodders posts. He has a max and has used the hybrid

Reviving an Abused Cimbali Max

Thanks for the tip. but I already read that thread... There is no mention of the Hybrid in that specific Cannonfodder's post. I also have researched thoroughly this and other sites to no avail.

It seems that when the Max Hybrid came out, it became the norm in most threads.

There has to be a reason for the Max non-hybrid to still exist. Other than the fact that some people (like me ) might think it looks better.

So the initial question remains...

The only difference between the LaCimbali Max and the Jr hybrid that Chris Coffee sells is the case and hopper. All the important parts, motor, burr set, build quality are all the same. The doser lid is a little different, the grinder adjustment is in a different location, the switch is different but the guts are identical.

The rocker switch on the MAX was annoying. It is designed to be turned on, let the doser fill and the shut-off plate kills the motor. After a few doses it kicks on and refills the doser which is pretty standard on big commercial grinders. The Jr switch will directly replace the MAX switch. I replaced both of my Max switches with the Jr switch. Ergonomics are much better, easier to use than that green toggle.

Thank you for the response Dave. I was hoping for your input since you seem to be the one person that posted the most on this particular grinder.

I guess that settles it for me. Max hybrid it is. The Max is more expensive than the Max hybrid!

I have two original Max's and one hybrid. I did not modify the switch on the original Max's other than removing the rubber cover, which is very easy to do and takes one or two minutes. I did remove the trap doors that have an electrical switch intended for using the original max as an "automatic" grinder. With those trap doors and electrical contacts removed, the original Max behaves like the hybrid.

As to grind quality I have never detected any difference between the hybrid and my original Maxs. I find the original Max's easier to adjust than the hybrid, and the hybrid is clearly noisier in operation than the original. On balance, I prefer the original version after my modifications to the hybrid, but the differences are small and would not be worth a whole lot of money to me.

In addition to these (above) grinders, I own a Compak K10 WBC conical grinder. I don't find any real difference between the Compak conical and the Cimbali Max grinders as regards grind quality, and I use them interchangeably.

ken

Thanks Ken.

You are the other "original" Max owner that I wanted to get an input from.

Was it from one of your posts that I read that the Hybrid was noisier? Anyway you are confirming it now. Noise to me is a very important thing. I also would disable the autofill switch. I will probably also get a countdown timer so the switch is again not an issue.

I am still negotiating the price (of both actually) but it looks like the Max will be somewhat more expensive ... I'll keep you posted.

I know that I wrote earlier that I would get the max hybrid but I still had a twinge that is pushing me to get the Max original. I really think it looks a whole lot better. I don't know why since they are so much alike.

Ken you have revived the lust for the Max. From now on it is your fault. Ken made me do it.

Whale wrote:Thanks Ken.

You are the other "original" Max owner that I wanted to get an input from.

Was it from one of your posts that I read that the Hybrid was noisier? Anyway you are confirming it now. Noise to me is a very important thing. I also would disable the autofill switch. I will probably also get a countdown timer so the switch is again not an issue.

I am still negotiating the price (of both actually) but it looks like the Max will be somewhat more expensive ... I'll keep you posted.

I know that I wrote earlier that I would get the max hybrid but I still had a twinge that is pushing me to get the Max original. I really think it looks a whole lot better. I don't know why since they are so much alike.

Ken you have revived the lust for the Max. From now on it is your fault. Ken made me do it.

Je suis d'accord, je préfére l'appearance de l'originale.

ken

Noise caused the departure of the Max Hybrid.
If you entertain, it's a conversation stopper.

Ken Fox wrote:Je suis d'accord, je préfére l'appearance de l'originale.

ken

Presque parfait. C'est "apparance". Je suis impressionné.