La Cimbali Max (original) vs. Max Hybrid

by **Whale** on Thu Oct 29, 2009 12:59 pm

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?

by **cafeIKE** on Thu Oct 29, 2009 3:34 pm

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

Reviving an Abused Cimbali Max

by **Whale** on Thu Oct 29, 2009 4:01 pm

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. :wink:

So the initial question remains...

by **cannonfodder** on Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:03 pm

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.

by **Whale** on Thu Oct 29, 2009 6:43 pm

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!

by **Ken Fox** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 6:43 pm

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

by **Whale** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 7:23 pm

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. :wink:

by **Ken Fox** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:04 pm

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

by **cafeIKE** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:18 pm

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

by **Whale** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:23 pm

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

ken

Presque parfait. C'est "apparance". :wink:

Je suis impressionné.

by **Whale** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 8:35 pm

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

Is it really that bad?

From your "Personal info" I see that you have replaced it by a Macap MXK? How is the taste compared to
the "Max". These are the 2 that put up the best performance against the Robur...

The reason I ask is that the coffee/machine/grinder combination that I currently use is giving me a very "midrange/blended" taste. I would want to introduce some "clarity" in the mix with a new grinder. I have read that most conicals will bring that in. I am just wondering about the comparaison between the Max and the MKX.

I am not going to go with neither a Macap or a Mazzer... I just don't like the look of round type of grinders... :wink:

by **cafeIKE** on Fri Oct 30, 2009 9:19 pm

Myself and another member compared my CMH to his MXK with several coffees. Neither he nor I claim to be experts at describing subtle differences. Neither of us could detect a compelling advantage for either the CMH or the MKX. Such was not the case for schleppers of Mini, Compak K3, Maestro Plus, Virtuoso, etc.

The negative of the MXK is it retains a LOT of coffee in the chute and must be brushed out if not making a lot of drinks in a row. The CMH was marginally better in that regard.

I don't particularly like the look of any grinder, but you get used to them.
The missus hates them all, unreservedly.

And yes, the CMH is THAT NOISY.

by **zin1953** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 12:02 am

It's noisy, but I don't find it that noisy. In other words, it was noisy enough to move it out of the house and into the law office. It is not so noisy that the lawyers, staff and clients complain . . .

YMMV.

Cheers,
Jason

by **Ken Fox** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 4:03 am

cafeIKE wrote:
And yes, the CMH is THAT NOISY.

The simpler solution is to dump the wife.

Which is noisier, the CMH or the wife?

ken :mrgreen:

by **Whale** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:51 am

Ken Fox wrote:The simpler solution is to dump the wife.

Which is noisier, the CMH or the wife?

ken

Wooups! A comment like that would put me in the dog house along with all my coffee gear... :wink:

Thanks Ian. Could you confirm the "clarity" aspect?

by **edwa** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:29 am

Ken Fox wrote:The simpler solution is to dump the wife.

Which is noisier, the CMH or the wife?

ken

Depends on, the wife, eh? :mrgreen:

by **cafeIKE** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:59 pm

The missus is a latte addicted slave.
Nary a peep. Suffers the hardware in silence.

If your missus kvetches, perchance your skills need polishing

by **sweaner** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 8:16 pm

Ken Fox wrote:Which is noisier, the CMH or the wife?

While grinding?

by **Whale** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 9:36 pm

WoaoW guys!

I know that I am a newbie to you, but please allow me to put in a few words.

1. This site as a few of the "missus" as precious posters that probably could do espresso circles around some of us..!!
2. My wife sometimes watches and read over my shoulder and would not tolerate such discussions and would pull the plug on my investigating coffee stuff with you all. Not to say that she could pull the plug on my espresso, slowly but surely built, shrine. :cry:

3. If most of our wife didn't enjoy/tolerate our coffee addiction/obsession then there would less of us buying the gears and the coffee and it would cost more (a lot more) to you guys.

So please, lets make sure that we are fair with everyone. And give me a chance to sleep in my bed tonight and have a good coffee tomorrow morning. :wink:

by **cafeIKE** on Sat Oct 31, 2009 11:34 pm

If you can't take the heat, put the wench back in the kitchen. Barefoot :lol:


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