for the microcimbali it seems that there is a point to vintage grinder, but the question then is what are the merits of older grinders... i guess that is a new thread

The merits (or not) of vintage grinders?

Thanks to Jim; it's a grinder, it's not a beauty contest. In that light, I'm an adherent of function over form but there are a couple of grinders that imho fit fairly well in both categories.

The first is the Vario, which for being such a small unobtrusive grinder performs like a champ.

Moving up the ladder, I think the Nino is extremely attractive but it occupies a rather large chunk of real-estate, which is great because if I owned one I wouldn't want anyone to miss it.

The last, but not the least, would have to be electronic Mazzer Robur.

workinghard wrote:A built in grinder. Hands down. Grinders are ugly, messy, and dusty. Some are a little exotic initially, but after use they are all ugly.

I'm guessing you've never used a digital doserless grinder. Mine is remarkably clean and never drops any grinds, making the grounds catch tray unnecessary. I'd expect most of the other digital doserless grinders to perform similarly. Afterall, that is one of their redeeming qualities.

workinghard wrote:A built in grinder. Hands down. Grinders are ugly, messy, and dusty. Some are a little exotic initially, but after use they are all ugly.

"BG,"

To start with, pretend I wrote what Merle did, and just re-read it. In fact, I would expand that to include many non-digital, doserless grinders. Indeed, even some models equipped with dosers can be neat. Admittedly some are messier than others, but some of the mess is the operator's fault (i.e.: pull the doser handle rapidly and grinds are more likely to "fly left" than if the handle is pulled slowly). But here is no doubt that doserless grinders can be and are quite neat.

Secondly, espresso machines with built-in grinders have their own problems. The beans are subject to significant temperature and humidity changes, neither of which is beneficial to the ultimate cup. Generally speaking (though there are exceptions), the grinders are stepped, rather that stepless, and never match the quality and consistency of true espresso-dedicated grinders (think Mazzer, Macap, Anfim, etc. -- and, though not "espresso dedicated," the Baratza Vario).

Cheers,
Jason

form and function hey...!

Now being a designer and working for a design agency i have a few opinions on the matter...

Overall i'm thinking that the grinder, in view of the fact that its a counter top accessory, and that a fair few coffee machines are highly designed, some even being true works of art, is lacking in "beauty".

so i've collated the suggestions so far...

Starting with the coffee machine...




Robur-E / Kona-E: not real lookers


Pro-M : stylish, very contemporary


Vario : German, Functional


Anfin Hause-Self : not winning any beauty contest


Olympia : quiet, no fuss style, very similar to 1960's Quick mill




Elektra : retro chic



Vintage : well its vintage, but it seems the pure esthetics are more worked on, details, finishes...




strange really beautiful coffee machines, ugly grinders...

G

For me it is Robur-E, and Elektra Nino without that "tamper".

I was not suggesting that it was the best way to go...but I think from a purely aesthetic point of view the built in, in a beautiful machine, is far more appealing than a standalone grinder. Granted, some may be less messy than others.

Personally, I would take the Vario as I have no desire to make my espresso set-up fully automated. As I see it fully autmoated systems cease being a hobby and become just a purchase....but still, that was not the objective of the OP as I saw it.

However, of all those listed above, the one I would want on my countertop would be the Vario in terms of aesthetics as well...so...yea.

Oh, and I feel that some common reference point needs to be profided with these images above. Some of them are MUCH larger than others, which can have a significant effect on its overall look on the counter.