Best grinder if I change blends often?

[Vidio]

I currently have a Mazzer mini E and its OK but I'm thinking of upgrading. But to what? Here is my situation. I only grind for espresso or cappuccino - maybe 10 shots per day at most. But I generally have 3- 4 different blends open and my guests like to sample different tastes. So I often change beans from one cup to the next. I keep extensive records of grinds settings, temp etc on my iPhone so I can quickly recall the info and zip back and forth. (I know its a bit obsessive) I need it to fit under my counter cabinets. I would like to lessen the clumping that I'm getting with the Mazzer too.

I though about the Cimbali Max Hybrid but am concerned it will not work too well with my need to grind a shot at a time. I thought about the Versalab but am concerned about the quality control and the fact that you can't actually get one. You have to pay half up front and put your name on a list for an indefinite amount of time. I think the big "Titan" grinders will not fit on the counter under the cabinets.

So is there any other option? I can't believe that someone hasn't made a super quality grinder in a size that is suitable for home use. Any advice appreciated.

[another_jim]

The Max is not a good grinder for this application. If you use several blends with one grinder, you need to leave the hopper off, and spoon a single dose into the throat of the grinder. The Mazzers are best, since you can seal the throat with a 58mm tamper, and it has no ledges. The Fiorenzato and Compaks are also very good in this respect, with round smooth throats. The Macap is OK, it has a round throat, but a shallow ledge which needs to be finessed. The Max is a nightmare with a non-circular opening and lots of ledges. Single dosing is possible, but you'll need to fabricate a piece that acts as a funnel into the burrs.

[cafeIKE]

IMO, MaxH is TFU for single dosing. It takes about a week and a half for the popcorning to stop.

When changing blends on MaxH, it's quicker to run the shop vac on the throat than try to grind out the remnants.

[zin1953]

I love my MaxHybrid, and would never dream of single dosing with it!

[Vidio]

I forgot to mention that one reason for upgrading is for conical burrs. So then restated the question is - Are there any high quality conical grinders (or hybrid) that can fit on a countertop under cabinets and work well if I am changing blends frequently?

Grazie

[HB]

Practically all grinders retain some grounds, so it may be easier to decide if you accept that there will be 3-4 grams of waste when switching coffees. Or you may want to get a second less expensive grinder (e.g., Le'Lit PL53). If you're willing to sweep the chute of a Mazzer, the loss when switching grounds is less than 2 grams. Unfortunately your Mazzer Mini Electronic's static reduction and accurate metering depends on the exit chute screen, otherwise I would advise you to simply remove it and buy a package of small brushes.


Acid brushes from the paint store

Another option to keep your eye on is the Baratza Vario; it promises programmable grind settings and little waste. It reportedly is due out in August...

[IMAWriter]

The Max is not a good grinder for this application. If you use several blends with one grinder, you need to leave the hopper off, and spoon a single dose into the throat of the grinder. The Mazzers are best, since you can seal the throat with a 58mm tamper, and it has no ledges. The Fiorenzato and Compaks are also very good in this respect, with round smooth throats. The Macap is OK, it has a round throat, but a shallow ledge which needs to be finessed. The Max is a nightmare with a non-circular opening and lots of ledges. Single dosing is possible, but you'll need to fabricate a piece that acts as a funnel into the burrs.

Having had a Mazzer SJ for 4 years I can certify that Jim is correct. The SJ is easily adjustable, and returns fairly close to the espresso setting, if not right on.

[zin1953]

I love my MaxHybrid, and would never dream of single dosing with it!

I should add that I also have (at home) a Quick Mill doserless from Chris' Coffee Service. This, too, can be used without the hopper and covered by a 58mm tamper. This is the grinder I use for decaf, and for "new" blends.

Cheers,
Jason

[another_jim]

I forgot to mention that one reason for upgrading is for conical burrs. So then restated the question is - Are there any high quality conical grinders (or hybrid) that can fit on a countertop under cabinets and work well if I am changing blends frequently?

Grazie

If you change blends, you will leave the hopper off; in which case even the larger grinder will fit. However, even hopperless, the large conicals will have trouble with 18 inch cabinets. At this level of investment and commitment, it is worth considering creating a spot that can accommodate commercial equipment.