Buy used Mazzer Major or new Mini?

[josh]

i have been lurking on this site for too long. looking for input on getting started. i think i am going to try the grinder first method. i found a used (never been used) mazzer major auto for 500. that is around the same price as the other 2 i have been looking at (mini and the m4). thanks for all of your wisdom.

josh

[cafeIKE]

Check the bearings BEFORE forking over the cash. There should be no 'stickiness' or 'gritty' feel when turned slowly by hand. When spun by the motor there should be no squeal, chatter or other noise.

Bearings that sit for a very long time can become damaged because the oil film drains away and the metal to metal contact may corrode, especially if subject to vibration.

Bearings are meant to turn. I'd rather buy a used grinder and replace the burrs than one than sat unused in someone's damp basement.

[cannonfodder]

As long as it is void of any issues, I would get the Major over the Mini any day.

[josh]

is the auto good for the home user? what is the grinder size without the hopper? can you put a mini hopper on the major?

josh

[BobS]

can you put a mini hopper on the major?

Yes, it works fine. I have one on my grinder. And size with the mini-hopper is just a
few inches taller than the La Cimbali Max Hybrid.

Bob

[josh]

the opportunity of lifetime last the lifetime of the opportunity. the major sold. the other grinders i am looking at are:

major used
super used
m4
mini
anfim best

any thoughts. josh

[cafeIKE]

major used
super used
m4
mini
anfim best

You have the first two in the correct order.
There's not a lot to choose between an M4, a Mini and a Best in the cup.

[BrianC]

You have the first two in the correct order.

Where would you put the Rossi RR45 in that line up? It seems that it is one of the models that most often comes up for sale on the used market.

Brian

[cafeIKE]

Where would you put the Rossi RR45 in that line up? It seems that it is one of the models that most often comes up for sale on the used market.

Brian

Spec wise, it's very similar to a Super Jolly :
63.5mm burrs, 350w @ 110v
It tips the scales at a bit less : 27 vs 31 pounds

The Rossi burrs look just as pretty the Mazzer Super Jolly burrs

[Fishgod]

I just got my first machine and espresso grinder in January. I was lucky and found a Mazzer Major built in 1998 for sale on Craigs list. The person lived about 10 miles from me and I ended up paying $300 for it. With a new set of burrs I have $350 dollars total into a great grinder that will last me a life time. Its large but I don't use the bean hopper. I just put my beans into the throat of the grinder and use an old 58mm tamper in the thoat to keep the beans from hopping out. With my limited experience I would recommend the Major and a new set of burrs.

[cannonfodder]

FYI, the old Majors and new Majors have different hoppers. The new ones have a grind interlock so it cannot be run with the hopper removed.

[josh]

is the style of machine (i am thinking lever) dictate the grinder one should get? any thoughts on a first time user getting a lever? sorry if this is the wrong forum.

josh

[HB]

is the style of machine (i am thinking lever) dictate the grinder one should get?

Not really, though there are matters of practicality and preference. For example, some grinders have tight clearance between the fork and chute exit, which makes them inconvenient for deep bowel portafilters (e.g., the Le'Lit PL53 and the Elektra Microcasa a Leva portafilter).

any thoughts on a first time user getting a lever? sorry if this is the wrong forum.

There's a few threads on this subject in the Lever Espresso Machines forum, e.g., Should I start using a lever espresso machine? I think lever espresso machines can be more challenging. Some are easier to use than others, but I see you've already asked about that.