Changing grind on Mazzer Super Jolly

[PKR]

I am considering buying a Mazzer Super Jolly for home use: espresso and drip coffee. How difficult (or easy) is it to change back and forth between grind settings?

Also, does anyone know if the Mini "short" bean hopper will fit the SJ?

Thanks,
Peter

[HB]

It takes a firm two-handed grip, but otherwise it's easy to switch back and forth. The main drawback is losing the precise espresso grind setting and having to sweep the old grounds out. Personally I would invest in a second grinder, e.g., a Solis Maestro or manual coffee grinder for drip. As for your second question, yes, it will fit. See Will a Mazzer Mini Short Hopper work on the Super Jolly? for photos.

[PKR]

I'm sure I will eventually go for a 2nd grinder for drip, after my blood pressure gets back to normal from the SJ purchase.

As for the short hopper, as you know there is a newer "shorter" hopper for the Mini now. The link you provided showed the older, taller short hopper on the SJ. Whole Latte's webpage for the shorter hopper (http://www.wholelattelove.com/Maz...r_shorthopper.cfm#) does not mention the SJ for compatibility. I assume it must fit, but would like to be sure before ordering.

Thanks for your help.

[HB]

The one you link on WholeLatteLove is the shorter version of the Mazzer hopper that came out several years ago. I have the standard and short versions and they fit the Super Jolly. If you want a shorter short hopper, then modify the tall (standard) hopper. With the modified version, the Super Jolly will just clear my cabinets. It doesn't clear with the so-called short hopper.

[RapidCoffee]

It takes a firm two-handed grip, but otherwise it's easy to switch back and forth. The main drawback is losing the precise espresso grind setting and having to sweep the old grounds out. Personally I would invest in a second grinder, e.g., a Solis Maestro or manual coffee grinder for drip.

Agreed. I'm down to just one grinder at home (how did that happen? ), and plan to get another for the rare occasions when I make non-espresso brew. Suggestions (in addition to the Solis Maestro) are welcome.

In my experience, the SJ is remarkably stable in terms of grind settings. Even after removal of the upper burr assembly for cleaning, it's back within one little notch of the previous grind upon reassembly. But I don't typically use the same beans for espresso and non-espresso brew. At 30#, the SJ is heavy enough to make emptying out residual beans in the hopper and grinder throat a real PITA.

BTW, it's fairly easy to cobble together your own mini-hopper that holds enough beans for a few shots. I've been using a really attractive setup made of PVC pipe.

[IMAWriter]

The one you link on WholeLatteLove is the shorter version of the Mazzer hopper that came out several years ago. I have the standard and short versions and they fit the Super Jolly. If you want a shorter short hopper, then modify the tall (standard) hopper. With the modified version, the Super Jolly will just clear my cabinets. It doesn't clear with the so-called short hopper.

As I sadly discovered. Looks good, though, and has the the bean stopper/slider. I believe the ultra short one doesn't.

[PKR]

I just got my Super Jolly and it's great! I got a good deal on one that has only been used a handful of times.
What sold me was the fact that I believe it is quieter and faster than the mini or the macap. It also seems to have excellent resale value. It's a real pleasure, and changing the grind setting is pretty easy.

Once I get the short hopper I ordered today, I'll be in great shape. Although, after the dust settles, I think I'll consider one of the DL modifications that's out there. The chute is pretty hard to get to with the doser.

BTW, does anyone know how to change to amount that the doser dispenses?

[HB]

The chute is pretty hard to get to with the doser.

If you remove the finger guard, it's easy to sweep with a brush. I use these acid brushes, available at any paint or hardware store:

BTW, does anyone know how to change to amount that the doser dispenses?

Unless you grind half a doser's worth, you don't. The "wedge" must have enough coffee above it to fill properly. If you want to try it, just loosen the set screw atop the big knurled knob. Turning the knob raises/lowers the star-shaped upper vane, changing the effective height of each wedge.

[IMAWriter]

Unless you grind half a doser's worth, you don't. The "wedge" must have enough coffee above it to fill properly. If you want to try it, just loosen the set screw atop the big knurled knob. Turning the knob raises/lowers the star-shaped upper vane, changing the effective height of each wedge.

Dan...I assume you're referring to the silver multisided nut that tightens the screw?
When I loosen it, it causes the silver piece that covers the vanes to come out of the little groove that holds it in place. The only thing I dislike about the SJ is that doser set-up. The sweeper extensions help.

[IMAWriter]

I just got my Super Jolly and it's great! I got a good deal on one that has only been used a handful of times.
What sold me was the fact that I believe it is quieter and faster than the mini or the macap. It also seems to have excellent resale value. It's a real pleasure, and changing the grind setting is pretty easy.

Once I get the short hopper I ordered today, I'll be in great shape. Although, after the dust settles, I think I'll consider one of the DL modifications that's out there. The chute is pretty hard to get to with the doser.

BTW, does anyone know how to change to amount that the doser dispenses?

This is slightly OT, but have you done the doser 'sweeper" mod yet? To clear all the grind from the doser while "click-clacking" the doser lever, you need to add extensions to each doser vane. I used the rubber side of some velcro strips. Just cut them, and stick on to each vane so that they just touch the bottom of each sweeper vane. Some folks just use electrical tape, but the rubber/nubby velcro resists grounds sticking. They will remain in place forever, if you allow them to adhere overnight before usage. i changed mine out after 2 years, just for hygiene.

[PKR]

If you remove the finger guard, it's easy to sweep with a brush.

It's OK to remove that? I thought it had something to do with preventing static.

As as aside, I must say that I find one thing fairly amusing reading these forums (I only started all this a week or so ago): many people feel that they must have two grinders (for FP and espresso), partly because they don't want to waste a few beans blowing out the old grind. (I know there is also the issue of getting back the old setting). When I started the process of looking for a grinder, I thought I'd maybe splurge to spend $150. After reading you guys for a few days, I became convinced that only a Super Jolly would do (I'd never even heard the term 5 days ago). I bought one today for $450.

My point is, after the hundreds (or more) we're all spending on this equipment, I don't mind wasting a few beans blowing out the chute. (Plus, it helps me go through the coffee faster, keeping my stock fresh.)

Seriously, everyone in these forums has been tremendous, and I thank you for your help. I will dedicate my first shot tomorrow morning to all of you!

[HB]

It's OK to remove that? I thought it had something to do with preventing static.

Perhaps you're thinking of the Mazzer Mini E. In the case of the Super Jolly, it's only for safety. Needless to say, don't stick anything in the chute while the motor is running (especially your finger ).

My point is, after the hundreds (or more) we're all spending on this equipment, I don't mind wasting a few beans blowing out the chute.

For me, it's not the wasted coffee, it's the wasted time. Dialing in a grinder "just so" takes time that I don't have in the morning. While I could mark the collar and return pretty darn close to the same spot, the espresso would not be as good as the previous morning until the second (or maybe third) shot.

[PKR]

While I could mark the collar and return pretty darn close to the same spot, the espresso would not be as good as the morning prior until the second (or maybe third) shot.

Point taken. was just having a little fun. I admire the pursuit of perfection.

[IMAWriter]

It's OK to remove that? I thought it had something to do with preventing static.

As as aside, I must say that I find one thing fairly amusing reading these forums (I only started all this a week or so ago): many people feel that they must have two grinders (for FP and espresso), partly because they don't want to waste a few beans blowing out the old grind. (I know there is also the issue of getting back the old setting). When I started the process of looking for a grinder, I thought I'd maybe splurge to spend $150. After reading you guys for a few days, I became convinced that only a Super Jolly would do (I'd never even heard the term 5 days ago). I bought one today for $450.

My point is, after the hundreds (or more) we're all spending on this equipment, I don't mind wasting a few beans blowing out the chute. (Plus, it helps me go through the coffee faster, keeping my stock fresh.)

Seriously, everyone in these forums has been tremendous, and I thank you for your help. I will dedicate my first shot tomorrow morning to all of you!

I'd like a short double, 1.25oz/25 seconds/no blonding

[cannonfodder]

Dan...I assume you're referring to the silver multisided nut that tightens the screw?
When I loosen it, it causes the silver piece that covers the vanes to come out of the little groove that holds it in place. The only thing I dislike about the SJ is that doser set-up. The sweeper extensions help.

Then your doser is adjusted all the way up. Once the nut comes off the top, the star/spring/plate will pop off. When it is adjusted all the way down there will be a half inch of screw protruding from the top of the nut.

I did the doser mod on my Mini a couple years ago. It made a big difference. I just used some small strips of electrical tape.

[BillK]

In my experience, the SJ is remarkably stable in terms of grind settings.

I switch between espresso and drip grind a lot - at least once a day - and my experience mirrors yours, "remarkably stable" and repeatable. As long as I remember exactly where my espresso setting was, and return to this setting from the coarse-to-fine direction, I get - at a minimum - a drinkable first shot, and normally as good a shot as what I was getting before I change setting. At my age, the problem of remembering is the hard part.

I moved from the Mini to the SJ. One of the unstated benefits has been the stability you note. With the Mini I was always fiddling with fine grind adjustments. The first thing I noticed with the SJ was that things stayed put, so much better. I have come to believe that what we often attribute to differences in weather conditions, bean age, bean variety, etc. can partially be about instabilities in the grinder.

I don't have the problem with dumping beans, as I only load what I immediately use.

[IMAWriter]

Then your doser is adjusted all the way up. Once the nut comes off the top, the star/spring/plate will pop off. When it is adjusted all the way down there will be a half inch of screw protruding from the top of the nut.

Not in my case....the multi-sided nut is tightened as far as it will go...metal touching metal...to keep that thin metal piece from rotating when I flick the lever. The screw is tightened down as well, to hold it in place...maybe I need to see a picture of someones from an above view?
I can post mine here.

[Phaelon56]

My experience mirrors that of others and I've done this with both a Major and a Super Jolly. My GF lives out of town and visits every other week for a few days. She drinks only drip and with hazelnut flavored creamer plus three sugars added to every cup. I empty the hopper, grind up a three day supply for drip, sweep out the doser and go right back to my espresso setting - works fine and results are very consistent. I prefer the grind consistency of a Ditting for drip but I'm not going to invest the money or counter space to have an 804 in my kitchen.

[PKR]

I switch between espresso and drip grind a lot - at least once a day - and my experience mirrors yours, "remarkably stable" and repeatable.

Questions:
1) Should one keep the grinder on when switching back and forth between coarse and fine grinds? How about when making incremental adjustments?

2) What exactly does tightening down the nut on the internal doser apparatus do? I assume it moves the blades closer to the surface, but I can't tell if it really does that.

3) I would like to have less coffee come out with each turn of the doser. Is that possible?

[HB]

A1. If the adjustment is coarser, there's no need to run the motor. If the adjustment is finer, you can make small adjustments, but the motor will bind for large adjustments. Some vendors warn the burrs will gum up if any adjustment is made with the motor off.

A2. The upper vanes on the doser move up/down with the adjustment knob. These pictures from Mazzer Mini Component Photos show them:


Turning the adjustment knob moves this up/down


The part above fits overtop the rotating star-shaped doser vanes

A3. Whack the handle faster? It sounds cafe-cool and helps break up clumps.