I just bought a Stepped Macap M4 - should I have gone Stepless?

[scottburton11]

Am I nuts?

For various reasons I won't go into, I had only one choice in retailers at the time, and limited means to communicate with them. Based on a few factors, I assumed (wrongly) that 1. this grinder was the stepless model because it was marketed with "infinite adjustments", and 2. that Macap was no longer selling the stepped version.

For what it's worth, I'm starting to get very good espresso out of it and a Silvia. I've learned to deal with the difference between two steps. Still, my technique needs a lot of work (I'm upgrading from a Solis Maestro, a highly iffy Silvia partner), and I don't want to feel like I'm missing something. I intend to hold on to this level of grinder for the forseeable future.

I've read the available press & reviews on the two. I'm familiar with the initial reaction to the Stepped M4 and the evolution to Stepless.

Should I try to arrange a return and buy a stepless? Is the difference enough to warrant it?

[HB]

If a grinder will be espresso-only, I can't think of any disadvantages of stepless over stepped. The adjustment of the stepless M4 is very smooth and predictable, i.e., there's no "slop" in the movement. Given the choice, I would choose stepless.

Related discussion: Choosing an Espresso Grinder - Macap M4 Stepless or Mazzer?

[Fr. John]

Well I guess I'm in the same boat. I am on the verge of getting a MACAP stepped. I figure the occasional drip/press I will need justifies the stepped version as I understand the stepless would be a bit of a pain to use for quick changes.

Makes me wonder though, it is a dilemma.

[hperry]

I had the Macap stepped grinder. Really liked it as a grinder, but, frequently couldn't hit the precise grind I wanted to compensate for weather temperature, slightly older coffee, etc. As a stepped grinder it needed about one half step in between each step to be almost perfect. I definitely would go with the stepless given a choice.

[HB]

I figure the occasional drip/press I will need justifies the stepped version...

Or a second smaller, less expensive grinder for the occasional drip/press (e.g., Solis Maestro / used Rocky).

[cannonfodder]

I have a KitchenAid A9 that I got for a steal ($49). It works just fine for press pot. My Cimbali has the same type of worm drive as the stepless M4. It does take some time to go from one end of the scale to the other. Enough so that you would probably only do it a couple of times, and then get another grinder for drip/press just to save your wrist. It is a LOT of turning.

I have had stepped and stepless grinders. Either will do the job, but given a choice, stepless is hard to beat.

[Dogshot]

I have the stepless M4 and it's great. The difference between the Cimbali adjustment and Macap's is that the Macap has adjustment knobs on both sides of the screw. That way you can use both hands to reduce the time involved in making large adjustments. For example, using two hands, I can adjust my M4 from espresso to drip in 15 seconds. Use a grease pencil (thanks for that tip Dan) to mark your starting spot for each espresso blend on the collar where it engages the gear, and moving forth and back is a breeze.

Mark

[Java Man]

The main controllable factors affecting shot timing and volume are (in no particular order) grind fineness, amount of coffee in the dose, evenness of distribution in the PF, tamping pressure/evenness. Other factors include the time elapsed since the coffee was roasted and changes in humidity.

It has been estimated by others that the shot time variance between steps on a stepped Macap is ~ 4 seconds -- that suggests ~ 13% change in shot timing due to grind alone. But what about the variance in the other controllable factors? How accurate is your dosing/distribution/packing/tamping? Try running 10 shots using the same grind setting and time precisely how long it takes to produce what looks like 2 oz of espresso. Weigh each shot afterwards to track that variance, too. I'd be surprised if shot-to-shot variance in timing and volume with the grind at the same setting is appreciably less than 13% (~ 4 seconds).

Whether it's worth changing from a stepped Macap to stepless depends on how precise and consistent you are with these other controllable factors, and perhaps more importantly, whether your average "error" in these variables makes a discernible difference in the cup.

I'm using a stepped Macap. My conclusion is that while going stepless may make a difference, most shots that take between ~ 25 and 35 seconds for ~ 2 oz. taste very nice. Personally, I don't think the extra precision would help me. If you're significantly more consistent with your dosing/distribution/packing/tamping than I, you may notice the difference in time, but will you notice it in the cup?

Rick

[scottburton11]

Thanks for the feedback

I'm inclined to agree with JavaMan insofar as my other skills need a good deal of improvement before I'm likely to see any demonstrable difference in the cup between Stepped and Stepless control. Generally I'm of the mind that dosing is the most critical factor in shot timing, followed by grind and then tamp.

I do intend to own this grinder for as long as possible, though. I bought a Macap mostly so I wouldn't have to replace a lesser grinder due to wear & tear or upgrade fever, and I expect it to outlive my Silvia. I don't want to reach a point where my own capabilities make the grinder the weakest factor; it would be an awful thing to curse such a magnificent machine for its 4-second gaps....

So with that in mind, I've arranged an exchange with my retailer as soon as they get Stepless M4's back in stock. Might be a while but I'll be back to report progress

Also FWIW, my Solis Maestro is on permanent drip/press duty now. It's ideal for that purpose IMO and I'd suggest it as a partner to a great espresso grinder over any single dual-use grinder.

[txbonds]

I bought a Macap M4 Stepped just a few weeks ago myself. It was a customer return to Chris Coffee from someone that bought it and decided to go for the Stepless instead. So, thanks to that return, I got my Stepped Chrome version for $325 shipped to my door. I am using the grinder for both drip/press and espresso. For the price I paid, I'd probably buy it again over a stepless version. I figured knowing myself and how I tend to upgrade and change in other hobbies, I'd end up with something more down the road anyway, and at this price it was only a few bucks more than a Rocky grinder, so it was a good deal for now. So, I'll use it for the time being and whenever, or if ever, I get to the point that it is a limiting factor for me, I'll consider a second M4 in Stepless to use for espresso only and just have two great grinders.