Inconvenience of Cimbali Jr. hopper

[robinje]

I am considering purchasing a Cimbali Jr. grinder. I am aware that hopper removal is not as easy as for a Mazzer or Macap. But, how much of a concern is it to keep the hopper clean of residual oils from oily beans? Is it fairly easy to unscrew the hopper from the Cimbali and wash it in soap/water? Or is it better to just leave it in place and not worry about oil residue? On a side note, just how many of you Jr. owners cut or break off the finger guard in the doser? If not, what's your solution for removing stale grinds from the chute?

Thanks!

Jim

P.S. This is my first post on this forum. Hello!

[skyryders90]

I am considering purchasing a Cimbali Jr. grinder. I am aware that hopper removal is not as easy as for a Mazzer or Macap. But, how much of a concern is it to keep the hopper clean of residual oils from oily beans? Is it fairly easy to unscrew the hopper from the Cimbali and wash it in soap/water? Or is it better to just leave it in place and not worry about oil residue? On a side note, just how many of you Jr. owners cut or break off the finger guard in the doser? If not, what's your solution for removing stale grinds from the chute?

It's 3 screws to remove the hopper, but the only time I have taken it off was to do a real good cleaning on the burrs (and tighten all the screws after it was shipped to me). So, if you want to take it off to clean it occassionally, it's not that big a deal.

I did NOT break off the finger guard. My solution for purging the chute is to simply run the grinder for a second or so and then clear the doser prior to grinding for my shot.

[Ken Fox]

I am considering purchasing a Cimbali Jr. grinder. I am aware that hopper removal is not as easy as for a Mazzer or Macap. But, how much of a concern is it to keep the hopper clean of residual oils from oily beans? Is it fairly easy to unscrew the hopper from the Cimbali and wash it in soap/water? Or is it better to just leave it in place and not worry about oil residue? On a side note, just how many of you Jr. owners cut or break off the finger guard in the doser? If not, what's your solution for removing stale grinds from the chute?

Thanks!

Jim

P.S. This is my first post on this forum. Hello!

About once a week, when the hopper bin is completely empty, I wipe it off with a slightly moist paper towel which keeps it clean.

I did not take off the finger guard. The next time you are in a Chinese restaurant, ask for an extra set of disposable chopstix. You can come in from the sides and easily clean out the chute, which I also do once a week.

Great grinder, I bet you will love it.

ken

[Spencer]

The hopper hasn't been something I worry about as I usually grind small amounts as needed (generally a shot or two at a time).

The chopstick method of cleaning works really well and Japanese chopsticks are more usefull as they tend to have a sharper point than Chinese chopsticks. I also have a small mini-vac when I really want to clean the doser if I'm going to be away and don't want to come back to stale grounds ( http://www.mini-vac.com/index02.html ).

Good luck.

[robinje]

Your replies are helpful. I was already pretty much set on the Jr., but now I am ready to commit. I'll be ordering one tomorrow to accompany my Anita. Thanks again!

Jim

[malachi]

I just left the screws out and can thus lift the whole thing off.