Macap MXKR 1st day impressions.

[narc]

Just received delivery of the Macap MXKR grinder.

After zeroing in the grind, backing off 2.5 collar numbers I choked the Elektra Micro Casa a Leva (MCaL). Four more attempts later more or less found the zone for the MCaL. The Rwandan single normale pulled on the MCaL was definitely on the bright side vs. this AMs pulls using the Macap M5 on the Ponte Vecchio Lusso. Different machines, different grinders too many variables to make any conclusions. Tomorrow will try a side-by-side on the Lusso using the blend I've been playing around with.

The big difference noticed between the MX and M5 are: The MX retained easily twice the amount of coffee. The MX is significantly louder. The MX maybe due to being a conical and the slower grind rpm has less popcorning when single dosing.

Off to the hardware store to find parts to build a mini hopper.

[Cafesp]

Just received delivery of the Macap MXKR grinder.
...The big difference noticed between the MX and M5 are: The MX retained easily twice the amount of coffee...

That's my big concern !

Cafesp

[gislipals]

Yeah, my chute is usually rather full of grounds as well (using M7K which I presume has the same chute as yours). Looking forward to hearing about your comparative findings

[narc]

SO Brazil Moreninha Formosa roasted 8 seconds into the 2nd crack, rested 72 hours. Espresso pulled on a Ponte Vecchio Lusso 2 group. Left group for the MX, right group for the M5. Stock PV double basket & portafilters.

Conclusions: Bit of a problem. Initially tried to calibrate the grinders so the total extraction time and volume was similar. Bit more effort than expected. Beans a wasting. Problem was the quality of the pull. M5 started blonding out and less crema % to keep extraction times similar. Decided to set M5 to a grind that yielded a better quality. So extraction times and volume as a fixed element was not. Ended up pulling only two shots using each grinder that were tasted. Machine water level was approaching empty. Nothing real definitive or dramatic. This was not exactly a true side-by-side comparison. This SO at this roast level has never been really exciting. A simple relatively heavy body, dark chocholate profile. I've basically used it as a component in a blend. The MX seem to bring to life a bit of "fruity citric" hint. More edge? Adds a bit more interest to this SO. Regarding the MX retaining more coffee. The larger discharge throat may hold more coffee, but is easier to sweep clean with a brush.

The house RH this AM was in the mid 40s. This past winter WDT was necessary using the M5 & MazzerMini due to clumping. Pulling shots on the Elektra Micro Casa a Leva were bad without WDT. Not sure if RH has any effect on clumping. I would expect real dry air and the higher static would reduce clumping. But the opposite seem to happen. I rapidly pull the doser lever and gently tap the portafilter on the holder while grinding. This morning the MX grinds looked just fine. No need for WDT. The M5 was borderline. Should have employed WDT. May have dealt with my initial extraction & volume problem. Will WDT the M5 grind and try to adjust grind for similar extraction times and volume with the next batch of India Mallali.

[cdrikari]

That's my big concern !

Cafesp

I received mine on Friday and started playing with it yesterday. I'm using Caffe Vita's Caffe del Sol and once I got it zero'ed dialed in and altered to my liking I definitely found that the shots were 'brighter' than the ones at the cafe off of what I think was a Rio-badged Robur or Major. Photos are here.

Based on the various comments on the ground-retention issues I ordered one of the group brushes that Chris sells, and that has worked really well. I grind until I'm about 3/4 dosed, stop the grinder, sweep out the chute, pulse the grinder for about 1/4 sec (enough to spit out the rest of the ground coffee), sweep the chute, finish the dose and rock & roll. Takes a lot less time than I thought that it would. Thwacking the doser has totally eliminated most the 'routine' I had for dosing (WDT, etc), so I think my time has actually improved. (At least it feels like it.) Nice, consistent shots with some of the best flavour I've ever made. And the consistency is....wow. Initial impression? It's a very nice-a.

[Cafesp]

I might have been one of the people that noted the amount of residual grinds left in the MX. The discharge chute is significantly larger than the other grinders I have owned (Macap M5 & MazzerMini doser version). The larger diameter burr and larger chute end up holding significantly more residual coffee than the M5 & Mini. No more difficult to clean out than the M5 or Mini. After a quick swipe with a brush, pulse and brush again the chute and burr assembly as visualized from the top and through the chute is as clean as any other side discharging conical. The larger discharge chute actually makes cleaning easier. Real happy with the MX. The M5 is now the backup grinder. The old trustworthy Mini is for sale.

Narc,
Wish you post this earlier so I might have bought the MXKR when it was on HB birthday special!
Somehow still missing to own one true conical grinder
Glad you guys happy with it

Enjoy
Cafesp