Mazzer Mini E vs Mahlkoenig K30 Vario - Page 2

[zin1953]

I spoke to Mahlkönig USA and they said they have the Vario for sale.

Direct? Or through . . . .

[perstare]

Mahlkonig USA apparently made conical grinders 30 years ago and are keenly aware of the current interest in the market for conicals. They are disinclined to make any pre-announcements though it sounds like something is in the works. As to when--that's the $60,000 question. Awaiting email response on cost & availability of the stepless K30 Vario.

[perstare]

The Mahlkonig K30 Vario should be available from Mahlkonig USA (650-592-1175) in a few weeks.
However, there will be what appears to be a substantial price increase owing to the weak dollar.

[Barnstormer's~Betty]

The Mahlkonig K30 Vario should be available from Mahlkonig USA (650-592-1175) in a few weeks.
However, there will be what appears to be a substantial price increase owing to the weak dollar.

This grinder is on my short list to go along with my recently purchased Elektra A3 from Jim @1st-Line Equipment (http://www.1st-line.com).

My two contending grinders are the Elektra Nina (from 1st-Line) and the Ditting KE640 (stepless Vario). The only pricing information I could get on either grinder is that the price tag will exceed the $2000 mark. Currently there is no ETA for the Nina, but Ditting is accepting orders.

Ditting is the sister company to Mahlkonig. According to the website both companies remain independent and operate as individual brands. My preference between the two is Ditting, mainly for Swiss precision craftsmanship.

The stepless KE640 is due to arrive (barring any customs delays) at the California warehouse by Thursday of next week. According to Ms. Nancy at Ditting (http://www.ditting.com/contact.htm), there are no immediate plans for a conical burr option.

I have spoken to both Jim @ 1st-Line and Nancy @ Ditting directly. Both are extremely helpful and pleasant to work with. Ditting welcomes end-user inquiries, whereas most manufacturer's are trade-only. For serious consideration an email/call is worthwhile.

Hope this helps!

June

[perstare]

Hi June--Is the Ditting KE640 identical to the Mahlkonig K30 Vario?

[Barnstormer's~Betty]

Hi June--Is the Ditting KE640 identical to the Mahlkonig K30 Vario?

I haven't researched the spec's on the Mahlkonig. However, for a good and informative read I'd recommend these blog's from Teme and James Hoffman. ( http://temesblog.blogspot.com/search?q=k30 ) and ( http://www.jimseven.com/2007/11/07/new-k30/ )

I'll gladly share the email I received today from Nancy @ Ditting:

The grinder will be assembled this week in Zurich at the Ditting factory. It will be silver and black with a black lid on the hopper. The side panels with the Ditting grinders are not shiny as I have seen on the Mahlkonig designs. They are more matte and, I think, more attractive like this. It will bear the Ditting name.

The grinding discs were originally Mahlkonig discs in the Mahlkonig machines, or Ditting discs in the Ditting machines. In our (Ditting) machines, our factory actually was adjusting the original discs because they did not conform to Ditting standards and specifications. Ditting's main expertise in the industry is the grinding disc. Now all discs conform to this high standard, so you definitely will have Ditting's quality in the heart of the machine.

For all prospective purchases go straight to the source...Whether it be manufacturer and/or distributor.

June

[perstare]

June--Sounds very exciting. Hope at some point you'll submit your hands-on impressions if not a review.
Good luck on what looks like a fine machine!

perstare

[zin1953]

In the TGP, the Cimbali Max scored quite well. The Mazzer Mini ("E" or not) didn't. So the question may not truly be "Mazzer Mini E vs Mahlkönig K30 Vario," but rather,

Cimbali Max Hybrid vs. Mahlkönig K30 Vario ?

[perstare]

Cimbali Max Hybrid $ 800;Mahlkonig K30 Vario approx. $ 2000: A fair comparison? But I'd like to see it anyway.

[zin1953]

Cimbali Max Hybrid $ 800;Mahlkonig K30 Vario approx. $ 2000: A fair comparison? But I'd like to see it anyway.

Well, the original poster was inquiring about a Mazzer Mini E v. the Mahlkönig, and the Mini E is $795 . . .

[perstare]

Jason, I agree completely. Each grinder is unique and each brings to the table something the other doesn't.
The price factors in for a lot of people. Just a passing note.

[Richard]

Well, the original poster was inquiring about a Mazzer Mini E v. the Mahlkönig, and the Mini E is $795 . . .

The original poster -- that would be me -- owns a Mini E and was asking for precisely what Greg Scace, kwksilver, and Teme so graciously provided: straightforward commentary on the relative merits and demerits of both machines. Anything else is tangential to the original questions.

[zin1953]

Anything else is tangential to the original questions.

And -- what? -- you never heard of thread drift before?!?!?

But it does beg the question, Richard, what were you expecting comparing an (approximately) $800 grinder to a $1500+ grinder? And . . . more in line with my tangential question . . . since the Cimbali Max (not the Max Hybrid) performed so well against the Robur, whereas the Mini did not, can't I wonder how the Max/Max Hybrid might compare to the Mahlkönig? (Or do I have to start my own thread?)

Cheers,
Jason

[perstare]

Just received an email from Nancy Wideman, national sales manager for Ditting USA in Michigan, indicating that the Ditting KE640 Vario stepless grinder will be available Monday, Feb 18th, 2008 in black/silver at $ 2,195 plus shipping. Replacement discs at $ 94.50. Prices tied to the strong Euro & subject to change accordingly. They will accept orders directly and can be reached at 810-367-7125.

perstare

[Barnstormer's~Betty]

I've placed my order to welcome the first stepless Ditting KE640 Stateside, fresh off the assembly line from Zurich, Switzerland!

I've been told that it's inflight right now and should process Customs shortly thereafter. This is my first real espresso grinder; Given the time-tested reliability of Ditting grinders it will be the last purchase I'll ever need to make.

Photo's and demo soon to follow!

-June

[Teme]

This is my first real espresso grinder

Quite a grinder to be one's first Congrats!

Br,
Teme

[networkcrasher]

Teme, still happy with yours? I have a K30 on the way to my house as well!

[Teme]

Teme, still happy with yours?

Yep. See my previous comments on this thread for further details (if you haven't already).

Br,
Teme

[Barnstormer's~Betty]

Quite a grinder to be one's first Congrats!

Br,
Teme

It is quite the grinder. There should be a jumping for joy emoticon on here.

Special thanks to you, Teme for the valuable feedback and time shared to enlighten us on this hidden gem. The Ditting Vario should at least get an honorable mention for the next Titan Grinder Project.

-June

[networkcrasher]

So I got my K30 ES today, and while it can clump, it doesn't channel AT ALL. Soo quiet and seems like it's built like a tank.

Teme, if I can ask a favor of you, could you take a few pictures of the grinder when opened up? As in directly above the LCD screen where the adjustment pull out is, as well as inside, and underneath, the removable lid where the adjustment pull is. I'm trying to figure out if I can transform mine to stepless, ala Vario.

I have seen the picture of it on your site and it seems that you adjust left to right, then screw down some type of fastening mechanism that is on top of the adjustment cover plate.

I have been speaking with Rolf at Mahlkonig USA (who incidentally is a very nice gentleman and very helpful) about a possible conversion and it might be a bit cost prohibitive.

Thanks!