Rancilio MD50 considered a "Titan Grinder"?

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DaVinci
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#1: Post by DaVinci »

Hi Guys, This is my first post here. Im just trying to get my feet wet in the world of espresso and I must say its been fun reading thru the forum here.....

I have the option of acquiring a New Rancilio MD 50 grinder from a friend of mine at a really great price... I was just wondering what the performance of this grinder is in terms of consistency and grind quality. I've searched the site and I've seen only a very few notes about the MD 50. The few (1-2 people) I've seen seem to like it. Is it considered a Titan grinder? How does it compare to the Mazzer Super Jolly or other Titan grinders? This is just for home use and I am still trying to decide whether to buy a HX or double boiler setup from Quickmill, Izzo, Expobar, or Cremina. Any help would be appreciated!

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another_jim
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#2: Post by another_jim »

The MD50 is similar to the Super Jolly, a roughly 64mm flat burr. The term titan grinder is usually reserved for the largest commercial espresso grinders -- 64mm plus conicals or 75mm plus flat burrs.

MD50s are more elegant grinders than Super Jolly's and cost more, usually over $1000, even refurbished. If visual appeal is not high on your priority list, you may do better considering other 64mm grinders. The same price will even get you a true Titan Grinder, the Fiorenzato Conico
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peacecup
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#3: Post by peacecup »

Wow - is the base price $1,099 for the 71 mm conical? That is just a few $$$ more than the HG-1. One must really need to enjoy hand grinding to buy the latter.
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DaVinci (original poster)
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#4: Post by DaVinci (original poster) »

Thanks for the reply! Im now presented with a another option. My neighbor is selling her barely used Mazzer Mini. Although the mazzer mini looks better under my shelves, I've read that MD-50 and Mazzer Jolly still grinds better than Mini. So, in order of preference ( as I can get the three of them at almost the same price).... Should my choice be #1. MD-50 , 2. Mazzer Super Jolly 3. Mazzer Mini? Thanks again!

Sorry for the delayed reply.... for some reason, Im not getting notices in my email when someone answers my thread....

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sweaner
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#5: Post by sweaner »

1. SJ
2. SJ
3. SJ
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pacificmanitou
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#6: Post by pacificmanitou »

Theres really no reason to prefer the MD-50 unless aesthetics are worth $700+. Even then I prefer Mazzers. You can get one used for $300. Unless you get an extreme deal I wouldnt consider a mini, but it will always have inferior grind quality to a 64mm grinder.
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hamish5178
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#7: Post by hamish5178 »

I've used a MD50 before, extensively, and never would have guess that it costs that much money. The dosing mechanism is cheap and plasticky, as is most of the grinder. The grind adjustment is weird as well. I'd take a SJ (or a NS MDX) any day over an MD50.

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Randy G.
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#8: Post by Randy G. »

The Mazzers are wonderful grinders. A ready supply of parts (not that you are likely to need more than burrs), very simple design making them easy to work on (for cleaning), and the spring loaded adjustment system is rock-solid. But like many commercial grinders they are not totally suited for home use without some modifications, at least it terms of cleaning on a daily basis (end of session clearing of chute) and limiting coffee waste. But there is a good reason that you see them in such a high-percentage of coffee shops.

Find a good used one, replace the burrs if necessary, and you are well ahead of the game.

I wish Mazzer (or someone) would come up with a Titan conical aimed at the home market, with a vertical chute that was designed to eliminate retention of grounds. it would seem that the Kony could be modified by them easily to accommodate this design change in a doserless model. If I only had a spare Kony lying around to take a Dremel to... :wink:
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DaVinci (original poster)
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#9: Post by DaVinci (original poster) »

So its Super Jolly then MD 50 then. I'll try to see where I can get the best deal at. Thanks for all the replies!

pacificmanitou
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#10: Post by pacificmanitou »

I wouldn't even have the MD-50 on my radar with so many super jollys available at a reasonable price.
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