Why difference in consistency between big and small grinders

Grinders are one of the keys to exceptional espresso. Discuss them here.
bas
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Joined: 15 years ago

#1: Post by bas »

I've read many times that bigger grinders are more consistent and more stable than smaller ones.

Why are big titan grinders (esp. big conicals) more consistent and why is a certain grind setting more stable with these grinders compared to the smaller ones?

I've to adjust my Vario almost everyday and some times from session to session. With the Bezzera 48 mm conical only every couple of days. So I can imagine that real big conicals (>68 mm) are even more stable?

So I'm getting really interested in the Pharos hand grinder :D

Are the big conicals the best in this regard or are big flat burr grinders (>65 mm) equally stable?

Has it something to do with conical vs flat? Or grind surface? Or shape and profile of the burrs?

Thanks!
Bas

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Carneiro
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#2: Post by Carneiro »

I don't think it's related to flat x conical. I've tested the ProM for about 2 months and it was great, both in quality as in consistence. Of course there are differences in the size distribution etc, but no problems in keeping the setting.

I think the Vario Home, in particular, has some trouble on keeping the settings, even the Virtuoso Preciso seems better to me. But that would be more of a feature than a defect, IMHO :mrgreen:

Márcio.

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bas (original poster)
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#3: Post by bas (original poster) »

Carneiro wrote:But that would be more of a feature than a defect, IMHO
Thanks, what do you mean by that last sentence?

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Carneiro
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#4: Post by Carneiro »

I don't consider the need of changing more often the setting of Vario a problem.

bas (original poster)
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#5: Post by bas (original poster) »

I see, I consider it being a small problem...I only make a few shots a day because I also like slow coffee a lot...it means that I've to make big adjustments in the evening to get the same flow as my morning shot from time to time...

Anyway, most of the shots with the Vario taste good :D

Maybe I'm just looking for a good excuse to buy me a Pharos...expecting it to be more stable and giving me even more clarity...

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Carneiro
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#6: Post by Carneiro »

I love the experience of hand grinding the beans. I have some old hand grinders, most of them I've sold to friends, and when I saw the OE's project I couldn't help my self - it was a dream coming true.

Even with few turns to grind a espresso dose, a hand grinder give you some work, have that on mind. If you like this idea, then the grinder should be great - I just can't tell you about the Pharos yet as mine is on its way.

Márcio.

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Kristi
Posts: 307
Joined: 18 years ago

#7: Post by Kristi »

bas wrote:I've read many times that bigger grinders are more consistent and more stable than smaller ones.

Why are big titan grinders (esp. big conicals) more consistent and why is a certain grind setting more stable with these grinders compared to the smaller ones?

I've to adjust my Vario almost everyday and some times from session to session. With the Bezzera 48 mm conical only every couple of days. So I can imagine that real big conicals (>68 mm) are even more stable?

So I'm getting really interested in the Pharos hand grinder :D

Are the big conicals the best in this regard or are big flat burr grinders (>65 mm) equally stable?

Has it something to do with conical vs flat? Or grind surface? Or shape and profile of the burrs?

Thanks!
Bas
size and precision of burrs, and mass weight of unit.
Kris

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nitpick
Posts: 110
Joined: 14 years ago

#8: Post by nitpick »

My Vario is all over the place on grind, needing almost daily small adjustments to keep it in spec. I think it has something to do with the belt tension and the burr positioning mechanism.

I have a Rocky that is, ahem, rock solid on grind setting. I've not changed it for quite some time. This may, of course, speak more to the coarseness of Rocky's grind setting vs. the Vario than anything else.