Espresso equipment reviews in 2011 [preview]

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HB
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#1: Post by HB »

Below are projects that have been in the early investigation phase for the last month or two (OK, OK... that's a discreet way of saying "I'm behind on them" :oops:). Rather than defer them further, they will be coming to The Bench soon after the holidays in Second Look presentation format. Over the course of 4-6 weeks, I will post an introduction to each piece of equipment, early impressions, and initial results, then open the threads to public comments before wrapping up.

In preparation for this work, I welcome your comments/suggestions on which you would like to hear about first and what questions you would like answered over the course of the reviews.

Commercial Grinders with 64mm Burrs

Sponsored by WholeLatteLove (Ceado), Chris' Coffee Service (Mazzer), and 1st-line equipment (Quamar)

The Mazzer Super Jolly was one of the darlings of the Titan Grinder Project, standing toe-to-toe with grinders costing 3x as much. The Super Jolly is a solid 64mm flat burr grinder used in cafes worldwide and in Starbucks until they switched to super-automatics. Most grinder manufacturers offer a grinder using this burr set, however information on them is scant. In addition to the Mazzer, this review will cover two other representative models, the Ceado E7 and Quamar M80.

MoJoToGo - Coffee & Espresso Refractometer

Sponsored by VST Inc.

VST describes MoJoToGo as "a Universal Refractometer application that will convert native refractive index and temperature measurements into information relevant for many beverage industry applications, with extended capabilities for Coffee and Espresso professionals." If that description leaves you as uninformed as it did me, James Hoffman offers a more compelling explanation in ExtractMojo. In this writeup, I will provide my layman's understanding and application of this high-tech coffee evaluation tool.

Bezzera B2006AL - Commercial Lever Espresso Machine

Sponsored by 1st-line equipment

Although there are two lever espresso machines among the site's The Bench and the extensive Lever Espresso Machines Smackdown overview of several home models, I've never reviewed a commercial level espresso machine until now. The Bezzera B2006AL has a hulking 5 liter boiler for serious steaming capacity! This review will cover the ins-and-outs of pulling shots, including contrasts with more diminutive lever espresso machines like the Elektra Microcasa a Leva.
Dan Kehn

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RapidCoffee
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#2: Post by RapidCoffee »

HB wrote: Bezzera B2006AL - Commercial Lever Espresso Machine
Bezzera

Looking forward to your impressions.
John

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#3: Post by weasel »

I'm into the grinders. Quality in the cup, retention, ease of cleaning, and how they compare to others at a similar price point, i.e. La Cimbali hybrid, etc.

-glad you're doing this...

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HB (original poster)
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#4: Post by HB (original poster) »

Mike Zhu, owner of New World Cafe, agreed to help out with the Ceado, Mazzer, Quamar - Commercial Espresso Grinders writeup. Feedback is welcome!
Dan Kehn

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jammin
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#5: Post by jammin »

RapidCoffee wrote:Bezzera

Looking forward to your impressions.
x2

Javier
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#6: Post by Javier »

Hi Dan,

How are you? Regarding the topic/thread Array/forums/ceado-mazzer-quamar-commercial-espresso-grinders-t16311.html, I was wondering if any of the reviewers will be interested in comparing the Quamar M80 to the Baratza Vario in terms of grind quality, consistency, and flavor in the cup (when using the same beans). They are both similarly priced ($440), and I thought people will be interested in comparing one to the other.

Thanks Dan, and regards!

Javier
LMWDP #115