What is your grinder of choice and why? - Page 2

[lparsons21]

Lloyd:

Why you prefer the I2?


Ale

Sorry for such a late response.

I like the I2 because the quality of grind is better than my Super Jolly. Even reviews have said that. Based on my own taste tests, the pour is better flavored from it, I suspect because of conical burrs.

[prof_stack]

I'll be one of the first lever-heads to say I prefer a good hand-grinder.

Why?:
- cheaper, much cheaper than most all the grinders mentioned above
- infinite adjustability
- quiet (very helpful in the early morn)
- builds arm strength
- no waste of coffee grinds
- fits the rugged naturalist character of the lever user and home roaster

My current two grinders are both older: a KYM and a Trosser, bought off ebay for less than $50 shipped.

BUT, if my coffee habit was more than two singles a day I would most likely be using a Mazzer.

[Psyd]

Mazzer Robur for me.

The fact that it's heavier than your car, and taller than your firstborn (and that description isn't even a stretch for some of us!), uses more energy than some third world countries, is available in three-phase! and costs more than two mortgage payments aren't putting a damper on things?
I wanted one, lusted after one, actually. Then I unloaded one for the AZ Barista Jam. I'm pretty happy with the Majors, now, thanks.

I'd love something small that would provide me with a coupla doppios, or six, a day, and I'd even be willing to hand crank the thing. If I were running a shop, the Robur would do all my heavy lifting, no question. At my house, though, I'd like to have something that is more, well, home friendly, without being less of a grinder.
Yeah, it may be a pipe dream, but I can dream, can't I?

[AmishMenno]

I've been watching this thread since it started and I noticed that as I expected, every $400+ grinder had a fan, but no one recommended or even talked about the cheaper grinders.

I own a Mazzer SJ and an Ascaso I2 and frankly the Ascaso I2 produces a nicer grind than does the SJ. Yes, I know the Ascaso isn't as heavy duty as the Mazzers and Macaps, but in the home I suspect it will last as long as you need it to.

Lloyd, I am interested in your good words about the Ascaso I2. I wonder where there are reviews about it? Also why isn't it mentioned more in reviews etc? I want to buy a very good grinder, but if I only have to spend $215.00 on a Ascaso I2 to get superb grinds, that would be great, instead of $500 to $700. for a Mazzer. Please tell me more. Thanks.

[lparsons21]

There are reviews at coffeegeek, both from consumers and an official review also. In the official review, they give good credit to the quality of grind, but mentions are made that it isn't as heavy duty as some. Others speculate that means a shorter life.

And no, it isn't as heavy duty as the Mazzers and Macaps, but it seems to be heavy duty enough for home use, imo. It is noisier and a bit slower than the Mazzers and Macaps also, but a double doesn't take a signifcantly longer time.

The only downside imo, is that changing grind settings more than just a little bit to tweak is a pain. The wormgear adjustment is very fine, lots of twisting to get a little change. I've had it a few months now and use it almost every day and it hasn't burped once. Will it last 10 or more years? I don't know, but it doesn't matter 'cause I'll change it out for something else in that timeframe.

As to why it doesn't show up more. I suspect that all too many of us figure bigger, heavier and more expensive just has to be the thing to get. I also think that many follow along with the guys from the coffee shops and such, where heavy duty really is important. And of course, just a few years ago there weren't many inexpensive grinders that were worth having. I think that is starting to change.

[philee]

hey everyone

i wasnt going to post here, but ive seen some of the interest in the ascaso I2, and other inexpensive grinders.
i own a vaneli roma, which is still a virtually unknown grinder on the market.
it costs 200, including shipping, and is a steal for the quality.
its heavy for its size, and the grind quality is excellent.
i talked to some hb members prior to purchasing it, and they all told me it was an excellent machine.
check the amazon reviews too, one of which is quite helpful.

the one drawback is that its stepped, but im pretty sure that you can mod this. for 200, you cant get anything better.
its definitely rocky quality, and very, very close to MM and M4 quality.

size, weight, grind fineness... you name it - excellent stuff.

if anyone needs more info, pm me, or just reply to the thread.
and no, i dont work for vaneli.

[AmishMenno]

hey everyone

i wasnt going to post here, but ive seen some of the interest in the ascaso I2, and other inexpensive grinders.
i own a vaneli roma, which is still a virtually unknown grinder on the market.
it costs 200, including shipping, and is a steal for the quality.
its heavy for its size, and the grind quality is excellent.
i talked to some hb members prior to purchasing it, and they all told me it was an excellent machine.
check the amazon reviews too, one of which is quite helpful.

the one drawback is that its stepped, but im pretty sure that you can mod this. for 200, you cant get anything better.
its definitely rocky quality, and very, very close to MM and M4 quality.

size, weight, grind fineness... you name it - excellent stuff.

if anyone needs more info, pm me, or just reply to the thread.
and no, i dont work for vaneli.

I am not able to find any info on the Vaneli Roma?

[jesawdy]

I am not able to find any info on the Vaneli Roma?

Vaneli's is a reseller and they rebrand a few items as their own.... some of them here.

[cedar]

i wasnt going to post here, but ive seen some of the interest in the ascaso I2, and other inexpensive grinders.
i own a vaneli roma, which is still a virtually unknown grinder on the market.
it costs 200, including shipping, and is a steal for the quality.
its heavy for its size, and the grind quality is excellent.
i talked to some hb members prior to purchasing it, and they all told me it was an excellent machine.
check the amazon reviews too, one of which is quite helpful.

the one drawback is that its stepped, but im pretty sure that you can mod this. for 200, you cant get anything better.
its definitely rocky quality, and very, very close to MM and M4 quality.

size, weight, grind fineness... you name it - excellent stuff.

I bought the Roma grinder from Vaneli's and I am very pleased with it. I posted a question about it when I was buying it:

http://www.home-barista.com/forum...quality-t3555.html

I bought it through Amazon, but I am not able to find it there now by searching for 'Roma grinder.' But the reviews are still there at:

http://www.amazon.com/Vanelis-Rom...ack/dp/B0006FLBP2/

and it still seems to be available at Vaneli's in chrome.

I, too, wonder this grinder is not more widely known, given the price and quality

[AmishMenno]

I bought the Roma grinder from Vaneli's and I am very pleased with it.

In checking Vaneli's web site it will not allow the unit to be purchased? So I wrote them an e-mail to see if available. The photo shows the unit in chrome priced at $199.
And Amazon says "Not Avail" too.
What does this say about the unit? Was it only produced in limited quantity and then stopped production?

[cedar]

I have a recollection that on one of the reviews or threads someone suggested that these were from a lot of grinders made a few years ago. Not sure if that is true, but it is possible they are not in production now, with the upgraded Roma Electronic seen on Vaneli's the current model. If so, it is a shame, because they are fine grinders for the money.

[AmishMenno]

Well, it seems the Vaneli Roma is not available anymore, So, my question to you who have knowledge of Roma and Ascaso I 2, Are they anywhere close to giving the same grind?
The Ascaso I 2, is available from Espresso Parts at $215. Black or $250. for a Chrome unit. One of the reasons good, lower priced grinders are not popular with manufacturers and retailers may be that they do not have any profit dollars.

[cedar]

I think you are right about the margin on good quality grinders at that price.

I am afraid I have no experience with the Ascaso grinder, however, and so I can't answer your question. Perhaps someone else can.

cheers,

Stephen

[AmishMenno]

I own a Mazzer SJ and an Ascaso I2 and frankly the Ascaso I2 produces a nicer grind than does the SJ. Yes, I know the Ascaso isn't as heavy duty as the Mazzers and Macaps, but in the home I suspect it will last as long as you need it to.

I think I will research the Ascaso I 2 a bit more and unless someone advises me otherwise will probably make the purchase. For a little over $200.00, and if it grinds better than a SJ, what do I have to lose? I can then focus my time searching for the espresso machine that I can be satisfied with. I can spend more dollars on the machine. Still do not know if I want the E61 group with lever or other units with pushbuttons.
What do you think Lloyd?

[lparsons21]

I think you will be happy with the Ascaso. One caution, the adjustment is VERY fine which is excellent for tweaking the grind, but if you want to change from an espresso grind to say a French Press grind, you'll be doing a lot of twisting.

As to machines, I wasn't enamored with the semi-Autos for some reason. I ended up with the Izzo Alex E61 machine. I put a review up on coffeegeek of the machine. The short review is that it is a superb machine and worth every penny I paid for it. I don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking at the upper end of semi-pro machines.

[AmishMenno]

I think you will be happy with the Ascaso. One caution, the adjustment is VERY fine which is excellent for tweaking the grind, but if you want to change from an espresso grind to say a French Press grind, you'll be doing a lot of twisting.

As to machines, I wasn't enamored with the semi-Autos for some reason. I ended up with the Izzo Alex E61 machine. I put a review up on coffeegeek of the machine. The short review is that it is a superb machine and worth every penny I paid for it. I don't hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking at the upper end of semi-pro machines.

I wonder if you could go to this web site and see if this is the same machine as you have? http://kitchenexperience.stores.yahoo.net/88022.html
Let me know if this description seems the same.
I do not intend to do anything but espresso with the grinder, well, maybe regular coffee sometimes? But, I can use most anything for that.

[lparsons21]

Yes, that is it. Mine is in red and looks very nice on the counter in my 'coffee room'. If I was married, my wife would even like it.

[AmishMenno]

Yes, that is it. Mine is in red and looks very nice on the counter in my 'coffee room'. If I was married, my wife would even like it.

OK,
I was looking at your review on Coffee Geek. Oh, I found the Ascaso I 2 on the web site of Espresso Parts and they have all colors and seems a better place to purchase. http://www.espressoparts.com/product/ASCASO_I2

About the married part....I was a widower for over 15 years and finally found a good woman so got married one year ago. It takes away some of the independence and always doing what ever I wanted but there are many, many good things that are better than the single life.

But, now I need to ask my wife about the color before ordering, Ha, the red looks beautiful! I am glad to read your post today.
I also was reading about the Vivaldi II from Chris Coffee and the good reviews from it. Not sure I spelled it correctly, But do I need to spend that much?

[lparsons21]

Espresso Parts is where I got mine. Excellent service and prompt delivery.

As to how much to spend, it depends on what is important. I bought my Alex from Chris Coffee and am well pleased. The Vivaldi is a Semi-Auto, dual-boiler and as such, I suspect that it is well worth what Chris is asking for it. Only you can decide if you need that much machine.

But a suggestion. Call Chris, his people are very knowledgeable and not pushy at all. That's what I did before settling on the Alex. The information they provided and the followup during and after the sale was superb. Also, start a new thread or look for an existing one that fits looking for a new machine here and at coffeegeek. I'm sure you'll get MORE (a whole lot more) info and suggestions than you can read in a day.

On the personal side, congrats on finding a new wife. I'm also a widower and while I enjoy some feminine company now and then, I don't want one moving in. I had always said that if I was to find a new woman she would have to be deaf and mute. That way she wouldn't have to listen to my BS and I wouldn't have to listen to hers. Well one of my girlfriends was just that and while she didn't have to listen to my particular BS, she could sure get the point across to me without being able to say a word. It was a most interesting relationship...

[AmishMenno]

After asking my wife which color she liked, I ordered Red. That is a favorite color of mine too. My Harley is red and silver. So, can't wait to get it now.
Thank you for all the information about this grinder. I had read before about conical burrs being superior but have not seen much available till you get to the Mazzer Kony I think?

I traveled all over the world. I really was interested in Asian woman. But then, was introduced to a widow woman in Guatemala on one of my mission trips. A couple of my criteria was that she had to be good looking, younger then me too, ( quite a bit ) and that she loved The Lord first and number 1 in her life. She has both qualities. I like her family and she enjoys mine too. Now I am trying to learn Spanish. One good point is that I can pick up good roasted coffee from a small plantation that I discovered not too far from Antigua, Guatemala. It is nice to be able to live in Guatemala part of the year too. I had made up my mind that I would not marry anyone who was divorced, too much baggage and she could not be American as they are too hard to manage. My first wife was a jewel and I did not realize it till I began looking again. But, God blessed me over and over as I have experienced so many places and people around the world these last number of years. Didn't mean to ramble but decided to tell you about my good wife. You may or may not understand me?