Working with my new La Cimbali Max Hybrid - Page 9

[zin1953]

Rob,

I have no experience with an SJ, so I can't help you there, but . . .

As far as the doser and the "drop" is concerned, I've noticed far less "left throw" with the CMH than I suffered with the Mini (again, I can't speak to the SJ). Also, the doser mechanism is completely within the doser, rather than having that annoying nut and arm on the outside as with the Mazzer.

Secondly, the grinds do not "gather annoyingly on the dosing mechanism."

And while you didn't ask about this, I will add: although I have yet to do it myself, I do suggest (and will eventually get around to doing it myself) the "throat modification" with the PVC pipe/funnel shown (see La Cimbali Junior Grinder Mod - Hopper Throat Extension. After four months of using this machine on a daily basis, this mod resolves the only complaint I have with this grinder . . .

As far as the SJ goes, I suspect that the difference between the SJ and the CMH is far less significant that it is between the Mini and the CMH (or the Mini and the SJ, for that matter). As you know, I've said that switching from the Mini to the CMH was the single greatest improvement I've ever made to my espresso.

The Elektra I have now is superior to the La Valentina I used to use, and while the results are noteworthy, one can still see the connection -- if you will -- between them. In other words, I would still unhesitatingly recommend the La Val. OTOH, now that I have the CMH, I would now have a difficult time recommending the Mini to someone as their main, daily grinder -- only suggesting it as a secondary (decaf?) grinder or with the understanding that, down the road, one will want to upgrade.

Even with no direct experience using an SJ, I would suggest to people that the SJ is a worthwhile "keeper" as grinders go (based, obviously, on what I've heard from others).

Cheers,
Jason

[IMAWriter]

I am impressed (apparently I impress easily) that this thread has a) grown to such lengths, and b) taken on a life of its own.

Actually, I owe a bit of an apology to the OP and y'all. I've taken this thread a bit selfishly to MY needs. That is, whether to purchase a CMH, not actually using and learning the CMH. For that, I most humbly apologize.

[zin1953]

Oh, p-u-u-u-u-l-l-l-e-e-e-e-z-e . . . what's the Internet for, if not a little "thread hijack"?

[Ducatista]

The Mini and CMH are sitting next to each other on the counter and used with the same coffee and on the same espresso machine and under the same climatic conditions. Dosing while grinding in both cases.

CMH may be a lovely grinder but it is a fact that my CMH produces more clumps more than my Mini. I am not the first to notice that at least some CMH grinders produce lots of clumps. YMMV.

[cafeIKE]

Clumping is a product of the coffee, the grind, the grinder and the weather.
Some days, some coffees, the MC4 makes the loveliest fluffy grinds and MaxH makes boulders.
Other days, other coffees, the reverse.
Still other days, other coffees, both make boulders.
And still other days, other coffees, both are fluffy.

Not an M3, but a Clump Monster? Not !

[cannonfodder]

OK...lets move on from the doser.
So far in this thread, I've seen lots of folks migrating from Mazzer Mini to the CMH..but no one as yet from an SJ...I've used both{EDIT.by both, I mean Mini and SJ] and there is NO comparison in speed, grind quality or consistency...the SJ is superior. Earlier, I expressed my reasons for wanted to switch...
So is there anyone that has a CMH (not a Jr) that has switched from an SJ?
I'm going to guess not, as we might be talking more about apples and oranges here. My #1 concern, as it should be for ALL here, is grind quality.

I had a Macap, Super Jolly, Kony, Robur, and Max for the titan grinder review. I kept the Max, could not afford the Robur. The Super Jolly is faster in grind and different in taste. I preferred the clearer, brighter profile the Max gave me on my kit. Again personal preference on my part, a prettier case would be nice, but the stainless sheet comes apart with just a few screws and the entire machine is open for repair. Not a big concern in a home but in a business, that is important.

[IMAWriter]

Dave...have you had a chance to work out the CMH as yet? Seems like, other than just a casing change, there are some subtle "improvements?"
In your position, I would have run off with the Robur to Bermuda..LOL
My SJ is about sold. I may also get a hand grinder for traveling, at Orphan Espresso.

[Cafesp]

The Mini and CMH are sitting next to each other on the counter and used with the same coffee and on the same espresso machine and under the same climatic conditions. Dosing while grinding in both cases.

CMH may be a lovely grinder but it is a fact that my CMH produces more clumps more than my Mini. I am not the first to notice that at least some CMH grinders produce lots of clumps. YMMV.

Same roast, same room, same machine, same climatic conditions and same lousy barista!
CMH and Versalab M3, both have NO CLUMPING issue.

Swear&sign
Cafesp

[Beezer]

I've been getting much better results with my Max since making a couple of changes. I was getting a lot of clumps at first when using Barefoot's espresso blends. Now I'm using Coffee Klatch's Belle Espresso. I don't know if the switch to a different coffee made the difference or not, but it probably was a factor. Also, I've been dosing into the basket as usual, then thumping the basket on the counter a few times to break up clumps and settle the grounds. I then do a modified Stockfleth's move and tamp as usual. The resulting pour seems nice and even, without any early blonding or sudden gushers. The flavor seems improved too. So I think I've found a nice, simple, routine that allows me to avoid the WDT procedure.

[zin1953]

The Mini and CMH are sitting next to each other on the counter and used with the same coffee and on the same espresso machine and under the same climatic conditions. Dosing while grinding in both cases.

CMH may be a lovely grinder but it is a fact that my CMH produces more clumps more than my Mini. I am not the first to notice that at least some CMH grinders produce lots of clumps. YMMV.

In the FWIW Dept., my mileage does vary, as I get little-to-no clumping with my CMH*, versus what I used to get with my Mazzer Mini.

Cheers,
Jason

* Varies with the weather, from none whatsoever to slight; also varies with the oiliness of the beans.

[z0h]

I was getting a lot of clumps at first when using Barefoot's espresso blends.

I'm using Barefoot's element 114 (which is quite nice)-- clumping in my CMH is very minimal. Grinds come out smooth and fluffy. I'm thwacking with the grinder running, and only grinding enough to fill the basket.

Stockfleth it, tamp it, pull it at 201F and it's yummy time.

[HB]

Current threads focused on grinders that "clump" and shots that don't make pretty bottomless videos have pretty well convinced me that all espresso reviews should be conducted by the blind.

I agree that it's unwise to assume clumps in the basket = uneven extraction = inferior espresso.

For example, the Macap MXK produces impressively large clumps, but the extractions were easy as pie to dial in. It turned in a solid performance for the Titan Grinder Project. I have a hunch that the clumpiness of conical grinders is less indicative of the subsequent evenness of the extraction than from flat burrs, but it's only a hunch.

[cafeIKE]

I normally avoid espresso with Robusta, but picked up a couple of pounds of a 5 bean light roast from a local roaster. Both the MC4 and MaxH create boulders large enough to require a belayer!

Without any additional hand jive, the pours are rich, thick and delicious.

EDIT : I neglected to mention, I'd cleaned MaxH in anticipation of trying this new coffee.

[cafeIKE]

2 days on and the boulders are gone. The Rel Humidity has also climbed from 40 to 55%.

So, clumping was caused by :

genesis?
lightness?
freshness?
cleanliness?
dampness?

Pick two

[zin1953]

Magic dust.

[cannonfodder]

For what it is worth, I think roast and humidity play a huge part in the amount of clumping with humid days, darks roasts and dark roasts on humid days being the worst. Another note, I have two Max grinders as opposed to the Jr hybrid that Chris sells. On my machines, there is a doser full flapper switch in front of the discharge chute. I removed it on one grinder, left it on the other. The grinder with the flapper in front of the discharge chute clumps less. The Max throws the grinds out hard enough that they will hit that flapper before dropping in the doser star. It helps to break the clumps up.

I still love all 3 of my Cimbali grinders.