I just installed new burrs in my Mazzer Mini. It is 5 years old and I estimate I had ground 225-250 lbs in that time. Two observations.

1. The new burrs require a major change in grind setting. To get the same flow on my Elektra MCaL I needed to set the grind coarser by 90 degrees.

2. For the mechanically challenged -- I am a charter member of this club -- the job was very easy. If you have taken a Mini apart to clean it you can change the burrs by simply unscrewing 6 easy to loosen screws.

It is far too early to say confidently but I think the espressi taste differently. Richer is a first characterization.

New burrs are a "spooky effect at a distance" (as Einstein would say) of the Titan Grinder Project.

I confess to ordering a new grinder as well.

KS

Evening Charles. I was just wondering if you still visited us, I have not seen you post for a while, but I don't spend a lot of time in the lever forum.

Mazzer burrs are incredibly easy to change as you noted. The only way you can harm the grinder is by cross threading the burr carrier when you put it back on. The coarser grind adjustment is normal for a new burr vs. old burr grinder. As the burrs dull you have to tighten up the grind.

You say you ordered a new grinder, may I ask what you ordered?

KarlSchneider wrote:I confess to ordering a new grinder as well.

Hmm, TGP inspired? Do tell.

jesawdy wrote:Hmm, TGP inspired? Do tell.

Yes clearly TGP inspired. I find the conicals intriguing in that as Jim S. says they adapt to changing coffees regularly. I do this constantly. However I find the conicals far too big for my kitchen. In fact my first reaction to the TGP was these huge grinders do not interest me. But like many better taste is a driving force.

I was ready to get a Mazzer Super Jolly. But then I saw the Fiorenzato Doge 63 and decided to get something unusual. It should arrive any day.

For a conical I admit to looking at an old Pe De Dienes to explore PC's suggestions.

Dave, I visit sporadically. Very busy in this new job.

KS

I'd like to suggest the used burrs be sent for a grind characteristics comparison done via SEM as part of the TGP.

FWIW:
The burrs on Mini's with about the same mileage are almost indistinguishable from new.
Examination of the cutting edge under a 10x loupe reveals very little difference.
They still shave a fingernail cleanly.

90° is about .25mm or ~10 thou or several large espresso particle diameters, which seems a rather large change.
No chance the burrs have a stray grind or two under them.
Any chance the new burrs are deeper?
Easy for the 'mechanically challenged' to overlook

Cleaning a grinder usually results in a "richer" taste.
When was the grinder last cleaned prior to the new burrs?
How much crud, funk and assorted detritus was removed while changing the burrs?


Anyone find the change of the this topic from "Changing Mazzer Mini Burrs" comes dangerously close to shilling?

cafeIKE wrote:I'd like to suggest the used burrs be sent for a grind characteristics comparison done via SEM as part of the TGP.

I would be happy to send the old burrs to anyone who wants to inspect them in order to satisfy the curiosity of those who (unlike me) think being can be adequately grasped by the numerical.

FWIW:
The burrs on Mini's with about the same mileage are almost indistinguishable from new.
Examination of the cutting edge under a 10x loupe reveals very little difference.
They still shave a fingernail cleanly.

90° is about .25mm or ~10 thou or several large espresso particle diameters, which seems a rather large change.
No chance the burrs have a stray grind or two under them.
Any chance the new burrs are deeper?
Easy for the 'mechanically challenged' to overlook

All I know is the old burrs are the originals and the new ones are Mazzer replacement parts. I have no way to measure difference in depth.

Cleaning a grinder usually results in a "richer" taste.
When was the grinder last cleaned prior to the new burrs?
How much crud, funk and assorted detritus was removed while changing the burrs?

Not much luck here. The grinder had ground no more than 3# since its latest cleaning which included removing th top burr etc.

Anyone find the change of the this topic from "Changing Mazzer Mini Burrs" comes dangerously close to shilling?

Don't miss my comment that "it is far too early to say confidently ..."

KS

KarlSchneider wrote:The grinder had ground no more than 3# since its latest cleaning which included removing th top burr etc.

How much coffee is 3#? 1 week, 1 month or 6.

KarlSchneider wrote:Don't miss my comment that "it is far too early to say confidently ..."

I didn't and that's exactly my point regarding the topic change. The original post theme is how easy is to change Mini burrs, barely hinting at a taste improvement while the revised topic declares it. I assume the moderator changed the topic. If so, the implication is generating sales for sponsors. If not, mea culpa and I'll edit the posts.

cafeIKE wrote:Anyone find the change of the this topic from "Changing Mazzer Mini Burrs" comes dangerously close to shilling?

No. Karl joined HB the first month it was opened and his contributions are among the best of the Lever forum. But since you ask...

cafeIKE wrote:I assume the moderator changed the topic. If so, the implication is generating sales for sponsors. If not, mea culpa and I'll edit the posts.

I asked Karl to change the original topic title ('Changing Mazzer Mini Burrs') so it would not be confused with a "how to" that I will surely post someday.