The following thread contains some initial observations and experiences with a new Macap M4 grinder. It covers the purchase experience, delivery, design and appearance, doser action, and dialing in of the grinder. It is not an expert's opinion, just one home barista's experience.

I just bought the M4 for home use. This purchase was part of an upgrade journey that began with a Baratza Maestro (really not suitable for espresso) and progressed toward a Rancilio Rocky Doserless, and then an Obel Bregant Junior. After owning those grinders, I learned that a stepless and dosered grinder was what I was really looking for. The stepless adjustability would give more tweakable control of the grind, and the doser would distribute the grinds into the basket with fewer clumps than a doserless model.

Other than the Macap M4, I also considered the Mazzer Mini (the most expensive of the three) and the Compak K3 Elite. I poured through several reviews (among them: http://www.home-barista.com/espre...inder-reviews.html, http://www.coffeetamper.com.au/kb/reviews/mini-k3/) and it seemed that each grinder had high marks and would be a big step up from the Bregant and Rancilio. Any of the three would be sufficient; so, it basically came down to looks, counter space, and price. It also needed to be something that my wife would want in the kitchen!

Seeing all three grinders side by side in the following video helped us get a feel for what might look good in our kitchen. (Video from Seattle Coffee Gear)



Purchase - I ended up buying the Macap from Chris at Chris Coffee. I had heard many good things about the sales/customer service of Chris and his staff, and it turns out to be true. Chris was patient and helpful all along the way. Plus, I never felt pressured one way or the other. (Word to the wise, if you are looking at a grinder somewhere else [even refurbished], shoot an email to Chris and see what he has to offer.)

Delivery - Isn't it fun to track a new delivery online with UPS? I watched and I waited as the M4 made its way from New York to Atlanta, Georgia (three full days). Then, lo and behold, one morning it had finally arrived. I went home for lunch and unboxed it!


Oops! UPS must not have noticed the Fragile stickers!


Remarkably well packed!


I was glad to see that the hopper was removed and isolated from the rest of the machine (Rancilio could learn a few things here).



There was a teeny-tiny knick in the chrome from shipping damage. It wasn't even enough to make a big deal about. However, Chris' Coffee took care of that without me even having to ask. Again, they are pros over there at Chris' Coffee.

Continued in next post.

Design and Appearance - I worked with my wife to decide which grinder to buy. (Truthfully, I was just glad to have her on board with what seemed to her like a ridiculous amount of money to spend on grinder!) All three grinders are nice looking: the Mazzer looks industrial and solid; the Compak has a well-thought-out design - the doser actually looks like it belongs on the grinder, but it doesn't look as solid (at least in photos); the Macap seems to split the difference in looks - both stylish and solid. The Macap is also the tallest of the three; it is a full 17 inches with the lid on and 16.5 inches with the lid off (Chris actually measured it for me). I have to take the lid off whenever I slide the M4 under my cabinets which have edges that are 16.25 inches tall, and then I replace the lid after it comes to rest under the center of the cabinets.


The M4 fitting snugly under the cabinets!


Nice looking grinder. I've read some reviews that say the catch tray is too small. I think it's fine.

Doser Action - The doser lever feels great on the Macap. It has a smooth feeling of precision. It is not loud, but at the same time it gives clicks for operator feedback. (Honestly, for the first few days I would walk over to it and just pull the handle a few times for kicks!) The down side of the Macap's doser is that it doesn't sweep clean. It takes a few extra clicks after the motor stops to get the grinds out, and it still leaves a few. (My Bregant actually did a better job of sweeping the grinds out).

Another downside of the doser on the Macap is that it flings grinds a little to the left (as does the Mazzer Mini). That hasn't been a huge problem, however, as I move the portafilter along the wire holder on the grinder as I dose.



Dialing In - I cannot say that I have successfully dialed in this grinder; I am still learning how to do that. However, I can say that the stepless adjustability on the Macap has given me more potential to fine tune the grind. I can turn the gear just enough to change the time of the pour by one or two seconds. It will prove useful as I perfect the skill.

As other reviews have noted (http://www.home-barista.com/espre...inder-reviews.html) the Macap's numbering system for adjustments is not easy to read, and it takes a while to remember which way you are supposed to turn the gear to tighten or loosen the grind. After a few days, I finally got the hang of it - turn the small adjusting knob away from me to tighten the grind and toward me for a coarser grind.


Worm drive adjustment with numbering system.

Overall, I don't regret the purchase at all. The M4 performs well, looks good in the kitchen, and should last decades or more. I look forward to learning more about dialing in a grinder and getting better shots out of the Brugnetti.

Hey, that looks just like my Macap. I guess I have had mine 2+ years. It does the job. I took that black grill thing out of the doser, right off. So, I can, periodically, sweep out old stale remaining grinds with a little brush - otherwise that grill is in the way.

I never fill the hopper with beans. I just put in the proper dose for each cup. Grind. Then I brush out the coffee still left in the metal chute. I run the grinder again a few seconds - brush out the chute again - and then thwack that doser to get all the ground coffee into my dry portafilter basket. This is my routine. It works for me.

I notice - once you get the right setting for a particular coffee bean. All the other coffees will fall within about an inch +/- of that setting, usually; I grind for espresso only

Howard