Inexpensive grinder suggestions

#1: Post by **clintow** » December 20th, 2007, 12:28 am

Howdy --

I'm just looking for suggestions for a decent burr grinder in the 50-100 dollar range. Neither my pocketbook nor my other equipment warrant spending more than that, but I also don't want to buy blind.

Thanks!
Clinton

#2: Post by HB » December 20th, 2007, 7:45 am

What sort of coffee preparation? Espresso demands a finer and more consistent grind than for drip; the only decent espresso grinders in that price range are manual (hand) grinders like the Zassenhaus coffee mill. Take a look at Best Inexpensive Grinder? for other espresso grinder recommendations. If you're making drip coffee, a Solis Maestro (Refurb) fits in your budget.

#3: Post by **bigdog002** » December 20th, 2007, 10:44 am

My first grinder was the Baratza Virtuoso. I picked mine up new at a local Starbucks. It was priced at $199. I sweet talked the manager and she let me have it for $125. I had to manually adjust the grinder (easy) and it served me well. Starbucks might also have them on sale at some stores. If you can find a store with only a display model you might get for $100. Sounds like it would serve your needs fine.

Chris

#4: Post by **apb** » December 21st, 2007, 3:04 pm

I was able to pick up a used Rossi BB45 which is an industry work horse from a local restaurant supplier for $100. It needed a good cleaning and a new spring in the doser. I was able to wind the new spring and it now works just fine. (if you are not into winding springs it's available for less than $2) I added a new set of burrs, and an 80 step grind collar and I'm still under $200.

The large hopper is more than I need so at some time in the future I will either cut it down or find something a little smaller. I suspect it grinds about as well as a large Macap and the doser sweeps pretty clean.