I've had my Cafelat Robot for a few months now. I'm thinking about selling it, not because of the Robot but because grinding the coffee has become such a pain. I use a hand grinder and it's never been a problem for my French Press but because espresso grinds take far longer to grind I can't make more than two shots at a time without getting exhausted. Is the answer an electric grinder? I often want to make espressos and cappuccinos for friends but the amount of works it takes to do everything manually is a pain.

Something like a Kinu M47 would be easier than your Hario, by all reports, and an HG-1 would be easier still (if you would prefer to stay manual on principle). A competent electric like a low-end Baratza would be easier than any manual grinder, especially if you're making a bunch of shots in quick succession. Just speculating, but as the Robot is one of the more forgiving machines out there, you might be able to get away with a Virtuoso, or even an Encore (others who have tried this combo will be able to confirm one way or the other).

The clamp holding the gauge on to the robot's arm started slipping. I went to adjust it then... oof.

Luckily it's just a press fit. I placed it back on, but there's still a slight rattle.

Balthazar_B wrote:Something like a Kinu M47 would be easier than your Hario, by all reports, and an HG-1 would be easier still (if you would prefer to stay manual on principle). A competent electric like a low-end Baratza would be easier than any manual grinder, especially if you're making a bunch of shots in quick succession. Just speculating, but as the Robot is one of the more forgiving machines out there, you might be able to get away with a Virtuoso, or even an Encore (others who have tried this combo will be able to confirm one way or the other).

Thank you, Balthazar for your suggestion. I'm not using a Hario. I am using a Rosco Mini Mill. It's a nice grinder but a pain to use. Screw it. I just may use my cheap Krups blade grinder when I want to make espresso. According to America's Test Kitchen, in blind tastings, no one could tell the difference between espresso made with a burr grinder or a blade grinder.

Paul_Pratt wrote:I'm glad you have found out the solution but pretty surprised to hear people are not firmly pushing the screen down onto the coffee. I think in every video I push the screen down and it has probably been discussed many times but sometimes I use the screen as a tamper, no need to tamp after pushing the screen down.

I didn't do this up until about 4 weeks ago. I realized that it made more sense to firmly plant the screen into the coffee. I did end up getting more consistent results after I did that. You can tell that if you don't do this that water gets underneath and displaces the coffee a bit (possibly creates a channel or two) because the water is much clearer when you firmly press the screen into the bed of coffee.

davidhunternyc wrote:Screw it. I just may use my cheap Krups blade grinder when I want to make espresso. According to America's Test Kitchen, in blind tastings, no one could tell the difference between espresso made with a burr grinder or a blade grinder.

They compared electric grinders costing $200 or less, really lowering the expected grind quality. The test that I saw was for brewed coffee, not espresso.

America's Test Kitchen Equipment Review: The Best Coffee Grinder and Our Testing Winners

yakster wrote:They compared electric grinders costing $200 or less, really lowering the expected grind quality. The test that I saw was for brewed coffee, not espresso.America's Test Kitchen Equipment Review: The Best Coffee Grinder and Our Testing Winners

Come to think of it, yes, I remember them sipping coffee out of small, clear glasses. Thank you for the correction. : )

The Robot's pressurized portafilter works well, if you don't want to buy a grinder. Otherwise there are many excellent choices once you determine your budget. With a proper grinder you'll be able to tune shots to a point you didn't know was possible.

davidhunternyc wrote:I've had my Cafelat Robot for a few months now. I'm thinking about selling it, not because of the Robot but because grinding the coffee has become such a pain. I use a hand grinder and it's never been a problem for my French Press but because espresso grinds take far longer to grind I can't make more than two shots at a time without getting exhausted. Is the answer an electric grinder? I often want to make espressos and cappuccinos for friends but the amount of works it takes to do everything manually is a pain.

Electric grinder. A Sette 270 would be the least expensive, and it does an excellent job. Others have a Niche, etc.

davidhunternyc wrote:I've had my Cafelat Robot for a few months now. I'm thinking about selling it, not because of the Robot but because grinding the coffee has become such a pain. I use a hand grinder and it's never been a problem for my French Press but because espresso grinds take far longer to grind I can't make more than two shots at a time without getting exhausted. Is the answer an electric grinder? I often want to make espressos and cappuccinos for friends but the amount of works it takes to do everything manually is a pain.

Kinu M68!