Macap M4D versus Rancilio Rocky

acid_rider

Hello everyone

I own Rancilio Rocky doser grinder, I make exclusive double espresso/ristretto, at home (average 3-4 cups per day).
The coffee machine is Rancilio Silvia V3 (2010 model?), boiler element replaced about 1 year ago.

I am considering a grinder upgrade, budget ~$1000.

Macap M4D seems to be high on the recommendation list, reading this forum and others.

Can anyone tell me how/why the Macap M4D will allow me to make better espresso compared to Rocky ?
I am trying to figure out if it is worth the money or if I should stick with Rocky.

thanks

Dry_bean

Morning Acid Rider, welcome to The Coffee Forum. I owned a Silvia Rocky combo for many years, will replacing Rocky improve the coffee produced by Silvia? possibly, although I wouldn't expect a vast improvement. I replaced Silvia first with an E61 HX machine, huge improvement, continued with Rocky for a few months then bought a Mazzer Mini, some improvement but nothing like that experienced when I replaced the coffee machine. Rocky really is quite a good grinder. Guess this doesn't help much, however about the best I can offer. 🙂

askthecoffeeguy

Agreed both are great grinders but I don't think either one will out perform the other when it comes to improved shot quality You might be better off spending your money on a second hand semi commercial single group machine if you have the spare bench space to do so if you really want to see an improvement in shot quality Otherwise it sounds like you're on a pretty winning combo as is Let us know what your thoughts are and the eventual outcome !

Brett_H

Agreed! I still keep a Rocky around because they are bullet-proof. If you can taste a difference between any of my planar genders you've a better palate than me. I've always steered clear of the the lower-end compaks because of inconsistencies introduced by collar movement. aPart from that A=B=Z in most regards.

FreshCoffee2

If you are managing your rocky / silvia combo well and have a proper understanding of the grinder, you wont get any difference in the coffee quality if you changed to an M4D. That said, its not all about that.... What you will get for the money by replacing the one with the other, is a 100% enhancement in the owner satisfaction index. The new grinder will be so much easier to use and manage. The grind adjustment is "finer" / more accurate (whether it is the stepped or micromemtric type doesnt matter both are more accurate than the rocky). And the "D" mode of operation compared to that of the unbelievably crappy rocky doser model, will have you dancing the jig with joy the very first time you use the D. It will make using the new grinder so much easier and more of a pleasure (I stopped importing/selling rocky doser grinders years ago in favour of the grind on demand version). Its about the operator experience in this case. My people may have both the M4D as well as a Fiorenzato equivalent in stock if you wish to give a Coffee Forum sponsor the opportunity to quote. Hope that helps, A