Gaggia MDF ???

derrilex · February 2012

So I'm in need of a grinder upgrade. I Always knew it was coming as the old 480 is no match to the BZ99. Ive read a few reviews on the MDF and I know its stepped and a bit quirky but I also read the stepless mod post by Kelsey. Are they worth a look ? I'd really prefer a doserless grinder but what else is there under $ 400 ? 2nd hand vario maybe ? rocky ? - are they woth the hype ? BSG ( no thanks). I definitely dont want a monster grinder with a huge hopper just smallish and a solid performer. Any ideas ?

Rider · February 2012

Hey mate Outside your budget and design brief but I went from a 0480 to a Macap M4D Stepless and doserless. I doubt I will ever buy another grinder. Contemplate taking the leap to match the machine rather than small steps along the way. Or tell me to shutup... ;D

Koffee_Kosmo · February 2012

Are you in a position to look at an ex cafe grinder ? BF is selling an Ascaso I Mini - http://www.bestcafes.com.au/forum/classified-user-wtb-and-for-sale/ascaso-i-mini-$200-firm-post/msg23971/#new You can also look a the grinder review thread to give you a hint KK

Lacehim · February 2012

derrilex, Your in Brissy right? You really will see a difference in the cup by upgrading above a rocky. Why don't you have a chat to AM. I know he has a few big commercial grinders up for grabs (well he did last time I saw him). They have bigger burrs, and grinder faster, and you'll notice a difference in the cup over a rocky or a BSG. It will take up a bit of counter space thought, not sure if that's a problem. You can ditch the big hopper on some for a smaller cup. Personally I would avoid the 50mm burr grinders and go bigger if space isn't a problem. I love my vario because it's small & compact, quiet, easy to use, and clean and I love the fact that it can grind accurately and then swap to a coarse grind in seconds. I haven't seen any second hand ones though, and I've only had mine for about a year. I've seen it compared to the BSG a bit, especially during the hype it put out on other forums, but recently Kelsey had issues grinding lightly roasted beans in his. The vario coped fine with the same beans. I was also considering the Macap range, and heard good things about them. Also the eureka if space is a premium.

derrilex · February 2012

Sorry for the late replies guys - been watching the cricket. Right, grinders. I would not even consider the breville. The rocky ? not on my wish list but with all the hype one can not help be drawn in a little. The vario, yes please. I know AM gets a howler every time he grinds with his. As for the big buggers, well I'm not keen to be honest. The BZ is a tankish in design but tankish grinder is not my thing and bench space whilst certainly not at a premium ( as AM would tell you) I dont want my coffee footprint to be any bigger. Things as they are ( size wise) are perfect. A vario is the perfect size. Agree rider, I dont want to buy crap anymore - learnt that lesson. Lacehim Ive seen AM's cupboard full of supersized grinders and definitely not for me. just too big. KK, I'll check the link. Always up for a good second handy.

derrilex · February 2012

Hmmmm quite a few mixed reviews and opinions on the mini. Grind retention and hopper issues seem to be the most whinged about things. Apart from that they seem to get the thumbs up.

Koffee_Kosmo · February 2012

on 1328271131:

Hmmmm quite a few mixed reviews and opinions on the mini. Grind retention and hopper issues seem to be the most whinged about things. Apart from that they seem to get the thumbs up.

Every grinder has grind retention issues Easy fix - use a brush as I do on the BNZ KK

derrilex · February 2012

They do look mighty fine I have to admit KK. I'll PM BF.

grinderz · February 2012

I'd be interested in what AM's thoughts are when comparing a Mini & Vario? I've had a MDF and have a Vario and its chalk and cheese with regards to quality of build, grind adjustment, quietness, mess (plus since having the Vario I have found I prefer doserless), but if you look around a new MDF can be had for $150 less than a 1/4 of the cost of a new vario or mini - at this price they are great value. I've never had a sunbeam so I cant compare the MDF to it though.

derrilex · February 2012

I think AM is slumming it on Moreton. Lucky bugger

Kelsey · February 2012

If I had the spare cash, I'd consider upgrading to a Vario, but it wouldn't be a priority. As L said, it's had some minor issues with not having enough power to chew through tough under-roasted beans. Apart from that it's been flawless and I do love how clean it is on the bench - no grinds going everywhere. I read a review of the Vario that was quite critical of it's ability to grind consistently at a coarse grind - but the reviewer was baffled because he felt that the cup ground in the Vario tasted better than the comparison grinder that was more consistent. He also mentioned that it retained fewer grinds than any other grinder he'd come across. 17g went in, 17g came out. I've seen Lacehim clean his and can attest to how few grinds were left hanging around.

derrilex · February 2012

Its always hard to know what to make of reviews on the net. I'd rather hear it from the horses mouth on the forum. I really like the vario but if the I mini will do a very good job then why not give it a go. I PM'd BF but so far no response. Might work on a step less mod for the 480 :laugh:

Koffee_Kosmo · February 2012

BF is on a camping holiday at present KK

derrilex · February 2012

Aha that explains it. No chance of getting it before I go away to straddy for a month then. :'(

Lacehim · February 2012

How much bench space do you have?

derrilex · February 2012

Plenty but a bigger grinder will push the whole lot down the bench too much and start cramping up the food prep area a bit.

derrilex · February 2012

Wow. Just watched a mint RR45 go for $ 188 on ebay.

Brett H · February 2012

I've held off commenting because all the advice you've been given is good and I don't have much to add except to saw that having owned quite a few grinders the Rocky/Gaggia 50mm grinders can stand up next to commercial grinders for shot quality. Consistency.... No.... but in the home situation they are more than adequate. Adequate being the lower end conical burr grinders and I've owned a few of them and they are fine also. It all comes down to learning the idiosyncrasies of ya gear and establishing a basic routine that allows you to get the best shot you can for minimal effort. You aren't doing 300 shots a day in a busy cafe so your options star at $150 and you can take comfort that that minimum spend will yield great results. If it were me I would be asking BF how noisy his unit for sale is (because that matters in my house) and I would like it because you know it works, you know it's been looked after, small footprint, nice bling and a price that allows an upgrade later secure that you can recoup some of ya money on it or set it ti decaf duties. Also, ya know where he lives... :pan. That's what I'd do. Over the years I've bought one grinder from Alan Frew, two from Merlos, one from a fly-by-night appliance store, one from eBay and had several come and go via trades/gifts etc. They have all been good enough for my most excellent apple colour guessing palate :rofl: they ALL have idiosyncrasies. Good luck mate but ya really can't go wrong 'fit for purpose'-wise.

derrilex · February 2012

Thats what I'm thinking too. Fit for purpose is so true and the I mini would be a quantum leap forward (or up) from the 480. Just wish BF would stop having a holiday so I can buy his grinder and go on my holiday :rofl: :rofl: I see a new I mini is $ 299 on fleabay - very tempting. I mentioned the RR45 that went for $180 odd on ebay, well a MDF just went for $ 190 ish. Mad times we live in. I have no drama dropping coin on a good grinder but I dont want to buy and regret ( although I guess thats the culture we are part of) Is the vario that much better than the I mini ? or for that matter is the vario that much better than a MDF with a stepless mod ? Or is it only better because of the bling factor and knick knacks. Arrrh to many bloody options thats the problem. Now I see how one could hoard grinders. Bring on communist coffee. 1 grinder for all :laugh: Can you only pick granny smithes or do the red delicious get a run ? ;D Next you'll be picking hints of breakfast marmalaide :rofl:

Koffee_Kosmo · February 2012

I think AM has a Vario If so I used it the other day while on Barista duties when he made my Nakid & TV repair job Did not mind it from my limited hands on use on it, & I liked his PF mod for stray grounds. KK

derrilex · February 2012

Yup thats the vario KK. AM is very proud of that PF mod - rightly so too, it seems to work well.

Koffee_Kosmo · February 2012

It was quiet and relatively quick for its size Grinds very fine KK

Kelsey · February 2012

And I certainly would accuse the vario of having 'bling factor'! For the price it's a very unassuming looking grinder.

derrilex · February 2012

Ahh but do looks maketh the grinder ?

Kelsey · February 2012

Whoops - damn iPad typing. I mean't I would NOT accuse the Vario of having Bling Factor. All in all, it looks unassuming and a little plasticky - I actually think the BSG is a much better looking grinder. But I'd be happy to upgrade to the Vario.

derrilex · February 2012

Me too but the $$$

Kelsey · February 2012

Oh yeah, got a dozen other things I'd rather first. A precision fit tamper and basket chief among them.

Brett H · February 2012

DiBella list the Gaggia MDF for $150 on their website. That is a lot of grinder for little coin! $190 on eBay? Tell 'im he's dreamin'!

derrilex · February 2012

$ 150 - dead set. Hmmmmm.

derrilex · February 2012

Whats a basket chief Kelsey ?

derrilex · February 2012

Hey AM how was moreton. Score some fish ? What style of tent ?

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