Need some input

[floydpink]

Why don't you consider a moka pot or a pour over for the coffee and wait to buy an espresso machine?

For some strange reason, I see coffee roasting in your future.


I'm the same way about the investing for the long run and firmly believe a couple hundred extra on a grinder puts you in a whole different league, and wouldn't write off refurbished equipment which, in many cases, was simply a return. Not that the Rocky won't serve you well for many years. It sure has a lot of fans and combines with the Silvia in many happy homes.

In my case, after a long and grueling grinder research, the 2 I came down to were the Mazzer Mini and Macap M4 stepless. The Macap ended up on my counter next to my Brasilia and I am very happy, but a little broke.

I did some mods on my Macap, like taking off the "beauty ring", or the useless black numbered ring that you can't read the numbers on for the adjustments, painted it silver, and then put in black lines so seeing the tiniest adjustments was easier. You may be able to see the white arrow I put on it to show my "point zero".

Every grinder, in my opinion, has one or two design flaws that really should be improved.

[Costa]

Originally Posted by floydpink

Why don't you consider a moka pot or a pour over for the coffee and wait to buy an espresso machine?

For some strange reason, I see coffee roasting in your future.


I'm the same way about the investing for the long run and firmly believe a couple hundred extra on a grinder puts you in a whole different league, and wouldn't write off refurbished equipment which, in many cases, was simply a return. Not that the Rocky won't serve you well for many years. It sure has a lot of fans and combines with the Silvia in many happy homes.

Mainly based on my weekly schedule; I work 12 hours per day, and the gf does not get as anal about things as I do....lol. Still the quick cup of coffee that will satisfy my needs and hers from the best (drip) maker I can get. And I travel as well, so when she is alone, she can make a pot of coffee.

I just googled moka pot, and that looks like the fastest route to espresso until I buy my "machine". The Rocky should cover my grinding needs for that, correct?

Boy, I feel like the days when I first started diving into my cigar habit head first; ignorant......but VERY excited. You guys are the best. I can remember my frantic post's with every question cigar related many years ago, and some of you same guys sending me down the slope...lol.

Can't thank you guys enough. This machine breaking I think will be the best thing that could have happened....haha.

Would you say the moka pot is the best route to good stove top espresso?

Also, any leads on where to buy beans for when the grinder comes in? Give me your favorite one's, I'm into trying anything!

Thanks again, all of you!!!

[Costa]

Originally Posted by floydpink

Why don't you consider a moka pot or a pour over for the coffee and wait to buy an espresso machine?

For some strange reason, I see coffee roasting in your future.


I'm the same way about the investing for the long run and firmly believe a couple hundred extra on a grinder puts you in a whole different league, and wouldn't write off refurbished equipment which, in many cases, was simply a return. Not that the Rocky won't serve you well for many years. It sure has a lot of fans and combines with the Silvia in many happy homes.

In my case, after a long and grueling grinder research, the 2 I came down to were the Mazzer Mini and Macap M4 stepless. The Macap ended up on my counter next to my Brasilia and I am very happy, but a little broke.

I did some mods on my Macap, like taking off the "beauty ring", or the useless black numbered ring that you can't read the numbers on for the adjustments, painted it silver, and then put in black lines so seeing the tiniest adjustments was easier. You may be able to see the white arrow I put on it to show my "point zero".

Every grinder, in my opinion, has one or two design flaws that really should be improved.

HOly cow, thats awesome looking! Man! Do you think I should jump up a notch other than the Rocky?

Originally Posted by Costa

HOly cow, thats awesome looking! Man! Do you think I should jump up a notch other than the Rocky?

Man You already have the sickness,

Just wanted to give you some pricing info before you go too nuts:

This is my grinder, which is better (I say) or slightly worse (Moo says) than a Mazzer:



You're talking 6 Bills plus to make the next move up from a Rocky.

Here's my espresso machine:



That's another 1,500 beans


That's a setup that will last you the rest of your life, you'll never have upgraditis, but it isn't cheap. It all depends on how much you want to spend, and if you suffer from upgraditis or not

[Costa]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

Man You already have the sickness,

Just wanted to give you some pricing info before you go too nuts:

This is my grinder, which is better (I say) or slightly worse (Moo says) than a Mazzer:



You're talking 6 Bills plus to make the next move up from a Rocky.

Here's my espresso machine:



That's another 1,500 beans


That's a setup that will last you the rest of your life, you'll never have upgraditis, but it isn't cheap. It all depends on how much you want to spend, and if you suffer from upgraditis or not

I would expect to spend about $1500 for the espresso maker, thats a beauty, what make?

I'm a "buy once" guy, so I want to make the right choice, once, and be done. Rarely regret spending the $$, but have regretted not getting what I wanted the first time around. So while I'm not a "money is not an option guy", I am willing make the investment, but look for that "value sweet spot".

So, I'm getting the feeling the Rocky may not be the grinder that gets me into old age..........

Also, what is your thoughts on a day-to-day coffee maker? Thanks!

[floydpink]

Vic's setup is really close to mine; Macap grinder and a HX E61 machine.

With an E61 brewgroup, you have brewgroup that weighs more than most machines do and besides a cooling flush before pulling a shot, very little to worry about once you get dialed in. I doubt you'll find anyone who will tell you they are looking to upgrade their heat exchange E61 machine, regardless of who made it. Once you get into that price range, it comes down to small cosmetic issues and the decision will be made on stuff like guages and cup warmers and plumbing in my opinion. It's also a really good time to make sure you are getting what you really will be happy with.

For a grinder, I chose the Macap for a few reasons like cord placement, cleaner doser sweep, and most importantly; a worm drive adjuster to satisfy my OCD tendencies. My finger was on the "buy now" button on the Mazzer a couple times though.

In my opinion, for home or small cafe use, that's a really hard to beat combo.

I got my Macap for around 500 bucks from Wholelatttelove and upgraded from a Gaggia MDF grinder, which was supposedly a small step below the Rocky grinder, who knows.

The difference is night and day between the grinders and the machine replaced a Baby Gaggia, which I feel is also a step or two below the Silvia.

The difference now is consistent and perfect shots that allowed me to entertain on Thanksgiving without missing a beat.

Whatever you decide, it takes time and money to figure out how to get the shots you like and, if you're like me, you'll never be completely satisfied.

Do it right the first time and don't look back. It ain't a crime to be good to yourself.

Oh, and to answer your question, yes, I think you should move up from the Rocky.

[mosesbotbol]

I tried out this machine last year and I can say (as someone using a Silva 10 years) that this machine is wonderful. For sure there is a big difference once you know what you are doing. My next will be either that machine or something similar. With someone who knows how to make an espresso and froth, you can be 100% in no time.

Trial and error will waste a lot of coffee beans which can be expensive. Over the years I get less picky about beans since most of what I brew are lattes vs. just espresso. I keep it the Euro size cup so it's still a robust drink.

[Costa]

Hey guys, whats your take on this statement, I got it from the Macap Stepless M-4 write-up on Amazon:

This grinder is prefect for any dedicated espresso set up but is not recommended for situations requiring grinding for various methods of coffee brewing as the grind adjustment happens very slowly.

I will be using this for coffee until the spring when I splurge on an espresso maker in the $1500-2000 range. I will probably make it on the stove to practice and get familiar, but will be using the grinder for day-to-day coffee until I pull the trigger.

Why would that be the case, and thank you for teaching me the art of coffee.

[floydpink]

It means adjusting between an espresso shot and a French Press could take the best part of a day and leave your hand very tired.

One rotation of the worm drive moves the grinder about one setting.

It's great for small adjustments between different espresso roasts but not big jumps.

I have seen some people take off the worm drive handle and put on a guitar string winder for quicker winding.

I have never venured more than a few clicks.

Originally Posted by Costa

Hey guys, whats your take on this statement, I got it from the Macap Stepless M-4 write-up on Amazon:



I will be using this for coffee until the spring when I splurge on an espresso maker in the $1500-2000 range. I will probably make it on the stove to practice and get familiar, but will be using the grinder for day-to-day coffee until I pull the trigger.

Why would that be the case, and thank you for teaching me the art of coffee.

The Macap, which is the grinder both
Pete and I have, uses a stepless worm drive to adjust the grind. What that means is it is infinitely adjustable, which makes it
perfect for espresso grinding where very small adjustments can make
or break the shot. It also means it isn't the fastest to
make LARGE adjustments, as it takes
quite a few spins of the adjustment lever to
move from an espresso grind to a drip grind, in theory this is a pain. In
pratice, it's not so long as you're only swinging back and forth once or twice
a day. It's really a non issue for me in practice

[floydpink]

I just did a price check and found:

Rocky>> $359

Vario>> $429

Macap M4>>$494

Not bashing any brands, but Geez, under $150 difference for what I feel is a world of difference for a long, long time????

Less than that for the Vario which has been getting rave reviews.

Seems quite easy to me, but I am quite opinionated and there certainly is a big market for Rockys. I just hate plastic parts.

Buy the Macap, set it for coffee, adjust it to espresso when you get the machine, and be happy.

[Costa]

Originally Posted by Resipsa

The Macap, which is the grinder both
Pete and I have, uses a stepless worm drive to adjust the grind. What that means is it is infinitely adjustable, which makes it
perfect for espresso grinding where very small adjustments can make
or break the shot. It also means it isn't the fastest to
make LARGE adjustments, as it takes
quite a few spins of the adjustment lever to
move from an espresso grind to a drip grind, in theory this is a pain. In
pratice, it's not so long as you're only swinging back and forth once or twice
a day. It's really a non issue for me in practice

AHhhh, ok, I think I get it. But will this be ok for my day-to-day needs pertaining to coffee from a, say, Capresso MT500? Thanks again!