Espresso Enthusiasts

[Kurwenal]

Or, if you want to go with a cheap one...

Question: is there a meaningful difference between the Mazzer and the TiN aftermarket burrs?

I assume you weigh out beans for each grind and put only those beans into the grinder? So (dumb question, I know) you do not weigh the PF after putting the coffee into it?

Just as I was wondering whether or not buying two grinders may have been too expensive, the $1500 K8 suddenly offered me 10% off. Both are now affordable!

Don't argue with Karma.

for this team, the purchase of an exceptionally good grinder is classed not as 'a good thing in life' but as a fundamental, and utterly imperative purchase.

Well.......yes. Of course.

 

[Shrink]

Question: is there a meaningful difference between the Mazzer and the TiN aftermarket burrs?

I assume you weigh out beans for each grind and put only those beans into the grinder? So (dumb question, I know) you do not weigh the PF after putting the coffee into it?

I believe the TIN are the same 83mm Mazzer burrs with some kind of coating on them.

I do not weigh the PF after loading. Because I can totally clean the burrs in about 10 seconds, I can see the grinder retention and estimate the necessary adjustment in the weight of the input to get a 15.5gm output. I did the weigh the PF thing a couple of times, and my eyeball estimates are close enough (about +/- 0.02 grams)...

 

[Kurwenal]

I believe the TIN are the same 83mm Mazzer burrs with some kind of coating on them.

I do not weigh the PF after loading. Because I can totally clean the burrs in about 10 seconds, I can see the grinder retention and estimate the necessary adjustment in the weight of the input to get a 15.5gm output. I did the weigh the PF thing a couple of times, and my eyeball estimates are close enough (about +/- 0.02 grams)...close enough for jazz.

That's very interesting. I guess I've never thought about the process before.

So, to hit your 15.5, you grind, what, 17? Then lose 1.2-1.3 when you level and a bit more on retention? So I assume you weigh out 17 and dump all of that into the grinder?

What is the tumbler for?

 

[Shrink]

That's very interesting. I guess I've never thought about the process before.

So, to hit your 15.5, you grind, what, 17? Then lose 1.2-1.3 when you level and a bit more on retention? So I assume you weigh out 17 and dump all of that into the grinder?

What is the tumbler for?

The weight of the bean input is totally dependent on the grinder retention...which is effected by blend, roast, and environmental conditions. The input weight ranges from 15.5 grams (zero retention) to about 18 grams. I've never done it, but the grinder will certainly hold 20 grams, if necessary.

The tumbler is a blind tumbler with a removable bottom. The Grinder drops the grinds straight into the tumbler. It's so direct that the grinds are very puffed up and fluffy, so I give the grinds a quick swish with a mini whisk to settle the grinds. The tumbler is then place on the PF (bottom is perfect fit), and the bottom is lifted out dropping the grinds into the basket. (The "handle" used to lift the bottom, and the tumbler with the bottom "out" can be seen in the picture below) It sounds like a lot more work than it is...the whisk and drop takes about 5 seconds.

 

[Kurwenal]

Interesting. The retention in my Mazzers is very consistent (the type P retains about double what the type A retains), but I still feel compelled to weigh after leveling. I "eye-ball" (using a scoop of known volume) the beans into the grinder, and weigh after; you do just the opposite.

The truth is that if we both eye-balled everything, it almost certainly would not change a thing.....

 

[S.B.G]

I don't think I have had the opportunity yet to discuss grinders with you......

I'm thinking about buying two of those. Just need to secure Shrink's CC first...

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Gee...when you put all the posts together as you have...this is a truly fiscally dangerous place!

It is called 'the overview perspective'; I'm known to take that approach to political analysis as well…….

………..


Don't argue with Karma.



Well.......yes. Of course.

The quote of the day. Without a doubt.

This - my friends - is the core philosophy of those of us who dwell herein, the guiding principle that illuminates not just everything to do with how we think about coffee, but, inexplicably, also adds an extra cloaked dimension, that famous third dimension of Karmic Economics (the one that Mr Micawber somehow never managed to articulate), whereby the final financial decision on whether or not to purchase 1) a stratospherically costly grinder, and 2) an exorbitantly expensive espresso machine, solely and simply comes down to whether or not one can fully comprehend the rich nuances of Karmic Economics. Needless to say, it has nothing whatsoever to do with mundane matters such as the current state of health of a bank balance…...

The weight of the bean input is totally dependent on the grinder retention...which is effected by blend, roast, and environmental conditions. The input weight ranges from 15.5 grams (zero retention) to about 18 grams. I've never done it, but the grinder will certainly hold 20 grams, if necessary.

The tumbler is a blind tumbler with a removable bottom. The Grinder drops the grinds straight into the tumbler. It's so direct that the grinds are very puffed up and fluffy, so I give the grinds a quick swish with a mini whisk to settle the grinds. The tumbler is then place on the PF (bottom is perfect fit), and the bottom is lifted out dropping the grinds into the basket. (The "handle" used to lift the bottom, and the tumbler with the bottom "out" can be seen in the picture below) It sounds like a lot more work than it is...the whisk and drop takes about 5 seconds.

Image

Shrink, my friend: At the risk - slight, I know - of coming across as a dilettante, this description sounds like Very Hard Work. And, when I am on leave, I am profoundly allergic to anything that resembles Very Hard Work.

By the way, I took a long, slow, lingering, stroll by the sea front this evening; wonderful. Actually, one of the few advantages of northern Europe at this time of year (when it is not lashing rain of course) are the late evenings in high summer, when the street lights have not yet come on by 22.00, and the late evening light lends a lovely glow to everything. The sort of evening that makes you grateful for the gift of of being alive, breathing air, sipping wine, thinking, - remembering, guiltily - to phone friends, planning coffee and wine sessions……all very pleasant...

Interesting. The retention in my Mazzers is very consistent (the type P retains about double what the type A retains), but I still feel compelled to weigh after leveling. I "eye-ball" (using a scoop of known volume) the beans into the grinder, and weigh after; you do just the opposite.

The truth is that if we both eye-balled everything, it almost certainly would not change a thing.....

Your second quote of the day. I owe you several espressos……

This is some serious insight, my friend. Actually, I have eye-balled election results, and - strange to relate - but you are absolutely right: There were times when it hadn't changed a thing……...

 

[Shrink]

Shrink, my friend: At the risk - slight, I know - of coming across as a dilettante, this description sounds like Very Hard Work. And, when I am on leave, I am profoundly allergic to anything that resembles Very Hard Work.

Believe me, it's not even close to very hard work. It's a 5 second process...and worth every second. I'm not suggesting anyone should emulate my machinations...but the wonderful effectiveness and the pleasure of using the grinder certainly renders a 5 second action more than worthwhile.

 

[Kurwenal]

Believe me, it's not even close to very hard work. It's a 5 second process...and worth every second. I'm not suggesting anyone should emulate my machinations...but the wonderful effectiveness and the pleasure of using the grinder certainly renders a 5 second action more than worthwhile.

I have said it before......I will say it again......

(Just teasing, friend Shrink.)

PS: next time I decide to post in PRSI, will one of you please shoot me.

 

[Shrink]

I have said it before......I will say it again......

Image

(Just teasing, friend Shrink.)

PS: next time I decide to post in PRSI, will one of you please shoot me.

True, manual is more work (sans the 4 person aid). For me, it brings me closer to the process of the creation of the drink. Convenience certainly has it's place...but for me, there is a kind of organic, back to basics quality that I love. A small bit like driving my car, with an actual stick and (gasp) a clutch. I feel closer to the process of controlling the car. Similarly the manual approach brings me closer to producing the drink that I love.

Yes...more than a bit nuts...but, then, that's no surprise!

PRSI, for me, is just a place to poke and annoy folks whose lack of logic and sourcing and allows me the fun of being a pest. I never argue the point (totally futile as no one's mind is ever changed), just bother the unreasoned and unsupported expression of...well...not smart stuff.

No surprise there, either.

I just read the post over...far too serious! Apologies...and forgiveness requested!

 

[S.B.G]

PS: next time I decide to post in PRSI, will one of you please shoot me.

That may be a bit too harsh, but I can suspend your account if you like. I avoid that forum like the Plague.

 

[Kurwenal]

True, manual is more work (sans the 4 person aid). For me, it brings me closer to the process of the creation of the drink. Convenience certainly has it's place...but for me, there is a kind of organic, back to basics quality that I love. A small bit like driving my car, with an actual stick and (gasp) a clutch. I feel closer to the process of controlling the car. Similarly the manual approach brings me closer to producing the drink that I love.

There are many paths to the top of the mountain. That we do not all do it the same way is a strength of the group.

----------

That may be a bit too harsh, but I can suspend your account if you like. I avoid that forum like the Plague.

I think I am going to self-suspend for a while.....but feel free if you like!

 

[Shrink]

I'm thinking about buying two of those. Just need to secure Shrink's CC first...

Of course, dear boy, the check..er...credit cards are in the mail.

 

[S.B.G]

Of course, dear boy, the check..er...credit cards are in the mail.

Wait, you mean with the emoticon "" that you're not serious? I'm devastated.

 

[Shrink]

Wait, you mean with the emoticon "" that you're not serious? I'm devastated.

Buck up...you never know.

Watch the mail...watch the mail...

 

[S.B.G]

Buck up...you never know.

Watch the mail...watch the mail...

I'm not holding my breath on getting your CC's in the mail! But I am about to hold my breath for a Tuesday delivery of my new coffee!

 

[Shrink]

I'm not holding my breath on getting your CC's in the mail! But I am about to hold my breath for a Tuesday delivery of my new coffee!

Good deal. Better than watching the mail for my CC's!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

I
PS: next time I decide to post in PRSI, will one of you please shoot me.

Hm. Sometimes, you know, one needs a little bit of - um, gratuitous violence - of an intellectual and mental nature, of course…….

Now, I avoid the bonkers gun threads like the proverbial plague, and also try - mostly with success - to give the abortion threads a wide berth, too; (this is because, coming from Europe, as I do, from a country where organised religion enjoyed a suffocating stranglehold on certain elements of public policy, my views on such matters might be considered a little intemperate….)

However: As I have no intention of wading through the mountains of ill-informed dross that pass for debate in many of those threads, perhaps you can give me a gentle heads-up as to the actual thread? As I am currently on leave, I do shave a little time on my hands, and, as it is pouring rain outside, I can cheerfully wade in to a brawl and help to……….offer some objective analysis on the matter…..

More seriously, unless there are an egregiously ill-informed series of contributions (mostly to do with foreign affairs), I will stay aloof.

However, I will observe sadly my continuing astonishment at the utter ignorance and, worse, staggering lack of interest in the world beyond the shores of the United States…….

True, manual is more work (sans the 4 person aid). For me, it brings me closer to the process of the creation of the drink. Convenience certainly has it's place...but for me, there is a kind of organic, back to basics quality that I love. A small bit like driving my car, with an actual stick and (gasp) a clutch. I feel closer to the process of controlling the car. Similarly the manual approach brings me closer to producing the drink that I love.

Yes...more than a bit nuts...but, then, that's no surprise!

PRSI, for me, is just a place to poke and annoy folks whose lack of logic and sourcing and allows me the fun of being a pest. I never argue the point (totally futile as no one's mind is ever changed), just bother the unreasoned and unsupported expression of...well...not smart stuff.

No surprise there, either.

I just read the post over...far too serious! Apologies...and forgiveness requested!

I can handle the idea of 'hands-on' cooking (though, these days, I do it rarely enough), and enjoy the drip/Bialetti/French press routine (delete whichever is appropriate/inappropriate on a given day), but for cars, for once, I like the idea of an automatic gear lever……better still, I like being driven……


Re PRSI, well, what can I say? Often ill-informed, and disgracefully insular, would be my summary, with loudly vented prejudice all too frequently taking the place of informed debate.

That may be a bit too harsh, but I can suspend your account if you like. I avoid that forum like the Plague.

It is still lashing rain - large and small drops on the window panes make them weirdly opaque, and the sky has the sort of ominous grey that tells me no change is contemplated anytime in the near future, I have emails and reports to write, thus, before I start, another cup of coffee calls……..

 

[Kurwenal]

The quote of the day. Without a doubt.

Your second quote of the day. I owe you several espressos……

Most kind.

For me, it brings me closer to the process of the creation of the drink. Convenience certainly has it's place...but for me, there is a kind of organic, back to basics quality that I love.

I really like what you wrote.

However: As I have no intention of wading through the mountains of ill-informed dross that pass for debate in many of those threads, perhaps you can give me a gentle heads-up as to the actual thread? As I am currently on leave, I do shave a little time on my hands, and, as it is pouring rain outside, I can cheerfully wade in to a brawl and help to……….offer some objective analysis on the matter…..

To avoid sullying The Here, I sent you a link via PM.

Have a great day everyone.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Most kind.




I really like what you wrote.



To avoid sullying The Here, I sent you a link via PM.

Have a great day everyone.

Thank you for your kind expressions of gratitude, and thank you, too, for the link to that deplorably dreadful - and shameful - thread. For now, I shall forebear from wading in, but cannot promise to successfully resist such temptation forever.

Meanwhile, I have been reading further reviews of the La Marzocca GS/3…….

……while muttering to myself, must not, need not, and shall not. Not now, at any rate……..

 

[Shrink]

...snip....

When I mentioned in an earlier post that I was receiving an item from SM, and that as part of the package was a "surprise" 8 pounds of "intended for espresso" bean package.

So...here's what was in the box...

New Classic Espresso Blend (one of my usual blends!)

Espresso Monkey Blend (another of my usual three blend rotation)

Espresso Workshop Editions...#31 Level Three

Brazil Pulp Natural Santa Lucia Yellow Bourbom

Moka Kadir Blend

Costa Rica Heisar - Leo Rojas Rola

Sumatra Toba Batak Peaberry

Ethiopia Dry Process Gr. 1 Virga Cheffe Dumerso

Since I don't know anything about 6 of the 8...I'll be reading the cupping reviews on SM and would really appreciate any reviews from the sweet loonies here who might have experience with any of the last six beans.

 

[Kurwenal]

Shrink, I have experience with some of those and will respond a bit later.

For now, totally off topic, and you may have been inundated with this today, as I was.

I cried, and not just because of my recent experiences. And I feel the need to share this.

 

[Shrink]

Shrink, I have experience with some of those and will respond a bit later.

For now, totally off topic, and you may have been inundated with this today, as I was.

I cried, and not just because of my recent experiences. And I feel the need to share this.

I have to be honest...I can't take stuff like that...it just kills me. Having been present when I had to have one of my cats euthanized, and had the other die in my arms at home...it just rips me up too much.

Forgive me, but I bailed after the first few photos...can't deal with it.

I am glad you shared it...and I can identify and empathize (to some degree) with your feelings...even if I didn't view everything on the link.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Shrink, I have experience with some of those and will respond a bit later.

For now, totally off topic, and you may have been inundated with this today, as I was.

I cried, and not just because of my recent experiences. And I feel the need to share this.

Thank you for sharing this; I love dogs, (and cats) - and this is a lovely series of photographs, heart warming, up-lifting, and, yes, ultimately, life-affirming.

 

[Kurwenal]

Aha, my delivery from Sweet Maria showed up!