Don't know much about that one. However the Baratza Encore is a touch cheaper, and I (and @Shrink) can vouch for it.
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Espresso Enthusiasts
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Don't know much about that one. However the Baratza Encore is a touch cheaper, and I (and @Shrink) can vouch for it.
Thanks. I'll take a look.
Just had a look. The Baratza Encore is more than twice the price. A bit more than I want to spend.
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I Think you might have been looking at the Baratza Virtuoso, not the Encore. I have the Virtuoso, and here is the Encore. It's about $130.
I looked at the grinder you had mentioned earlier. I don't know anything about the manufacturer, and have never heard of them before. The one thing I can say is that if you are going to use it for espresso, I think it has far too few grind settings for that purpose. The very small number of grind settings, only 10, are not fine enough adjustment for espresso. To be honest, I don't think it will give you fine enough adjustments for other production methods either.
I just found this review, pretty much saying the same thing as I did.
For the money, I would recommend the Baratza Encore. Make sure you were looking at the Encore, not the Virtuoso.
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Amazon doesn't offer any details so I went to their site.
https://www.dualit.com/products/coffee-grinder
It's a conical burr grinder (the kind you want), has removable burrs for cleaning and replacement, grinds at 450 rpms and only has 10 grind settings.
If your intent is to do espresso, I'd get a better grinder with at least 50 grind settings. If you don't plan on doing espresso and only other forms of brew which are more tolerant to grind size then this might be an acceptable option.
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Thanks but was looking at the right one; Baratza Encore Conical Burr Grinder 110 Watt https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007F183LK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Z.oNxbW8CMNY1
Maybe because it's only available via 3rd party sellers that it's a bit more expensive?
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Oh, hrm, the link took me to a grinder listed at $140. I think that MR's advertising redirection messes up Amazon links.
I guess I'm a little confused. The link you showed to the original grinder in which you showed interest showed a cost of $140. The link in the post above shows the Encore for $130. If you were willing to spend $140 on the Dualit... I don't get the problem with spending $130 on the Encore.
Edit: one additional point.... Aside from freshly roasted, high-quality beans the absolutely most important single element in any coffee set up is the grinder. I can only strongly suggest that whatever your budget for your coffee set up you allocate largest proportion to the grinder.
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I think it's me who's confused? The Dualit is £74.59 ($98.65) and the Baratza is £195 ($257) on Amazon over here in the UK.
The link was a UK one so maybe it's changing as you click on it?
Yeah, as I say it might be because it's sold by a 3rd party and not direct from Amazon. I may hold on a while and see if they get it back in stock. Should be a bit cheaper then.
Just checked and I'm able to order on Amazon US but it'd cost me $184.
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That's awfully expensive. Hmmm. Unfortunately my knowledge of grinders is based on experience, and I'm not very well-versed on what to look for in terms of components or specs. (I simply took blind advice from my coffee gurus, @Shrink and @Kurwenal.)
Although Mr. Kurwenal will be very happy to tell you you should be spending far more.
For a machine that costs only $160 I wouldn't expect much of it especially if you're even moderately serious about espresso making.
However if you're a beginner it might be a good starter machine for one to work on their preparation skills for the eventual move to a better machine.
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That's awfully expensive. Hmmm. Unfortunately my knowledge of grinders is based on experience, and I'm not very well-versed on what to look for in terms of components or specs. (I simply took blind advice from my coffee gurus, @Shrink and @Kurwenal.)
Although Mr. Kurwenal will be very happy to tell you you should be spending far more.
Yup, $184 is a lot. And @mobilehaathi is correct that @Kurwenal will tell you that you absolutely must have, at an absolute minimum, a Mazzer Mini. (he wouldn't actually tell you that but I can say it as I'm hoping he's not watching the thread today. If he is, I'm in trouble.)
Okay, here's what to look for in a grinder:
It must be, I cannot emphasize this enough, a burr grinder. Flat or conical burr doesn't really matter, as long as it's a burr grinder.
Even if it's not going to be used for espresso all the time, it should have at least 30 or 40 grind settings if it is a stepped setting grinder.
Look for decent construction materials.
Look for reviews that state that cleaning the burrs is not a terrible process. Since it's important to keep the burrs clean, ease of access counts.
Look for a manufacturer that has some history in making grinders and other coffee related devices.
Try to select two or three different grinders that are of interest to you and then read as many reviews, both user and professional, as possible.
I know I've said it before but as the grinder, aside from the beans, is the single most important element in making any kind of coffee, spend as much as you can possibly manage.
Someone on another forum found it a bit cheaper ($130) on this site but never heard of them before?
http://www.coffeeomega.co.uk/product/baratza-encore-coffee-grinder/
http://www.coffeeomega.co.uk/product/baratza-encore-coffee-grinder/
If this is a starter machine...I'm sure it will be fine. I suggest that, to the boredom of all because of my constant repetition, spend as much as you can on the grinder, and don't worry to much about the espresso maker for starters.
Getting a starter machine, and a good grinder, will allow you to practice the skills necessary to making good espresso. You'll be juggling 3 or 4 variables and getting used to that, also developing a level of consistency, relies more on the grinder and practice then the espresso machine itself.
Put in six months or a year of practicing and acquiring the skill set and then, without any prompting from anybody, you will want to upgrade your espresso machine. But for a beginner, or even a relative beginner, practicing controlling such variables as dosage, tamp consistency, shot timing, and the like is, at this point, in my opinion, more important than the espresso machine itself.
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@SandboxGenerals's questions are crucial.
Just a quick look and I noted it has only 16 grind adjustments. Too few for any production method.
You will need to spend a bit more for even an entry level grinder.
Also as SandboxGeneral recommended...see post #6490 for more information.
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17 positions?
Krups Expert GVX231 Burr Coffee Grinder https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dbtNxb094EVWR
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We have given you all the information you need, now it's time for you to make a decision on what you want to buy.17 positions?
Krups Expert GVX231 Burr Coffee Grinder https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dbtNxb094EVWR
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17 positions?
Krups Expert GVX231 Burr Coffee Grinder https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0002H2IOM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_dbtNxb094EVWR
...see post #6490 for more information...
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