Need Grinder Recommend.Unusual Criteria

[jackmormon]

I currently have a Capresso Infinity burr grinder that grinds perfect for my needs with a FP and Aeropress. However, due to the design of the grinding area it requires holding it over the garbage and slapping the sides, brushing, more slapping after every use. There is no other way to clean the coffee from the grind area.

Can anyone recommend a burr grinder that is more cleaning friendlly? That and as good as grind as the Capresso are my only criteria.

Thanks & looking forward to some suggestions.

 

[kdizz]

breville smart grinder is pricey but a really awesome grinder! has lots of features, different grinds from coarse to super fine with a many cup feature and a small cup for 8 cups of press, also comes with two attachments for espresso handles.

 

[Sullybob]

I had a Baratza Encore that died earlier this year. I picked up a refurbished Baratza Perciso and have been very happy with it. I looked at several different grinders before the review of the Perciso at CoffeeGeek finally pushed me over the edge.

Cleaning is a snap. One of the things about the Baratza line that I like is that they don't hold a lot of grinds in the burrs.

 

[godsantagonist]

How long did you have the Encore?

 

[Sullybob]

I had the Encore for about two and a half years, it would have lasted longer but it got dropped. I could have sent it back to Baratza to get repaired or ordered the parts and repaired it myself but I looked at it as an opportunity to upgrade.

 

[jumper]

I think your grinder is simply in need of a good cleaning. Have you had that trouble since it was new. There are all sorts of built up oils that collect after the burrs and this needs to be periodically cleaned.

 

[jackmormon]

It has been that way since it is new. I am picky about keeping it clean but the design of the Capresso makes it impossible to just brush out the grind chamber. It requires smacking the machine around to loosen the grinds around the edges and get them out of the chamber. I do use white rice every couple months to flush it out.

The Capresso is the only burr grinder I have ever owned. The Baratza model look to have a much better designed grind chamber, at least for cleaning.

Thanks for the suggestions and looking for some more feedback if anyone knows of a particularly easy to clean burr grinder.

 

[jumper]

If you are sure that it is clean then it could very well be in the design of the grinder. My sister uses a Breville BCG450XL burr grinder. I'm not fussy on it because it won't grind right into the portafilter but she swears by it. Good bang for the buck at less than $100. If you want to get yourself a nice christmas present then the Maestro Plus or the Baratsa Virtuoso are very nice and both under $200. Don't be shy of a refurb from a reputable online dealer either.
Good luck on your grinder hunt.

 

[global_dev]

I have an infinity also, but just grind a bit first then toss out the mixed grind. Not a whole lot to toss either.

 

[nff]

yea any of the bratzza grinders will do ya good.

 

[EricBNC]

It has been that way since it is new. I am picky about keeping it clean but the design of the Capresso makes it impossible to just brush out the grind chamber. It requires smacking the machine around to loosen the grinds around the edges and get them out of the chamber. I do use white rice every couple months to flush it out.

The Capresso is the only burr grinder I have ever owned. The Baratza model look to have a much better designed grind chamber, at least for cleaning.

Thanks for the suggestions and looking for some more feedback if anyone knows of a particularly easy to clean burr grinder.

Have you considered a small but powerful vacuum to ease the cleaning of your current grinder? A small shop vac is cheaper than a new grinder.

 

[PozzSka]

I had the Encore for about two and a half years, it would have lasted longer but it got dropped. I could have sent it back to Baratza to get repaired or ordered the parts and repaired it myself but I looked at it as an opportunity to upgrade.

The Baratza Encore was release in March of 2012, how did you have one for 2 and a half years??

Perhaps you meant a Maestro or Maestro Plus?

 

[Mick]

I have used a Barataza (basic model) for years.

They are easy to keep clean as they deposit the grind in a removable "bin"

Barataza sells refurbished grinders direct which is what I got. It has worked flawlessly for me.

http://www.baratza.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?search=action&category=RFRB

 

[Sullybob]

The Baratza Encore was release in March of 2012, how did you have one for 2 and a half years??

Perhaps you meant a Maestro or Maestro Plus?

You are correct, I had a Maestro Plus. Did the encore replace the Maestro line of grinders? It looks very similar to the Maestro.

 

[Lather]

Mazzer Mini. Spendy but an awesome grinder. Unfortunately, as mentioned, it comes down to taking the grinder apart to get the internals/burrs clean. You could use dry rice or other commercial cleaning products but I wouldn't want that residue in my grinds.

 

[nff]

Mazzer Mini. Spendy but an awesome grinder. Unfortunately, as mentioned, it comes down to taking the grinder apart to get the internals/burrs clean. You could use dry rice or other commercial cleaning products but I wouldn't want that residue in my grinds.

huge overkill for aeropress or french press. also the mazzers even if they say "mini" it still means the damn thing is 2feet tall

the encore is the best bang for buck in the op's use brackets.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

I recommend saving up a few bucks and getting this one. I will be the last one you ever buy and IT'S ON SALE!!!!.
http://www.amazon.com/KitchenAid-Li...923&sr=8-2&keywords=kitchenaid+coffee+grinder
I put over 100 lbs of coffee through it and it is running like a Swiss watch! It comes set up to grind espresso through perk and you can adjust it to Turkish if you need to do so.
It will last a lifetime and clean up is easy - just dump out the bottom hopper. Every once in a while I pass some minute rice through for a thorough cleaning.

 

[jackmormon]

I have an infinity also, but just grind a bit first then toss out the mixed grind. Not a whole lot to toss either.

Thanks gobal_dev. Sometimes the simplest solution really is the best! I have been doing this for a few days.....Just wasting a teaspoon or so of ground coffee to flush out the old when I start grinding. Now I will clean it once a week instead of taking it apart and cleaning it after every grind session. No reason to throw out a perfectly functioning grinder in light of a solution like you suggested.

Thanks for the other suggestions folks---When the Infinity dies I will be in the market for an Encore or whatever the equivalent is at that time.

 

[jmwebster]

I currently have a Capresso Infinity burr grinder that grinds perfect for my needs with a FP and Aeropress. However, due to the design of the grinding area it requires holding it over the garbage and slapping the sides, brushing, more slapping after every use. There is no other way to clean the coffee from the grind area.

Can anyone recommend a burr grinder that is more cleaning friendlly? That and as good as grind as the Capresso are my only criteria.

Thanks & looking forward to some suggestions.

I have the exact same issue with my Capresso. Mine has a tendency on its own for the drawer that the grinds fall into to work its way out a little, which amplifies the problem. I have found that for me holding in that drawer helps, but it still makes a mess. I've just been too cheap to replace it because otherwise it works

 

[cstephens]

Another thought about servicing Baratza grinders. I've had a Baratza Virtuoso for 5 or so years. About 3 months ago I replaced the drive gears, drive shaft and grind adjuster. A plastic gear had broken and Baratza sells an upgrade kit direct. While I had it open I replaced the other stuff. Total cost of parts was about $15 and it took about 20 minutes. I have been very happy with the quality of the grinder for the price (I paid around $180), the design and now the serviceability. I'm now thinking about upgrading it with a cool attachment that allows it to grind according to weight of the coffee. You set it for however much you want (in grams) and it shuts off when the appropriate quantity is delivered.