Grinder Buying Guide - Part 2 of 3

Gail introduces us to the world of coffee grinders. Part 2 includes general information plus reviews of the Rancilio Rocky Doser & Doserless and Baratza Vario burr grinders.

Part 1 of 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWH9qi5EBCE

Part 3 of 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfm8VNG92sY

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• rancilio
• rocky
• baratza
• vario
• burr grinder

[joeldamianicigan]

It's disappointing you can't get to french press grinds quickly with the Mazzer Mini E Type A or B. I like the look of these grinders much more than the Vario which sorta looks like a technophile's dream machine. I want something that's going to last and not be sold at my next garage sale. ;) If I'm not mistaken, the Rocky is the only commercial looking grinder that can switch between espresso and course grinds efficiently. It would be great to come to your store and check them out. 

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan These are considered more commercial grade and most commercial applications have different types of grinders for espresso vs. drip vs. pour over, vs. press pot, etc. Probably the Pro M is the best multi-functional model available right now. The Rocky isn't super great with coarse grinds, starts to get pretty inconsistent. - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

If I'm understanding it correctly a "step" based grinder can grind for french press /drip as well as espresso whereas a "stepless" cannot or is harder??? The Rocky seems easiest to use here and most comparable to the Baratza Vario... 

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@joeldamianicigan Stepped are just easier to adjust between disparate grinds, but the majority of the grinders we talk about here are mostly focused/ideal for espresso and they can get pretty inconsistent at coarser grinders. The Vario is the exception; for a grinder under $1k that will give you good consistency all around, that would be the best choice. - Kat

[streamr89]

@SeattleCoffeeGear Is the consistency of the grind as important for french press type coffee? I thought it was more important with espresso as it requires more precise technique to get the best shot?

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@streamr89 I think consistency is important across all preps because if you have variable extraction rates, that will vary the flavor in the cup. Obviously not as much of an impact that with espresso, but still worth consideration - Kat

[joeldamianicigan]

Unfortunately, I'm not in your area. :(

[SeattleCoffeeGear]

@MrWakester The Vario is a great choice if you want to be able to use the grinder to switch between disparate grinds (say for espresso and pour over). If you are only going to use it for espresso, a stepless is your best bet as far as getting an excellent shot from the machine. If you can swing a Mazzer Mini, that would be ideal, but the Vario is a great choice, as well. - Kat

[MrWakester]

I'm looking to enter the espresso market and was originally scoping out the Ranchilio Silvia. Now I might be convinced to go bigger and get the Rocket Giotto. What would you recommend as a suitable grinder for the Rocket? Would the Baratza Vario compliment this machine or are they in different leagues? Thanks!