Coffee Appreciation

Ghetto mod also works.

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The thumbnail being mirrored irks me. As for the machine itself, I’m not sure who this is for - somewhere between a flair or Robot, and a normal machine.
And most importantly - less convenient than either.

That really needs some kind of air chamber that you charge with the pump then let out with the lever to control the pressure.

Yeah I really don't get what this provides over a regular non-electric lever machine like the Flair & Robot. Wasn't the Robot a big Kickstarter success also? Seems odd that there seems to be demand for another similar model that shows no improvements on the Robot.

Disposable argon welding bottles and a variable regulator.

I think I can feel a very dangerous makeshift campsite espresso machine coming on. I'm gonna need a Jet Boil, an old group head and some plumbing fittings. Home made thing at 100C and 10 Bar operated by drunk people in a camp site; nothing can go wrong!

They should bring this thing back instead.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-f5YHlI1JeQ

Got some beans coming from Passalacqua. Napoletan blends with plenty of Robusta. Mehari and Cremador. Quite excited to see if I can replicate my fave brews from down that way.

Nice mod. I’ve got a Mazzer mini timed single dose and inside the funnel there’s a wide mesh to prevent clumping. I can take some photos if you like. Is there a lid option for the one you’ve fabricated?

I think I can feel a very dangerous makeshift campsite espresso machine coming on.

..AICMFP ;)

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Deffo interested in photos of the mesh! As for a lid, I'll probably try and fashion something, but its a bit small to use a router circle cutting jig, and carving it would be a ballache. We'll see!

& @Jung, thanks for the info... That Gumtree one is ten years old and hasn't been used for six of those... They're happy to listen to offers as well so I could probably bag it for next to nothing...

But... My OH has offered to buy me a brand new grinder so I'm now a bit torn... The guy who tried to fix my old one made the very sensible suggestion that I should buy another Vario because then I'll have some spares in the event of etc... He doesn't sell them BTW, so he ain't trying to upsell me, my OH used to teach his kid so we're all mates...

I'll need to have a think over the weekend... Use case says get the knackered old Mazzer as I'll only be pulling a handful of shots a week... But shiny new toys, etc... 🤔🤪

IMO you’d be mad to pass up on the chance to own a Mazzer - it’s a grinder for life and parts are always going to be available. You could do the doserless mod that @nefarious has done or there’s a commercial kit available.

@nefarious photos of the internal chute. Tbh I don’t think either of these are at all necessary, though it would be trivial to attach a little piece of wire mesh to the hole you’ve cut. Would love to see if you can source a backplate though, that would look sweet on your machine.

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I used to work at a retailer that sold Varios and loads of them came back. I think nearly every unit I’ve heard of has succumbed to mechanical failure, usually the sliders for the adjustment or the problems you’ve experienced. It’s a flawed design despite it being a great solution for domestic situations. I definitely wouldn’t buy a second one. That Mazzer seems like a great deal and it will probably still be working in 50 years.

+1 I've been using the Timemore as well. Think I paid slightly less than £45 from Aliexpress and it took about 3 weeks to arrive.

Thanks, folks, looks like the Mazzer Mini is the most sensible option... I'll report back... 🙏

Ah, interesting! I think I’ll probably leave it as I imagine it’ll make clearing that little bit out harder, and I’m quite particular about getting no retention (fastidious use of a blower to get all grounds through the machine).

Fortunately the back plate is a lot more affordable than the funnel, so I may treat myself.

https://www.theespressoshop.co.uk/Mobile/en/Mazzer-Super-Jolly-Motor-Back-Plate---SSJ0FRA04/m-m-3581.aspx?

But it might also be fun to try and make one out of copper plate.

Seller is also getting rid of a Compak K6 for $150 and they also recently sold a La Marzocco GB5!!

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Is yours a mini or a super? That plate only fits the super I think.

#teammazzer

Super - it’s an absolute unit. Bit mad for our small kitchen, but @TTM had it for a price I couldn’t refuse!

Mate - my Mazzer is from 1997 and clearly had a hard life in a commercial setting. They’re bombproof! A quiet, heavy old lump of metal that grinds. I’m really fond of it.

I don't even mind the doser any more - I just weigh out the beans for whatever I'm making and brush it out once a day. Takes no time at all.

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My only concern is that it isn't ideal for single dosing, the huge hopper and commercial doser will have to be replaced with something more appropriate... But as it's so cheap to begin with I'll still be way under budget compared to buying a new machine... Thanks for your help, guys... #teammazzer

Can’t remember, is this for espresso? Do you do dark roasts?
If yes to both of the above I’d say a (small) bag in the hopper won’t go off as long as you’re doing a couple or more shots a day.

It's for espresso, medium roast and will mostly get used on the weekend, I use an Aeropress or Clever Dripper during the week at work... I have to limit myself to one cup a day because of an awesome thing called acid reflux...

With my mod and a little blower I get >0.1g retention. Buy a rubber camera hood to use in place of a big hopper and you’re sound. I also use a tamper as a plug to stop beans popcorning out.

Do it!