$400 off seems like a good deal for a weight based grinding option for home. Seems very consistent within 0.2g.
Mignon Libra Grinder $1199 ($400 off) + $9.95 Delivery ($0 BNE C&C) @ Alternative Brewing
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[Deactivated] on 22/10/2024 - 19:54 alternativebrewing.com.au (833 clicks)
Last edited 22/10/2024 - 19:57 by 1 other user
Last edited 22/10/2024 - 19:57 by 1 other user
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The good old Specialita might be "only" time based, but it's so consistent and reliable that the "by weight" feature in Libra is unlikely to make much practical difference. The Libra is effectively the same grinder as a Eureka Mignon Specialita, just with more complicated technology that could malfunction. Given that the price difference between the two models is around $600, that's a lot of coffee beans you could be drinking or using to dial-in the perfect extraction.
With a time based grinder, you can use external scales for the first couple of grinds with a new bean, the write down the grind time in your coffee log book. Next time you get the same beans, set the timer to the previously recorded value and use a scale on the first grind to check that the new roast batch hits the desired numbers. It most likely will do so without the need to tweak.
I've owned a Specialita and currently a Libra. Specialita was a fantastic grinder, and a massive step up from Breville SGP I had before. Is the Libra worth the extra coin? No, not really, especially at $1200. But the work flow is that tad bit more streamlined. Both are great grinders for espresso but not great if you change between filter and expresso often.
FYI, I always buy my grinders from Espresso coffee shop out of Italy. Way cheaper https://www.espressocoffeeshop.com/en/coffee-grinders/570-11… Think I picked up my Libra for like $800 delivered. Ask them for a discount code.
$780 delivered for a refurb unit. Great buy at that price https://www.espressocoffeeshop.com/en/refurbished-espresso-m…
How is the warranty if purchased overseas? Mine only lasted about 6 months before the motor burnt out.
This or $18 kmart "coffee" grinder
If you're seeking a recommendation, I strongly suggest choosing Kmart, as it often provides better value.
It's unclear whether that was a question or a statement.
Seems to be lot of places with the same or close to price.
Cheaper delivered at Eastlink Espresso repairs & Sales.
Not much point in getting this when the DF64 is half the price. Unless you value the prospect of a hopper at $600…
81db.. you don't need coffee to wake you up. Just start this grinder
Assuming you mean the DF64… I have one and never noticed the noise. Also, again, is that really worth $600? lol
The last thing I ever want to do is weigh beans before putting into a grinder when I make about 4 coffees in the morning and about 3 in the afternoon…
Just no need with grinders these days.
A comparable grinder would be Fiorenzato All Ground Sense.
If I was after a filter grinder I'd go single dose.
@bumluffa: It's disgusting how much coffee I drink. Don't be like me. Maybe I should go single dose because it would make me drink less.
I have the Breville smart grinder pro. I use a WDT each time and single dose with a miniature hopper and bellows. What's a 'better' grinder that will give me an improvement even with the extra steps I've taken?
I'm currently using the same grinder and researching what to get next. I was considering the fellow ode as it has pretty good reviews, but a friend told me he just got a Rancillo Rocky and loves it, so I'm now looking at that instead as the reviews look excellent for what it costs. (I'm no expert, please don't buy something just cause I said it :D)
I suspect my machine is more a limit than the grinder tho, but I'm not sure, so I guess I'll just have to upgrade both :D
Wow, haven't heard anyone recommend a rocky in a long time. Fellow Ode is generally a filter only grinder, the motor will struggle to grind espresso.
It really depends on your budget. Papa Lance has a recent video here: https://youtu.be/J88SAecX9vM?si=9KaPvtNgp8pj9JVtYou really can't go wrong with any of the Eureka Mignon, and the DF54 seems to be the OzB pick for value.
I've got two Rocky units. One is a secondhand spare for when the first dies - but it is still churning out the right stuff after 14 years. Un-killable?
That said, I'm never going to go anywhere near 'exact' dosage with this. All done by eye - and yes, there is some variation! A good companion to my 14yo Rancilio Silvia - the VW Beetle of espresso coffee machines.
@lostincanberra: How do you find your rocky? I got one second hand as my first grinder and it has done the job. But sometimes it's not fine enough.
@Robot16: I can get it fine enough. That said, I do need to adjust settings whenever I change beans (Yes, a bean slut). I'm still on the original burrs.
It's quite a step up from even the better Breville grinder. It may be that you need to get the machine checked by a service place and get their advice on solutions.
Thanks. I’m not (yet) well educated so lots to work out before I drop my coin on a new setup.
Any recommendations for a good espresso machine in the $2k ish range?@uncyspam: Grinder is the most important part of the whole equation. But it really depends on what coffee you tend to drink? If you're always having a milk based drink, then there is a point of diminishing returns with the grinder, and there comes a point where convenience of a HX or dual boiler trumps the necessity for a high end grinder.
If you are making espresso then it's a real rabbit hole…
@uncyspam: Breville Dual Boiler, Lelit Mara X, Rocket Appartamento, Profitec Pro 400, Rancilio Silvia Pro X
I went from a Breville SGP to a Mignon Specialita, massive difference, highly recommend the upgrade.
Same here, the anti static on the Mignon Specialita streams out a perfect waterfall of ground coffee. The Breville SGP is a clumpfest, although you could use a WDT tool. I found I could also go much finer on the Specialita.
I didnt even know there's such feature in the Specialita, I just take it for granted that my ground coffee comes out never clumped lol
Do your own research, even with Mignons.. I.e. https://www.home-barista.com/grinders/my-disappointing-exper…
Far too many good reviews and trusted people saying they've used one and it's flawless. But I'll let you know in coming days 🙂
No worries, my point was actually the opposite, that it isn't as good/flawless as they say.
I got lucky to get a baratza Forte with two burr sets for around 900.
Good luck with your mignon.
That looks like very good buying.
Any issues?
It's just the people who didn't read the instructions.. you need to wait 2-3 seconds for the machine to tare the portafilter before it will dose otherwise that error code will display.
I've read 1000x more positive reviews than the few bad ones but I'll let you know how I go.
@Motozine: Just an update.. definitely no issues with the fh error. However the grind dial is like a 1/10 on the Eureka. Micro adjustments aren't visible in the cup, can't zero the grinder. It needs a serious improvement!
I lost 1kg of beans at $65 trying to dial this grinder in. Definitely far too complicated than it should be compared to any other leading brands (eagle mythos, mazzer, compak etc).
The weight function is magical though!
@[Deactivated]: Thanks for reporting back. Sorry to hear about the adjusting ring annoyance. Have your decided to keep it?
@Motozine: Yes I'm keeping it. I'm slowly getting use to the dial adjustments. I've heard of some 3d printed adjustment grind thing on Etsy which might help.
It's a very quick and handy grinder to have. Just the dial ring sucks… A lot.
@[Deactivated]: I don't know if the Libra is different to Specialita, but I prefer the adjustment on the Specialita over Breville Smart Grinder Pro or Sunbeam EM0480. I only do espresso 99% of the time, so I only use the dial to adjust between beans.
The adjustment dial is certainly not a show stopper.
Can this be used for …herbs?
No.
I mean, theoretically yes it can. But it’s a huge outlay for what will be a subpar experience. You don’t need a burr grinder for herbs. I use a brilliant cut grinder (manual) and it works fantastically (legal medical stuff folks, don’t bother sending the cops)https://www.vaporizerwizard.com/reviews/grinders/brilliant-c…
Cannatrek Ruby oil for the win. No need to inhale, in fact, no preparation of any kind. Lasts longer and, IMHO, it tastes great too.
Adaya oil is my normal for when I can’t be bothered with vaping, or need to be discrete.
I have 2 x Eureka XL (one for decaf, one for caffeinated). They are quiet and lovely to use. Using a funnel is a good idea - and it looks like model will benefit from that too.
What decaf do you drink?
We're not fussy. My absolute favourite is Toby's Estate, but we're currently buying from Blacklist (obviously we're in WA). Airjo and Lime Blue (ozbargain deals) have been pretty good. What are your recommendations?
I don't have any. I've heard a lot of good feedback about Colombian Swiss water process ones - need to try it myself.
I've got a Eureka Atom…. Great grinder
I guess this may have been a bit of a flex, but I meant to say was that I didn't buy them both at once - I bought another one because the first one was so good. These replaced Breville SGPs, which seem like a toy by comparison - and make so much more noise. I really wanted the 65mm burrs and power in something that would last well, and that seems to be the case so far.
My 2c: Given the XL is slightly cheaper than this Libra, I'm pretty sure I'd still prefer the XL over the dose-by-weight feature of the Libra.
Mignon Libra Grinder…Sounds like a Maxi-Pad
This weight based not timed based? Nice