Gaggia MDF Coffee Grinder

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
John Pfersich

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Gaggia MDF

I think that this is an excellent machine, reasonably priced. The grind is consistent and a grind of 6 yields grounds similar to the ground coffee that Illy sells.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Illy, Starbucks Espresso Roast

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Paul Bisek

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Gaggia MDF

This is my first grinder and I am a beginner. I have bought it with Gaggia Classic combo. It is a very good value and I am very impressed with quality of the grind it provides. However the doser part is a mistake for me. I grind my coffee once per week and store it in the container. I keep my grinder in the cabinet out of sight. I would prefer no doser grinder, but based on price quality value I decided to purchase MDF over Rocky. The doser makes a huge mess on my counter top and floor I just don't like it at all. There is always remaining coffee left in it, who likes to keep left overs in the doser? I have to flip my MDF upside down to clean it before storage. I leave grind setting on 6 for Gaggia Classic and the coffee is perfect I love it. Suggestion for Gaggia /Saeco/Philips whoever makes this product now, make a none doser MDF. The machine itself is very solid build and heavy worth every dollar it costs. Made in Italy.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Quality build, heavy very solid. Quality of grind is excellent for my needs. For the price it is best in its category. If you want better you have to step up to Rocky

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza Super Crema

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Get rid off the doser. This product could compete with more expensive grinders, but the doser kills it. No rubber feet, it slides easly all over stone counter tops like on glass. Little loud when operating but I never compared with other machines.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

N/A

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Nannuraluk

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Good Value

I purchased this with my Gaggia New Baby- It's very solid and does a good job. I'm not so thrilled with the dosing compartments: I only grind as much as I need, for double shot in morning, and sometimes doesn't fill all the way. That plastic guard gets in the way of seeing how much coffee comes out. But I place portafilter in armrest and then a small dish beneath that- saves all that extra coffee from getting onto counter. That aside, it's a great grinder and a good price.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

34 settings- can use for Gaggia New Baby, stovetop espresso and my coffee press

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

So far I find it useful to dose directly into portafilter when coffee is grinding-

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza, Local Roasted Beans, La Columbe

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Helpful not to have small plastic guard- gets in the way

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

n/a

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
John Seymour

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great Grinder for a Beginner like me

I purchased this grinder along with my new Gaggia New Baby. I read some reviews and that along with the price led me to buy it. I have not been disappointed. This grinder has been great and gives me a very good grind as I learn to make espresso. Got it on sale too.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Great grinds. 34 settings.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

As others have said, the grinder is tested prior to shipment and there are some grounds in the machine.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Flashbacks cafe espresso grind from local roaster.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Would be nice if it could be set between settings. It clicks to each setting.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

My first grinder.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Scott Maillet

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great grinder

I bought this in a package with the Gaggia Classic. Great grinder. I put it at a 6 and pull great shots and I just started last week. Also works great for French Press and drip coffee. For the price compared to other burr grinders, I definitely recommend.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Ease of use, good consistent grind.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Don't panic when you see coffee grounds in the packaging, they test it and it just took me a while to find the disclaimer.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Starbucks Cafe Verona, Illy dark roast, cafe bustelo

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

none

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Mr Coffee blade grinder (wow what a difference)

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Jose Rey

I've had this machine for about 3 months now. There were two details that threw me off when I received it: 1. Comes with coffee grinds all over. This seems to be normal because they test it with actual coffee. There is a small paper note in the coffee bean "hopper" (top container) that tells you not to worry about coffee grinds. They could have vacuumed all this stuff out. 2. The 4 small plastic legs have no rubber!. Your machine will slide on your counter unless you put some rubber feet or base below it. It wouldn't cost Gaggia anything to add the rubber legs. If work for Gaggia, and want feedback, here it is: put some rubber legs or base or something, it will make this grinder almost perfect. Other than that, I am using the setting #2 for double espresso shots in my Starbucks/Saeco Sirena. Now that I have a decent grinder, I am tempted to buy a better espresso machine. I am sure there is some trick to the dosing lever which I have not mastered yet since I don't get consistent distributed coffee on my portafilter. However, the grain size seems to be very even, which makes the grinding quality very good. The good grinding quality of this machine make it an excellent value.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Jennifer Hulbert

I am glad that I listened to others and opted for this great coffee grinder. Ease of use and cleaning made it a great addition. It dispenses the right amount of espresso for the perfect pull. The equipment itself is robust and anchored.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Kevin Roe

I bought a re-furb recently from WLL and am very happy with my purchase. The ability to grind fresh beans has made a huge difference in the quality of the espresso shots every morning.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Aaron McLeland

This is my first grinder, and I am not disappointed. I read a ton of reviews and seriously considered buying a less expensive machine, but decided that based on the reviews I would end up with something nicer before long anyway. Grind quality is very consistent. Not too noisy. On/off switch is easy to get to and has a solid feel to it. The only real negative to me is that the doser is annoying. It builds up a bit of static, and the grinds do not dispense evenly from the doser. In order to catch all of the grinds, I have to hold my portafilter against the bottom of the doser. Then when I pull the portafilter away, excess grounds will spill on the counter, so you have to be careful to time how long you grind. When grinding for my drip pot, I use a 1/3 cup stainless measuring cup to catch the grinds coming out of the doser, then dump them into the filter basket. Not a big deal at all. If this grinder were available as doserless, Gaggia would have a real winner. Even still, I would not hesitate to buy it again.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
gadgetguy

I've owned this for about 13 years. I grind about 1 pound a week for espresso (latte). I clean out the crud about once a year or two. Last year I left the machine running to grind a bunch for a camping trip, and it filled up and stalled the machine, which killed the fuse. Fairly easy replacement, except I disassembled it way more than necessary. This year I replaced the burrs, which improved grinding a little, and then the doser handle fixture broke, which I also replaced very easily. Upside - machine is robust, downside is too noisy and slightly too large a jump between settings. I grind at about "4" for some dark beans and at about "7" for some lighter beans. (Both for espresso/latte).

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Mark Jimenez

This is my first good grinder. It's worked out well and is easy to use. This is a huge improvement from the blade grinder. I understand now why a good grinder is important.

Rated 3 out of 5

Posted By:
Crickett

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Gaggia MDF

After one year and one month, the doser lever stopped working; it still grinds coffee beans, but doesn't come out of the ground coffee container. The lever doesn't turn the area where the ground coffee falls after being ground. I have to either tip the machine to get the freshly ground coffee out or spoon some one. Not a cheap machine either. Figures one month after the warranty; this would happen

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

When it was working; I didn't think there was much not to like.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Save for a sturdier machine????? I'll never be able to afford one though....

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

espressos

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

the chinzy lever; I'm meticulous with my machines & now I can't use it ; probably got a lemon

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Tom Krehel

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

MDF gets the job done day after day after day

I've had my MDF for over 4 years now. I remember thinking when I bought the MDF, this is a lot of money to grind coffee beans. Then I started thinking about the price of a cappuccino down at the local Starbucks... did a little quick math and decided that it would pay for itself after a year. Well, here I am 4 years later, and the MDF is still grinding like the day I bought it. I've taken it apart a couple times to clean it up, but I have never had to replace the grinding burrs, and don't envision that I ever will. They still look like new. I use my machine every day, and have for the past 4 years. It gets a vacation when I go away for vacation. Otherwise, its on the job and dependable every morning and occasionally in the evenings too. I like to grind just enough coffee for a double shot every morning, and rather than depend on the doser, I just watch the second hand on my watch. When the MDF has been grinding for 27 seconds, it drops 14 grams of ground coffee into my portafilter at just the right consistency for the perfect espresso. I pull on the doser lever several times to clean out the doser completely and always get just the right amount of grind.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

It is well built, the grind can be adjusted to super fine (easily stops up my espresso machine at those settings). Once you get the setting right, you'll get a consistent grind every time. I rarely have to adjust the grind setting, unless I change the coffee beans I'm grinding.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Well, like I said up above, only grind what you need. Time the grind for the exact amount you want, then pull the doser lever 10-12 times to clean out every last bit of fresh grind. I think there are 6 doser compartments, so 12 pulls will run it around twice, making sure you get it all out. I know, it's a bit anal, but after all, we are focused on a perfect cup of espresso here. Who in their right mind spends this kind of money on coffee!? If you're still reading this, I know you're one of us! I can't imagine how much better a $600 or $1200 grinder can possibly be. If you want to do it right, and your funds are limited, you won't be disappointed with the MDF. I wasn't! Look here on Whole Latte Love's web site for instructions on cleaning the grinding burrs... I dinged Gaggia on Instruction Materials in this review only because they didn't include this important procedure.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Primarily Lavazza Top Class or Lavazza Gold

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Two things... I'd prefer a doserless version. I've learned to deal with the doser on my MDF, but I think it would be nice if I could just grind straight into the portafilter. The spring on the doser lever also broke on mine. It doesn't really matter though, I just move the lever back and forth with my hand instead of the spring pulling it back. The second item is the lack of rubber feet on the MDF. You have to put it on a surface that won't allow it to "walk" when it is on. Mine sits on a piece of that spongy mesh stuff that people line drawers and such with.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

None in this class

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Matthias Konig

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

solid performer

I purchased this grinder together with my first "real" espresso machine in 1999. Thanks to the helpful tech support from WLL, a doser handle replacement and a new set of burrs it is still going strong after all these years.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

solid construction (with the exception of the doser), with proper instruction minor repairs can be easily accomplished

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

don't bother using the dosing mechanisms as intended, just grind enough for the day and store in airight container

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

locally roasted brands

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

hate the dosing mechanism, didn't work with any of the three espresso machine I have used alongside this grinder. To dispense somewhat consistent amounts of coffee, this contraption would need to hold at least enough ground coffee for 6-8 shots so that all dosing compartments are equally filled. This leads invariably - at least with my use - to much of this ground coffee going stale in a essentially unsealed container.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

none

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Devon McCarroll

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Great Grinder!

This grinder has so many settings, you'll have no problem finding the one that works for you. I find with Espresso Vivace mine works best at around 4 or 5 for our lattes.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

It's easy to use, and although the doser doesn't dose a shot's worth of grounds in one sweep, I like the fact that I can load the portafilter directly, and just stop when it has the desired amount of coffee.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

One thing I learned the hard way--with any quality burr grinder, check your beans closely before pouring them in! I ended up with a shell caught in the grinder once, and had to take it in for repair and recalibration. (Tried to do it myself and screwed it up...lesson learned!)

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Espresso Vivace Vita and Dolce

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The doser. You just have to learn to eyeball it, but that's really not a big deal to me.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

basic blade grinders

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Walter Bussey

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Good machine for the price. Excellent grinder. I set the machine on 8 and it works fine with Miss Sylvia. I am not happy at all with the doser. It does not work all that well with my portafilter.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

What can one say about a grinder? It works or it doesn't. This one works great. I like its large input hopper and its consistently excellent grind. Relatively easy to use.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

I don't use the doser; instead I grind enough for the day by placing a bowl under the doser bracket and put that in a sealed, air-tight can. It's a bit messy, but it works. I'm pretty handy and a model maker, so I think I'll build a funnel or chute in the dosser outlet to channel the grounds more cleanly into the bowl.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

J.C. Beans (local coffee house with a weekly freah bean supply) Espresso/French Roast mix. Buy whole beans by the pound.

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Offer a dosserless model or make the doser either optional or removable. As other reviewers have stated, give it some steady (non-slip) feet. (One reviewer offered the solution: get some small stick-on rubber pads at the local hardware.)

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

$45 burr grinder. I tried it with my new Miss Sylvia with terrible results. It could not grind nearly fine enough.

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
mark waldin

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Gaggia MDF is wonderful

Well, the last few months have been coffee hell. My son gave us a Baby Gaggia Espresso machine and we bought a Barzatta Virtuoso grinder to go with it. Being new to making our own espresso we had lots of trouble. We didn't know if the espresso machine was defective or the grinder but no matter what we did we could only get a very short shot of around 15 seconds. A nice person on this site suggested we buy some espresso grind at Starbucks and see how it performed. They were right...it solved the problem. The Virtuoso went back to the store and we started looking for a replacement. After reading all the reviews on this site we figured the MDF was the best value that would "actually work". We read all the comments about the doser and how bad it is but we also read about how it was a minor problem compared to getting a good consistent grind. So, we were prepared to hate the doser. Bottom line...the MDF is wonderful at producing a consistent grind that works well. We consistently get a 25 second pull and the grind setting is right in the middle of the grind range. What a difference. The doser? No problem perhaps because we were prepared for it. We just figured out that it takes 35 seconds to get the right amount of coffee for a double shot. It works like a charm. I put a cup of water in the microwave for 2 minutes. Start the grinder and let it go 35 seconds using the micro timer. I then just flick the doser 5 or 6 pulls to get all the coffee out. I pull the shots and right about then the water is hot and it all goes together. 2 minutes start to finish. No mess. And no left over ground coffee.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Consistent grind of the right consistency.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

See my review above.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Costco french roast, roasted on the premises

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I agree with one lady's comment I read that it could really use some rubber feet on it.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Barzatta Virtuoso and blade grinders

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Rick Lellinger

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Connoisseur

Great grinder for the money

I had held off on buying a grinder to pair with my Rancilio Sylvia due to the high cost. Quality control issues with the espresso grind from the local Peet's forced me to reconsider my non-grinder owning ways. I bought the MDF, set it to #8 and it has been happily grinding my espresso for several months now. The espresso I make is now very good and Ms. Syliva is much happier with the grind quality.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

The price and it is not super noisy

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

If you add rubber feet to the MDF, it will be quieter and will not slide around on the counter as much. Most hardware stores sell thin rubber feet that are about 1/4" (6.3mm) in diameter. They have a sticky coating on the back which will let you attach the feet to the bottom of the MDF. There are four small circles on the bottom of the grinder where you can apply the feet. Rubber feet make the MDF even better!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Connoisseur

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Cole Coffee

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

A doserless model would be great. The grinder needs rubber feet (see tips)

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Krups

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Chris Petermann

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Quiet and Precise

Best grinder for money. i find the doser a useful function when entertaining guests. Offers a great consistent grind that is great for espresso or drip. Have friends with grinders in the 500 dollar range and this matches and beats some of there. Treat it well and it will treat your coffee well.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

I would recommend the black colored one it's coat is stunning and blends in with most kitchens

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

NO STICKY BEANS!!!!! I REPEAT! NO STICKY BEANS!!!!!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Starbucks, the cheap stuff and coffee fool

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

As stated before maybe offer a doserless version

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Various blade grinders and a 45 dollar burr grinder.

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Jason Furler

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Perfect match with the Gaggia Classic

Great for the price! It is relatively quiet (considering what it is doing) and gets the job done consistently everytime. I have the Gaggia classic, and it pairs with it perfectly (which should be expected considering they are supposed to be on the same level quality-wise with eachother.)

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Easy to use and master. If you stick to just a few brands of beans, this can be a great "set it and forget it" grinder. since it is always consistent you don't have to worry about whether the grounds will come out right.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Ignore the "2 full pulls from the doser". Instead, just continually pull the doser handle every second or so while grinding until you have the desired amount in the basket and then shut off. If you do the daily morning espresso like me, then you might as well not leave anything in the grinder so that it is as fresh as can be for the next day.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Vivace (dolce), Illy, Lavazza

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The doser is silly for single usage.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Gaggia mini, La Pavoni

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Roger Jurack

Has owned for:
More than 1 year
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Simply the best

We purchased our Gaggia MDF from WLL three years ago. We teamed it with our Rancilio Silvia and it's a marriage made in heaven. Both machines have never even hiccuped, and we've turned out espresso and latte every morning (and for dinner several times--for guests). We use the 6/7 setting depending on the freshness of the beans.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

More than 1 year

What's Best About this Product?

Absolute ease of use and dependability

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

The #6 setting is the one we use with Silvia, and unless we have exceptionally dry beans (on those rare occasions when we're desperate enough to buy from some chain like Starbuck's or some other local barista) that seems to be perfect for crema and the 25 second rule.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Espresso Verde

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Wish it weren't a dosing machine, but we let it dump into a small crystal bowl and transfer it from there to the double shot basket of the Silvia.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Various blade grinders

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Cosmo Castellano

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Beginner

Love my grinder

I have had the Gaggia MDF grinder for nearly three months now, and I really enjoy it. I am using a setting of 6 to get a grind that seems to work out well for espresso in my Gaggia Classic machine. As compared to the Capresso grinder, this grinder gives me much more success at producing a consistent grind for espresso.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

I like the machine's size. It does not dance on the counter when grinding and appears to be well built. I am very satisfied with the grind.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Lavazza Supreme Crema

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I wish the power switch were located elsewhere, or that it was protected. A number of times, when pulling the machine out to the spot of the counter where I use it, I have accidently bumped the switch, turning it on when I did not intend to. I was surprised that the filter handle from the Gaggia Classic does not sit in the grinder by itself - you have to hold it in place. I also wish I could actually see into the grinding bin. Like many of the other reviews, I find the doser to be only really useful when making several shots of coffee. Usually it's just my wife and I - one filter of two shots. In that regard, I find myself grinding more coffee than I truly need to, and it sits in the bin until next time. Although I was not satisfied with the grind of the Capresso for espressp purposes, (I still use it for regular coffee) it was nice to be able to grind a small amount, and then easily take the burr apart to totally dust out the machine of old grinds. With the other non-doser grinder, it is possible to grind into a bin and acurately measure out grinds. With the doser, I am pulling the lever until the filter is at the proper "eyeball" level. Despite feeling less in control on this aspect, I find that the consistency of the grind appears more important than the absolute quantity of coffee. As I am still learning how to best use the grinder & doser - any tips would be appreciated! Overall- I really love this grinder, and it's a great addition to my Gaggia Classic.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Capresso Infinity Burr Grinder

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Amy Volckens

Has owned for:
6 - 12 months
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great grinder, perfect espresso

You can imagine that the MDF is a huge improvement over the blade grinder that I was using before. I have used it daily for 6 mos, mostly for espresso (also some French press). The grind is very uniform, though I was not pleased when grinding a Costa Rican blend that had a lot of husks (or whatever the coffee shells are called). It's a little loud but I the quality of my home-brewed espresso drinks far surpasses that concern. When grinding small quantities, the dosing system does not seem to dole out shot's worth of coffee.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

6 - 12 months

What's Best About this Product?

Compact design, uniform grind, on/off switch, dosing system

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Alpenglow espresso

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

noise, dosing system

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

blade grinder

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Al Sterling

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Added comment...Setting for MDF and Expobar Pulsar

In a previous review, I was "stuck" between a grind setting of 5 and 4, thinking I'd have to split the difference somehow. Well, with a quick call to cust. srvc., I agreed to try the coarser setting of 5, using a bit more coffee in the porta filter and tamping to a full 30 pounds. Bottom line............it worked. I find it's always better to do a firm tamp, full 24 or so second shot and use the grind setting as the variable. I don't know why I didn't think of this while I was setting up the grinder. Seems that 5 is workable for most of my beans.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

WLL Malabar, Starbucks, Peets, Illy, Trader Joe's

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Cuisinart Supreme Grind

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
Al Sterling

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Good value, great price...

I've had my Expobar Pulsar for a couple months, and have been trying different beans; both ground at the retailer point of sale and with my Cuisinart. Until I participated in the WLL Video on Line demo, I didn't realize how limiting my Cuisinart had been. It was during the video demo that an MDF was brought into the studio-kitchen for an on camera demo. I found out that my $70 Cuisinart from Costco for $30 would never grind fine enough. The WLL recommendation was to get an MDF; great value and a good match for my semi-auto espresso maker. I just got it this week and must admit that it's built well, runs quieter than my old grinder and outside of the doser, meets all my expectations. As with most of the European equipment I've purchased, the support documentation is nominal, at best. I used Trader Joe's Espresso to test the grind settings. It's a less costly bean, and one that I had not had luck grinding on my old machine. I found that for my Expobar Pulsar the "grind setting sweet spot" on the MDF was between 5 and 4. (lower the number, finer the grounds) Unfortunately there are not any half way detents on the MDF, so I ran half my beans at 5 and the other half at 4. By mixing the grounds I ended up with just the right mix for a solid 24 second shot. It works.......although I'm going to call WLL and ask if I can safely turn the bean hopper to that mid point and maybe "duct tape" the hopper in position? For under $200, I just don't believe there's another grinder available that can provide as good an overall value.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Quiet, looks good on the counter and does the job. Doesn't create the horrible static charge as do cheap burr grinders...like my Cuisinart!

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

It's a pretty basic kitchen appliance. Don't use it while bathing??!!!

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Malabar Gold (WLL), Starbuck's, Peets, Illy, Trader Joe's (CA)

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

I'd complain about the doser, but everyone knows it's not going to scientificly meter out perfect 7 gram loads for your portafilter. At best, it's a good holding area and dispenser. I set a small container below the doser to catch the grounds. I then scoop from the container with my 7 gram scoop. Maybe with time I'll develope a simpler yet accurate method. Oh......again about instructions. For whatever reason, it took me a few minutes to figure out how to adjust the grind setting. Yes, there is a small drawing on one of the Gaggia pages with a couple of arrows showing rotation of the bean hopper. But really, how hard would it have been to enlarge the technical drawing and clearly show a human hand adjusting the grind with larger type reading "ADJUST GRIND BY ROTATING BEAN HOPPER." Maybe I'm just getting old and cranky?

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Cuisinart Supreme Grind (low end burr type)

Rated 5 out of 5

Posted By:
jeffrey hamm

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Great grinder

Excellent grind. Low noise considering what its doing. Well built and aesthetically appealing. Gaggia base reduces movement while grinding. Highly recommend to the cost conscious.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

Wide range of grind settings.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

Throw away the horrible instructions that come with it and trust in WLL reviews, forums, and staff. They have all the answers you need.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

starbucks, illy pods

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

Obviously the doser but it shouldn't be a surprise. For the cost and the grind quality, the doser is a small imperfection. Nobodies perfect.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

starbucks blader bean burner

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Michael Godzwa

Has owned for:
1 - 6 months
Ability Level:
Coffee Lover

Good grinder for the price

In my pursuit of the perfect espresso shot, I didn't want to kill my budget. Thank God for the Gaggia MDF grinder. I've owned it for 2 months and have used it several times each day with great results. I have no problem grinding fine enough for my Gaggia Classic and I get 20-30 second pours all the time. I would definitely purchase this machine again.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

1 - 6 months

What's Best About this Product?

The price $200 is hard to beat for this quality.

Some Helpful Tips For Using this Product:

To get good espresso shot I grind the majority of my bean in a 3-5 setting range. Gaggia claims that 2 doser pulls will produce enough ground espresso for 2 shots. I have found that it takes 3 pulls. I also don't fill hopper. I just put in enough for each use. I find that approximately 2 heaping 7 gram scoops of beans produces enough for a 2 oz shot of espresso.

My Experience With Using This Product:

Coffee Lover

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Seattle Mountain whole bean

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

The doser needs work. Gaggia should add a more distinct feel for each pull. Add rubber feet to the base and a better fitting hopper lid.

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Bodum Antigua, La Pavoni

Rated 4 out of 5

Posted By:
Andrew McLean

Has owned for:
Less than 1 month
Ability Level:
Beginner

Gagia MDF

I have owned two Gagia MDF Grinders. The first lasted over ten years. I'm about two years into my second MDF. The doser broke on both grinders; but, this was no real loss as my experience has been that, besides being a bit flimsey, the dosers are not very useful for making one or two drinks at a time anyway. Otherwise, I've been very satisfied with both grinders.

How Long Have I Been Using This Product?

Less than 1 month

What's Best About this Product?

consistent grind, reliable (except for the doser), good value

My Experience With Using This Product:

Beginner

The Coffee I've Tried With This Product:

Various

Some Improvements I Would Recommend for This Product:

flimsey doser, cheesey plastic case, a bit noisey

Some of the Other Machines I've Used:

Pavoni