Owning the Mazzer Mini Type B Espresso Grinder
The Mazzer Mini Type B is capable of automatically dispensing timed single and double shots at the press of a button. The Mazzer Mini Type B retains the high performance motor found in its predecessor, as well as the short bean hopper, but changes significantly from there. The manual timer dial is replaced with two adjustment screws, which control the grind time for each shot, and can be manually adjusted using a small screwdriver. We’ve found that a good rule of thumb for making adjustments is that one full turn equates to around one second of grinding. Of course, that will vary by roast, but it’s a good jumping off point. Similar to the Type A, a grounds dispenser replaces the doser, funneling grounds directly into the portafilter. Grinding is easy with a push button integrated at the base of the portaholder. Press once for a single, twice for a double, or hold to grind manually. The Type B doesn’t distribute the grinds as evenly as the Type A due to the integrated button, which we didn’t prefer when we were using it. Rather than depositing them into the middle, they’re slightly more toward the back of the portafilter, which isn’t as ideal, but can be fixed by grooming the grounds as usual. The Type B, like the Type A is a serious upgrade to the Mini line, with its programmable dosing capabilities and doserless design.
Like the Type A, the Mazzer Mini Type B boasts 64mm stainless steel burrs, which have a larger surface area on which to grind than the standard Mini. The Type B is also stepless, meaning its burrs can essentially be adjusted infinitely by turning the collar in small amounts. Now, this grinder is capable of producing coarse or fine grinds, though, in the case of stepless grinders, we recommend commiting to espresso or other fine grinds, in order to avoid serious dialing in before every use. The burrs are easy to access for cleaning, and calibrating them afterward is simple, too. If you prefer strictly manual operation, the standard Mini or Mini P are great options; or, if you want a more automatic dosing experience, check out the Type A.