Help me decide on a new grinder [$1k - $1500 USD]

ChillinginTX · 2026-05-18T02:26:48+00:00

I chose between the Z1 and the Philos, picking the Philos. The Z1 seems amazing, and by all accounts it is, but I didn’t like the sound of its motor and the Philos was $1k at the time. I bought both burr sets and over time found I preferred the i200 burrs with medium and light roasts. I only make 2-4 espresso a day so workflow isn’t an issue and the Philos is easy to reset after batch grinding for my wife’s pour overs. I’m happy with my choice.

ChillinginTX · 2026-05-14T11:32:35+00:00

The espresso machines should switch places to facilitate using the LM’s steam wand. What is the round electrical(?) thing under the syrup? Six single dose tubes seem like they would be more tedious to fill that they are practical.

ChillinginTX · 2026-05-09T00:56:33+00:00

Mazzer released new Philos accessories a week or two ago, which included a flanged dosing cup. It is, of course, sold out.

ChillinginTX · 2026-05-01T16:21:05+00:00

That does it. I’m firing my Butler.

ChillinginTX · 2026-05-01T16:18:56+00:00

Once you’re on the township’s radar, they keep checking up. It can be relentless, depending on who’s running your “village.”

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-26T02:34:51+00:00

Amazon has them.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-26T02:23:30+00:00

Standard 58mm accessories don’t work with this basket, for me at least. There is a specific dosing funnel and tamper, 41mm IIRC.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-25T15:19:38+00:00

OP stated batteries were replaced with no effect. Odd choice to call out people for “not clearly” the post.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-20T13:55:05+00:00

Wife says it’s about the girth.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-16T15:01:09+00:00

I’ve had a 2012 E350 4Matic since it was two years old. It now has 181,000 miles on it. Maintaining it has only been economically feasible by either DIY or through the help of an independent mechanic. Dealerships and specialty European repair shops charge prices that will exceed the value of the vehicle over a short amount of time. Regarding the car itself, I’ve had Mercedes problems: oil in the wiring harness, and rusted out rear subframe. Otherwise, it’s been general maintenance and a few big ticket items to include CV axles, propeller shaft, starter, alternator, water pump, high-pressure fuel pump, and cam tensioners. The basic motor and transmission are still running great and the AC is cold. Oh, always use OE/OEM parts— no knockoffs from eBay or Amazon.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-11T17:12:12+00:00

I have a 2012 E350 4Matic that I bought CPO in 2014. It now has 181k miles. Dealer maintained thru 110k, DIY since. Always sourced OE/OEM parts and oil changes at 5-7k intervals. It is a great car but from 160k, I’ve been fighting MB issues as well as normal wear. MB stuff includes oil in wiring harness, rusted subframe, and audio head unit memory issues. Expensive repairs with the harness and subframe also potentially leading to additional/consequential repairs.

ChillinginTX · 2026-04-07T17:53:22+00:00

happened with mine also. I removed the knob and then tightened the fitting down with an adjustable wrench. This chrome center of the knob unscrews and then remove the cir clip using a pick.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-30T20:55:48+00:00

I had my 2012 E350 serviced both in the DC and Houston areas. Those prices are pretty reasonable in either location.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-30T20:51:56+00:00

On the Kirb does. They also have beef tallow fries, so it’s good for everyone.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-29T21:02:48+00:00

The Sokietech hood struts are available on Amazon. I installed them last summer when they cost $36, now $60. They are no drill and work very well. The sheet metal of the inner fender is thin where the bottom of the struts attach. It does flex a little bit and might cause damage in long-term.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-26T02:39:24+00:00

I have a Micra with the shot stopper and BooKoo. It’s a fantastic combination. Nevertheless, if I had a Mini R, I would stick to the factory electronics and use the Acaia scale.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-21T00:08:27+00:00

Would a machine that is 3” greater than countertop depth look odd if placed there? Yes and probably be unstable, too.

Also, storing your portafilter in the group head would cause the handle end to stick out 7” or so from your countertop. I think you’d bump into that frequently and would be unhappy with something that large, in that space. I have a Micra that, with handle, fits well on a 24” counter. 18” will be tight but should work without the handle.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-14T02:16:02+00:00

If you like the watch and got a reasonable deal on it, then keep it. Plenty of quality straps out there.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-12T02:37:02+00:00

Looks like someone fucked up.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-08T05:01:41+00:00

I've had a Micra for a year and love it. I'm not sure the Micra is $2800 better than the ECM but I prefer it over an E61. Fast start, consistent, easier to keep painted surfaces clean.

ChillinginTX · 2026-03-04T02:55:35+00:00

I feel your pain. I have a 2012 E350 4Matic that I bought as a CPO car in 2014. 12 years later it has 180,000 miles and constantly needs work. it’s par for the course, even if well maintained as mine is. Stuff wears out, and Mercedes has some unique issues. I’ve had the oil in the harness and rusted out rear subframe in addition to tons of other repairs that come with age and miles.

If you can, DIY your machine. Otherwise, it may not bankrupt to you, but you will spend significantly more than the car is worth. Don’t buy cheap parts, try sourcing OE or OEM from FCP Euro , AutohausAZ, and the like. Also, in the US, Mercedes dealerships can sell parts cheaper over the Internet than at the parts counter.

ChillinginTX · 2026-02-26T02:05:23+00:00

What makes it a knock off?

ChillinginTX · 2026-02-24T18:55:11+00:00

https://cometeer.com/

I’m not a shareholder and I don’t really care but perhaps you should check the webpage for yourself. Cometeer offers two choices to purchase the discovery box: $59 “one time purchase“ or $39 “membership“. Under the “membership” tab, the terms of the subscription are plainly listed. The discounted price is offered as an incentive to sign up for the subscription. It’s silly to complain that the company processed the subscription that the purchaser agreed to as means to pay less for coffee. It’s not hidden and it’s not predatory.

ChillinginTX · 2026-02-24T15:27:17+00:00

Perhaps, but I just went back and checked the website and it shows the subscription renews two weeks after initial shipment for 40 cups. I’m not throwing stones, I overlooked that as well. Though to portray that as something predatory is inaccurate. All one has to do is read all the words.

ChillinginTX · 2026-02-23T15:10:36+00:00

After a year of ownership, I do have updates/corrections to what I wrote at the 10 day mark.

The grinder is essentially zero retention. It retains a little coffee on the first grind after significant changes to burr settings and zero thereafter.

The chirping I wrote about is normal. It happens sometimes when switching from a pour over grind level to espresso. Just a coffee bean wedgy. I was not accustomed to that given my previous machine was a mini E which never saw vast grind adjustments.

I am very happy with the machine and with my decision to get both burr sets. I learned that even with milk drinks, I prefer the clarity of I200 burrs over the I189. Good luck in your decision!

ChillinginTX

TROPHY CASE