Video Overview | Rancilio Rocky Espresso Grinder

The Rancilio Rocky doserless espresso grinder is the perfect companion for the Silvia espresso machine. As an entry-level grinder, it is completely manual, but it's fast, grinding out about 1g/s at 1350 RPM with 50mm flat steel burrs. Check out this video to see Steve talk through the components and features and then show the Rocky in action.
Find the Rocky at
prima-coffee.c...
Overview 0:13
Disassembly/Cleaning 0:50
Portafilter Holder 1:30
Grinding /Adjustment 2:06
Burrs / Purpose 3:17
Retention 4:09

[@icowrich]

It must be called the Rocky because of all the rocking you have to do to get your grinds out!

[@dow168]

For real for real.

[@frankw2900]

I've been using this grinder for about 25 years. Works very well.

[@michaelgrant580]

My grinder is 5 years plus old. I keep the hopper filled and add when I run out. I have never deep cleaned it. Great Entry level machine that takes a beating.

[@coachafella]

Had a Rocky for filter coffee for 15 years. Liked it but recently upgraded to a Baratza Vario+ and the improvement is astonishing. Can't speak about espresso, but for drip, seriously, if you have the option the difference in price is well worth getting the Vario. Trust me.

[@davet9655]

Basting bellow works to flush out retained grinds. A bit of tape over the holes in the hopper prevents trapped beans.

[@rickp1039]

I use 5/8 inch wood dowels for that purpose

[@VolkerHenninger]

Foam earplugs (new) work great

[@pectoralismajor1097]

I'm patiently waiting for the Rancilio Stile coming later this year. The Rocky is such a weird grinder and doesn't fit the look of the Silvia at all if you ask me. Well, let's hope the Stile is actually more than just good looks.

[@lejacobo]

wonder who still chooses this with all its 'caviats'. Ngl, started with an md40 and loved it, great consistency, great build quality, not so great serviceability. rn if you're you're looking to buy a new one there are so much better options in the price range. Come on Rancilio, step it up!! At least resale value won't go down so hard since its build quality is so good.

[@icowrich]

I have it, mainly because it was the best espresso grinder for the money at the time I bought it (over a decade ago). I still love it, but I obviously would get something else (maybe a Sette) if I were starting over today. But the caveats can be easily overcome.
1) Retention is the #1 cited problem with this grinder. But it can be solved with this 3D printed bellows: th-cam.com/video/JbrZfrgFafM/w-d-xo.html ;
2) The grinds *are* clumpier than one might prefer on a higher end machine, but it's nothing a cheap WDT can't handle;
3) I just leave a bean in each of the screw holes so that fresh beans can't land in them;
4) It can easily be made stepless (www.home-barista.com/grinders/rocky-mods-how-to-turn-it-into-uber-grinder-t664.html).
But, I'm still amazed at how good the espresso grinds are for the cost of this grinder. It's fairly quiet because of all the metal in the body of the machine. It lasts forever (definitely a buy-it-for-life item). And it's one of the most hackable items in coffee culture because it's been around for so long and hobbyists like to mod it. For all those reasons, I am holding on to mine.
But I do use a Virtuoso for pour over coffee.

[@lejacobo]

well, over a decade ago this was for sure the prime espresso grinder for home

[@braggan]

Which grinders are better at this price range?

[@michaelhimes8778]

Well my Baratza Sette 30 died inside 3 years so I’m going for quality over design and features.

[@sandys-channel]

As someone who owns this grinder, I wouldn't recommend it. There are just too many caveats with it. There are a lot of mods you can do to improve the function of it (single dose funnels / stepless mod / tilt mod / open shoot mod / etc), but at the price, there are definitely better grinders out there.

[@braggan]

Which are better in this price range?

[@James-id5xq]

What grinder better than?

[@braggan]

@@James-id5xq after some research, the Eureka Mignon Manuale/Notte/Facile (the specific model has different names depending on where you live) has about the same price, the same great build quality and the same basic functionality, but it's just a better grinder overall. Stepless adjustment, less clumping and less retention.

[@James-id5xq]

Purchased the Eureka Facile. Built like a tank, excellent clump free grinds, stepless adjustment is great for fine tuning espresso shots and whisper quiet. Very happy after 2 weeks

[@braggan]

@@James-id5xq Great to hear! About to get the Manuale myself:)

[@emmanouiljohncalderon2247]

Is this good for heavy use in coffee shop

[@primacoffeeequipment]

No, not at all. Write us at [e-mail] and we can talk through some better options!

[@Bryan-rl2ik]

How often are you supposed to clean them?

[@HYXHost]

It depends on usage but I generally clean mine every 3 months if I am using it frequently.

[@JB-pk1jx]

I have had one for 22 years and haven’t cleaned it once 😂

[@bisem433]

I am surprised they still make that grinder. I think it would be very difficult to maintain for a beginner or someone who isn't very handy or mechanical. I owned one and eventually gave it to a friend. She never cleaned it and I ended up with it again because it froze up on her. I gave up trying to get it apart to clean all the sticky tar out of it. There are so many better entry level options now that I think Rancilio should retire this one and move forward with their newer models.

[@Coffeeluver22]

Funny. Everything entry level doesn’t run cheap lol.

[@thedude6478]

Tapping or rocking the grinder ? As useless a move as it is uncouth. This grinder release all the ground coffee one requires for espresso.