My MAVO Aurora after nearly six months: slow espresso grinding and repeated restarts

I’ve owned the MAVO Aurora grinder for nearly six months. I bought it when it first launched because I liked its appearance and positioning. I mainly use it for espresso; I have a C40 for pour-over. The experience and assessment below are specifically about espresso.

I. Pros

1. Strong value for money. At around 300 yuan, its combination of electric operation, portability and espresso grinding gives it a clear advantage in its price range. I think it suits espresso beginners on a limited budget.
2. Capable grinding. It can grind coffee beans fine enough for espresso, and I find the particle consistency meets basic espresso-extraction needs. It handles my everyday espresso making.
3. Portable and convenient. It runs without being plugged in, and its light body works well on a home coffee station. I can also use it outdoors or while camping.

II. Cons

1. Slow grinding and beans can get stuck. Grinding 19 g of dark-roast beans takes more than two minutes; light-roast beans take around three minutes, and I often run into beans getting stuck. They can still be ground, but I usually have to restart the grinder two or three times to finish the dose, which interrupts the workflow.
2. Little room for espresso adjustment. The official figures I refer to give an espresso range of 5–20 clicks, but in my use I need to set it to 5 clicks for acceptable extraction. A slightly larger adjustment can affect the result, leaving me with little room to dial it in.
3. The body scratches easily. Its plastic construction keeps it light, but after extended use I found it very prone to scratches, with visible wear to its appearance.

III. Buying advice

I think this grinder is better suited to people who want it for espresso, mainly use medium-roast or darker beans, and brew at home or outdoors without needing fast grinding. They should also be comfortable restarting it repeatedly for light-roast espresso and carefully dialing in the grind.

If you make espresso frequently, want faster grinding, or are sensitive to the feel of the body and visible wear, I’d suggest considering a more professional model in a higher price range.