When Rancilio commenced the North American rollout of the Rancilio Stile in 2023, I'll admit it got me excited. This launch was a long time coming. I mean, for ages, the Rocky SD grinder had ruled the roost, pairing effortlessly with the Rancilio Silvia home espresso machine.
When Rancilio commenced the North American rollout of the Rancilio Stile in 2023, I’ll admit it got me excited. This launch was a long time coming. I mean, for ages, the Rocky SD grinder had ruled the roost, pairing effortlessly with the Rancilio Silvia home espresso machine.
I was intrigued. Maybe it’s the way the Stile carries itself – with an unmistakable Italian flair. Or perhaps it’s its higher-end specs that make it a breeze for both novices and seasoned baristas to use. Or, the reasonable (although still high) $650 price tag, conveniently set to compete with prosumer favorites like Eureka and Baratza.
But the real question is: Can this fresh face deliver quality and consistency? Let’s dig into the nitty-gritty of what makes this versatile Rancilio grinder tick.
Solid espresso grinder
Rancilio Stile
Ideal for home or commercial use
Solid construction
58mm flat burrs
Digital user interface
Easy to use
Rather pricey
Overview: Rancilio Stile Espresso Grinder
The Rancilio Stile Espresso Grinder makes a striking first impression with its compact footprint and squared-off silhouette. The metal exterior, draped in a striking white or black powder-coated finish is reassuringly solid. Even the plastics appear to be good quality.
At 12 pounds (5.5-kilograms), this grinder speaks to those seeking commercial-grade build quality. At its heart, sits a pair of 58-millimeter flat steel burrs. Powered by a 200-watt motor, these burrs spin at a gentle 1200 rpm. As it happens, this low speed minimizes the two enemies of grind consistency – heat transfer and static. And as these burrs live in a sound-proof casing, they guarantee low-noise sessions.
The Rancilio Stile boasts a decent 11-ounce (300-gram) bean hopper. It strikes a nice balance between capacity and freshness. A simple sliding gate at the base of this hopper takes all the hassle out of bean changes and cleaning.
Interface-wise, Rancilio keeps things refreshingly simple. Two programmable timed dosing buttons plus a manual (continuous run) option aid in usability. In addition, the LCD, with clear and bright icons, boasts a timer that adjusts in 0.1-second increments. It also boasts a sturdy micro-stepped adjustment collar, which offers easy control over size settings.
Price-wise, Rancilio has positioned this grinder in the upper-mid range niche. Plus, they’ve backed it with a reassuring one-year warranty.
Is it the best espresso grinder on the market? That’s up for debate. A tinted UV-proof bean hopper would have been nice. But if you’re seeking a quality grind-on-demand grinder to use at home or in a small café, the Rancilio Stile makes a compelling case.
Rancilio Stile vs Stile SD
While both the Stile and Stile SD share the same sleek DNA, the differences between the two are worth noting. Firstly, the Stile costs approximately $100 more than the SD. Why? Because it comes with some meaningful upgrades. The most significant are the touch screen and timed dosing systems.
In contrast, the SD’s manual continuous dosing system, a simpler interface, operates via portfilter activation. It completely does away with the timed dosing system. What’s more, this grinder has an altered GUI (grinder user interface). In its place, sits a sort of glass dry-erase-compatible blackboard. It’s the perfect addition for noting coffee origins, blends or a favorite recipe.
Otherwise, the dimensions and weights on both grinders remain pretty much the same. Both grinders also sport identical 58-millimeter flat burrs, stepped adjustment and 11-ounce (300-gram) hoppers. They also register a productivity of 1.4 grams per second at fine-grind settings.
Rancilio Stile Features
So, how do the features on this semi-automatic espresso grinder stack up? Let’s take a brief look.
Size and Design
Standing 12.5 inches (31.8 centimeters), this compact Italian beauty is a tiny tower of caffeinated power. Up top, you’ve got an 11-ounce (300-gram) clear bean hopper. Its lid doubles up as a catch tray, held in place underneath the grinder by two front-facing tabs.
Below sits the business end – commercial-grade 58-millimeter flat steel burrs. These, housed in a robust black or white powder-coated aluminum body with plastic accents, deliver consistent grind quality.
The user interface, positioned front and center, boasts a crisp digital display. At each side, is a sturdy micro-stepped grind adjustment collar. It offers precise control without the uncertainty that sometimes comes with stepless systems.
Below that sits an aluminum chute, leading to a fork rest (for portafilters) or aluminum dosing cup (for other brews). Lastly, beneath the entire grinder is a conveniently placed power cable that seamlessly integrates into this device’s silhouette.
All in all, one of the best coffee grinders to showcase Italian coffee gear engineering.
User Interface
At the center of the Rancilio Stiles user interface sits a sleek, straightforward digital display. This control panel allows you to easily program between two different preset modes. You can activate these modes (for single or double shots) via the touchscreen or micro-switch. There’s also a grind-on-demand manual button for continuous runs.
At each side sits the stepped grind adjustment collar. Boasting up to 55 grind settings, it clicks satisfyingly into place, allowing for up to 80 clicks. Each step makes a noticeable difference, helping you dial in your grind size effortlessly. Furthermore, the numbers are clearly marked, making it easy to return to your sweet spot after cleaning.
Rancilio Stile Hopper
I would describe this grinder’s hopper as a transparent crown. It’s literally a crystal palace for your precious espresso coffee beans. What I absolutely love is that it hits that sweet spot between “I don’t want to refill this thing every day” and “I don’t want my beans going stale in there.”
The hopper itself consists of high-grade clear plastics, although I would have preferred the tinted UV-protective variety. But maybe that would have messed with the aesthetics.
And here’s another neat feature: a bottom sliding shut-off/safety gate. Need to remove the hopper for cleaning or switching beans? Just slide the gate closed, and your beans stay put. What’s more, the hopper only comes off once you’ve shut the gate. As an added safety precaution, you can’t run the grinder while the hopper isn’t lockedin.
I also love how the hopper lid doubles up as a catch tray. It fits snugly on top, keeping your beans fresh(ish) while preventing contamination. As an added plus, when removed, this hopper sits squarely and wobble-free, preventing unnecessary spillage all over your counter.
Stainless Steel Flat Burrs
The Stile’s burrs are commercial-grade beasts. Made from hardened steel, they offer superior service over approximately 1000-1200 pounds of coffee.
What makes them perfectly suited for espresso grinding is their flat shape. This design creates consistent, clump-free grounds, ideal for even extractions. Moreover, the design helps reduce heat during grinding. This way, you’re not accidentally roasting your beans a second time!
Another feature I love is that these burrs spin at a relatively modest 1200-rpm. This might sound like a downgrade, but it’s actually genius. A lower speed means less heat and static. Plus, it ensures a quieter grinder. No one wants a grinder that sounds like it’s on a SpaceX launching pad!
Cleaning these burrs is surprisingly straightforward. The top burr comes off easily for maintenance. Just remember to recalibrate after cleaning. Otherwise, you could end up with espresso that tastes like a science experiment gone wrong!
Rancilio Stile Grinder Settings
The grind settings of the Rancilio Stile are where the magic of bean transformation happens. This grinder rocks a stepped adjustment system. But what exactly does this mean? Unlike stepless grinders, each click on the Stile is clear and precise.
There are 55 distinct settings to play with – plenty of room to find your perfect grind. The adjustment dial sits on the side of the grinder, marked with clear numbers that you can actually read.
Moving from espresso-fine to drip coffee-coarse is as simple as counting clicks. Want to go back to that perfect setting you found last week? Just remember the number; no need to mark it with nail polish like with those old grinders!
For espresso lovers, settings 2-4 are your sweet spot. The micro-adjustments here are tight enough to let you dial in that perfect shot. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for coarser settings. These can handle everything from pour-over and Chemex to drip and French press without breaking a sweat.
How to Use the Rancilio Stile Espresso Grinder
To use this espresso-focused grinder, first fill your bean hopper to at least a third of the way up. Then, dial in your initial grind setting. For espresso, start at position 4 on the reference ring, gradually going finer to just below position 2. Then, rest your portafilter on the fork arms beneath the chute.
To program your dose timing, press and hold any of the two preset modes (or manual button). Do so until the screen flashes. Run the grinder for about 8 seconds to yield 18-20 grams. Then, press the button again to save this duration. Using the on-screen adjustment buttons, you can fine-tune times in 0.1-second increments.
Now for the crucial part: dialing in your grind. If your espresso pulls too fast (under 20 seconds), turn the adjustment collar counterclockwise towards a finer setting. If it’s too slow (over 30 seconds), go clockwise for coarser. Constantly make tiny adjustments until you find your perfect fit.
You can also select up to five primary grind modes:
Timed Grinds: Set for single or double shots
Pulse Grinds: Hold down the button for a continuous manual run
Timed Grinds with a Pause: Remove the portafilter, settle the dose, then restart
Count-Up Grinds: start at 0 and grind for up to 20 seconds or until you stop it
Auto-Portafilter Activation: Automatically grind once you’ve insert a portafilter
Manual Count-Up Grinds: Also activated via portafilter insertion
Now, press the appropriate button to grind, stopping or pausing as needed. Note that grinding coffee for espresso will naturally require a portafilter. In contrast, when grinding at coarser settings for filter or pour-over, you must remove the portafilter rest and insert a dosing cup.
If you constantly switch between espresso and drip, a single-dose grinder might make more sense. You could also get a dedicated filter coffee grinder like the Fellow Ode.
I also recommend seasoning your grinder to achieve optimal flavor consistency and performance. This happens after you’ve run about 22-44 pounds (10-20 kilograms) of coffee through it.
Pro Tips:
When adjusting finer, always run the grinder to prevent burr binding
Purge 2-3 seconds worth of grounds after any grind adjustment
Always keep the hopper at least one-third full for consistent dosing
It’s important to note that temperature and humidity can affect grind settings. Therefore, don’t be afraid to make small adjustments day to day. A perfect setting today might need tweaking tomorrow.
Rancilio Stile Grinder Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your Rancilio Stile is essential for great coffee and long-term reliability. Daily, clear coffee grounds from the chute using a soft brush. A gentle tap on the grinder’s body will help dislodge any retained grounds. Wipe down the exterior and hopper with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent oil buildup.
Weekly, remove and wash the hopper and lid in warm water. Avoid harsh soaps; this could taint future beans. Dry completely before reattaching. In addition, use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean around the adjustment collar and chute area. Then, brush out the grind chamber access point with a dedicated grinder brush.
Monthly cleaning is a bit more involved. First:
Empty the hopper and grind out remaining beans.
Run 20-30 grams of grinder cleaning tablets such as Urnex Grindz through a medium-fine setting.
Follow with 30 grams of sacrificial beans to remove cleaner residue.
Remove the top burr using the release mechanism and clean both burrs with a soft brush.
Check the burr alignment during reassembly.
Long-time burr maintenance is just as important. A wear-and-tear warning will appear after 70 hours of use, but you can reset this.
Moreover, your burrs could need replacement if you notice inconsistent grind sizes or a reduction in flavor clarity. Therefore, if you’re a heavy user, mark your calendar to check for wear annually.
Helpful Care Tips:
Only grind roasted coffee beans (no green beans, spices or other food items)
Limit oily or flavored beans; these could gum up the burrs
Store your grinder in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity.
Rancilio Stile Technical Specifications
| Rancilio Stile Espresso Grinder | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Rancilio |
| Name | Stile |
| Type | Electric coffee grinder |
| Grinder | 58 mm stainless steel flat burrs |
| Grind levels | 55 |
| Power | 200 watt |
| Voltage | 120 volt |
| Weight | 12.1 lb / 5.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 12.4 x 5.2 x 7.3 in / 31.5 x 13.2 x 18.5 cm |
| Suitable for | Espresso |
| Accessories | User manual, cleaning brush |
Rancilio Stile vs Rocky
The jump from the Rancilio Rocky SD to the Stile represents Rancilio’s evolution from entry-level to prosumer espresso machine and grinder territory. The Stile’s larger 58-millimeter steel flat burrs and motor (compared to the Rocky’s 50-millimeter burrs and 160-watt motor) deliver noticeably more consistent particle sizes. They also guarantee faster grind times.
Both grinders are versatile (they grind for other brews, not just espresso). They also sport stepped adjustment systems. However, users report that the Stile’s mechanism feels more precise. It stays locked in better than the Rocky’s sometimes-drifting collar. Also, the Rocky’s productivity is lower – 0.69-0.97 grams per second.
Design-wise, the Stile is much like Rancilio’s star prosumer espresso machine (see my Rancilio Silvia review). It brings modern aesthetics with its LCD, clean lines, neutral colors and touch interface. In contrast, the Rocky SD maintains its classic utilitarian look with basic switches. However, both coffee grinders rock similar-capacity hoppers.
In line with these upgrades, the Stile’s recommended $650 price tag sits higher, compared to the Rocky SD’s $440.00.
But unlike the Stile, the Rocky is available with or without a doser. The doserless option gives you more control over the amount of coffee grounds you use. In contrast, the doser option allows you to measure out exact grounds for your espresso or drip coffee machine.
In conclusion, the Rocky SD remains a solid entry point. The Stile? It represents a significant step up in both capability and user experience.
See Also: Rancilio Rocky Review
Verdict: Rancilio Stile Grinder Review
Solid espresso grinder
Rancilio Stile
Ideal for home or commercial use
Solid construction
58mm flat burrs
Digital user interface
Easy to use
Rather pricey
After this first look at the Rancilio Stile, I can say it does well to fill the gap between professional performance and home user-friendliness. It isn’t just another pretty Italian in the crowded espresso grinder market.
So, who would I say this grinder is for? The Stile is perfect for the dedicated home barista. One who’s ready to upgrade their coffee gear, but not ready to go all the way commercial. It’s also ideal for those who appreciate precision when brewing espresso. If you’re the type who weighs your beans, times your shots and gets excited about new roasts, you’ll find a worthy partner in the Stile.
However, if you’re just starting your coffee journey or mainly brew drip, the Stile’s asking price might be harder to justify. There are simpler, more affordable options in the Rancilio family and beyond that would likely serve you better.
Have you taken the plunge with the Rancilio Stile? I’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below and tell me all about it!
Rancilio Stile Review FAQ
Based on its build quality, grind consistency and features for the price point, yes, the Rancilio Stile is worth it. The only hiccup could be its stepped rather than stepless adjustment, which some users find limiting.
The ideal grind setting for a perfect espresso shot is two ticks finer than setting 2 on the adjustment collar.
58-millimeter steel flat burrs
