Anfim Coffee Grinder: Italian Commercial Quality You Should Know About
Anfim is an Italian coffee grinder manufacturer that has been producing commercial grinders in Florence since 1957. If you've come across the Anfim name, you might be researching grinders for a cafe, or you stumbled on one at a coffee trade show, or you found a used unit at a great price. Anfim grinders are less common in the US market than Mahlkonig or Mazzer, but they've earned a loyal following among baristas who've used them. Here's what makes Anfim worth considering and where the brand falls in the current market.
I've used Anfim grinders at a few different cafes over the years, most recently a Super Caimano at a shop in Portland. Here's my honest take on the brand, their most popular models, and how they compare to better-known competitors.
Anfim's History and Current Status
Anfim (short for "Anfim Firenze," which roughly translates to "Anfim Florence") has been a family-owned business for most of its history. They manufacture all their grinders in Florence, Italy, which is the same city where Eureka builds their machines. The two companies are actually competitors who share the same regional manufacturing heritage.
In recent years, Anfim was acquired by the Hemro Group, the Swiss company that also owns Mahlkonig and Ditting. This acquisition brought Anfim under the same corporate umbrella as some of the biggest names in commercial grinding. The practical impact for buyers is that Anfim now has better global distribution and parts support than it did as an independent company.
However, the acquisition also means Anfim's product line has been consolidated. Some older models have been discontinued in favor of Mahlkonig equivalents. The current lineup is smaller but more focused.
Popular Anfim Models
Anfim Super Caimano
The Super Caimano is Anfim's flagship on-demand espresso grinder. It's the one you'll see most often in cafes that stock Anfim equipment.
Specs: - Burrs: 75mm flat steel - Motor: 450W direct drive - Dosing: Electronic, timer-based - Hopper: 1.5 kg capacity - Weight: About 17 kg (37 lbs)
The 75mm burrs are the standout feature. They're larger than the 65mm burrs found in the Mahlkonig K30/E65S, which means tighter particle distribution and faster grinding. A double shot grinds in about 4 seconds, and the consistency is on par with grinders costing $500 to $1,000 more.
I was genuinely impressed by the Super Caimano's espresso quality when I used it in Portland. Light-roast single origins had excellent clarity, and the stepless adjustment gave precise control over shot timing. The build quality felt solid, with a heavy metal body and smooth adjustment mechanism.
Anfim Caimano On Demand
The standard Caimano is the Super Caimano's smaller sibling:
- Burrs: 65mm flat steel
- Motor: 350W
- Dosing: Electronic, timer-based or manual (depending on variant)
This is Anfim's mid-range commercial option. Grind quality is good, comparable to the Mahlkonig K30. The 65mm burrs handle espresso well, though they can't match the 75mm Super Caimano's particle uniformity.
Anfim SCODY II
The SCODY II is Anfim's premium on-demand model with a few notable upgrades:
- Burrs: 75mm flat titanium-coated
- Micrometric adjustment: Finer grind control than standard models
- Display: Digital interface with programmable doses
- Clump crusher: Built-in mechanism to break up clumps before they exit the chute
The titanium-coated burrs are a nice touch. The coating extends burr life significantly, potentially doubling the time between replacements compared to standard steel burrs. For a high-volume shop grinding hundreds of doses daily, that translates to real savings over time.
For a broader perspective on how Anfim fits among other grinder brands, check out our guides on the best Anfim models and best Anfim on demand grinders.
How Anfim Compares to Major Competitors
Anfim vs. Mahlkonig
This comparison is interesting because they're now owned by the same parent company. The main differences:
- Brand recognition: Mahlkonig dominates in the US and Northern Europe. Anfim is more popular in Southern Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
- Burr sizes: Anfim's Super Caimano offers 75mm burrs at a price point where Mahlkonig offers 65mm (E65S). That's a genuine advantage for Anfim.
- Parts and service: Mahlkonig has better US parts availability and a larger service network. If you're in the US, getting an Anfim serviced can take longer.
- Resale: Mahlkonig grinders hold value better in the US used market due to brand recognition.
If I were opening a cafe in Italy or Spain, I'd seriously consider Anfim. In the US, Mahlkonig's service infrastructure tips the balance.
Anfim vs. Mazzer
Mazzer is another Italian manufacturer that competes directly with Anfim:
- Build quality: Both are excellent. Italian commercial grinders are built to run for decades.
- Grind quality: Comparable at similar burr sizes. The Mazzer Major (83mm) edges out the Super Caimano (75mm) on particle uniformity.
- Price: Anfim is typically 10 to 20% less expensive than comparable Mazzer models.
- Availability: Mazzer has better US distribution. Anfim is harder to find at US equipment dealers.
Anfim vs. Eureka
Eureka and Anfim are both Florence-based, and their products overlap significantly:
- Home market: Eureka dominates (Mignon series). Anfim doesn't have a strong home lineup.
- Commercial market: Both compete well. Eureka's Atom series goes head-to-head with Anfim's Caimano line.
- Design: Eureka puts more emphasis on aesthetics and color options. Anfim designs are more utilitarian.
Buying an Anfim in the US
New
Finding a new Anfim in the US is harder than buying a Mahlkonig or Mazzer. Your best options:
- Specialty coffee equipment distributors: Companies like Prima Coffee, Clive Coffee, or Whole Latte Love occasionally stock Anfim.
- Direct import: Some buyers order directly from European distributors and handle shipping themselves.
- Hemro Group contacts: Since Hemro owns both Anfim and Mahlkonig, Mahlkonig's US distributor may be able to source Anfim units.
Expect to pay $1,200 to $2,500 for a new Anfim commercial grinder, depending on the model.
Used
The used market is where Anfim represents real value in the US:
- Cafe closings: When a cafe that imported Anfim equipment closes, the grinders often sell at steep discounts because fewer US buyers know the brand.
- eBay: Search for "Anfim grinder" and you'll find occasional listings from $400 to $900.
- Equipment liquidators: Restaurant equipment auction sites sometimes have Anfim units.
A used Super Caimano for $600 to $800 is an exceptional deal. You're getting 75mm flat burr commercial quality at a fraction of a new Mahlkonig Peak's price.
Maintenance
Anfim grinders follow the same maintenance patterns as other Italian commercial grinders:
Daily
- Brush out the dosing chamber and chute
- Wipe the exterior
- Run empty for a few seconds to clear retained grounds
Weekly
- Remove the hopper and clean it
- Access the top burr and brush out accumulated fines
- Vacuum the burr chamber
Monthly
- Run cleaning tablets through the machine
- Check the adjustment mechanism for smooth operation
- Inspect the burrs for wear
Burr Replacement
- Standard steel burrs: Every 1,000 to 1,500 lbs of coffee
- Titanium-coated burrs (SCODY II): Every 2,000 to 3,000 lbs
- Replacement burrs: $50 to $100 depending on the model
Ordering replacement burrs in the US takes longer than for Mahlkonig or Mazzer. Plan ahead and keep a spare set on hand if you're running a commercial operation.
FAQ
Is Anfim a good coffee grinder brand?
Yes. Anfim makes genuine Italian commercial grinders with excellent build quality and grind performance. They're less well-known in the US than Mahlkonig or Mazzer, but the quality is comparable. The main drawback for US buyers is limited parts availability and service support.
Where is Anfim manufactured?
All Anfim grinders are manufactured in Florence, Italy. Even after the Hemro Group acquisition, production has remained in Italy.
Can I use an Anfim grinder at home?
Technically yes, but Anfim's lineup is primarily commercial. Their grinders are large, loud, and designed for high-volume use. For home use, you'd be paying for capacity and durability you'll never use. The one exception is if you find a used Anfim at a great price, in which case the grind quality per dollar is hard to beat.
Are Anfim parts compatible with Mahlkonig?
Generally no. Despite being owned by the same parent company, Anfim and Mahlkonig grinders use different burrs, motors, and components. They are separate product lines with separate engineering.
Should You Consider Anfim?
Anfim occupies an interesting position in the grinder market. The quality is genuinely excellent, the prices are competitive, and the 75mm burrs on the Super Caimano outclass most grinders in its price range. The challenge for US buyers is finding one, getting parts, and finding a technician who knows the brand. If you're in Europe or can source one through a reliable channel, Anfim deserves a spot on your shortlist. If you're in the US and want the easiest ownership experience, Mahlkonig or Mazzer are safer bets. Either way, Italian commercial grinders in this category are built to last decades. The brand you choose matters less than matching the grinder to your volume and brew style.