Quamar Coffee Grinder

Quamar is one of those Italian grinder brands that flies under the radar, especially in the US market. They don't have the name recognition of Mazzer or the marketing polish of Eureka, but they make solid commercial grinders that show up in cafes across Europe and increasingly in American specialty shops. If you've come across a Quamar grinder and you're wondering whether it's worth your money, here's everything I know about the brand and their lineup.

I've tested several Quamar models over the years and talked to cafe owners who run them daily. Let me break down what they offer, how they perform, and where they fit in the grinder market.

The Quamar Brand

Quamar is an Italian manufacturer based in the same region as many of Italy's famous grinder makers. They've been producing commercial coffee equipment for decades, though they've kept a lower profile than competitors like Eureka, Mazzer, and Compak.

Their grinders are sold primarily through commercial equipment distributors and specialty coffee retailers. You won't find them at Target or on the front page of Amazon. Most US buyers encounter Quamar through cafe equipment suppliers like Espresso Parts, Chris' Coffee, or similar specialty dealers.

The product line focuses on commercial and prosumer espresso grinders. They don't make entry-level home grinders or filter-only models. Every Quamar grinder is built for espresso, with flat burrs and commercial-grade motors.

Quamar M80E

The M80E is their flagship espresso grinder. It uses 83mm flat burrs, which puts it in the same class as the Ceado E37, Mahlkonig Peak, and Mazzer Major. The motor is a direct-drive unit that handles continuous commercial use without overheating.

What sets the M80E apart is its price. It typically sells for $800-$1,200, which is significantly less than comparable 83mm grinders from Ceado ($2,000+) or Mahlkonig ($2,500+). The grind quality is very good, not quite at the level of the Ceado E37z, but close enough that you'd need a trained palate and a side-by-side comparison to notice the difference.

The M80E comes in both doser and doserless (electronic) versions. The electronic version has a timed dosing system with single and double dose buttons, similar to what you'd find on a Mazzer or Compak. The doser version uses a traditional sweep-arm mechanism.

Quamar Q13

The Q13 is a more compact option with 65mm flat burrs. It's positioned as a prosumer or small-cafe grinder. The footprint is smaller than the M80E, and the weight is more manageable at around 16 pounds.

Grind quality on the Q13 is comparable to the Eureka Atom 65 or the Mazzer Mini. The 65mm burrs produce a clean espresso grind with enough consistency for daily cafe use. The stepless adjustment works smoothly and provides good resolution for dialing in espresso.

Quamar T48

The T48 is their entry point, with 50mm flat burrs. It's the most affordable Quamar at around $350-$500. For a home setup or a very low-volume cafe (under 20 drinks per day), the T48 does the job. The burrs are smaller, so grind quality isn't as refined as the Q13 or M80E, but it still outperforms most home grinders in the sub-$500 range.

Grind Quality Across the Range

I've pulled espresso with all three models, and here's how I'd rank them.

The M80E produces the cleanest, most consistent grind. The 83mm burrs generate a tight particle distribution that extracts evenly and produces syrupy, well-balanced shots. Light roasts come through with clarity, and dark roasts have body without bitterness. It's a genuinely impressive grinder, especially at its price point.

The Q13 is a step down but still strong. The 65mm burrs handle medium and dark roasts beautifully. Light roasts show slightly more astringency compared to the M80E, but the difference is small and most customers wouldn't notice in a milk drink.

The T48 is the least refined of the three. It produces a good espresso grind for its burr size, but the particle distribution is wider, which means you'll have slightly uneven extractions compared to the larger models. For home use, this is perfectly acceptable. For a busy cafe, you'd want to move up to the Q13 or M80E.

Build Quality and Durability

Italian commercial grinder manufacturing is a specific skill set, and Quamar has it. The bodies are die-cast aluminum, the motors are overbuilt for their rated capacity, and the adjustment mechanisms are smooth and precise. Everything about the construction says "I'm meant to last."

I've spoken with cafe owners who've run Quamar grinders for 3-5 years without any mechanical issues. Burr replacements are the only regular maintenance item, and Quamar uses standard burr sizes that are widely available from aftermarket suppliers.

The electronic models (with timed dosing) use simple, reliable circuit boards. There's no touchscreen, no WiFi, no app. Just a switch and a couple of buttons. This means fewer things that can break and simpler repairs when something eventually does go wrong.

Parts availability in the US is decent but not as robust as Mazzer or Eureka. Quamar-specific parts (motor brushes, wiring harnesses) sometimes take 2-3 weeks to arrive from Italy. Common wear items like burrs can be sourced domestically from most commercial espresso parts suppliers.

Quamar vs. Better-Known Brands

Vs. Eureka

Eureka has a much larger US presence, better marketing, and more retail availability. Their grinders are well-designed for home and commercial use. For grind quality at the same burr size, Quamar and Eureka are close. Eureka tends to be quieter (their "silent" technology actually works), while Quamar is slightly more durable in commercial settings. If you're buying online, Eureka is easier to find. If you're buying through a dealer, Quamar often offers better value.

Vs. Mazzer

Mazzer is the gold standard for commercial espresso grinders. Their grind quality, build quality, and parts availability are all excellent. Quamar is about 20-30% cheaper than comparable Mazzer models, with grind quality that's about 90% as good. For a cafe watching its budget, Quamar makes sense. For a cafe that wants the absolute best, Mazzer is worth the premium.

Vs. Compak

Compak and Quamar are the closest competitors. Similar price range, similar commercial focus, similar build quality. The Compak K3 and Quamar T48 are nearly interchangeable for performance. At the higher end, Compak's K10 line competes with the Quamar M80E. The differences come down to personal preference and which dealer gives you a better deal.

For broader comparisons across many brands and price points, our best coffee grinder and top coffee grinder roundups cover the full market.

Who Should Consider Quamar

Quamar grinders make the most sense in a few scenarios.

Budget-conscious cafe owners who want commercial-grade grinding without paying the Mazzer or Mahlkonig premium. The M80E at $1,000 outperforms most grinders twice its price.

Home espresso enthusiasts who buy through dealers and want something more durable than a typical home grinder. The T48 or Q13 will outlast any Breville or Baratza grinder by years.

Equipment dealers and roasters looking for a reliable grinder to recommend to wholesale accounts. Quamar's lower price point makes it an easier sell to new cafe owners who are furnishing an entire bar on a tight budget.

If you're a home user who buys equipment on Amazon and wants easy returns, Quamar might not be the most convenient choice. Their limited US retail presence means you'll likely be ordering through a specialty dealer, which is fine but lacks the instant-gratification of Prime delivery.

FAQ

Where can I buy a Quamar grinder in the US?

Specialty coffee equipment retailers like Espresso Parts, Chris' Coffee, and some regional dealers carry Quamar. You can also find them on eBay from time to time, usually from cafes upgrading their equipment. Direct ordering from Italian distributors is possible but adds shipping complexity and potential warranty issues.

Are Quamar burrs compatible with other brands?

The M80E uses 83mm flat burrs that are dimensionally similar to Ceado and some Mazzer mounts. Some aftermarket burr makers (like SSP) produce compatible burrs, but always verify the mounting pattern before ordering. The Q13 uses a 65mm burr that's more specific to Quamar's design.

How loud are Quamar grinders?

They're about average for commercial grinders, around 70-78 dB depending on the model. The M80E is slightly louder than the T48 due to its larger motor and burrs. None of them are as quiet as Eureka's "silent" models, but the grind cycles are short enough that noise is rarely a complaint.

Does Quamar offer a warranty for US buyers?

Quamar provides a 1-year manufacturer warranty through authorized dealers. Warranty service for US customers usually goes through the dealer rather than directly through Quamar. Make sure you buy from an authorized source to maintain warranty coverage. Grey market imports from European sellers may not be covered.

The Takeaway

Quamar makes serious espresso grinders at prices that undercut the big Italian names. The M80E is the standout model, offering 83mm flat burr performance at half the price of comparable options from Ceado and Mahlkonig. If you can find a dealer who carries them, a Quamar grinder is one of the best values in commercial espresso grinding. Just be prepared for slightly longer lead times on parts and a brand name that won't impress your Instagram followers the way a Mahlkonig EK43 would.