#coffeegrinder — Public Fediverse posts

Mavo’s Phantox Pro Wants to Shake Up the Mid-Range Manual Grinder Market

The manual coffee grinder market is a remarkably crowded space right now. There was a time when, if you wanted true precision grind quality, you bought a Comandante and accepted the price tag without flinching. Then 1Zpresso and Timemore arrived, collectively proving that serious burr geometry does not require a serious financial commitment. The mid-range segment they created is now seriously competitive, and a new name is trying to wedge itself right into that conversation.

That name is Mavo. The brand is not exactly a startup; they have been operating out of China since 2012, building a solid domestic presence while selling glass drippers, kettles, and electric grinders. For most of that time, their manual grinders were squarely aimed at the casual consumer market: somewhat capable, not particularly exciting.

The Phantox Pro (Amazon, $129) is a deliberate break from that. It is their first genuine shot at the specialty coffee enthusiast crowd, and it makes a reasonable case for itself. We got a sample unit in to check out for our forthcoming Best Budget Grinders for 2026 Guide, and have been putting it through its paces for a full Snapshot Review. Here are the initial impressions.

Build and Feel

Out of the box, the first thing you notice is the weight: a substantial 630 grams of CNC machined aluminium alloy. The fit and finish feel tight from the factory. There is no rattle in the handle assembly, no loose play anywhere. The “champagne” coloured unit we received looks sharp (a black version with slightly more readable markings is also available), and the cutouts and textures in the body give it a purposeful, grippy feel in hand. A silicone ring ships in the box for extra purchase if you need it.

The external grind adjustment dial is the thing you will notice first, and keep noticing. It moves with a dampened, deliberate resistance that is genuinely reminiscent of adjusting a manual f-stop ring on a high end camera lens (I’m talking Leica levels here, folks). There are 120 clicks per full revolution, with each click representing 0.0167mm of burr travel. It is a satisfying mechanism. More practically, it makes documenting and repeating your grind settings refreshingly straightforward. No guessing how many clicks from zero. No fumbling around with an internal adjustment collar while juggling a catch cup full of coffee you spent good money on.

Inside the chassis, Mavo uses a triple bearing stabilization system on the central axle to keep the inner burr running concentric under load. It is beefy and designed to work with a power drill if you’re so inclined (and don’t want to hand crank). In fact, the company ships the grinder with a secondary lid designed to work with a cordless drill.

One thing to note here: when you disassemble the grinder for a deep clean, the axle needs to be carefully realigned during reassembly. It is not complicated once you understand what is happening, but the first time you take it apart and find it does not quite want to go back together, do not force anything. Look closely at the axle alignment first.

The Burrs: What They Do Well, and What They Cannot Do

The 45mm seven-sided stainless steel burrs are the big picture story of this grinder. The cutting surface is noticeably larger than the 38mm to 40mm burrs common in this price bracket, and that size advantage pays off in grinding speed. In our initial testing, the Phantox Pro turned out roughly 0.5 grams per second at a standard pour over setting, which is a respectable clip for a hand grinder.

The geometry of these burrs is genuinely unusual. The bottom third of the inner static burr does not use the standard conical cut pattern you would typically expect. Instead, it uses an aggressive hatch design that closely resembles a flat ghost burr, similar in principle to the burr design used in the much pricier Orphan Espresso Apex. Ghost burr geometries are known for producing highly uniform particle sizes while sharply limiting the production of fine coffee dust.

That approach is very apparent in the cup. I’ve already pushed roughly 8kg of coffee through our test unit so far, and the output for pour over and full immersion brewing is impressive. The Phantox Pro produces a clean, well-separated flavour profile with good clarity and sweetness. For a Chemex, a press pot, a siphon, or a V60, this grinder punches well above its $140 USD price point. In early head to head testing, it is holding its own against our current filter benchmark, the 1Zpresso K Ultra, which costs considerably more.

The trade-off is straightforward and worth stating plainly: this burr design makes it a poor espresso grinder. Mavo markets the Phantox Pro as a multi-purpose tool capable of everything from Turkish coffee to French press, and the external dial has the mechanical precision to dial very fine. The problem is physics, not mechanics. Espresso extraction relies on a specific volume of fine particles to fill the gaps between larger grounds, building the puck resistance needed to generate nine bars of brew pressure.

Because these burrs are engineered to limit fines production, you simply cannot build that resistance. Shots run fast and extract poorly. No amount of careful dialling changes what the burr geometry is doing. Buyers who primarily pull espresso should look elsewhere, at something like the 1Zpresso J Ultra or the Kingrinder K6.

Where Things Stand

All that volume testing had a purpose: we wanted to know whether the Phantox Pro had earned a spot in our forthcoming Best Budget Grinders for 2026 Guide as a filter-focused recommendation. It has. For a brewer who lives and breathes pour over and immersion methods, $140 is a very reasonable entry point for this level of cup quality and build refinement.

We are wrapping up formal testing protocols now, including particle analysis and head to head comparisons with established competitors. Expect a full breakdown in our forthcoming Best Budget Grinders Guide, and a complete Snapshot Review of the Mavo Phantox Pro later this summer. In the meantime, the grinder is available on Amazon or directly from Mavo.

☕️ Clean your coffee grinder!

In my experience the fine dust build-up starts to result in coffee filters getting clogged, even with a medium grind, impacting the pour-over process and flavor.

#coffee #coffeegrinder #pourover

A good #coffee grinder goes burrrrr. Flat burrrr #coffeegrinder

Do you have that hand grinder, or a very similar one?

#coffeeGrinder #handGrinder #coffee

Just making a #coffee and thinking about how this particular hand grinder appears to be a widely common model.

I can't do a pic with a poll, so I'll pose my check of the grindo-geist in the following post…

#coffeeGrinder #handGrinder

Meet the Lagom mini 2: Option-O’s Compact Electric Grinder Evolves

There’s a strange chasm in the world of coffee grinders. On one side, you have the hefty, countertop-hogging electric grinders, beasts of burden that can churn out shot after shot. On the other, you have the admittedly excellent but arm-tiring manual grinders, the darlings of the purist set. For years, if you wanted electric convenience in a travel-friendly size, your options were, let’s just say, rather disappointing.

Option-O, after just six years in the grinder game, saw that gap and drove a truck through it with the original Lagom mini in 2022. Now they’re back with its successor, the Lagom mini 2. Externally, it’s a dead ringer for the original, save for a redesigned power button and a modern USB-C port replacing the old one. But while the shell is identical, what’s under the hood is a thoughtful evolution, not a revolution.

Before I dive in, a quick disclosure. My evaluation grinder wasn’t purchased; it was provided by Option-O (not a sponsor) through their Canadian retail partner, Cafuné (welcome to them as a new site sponsor!). I’m grateful to both for getting one to me, especially since high demand has created waiting lists for these unique grinders. This article is my detailed introduction to the mini 2 our full Snapshot Review is coming in the next few months.

The Original Lagom mini: A Quick Look Back

The first Lagom mini was a masterclass in purpose-built design (here’s my original intro article on it). While its size made it an excellent travel companion, its true calling was to be the ultimate minimalist grinder for the discerning coffee lover at home. It was engineered to look beautiful while taking up almost no space, its low 180 RPM motor prioritizing quality and excellent fines management over sheer quantity.

It had its quirks, of course. The proprietary power brick was an awkward, outlet-hogging annoyance on the kitchen counter and a pain for travellers alike. And while the grinder’s design screamed minimalist chic, its un-numbered dial was a famously polarising choice.

Still, the results were undeniable. I have nearly two years of experience with the original mini, and its grind quality is nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, it’s become a benchmark for conical burr grinders here at CoffeeGeek, because of its incredible output, build quality, and unique place in the market. My expectations for this new version, with its refined burrs, are deservedly high.

Familiar Form, Subtle Changes

If you liked the original mini’s look and feel, you’ll be happy to know the exterior is fundamentally unchanged. The mini 2 has the same compact footprint, satisfying 1.5 kg (3.3 lbs) heft, and premium, machined-from-a-single-block-of-aluminum feel. The fit and finish are superb, making many larger plastic grinders feel clumsy by comparison, and the magnetic catch cup still snaps into place with an authoritative click.

While the body is identical, I found a few subtle changes. Aesthetically, the tasteful, minimalist branding etched onto the original mini’s base is gone, leaving the new version completely unadorned. On a more practical note, the base now has a compliance sticker that can make the grinder slide around. My advice? Peel it off at your earliest convenience, and the grippy silicone base will keep the grinder planted.

The adjustment mechanism is almost identical to the original, save for the omission of a single hollowed-out marker dot near the zero point. The entire upper collar remains a stepless grind adjustment, threading smoothly into the main body. If you’ve ever dialled in an espresso shot with this style of infinite adjustment, you know how precise it can be.

Internally, Option-O has again strengthened the gearing system and motor housing to improve torque. The same P-grade angular contact bearings are used to ensure the burrs remain perfectly aligned with minimal wobble. The workflow is still strictly single-dosing only, with a hopper capacity of around 30 to 35 grams for those who meticulously weigh their beans. It also still comes with the removable anti-popcorn device, which, let’s be honest, most of us remove because it can make pouring beans in a bit harder.

The Burrs: An In-House Evolution

This is the upgrade that will likely interest CoffeeGeek readers the most. The original Lagom mini’s burr options evolved over its lifespan: it launched with 38mm Obsidian burrs as standard, with an optional upgrade to a 48mm Moonshine burr set. The Moonshines developed such a strong reputation for clarity that Option-O eventually made them the standard offering. The new mini 2 continues this evolution, simplifying the lineup to a single, new 48mm Mizen burr set.

Option-O has taken a more hands-on role with the Mizen burrs. While they use third parties for manufacturing, the design is now done entirely in-house, with each burr set undergoing individual quality control before shipping. This gives them complete command over geometry and consistency. The Mizen 48MS burrs have a cut pattern that is nearly identical to the Moonshines, but the finish appears more matte. The high sheen on my well-used Moonshine burrs might just be the result of two years of polishing, but it’s a noticeable difference out of the box.

Beyond the burrs themselves, there’s a significant change to the grind chamber. The original mini had stepped clearing vanes and a lipped outer burr housing, which could trap a small amount of coffee grounds over time. The mini 2 now features single-height vanes and a flat burr housing, creating a wider sweep area. In my initial testing, this new design seems to do a much better job of clearing out ground coffee.

As for performance, Option-O describes the Mizen burrs as all-rounders, and my testing confirms this. They produce brews with medium-high clarity and good flavour separation, performing well from fine to coarse.

One critical note for owners of the original: these new Mizen burrs are not backwards compatible. You cannot install them in a first-generation Lagom mini.

Power: USB-C Changes Everything

Let’s have a moment of silence for the junk drawer full of proprietary power bricks we have all accumulated over the years from a wide variety of retired and deceased consumer appliances. The single biggest and most welcome change in the mini 2 is the switch to the universal USB-C standard.

This is not just any USB-C port, however. It requires a power source that supports Power Delivery 3.0 (PD3.0 or later) and can output a full 100 watts at 20V/5A. In simple terms, it needs a powerful, modern charger, like one you would use for a MacBook Pro.

Option-O sells the grinder direct, in two configurations:

• $299 USD / $415 CAD without a power adapter (you supply your own, like the Ugreen Nexode Pro 100W)
• $379 USD / $527 CAD with Option-O’s high end 100W USB-C power adapter.

That power adapter deserves special mention. It is not just a simple brick; it is a proper PD3.0 compliant multi-port GaN charger with two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, and a high-quality braided cable. In Canada, Cafuné offers the grinder for $499 CAD without the adapter and $599 CAD with it, which is a competitive price once you account for duty and shipping.

The move to USB-C also unlocks the grinder’s true potential for portability. It can be run from a 100W+ PD-compliant power bank. This flexibility elevates the mini 2 from just a small grinder to a genuinely portable one. I’m testing it with an INIU Cougar 100W 25,000mAh power bank, and it works fantastically well as a standalone grinding solution.

Workflow: Smarter, Not Harder

The other major quality-of-life improvement is the introduction of an auto-off feature. The grinder’s internal logic now detects when the resistance drops, meaning the beans have all passed through the burrs. It continues to run for about ten seconds to clear the chamber and then shuts itself down.

If you have ever been sidetracked by a ringing phone or a boiling kettle, you might have returned to the sound of the original mini’s motor spinning away uselessly, slowly eating into its 600-hour rated lifespan. The auto-off function means less wear, less heat, and less stress on the motor. It also frees you up to prep your filter or tamp your espresso while the grinder finishes its job.

During that final ten-second spin-down, the mini 2 makes a soft “pffft, pffft” sound as it pulses to push out the last few particles. Retention seems improved, and static is noticeably lower than in the original. These are just my initial impressions, of course; we’ll be doing more rigorous testing on retention and static for the full Snapshot Review.

The Grind Dial: Precision with Visual Cues

And now we come to the dial. While it has no numbers, it does have dots! (this is a point of contention with some owners of the grinder who want numbers on the dial). The collar features a series of large dots interspersed with four smaller dots, giving you a solid visual reference for your grind setting. Option-O’s philosophy is to encourage dialing in by taste and feel, using these markers as waypoints, and they have steadfastly resisted calls to add numbers to the stepless adjustment. For those who want to mark specific settings, they include a sheet of tiny black and white dot stickers for further customization.

I’ve developed my own system with the stickers to keep things straight. I use a single white sticker placed directly on one of the laser etched black dots, to mark the effective zero point. My starting point for espresso is marked with a single black sticker above the seventh large dot. For pour over, which requires a full 360-degree rotation past zero, I use two white stickers over the fourteenth large dot. The two stickers are a quick visual reminder that I have to pass that point one full rotation first before reaching it again.

Honestly, I’m still on the fence about the whole numbers-versus-no-numbers debate. It’s a system that works well once you get used to it, but I understand the appeal of a simpler numerical reference. I’ll have a more definitive take in our full Snapshot Review.

Reliability and Final Thoughts

The Lagom mini 2 inherits the gearbox and motor improvements made in later production runs of the original, and even adds more beefing up and refinements to the system. The auto-off feature adds another layer of protection. The same duty cycle of 1:1 (eg 60 seconds on, 60 seconds off) applies, so this is not a machine for grinding large batches. But for its intended use of delivering a few exceptional doses per day, it should prove to be a reliable companion.

So, who is this grinder for? It’s for the person who values minimalism, counter space, and exceptional grind quality in small amounts. It is for the filter-first coffee drinker who enjoys the occasional espresso. It competes with top-tier manual grinders, and the debate boils down to this: do you prefer the tactile ritual of hand grinding, or would you rather just press a button? After years of daily hand grinding, the appeal of that button gets awfully strong.

And here’s the kicker, the part that seals the deal. In a world where every new version of a gadget seems to come with an automatic price hike, Option-O went the other way. If you bring your own compliant USB-C charger, the mini 2 is actually about a hundred bucks cheaper than its predecessor (excluding any possible Trump Taxes). Even if you opt for the bundle with their excellent new power adapter, it still rings in at about twenty dollars less than the old model with the dedicated power brick.

The Lagom mini 2 is both an incremental and unique-features upgrade. It takes a product we already loved and refines it based on lots of user feedback. The Mizen burrs, improved motor, universal USB-C power, and the smart auto-off function are all excellent improvements that make a great grinder even better.

So, that’s my initial take. We’re now working on the full Snapshot Review for the grinder which should be along in a few months. If you’ve managed to get your hands on a Lagom mini 2, drop a comment below and let us know what you think. If you’ve got questions, fire away. Don’t be shy.

#coffeeGrinder #grinder #lagom #lagomMini2 #optionO #singleDose

Because I love you Fediverse, here's a sneak peak at the intro for our forthcoming First Look for the 1Zpresso X-Ultra manual coffee grinder. And a couple of the beaut shots.

#coffee #espresso #coffeegrinder

521/x

#Sketch #SketchBook #Pencil #PencilArt #TraditionalArt #MastoArt #Art #Drawing #Draw #StillLife #CoffeeMill #CoffeeGrinder #Apple #KleineKunstklasse #DailyArt #DailySketch

Bike crank or coffee grinder? LOL (hint: this one you can brew) #coffeegrinder

Baratza Introduces the Encore ESP Pro Grinder

Baratza has just introduced their latest consumer grinder, the Encore ESP Pro, marking a big shift in their lineup. With this release, Baratza is sunsetting the Virtuoso series, streamlining their offerings into four main families: Encore, Vario, Sette, and Forte. More importantly, the Encore ESP Pro brings a wave of high-end features that reflect where consumer expectations for grinders are heading in 2025. When released, the Encore ESP Pro will have a retail price of $300USD ($299.95).

In many ways, the Encore ESP Pro replaces the Virtuoso and Virtuoso+ models by blending their legacy into the Encore line, becoming an upgrade choice compared to the Encore ESP grinder. But it goes further than that. This isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a leap forward. The ESP Pro includes a suite of pro-level features like auto-stop grinding, a built-in ionizer to reduce static, an impressively fine 2.2-micron adjustment system for espresso, a digital timer accurate to one-tenth of a second, and a lit grinds chamber. It also offers a straightforward way to switch between single dosing and full hopper use.

Originally, we were scheduled to receive an early production model at the start of April, but shipping delays pushed that back. Normally, I prefer to write about gear after hands-on use. Still, given Baratza’s impact on the home grinder market and the innovation packed into this release, it’s worth highlighting now. We will be getting one of the first units in North America in early May and I will have a quick hands on followup article at that time.

If you happen to be at the SCA Expo in Houston April 25-27 2025, you can see this grinder in person at Baratza’s booth, #615, where they will have several units in demonstration, as well as the folks behind the grinder available to answer questions.

What’s Notable about the Baratza Encore ESP Pro

It’s tough to pick just one standout feature from Baratza’s new Encore ESP Pro, because this grinder packs in several impressive upgrades. Some folks will immediately zero in on the ultra-fine 2.2 micron adjustment steps, which offer a new level of control for dialing in espresso. Others might appreciate the auto-off feature that’s perfect for single dosing. For me, the edge might go to Baratza’s first-ever use of an ionizer for static reduction.

Ionizer for Static Reduction

Baratza has spent decades refining how their grinders handle static. They’ve used special plastics, coatings, and material pairings and even polish treatments to minimize clumping and static cling from coffee. Over time, these efforts helped Baratza develop some of the lowest static-producing grinders on the home market, at least when compared to others without an ionizer.

With the Encore ESP Pro, they’ve taken that additional step by adding a built-in ionizer, using a plasma generator design of their own. This system builds on everything they’ve learned and adds an active layer of static control. According to the engineers I spoke with, the results have been impressive, with minimal static in most conditions. I’ll be putting that claim to the test as soon as our review unit arrives.

Timer and Auto-Off Features

The Encore ESP Pro offers two distinct modes for grinding: a digital timer-based mode and an auto-off mode specifically geared toward single dosing. Timed grinding uses a digital 1/10th second grind timer, and a pretty cool looking display unlike anything seen on a Baratza grinder before. It gives you solid control and repeatability for your grind times. The auto-off mode is particularly interesting. When single dosing, the grinder senses resistance in the burr chamber, and once that resistance disappears – meaning the beans are fully ground – it shuts off automatically.

Auto-off isn’t a new concept in consumer grinders. The Wilfa Uniform includes a similar feature, as does the Option-O Lagom Mini 2. In my experience, the Wilfa’s execution feels a little inconsistent, and I haven’t had a chance to try the Mini 2’s version yet. We’re curious to see how well Baratza’s system performs in comparison.

Though not confirmed, I believe the auto-off feature is enabled automatically when you switch out the bean hopper for the single dose hopper.

Ultra-Precise Espresso Adjustments

Baratza has also upgraded the grind adjustment system in the ESP Pro. While it is based on the Encore ESP’s two-stage grind adjustment design, the Pro version steps it up with beefier metal components and even finer granularity. With 2.2 microns per click in the espresso range, this grinder is shaping up to be one of the most precise options for home espresso enthusiasts.

The system splits into two grind zones: the fine end for espresso, and the coarser range for brewing methods like Aeropress, manual pour over, drip, siphon, and French press. One detail we’re eager to clarify is whether the micron jump per click remains consistent across the non-espresso range, or increases as you move coarser. That’s something we’ll test thoroughly once we get hands-on.

And how could I forget this: this is no longer just a “mechanical” grind adjustment for the grind settings: it is digitally represented on the front display. Rotate the hopper to adjust your grind (like all Encore and Virtuoso grinders before), but this time, the display changes from it’s timed display to showing you the grind setting. That is seriously cool.

Other Sought After Features and Additional Thoughts

The Baratza Encore ESP Pro doesn’t just build on the foundation of the original Encore ESP. It takes many of the most loved features from across Baratza’s grinder lineup and rolls them into one well-thought-out machine. The result is a grinder that feels far more refined and complete, especially for home espresso enthusiasts who want flexibility without giving up quality.

Like the Encore ESP, the Pro version includes both a dosing cup and a grinds bin. That alone makes it versatile, whether you’re grinding for espresso or something more coarse. But Baratza goes a step further by including both a standard hopper (likely around 12 ounces in capacity) and a dedicated single dose hopper with a matching lid, right in the box. That’s a welcome change for users who want to switch between workflow styles without needing to buy extra accessories.

Similar to the Virtuoso+, the ESP Pro has an integrated “barista light” that illuminates the grinds bin or dosing cup when the grinder is active. It’s a small touch, but one that improves usability, especially in lower light or early morning coffee routines. My only concern is if the colour of that light is excessively “cold” or not. I prefer these kinds of barista lights to be more natural colour, in the 3500-5000k range. This is something else we’ll test and note in our hands on.

Display and Controls

The display on the ESP Pro is pretty cool. It’s simple and clean, with a white LED screen embedded flush into a black fascia plate. Functionally, the display does more than just show a timer. It tracks grind settings from 0 to 60 in 0.5 increments, giving users 120 possible settings. It also visually indicates when you’re in the espresso range, clearly marking the transition between espresso grinding and other brew methods.

All controls are managed through a single front-mounted dial that both rotates and clicks, maintaining a clean aesthetic and minimizing clutter. Very “apple” like.

Build Quality and Materials

One of the bigger physical upgrades over the Encore ESP is the outer body. While the original is mostly plastic, the ESP Pro uses anodized metal for large portions of its outer housing. This should add a noticeable bump in durability and give the grinder a more premium feel. For users looking for a machine that looks at home in a more upscale kitchen setup, this change matters.

Burr Set and Performance

The Encore ESP Pro uses Baratza’s M2 burr set, developed by Etzinger. These 40mm conical burrs are highly regarded for espresso, to which I can personally attest. While they perform admirably in the espresso range, they do show some limitations once you move into the coarser end of the grind spectrum. In my experience, brews like Chemex or French press benefit from burrs designed with more clarity and uniformity in mind.

Compared to high-end burrs like the Moonshine conicals from Option-O, the M2s hold their own in espresso output but fall behind for filter brews. Still, for the price and the target audience, they are a solid choice. I would like to see Baratza work with Etzinger to improve the burrs further outside their already excellent espresso and Aeropress performance.

Design and Longevity

At launch, the grinder is only available in black. Baratza may expand the color options in the future. The white Encore ESP looks fantastic, so it would be great to see that styling carried over to the Pro model.

Baratza’s long-standing commitment to repairability is another big plus. Their “don’t dump it, fix it” ethos carries over to the ESP Pro. Users can expect access to affordable replacement parts and support materials, like repair videos and walkthroughs. This approach ensures the grinder can remain in service for many years, even decades, with basic upkeep.

Industry Perspective and Availability

In the official launch announcement, Phil McKnight, Breville’s President of Global Specialty Coffee, had this to say:

“I’m so excited about the launch of the game changing Baratza Encore ESP Pro grinder that offers precision, versatility and performance never seen at this price point. A stepless grind adjustment with an amazing resolution of 2.2 microns per degree of mechanism rotation in the espresso range makes dialing in any recipe foolproof. Thoughtful features of the ESP Pro like Anti-Static, Auto-Off when single dosing, a hopper with bean shut-off and flow control disk coupled with the included accessories like a dosing cup for espresso and a single dose hopper are what our consumers are looking for and Baratza’s here to provide,”

I don’t know what the flow control disk is yet, but I am looking forward to finding out. We’re expecting to get a test unit soon, and once we do, we’ll follow up with more hands-on insights and direct feedback from Baratza’s team.

The Baratza Encore ESP Pro is expected to be available in early summer at a retail price of $300 USD ($299.95). North America will be the first region to receive stock, with global availability to follow.

#615 #baratza #coffeeGrinder #encoreEspPro #encoreGrinder #grinder

#Sketch #SketchBook #Pencil #PencilArt #MastoArt #Art #Drawrch #Drawing #Draw #StillLife #CoffeeGrinder #Plane #KleineKunstklasse #DailyArt #DailySketch
428/x

It’s both a blessing and a curse that I live relatively close to the manufacturer of the Comandante Grinder. I’ve always wanted one, but I find them too pricey and today they have an Outlet Day, where they sell grinders with minor cosmetic manufacturing issues, at a discount. Did I just buy the most beautiful Walnut veneer grinder at 50% discount? Yes! (The blessing). Is my wallet happy? Oh, no! (The curse, it’s still pricey at 50% off). I’ll never again be annoyed by brewing guides recommending X clicks on the Comandante 😂 It’s perfect, even if the logo etching is not uniform, but 50% off for THAT? It’s a crazy deal IMHO, I had to buy it 😅

#Comandante #ComandanteGrinder #SpecialtyCoffee #Coffee #CoffeeGrinder

Hola Fediverse. You know I love sharing with you my insider, deep dive, behind the scenes stuff about what goes on with coffee and espresso we test at CoffeeGeek. I spent two full days with the Mazzer Philos production unit grinder now, and here's my condensed notes from the last two days of testing.

Sidenote: when I see the Philos, it's as if coffee nerds kept showing Mazzer the Zerno Z1 and similar grinders from cottage industry makers, and Mazzer says "hold my beer".

#mazzer #coffee #coffeegrinder #coffeegeek

The parts of the 1zpresso J-Ultra coffee grinder. Comes apart without tools for a super deep cleaning. Note the titanium coated burrs.

cc @coffee @espresso

#coffeegrinder

It’s not often I get excited by certain innovations in the manual, hand cranked grinder world.

Sure, there’s been some fantastic innovations in that space ever since the Porlex Mini came along 13 years ago and really shook the space up. Everything from intricate burr geometry designs, to ultra precise 8um adjustments on grind settings, to triple and even quadruple bearing mounts for rock solid burr rotations, and even things like hybrid grinders, doing double duty as electric grinders for home use, and manual when out on the go.

But as amazing and value-rich the hand grinder market has gotten, I still get my kicks from the innovations in the motorized grinder world, for the most part. Then I saw a new manual grinder from the feisty upstart company with the horrible branding name – MHW-3Bomber – that actually got me pretty excited. Because this new grinder has a wildly interesting innovation: it has a sieve and shaker system to separate out fines from your grind. Built right into the grinder.

That’s a bit of a game changer for anyone who happens to like no-paper filtration methods for brew coffee. If you’re a Kone user, use metal filters for your AeroPress, like using the Espro Bloom, or are a press pot aficionado, you probably know using a sieve system like the Kruve sieve can improve the cup of coffee quite a bit, and reduce the sludge in the finished cup. Problem is, the Kruve starts at $100 (IMO still well worth the investment!) and can go up to $200 or more if you go for most of the sieve options. 

But today, we have the MHW-3Bomber Blade R3 manual grinder, with a built in sieve system. And in many cases, the entire grinder with sieves costs less than the Kruve starter system. Right now the Blade R3 Grinder is $90 on Amazon (once you apply the 10% off coupon). So is it worth the money? 

Well, this is not our formal review, but your TL:DR is: heck yes! 

Heck, I even bought one on my own, I was so intrigued (since then, MHW-3Bomber has also sent us a test unit, so I now have two to compare, side by side!)

The Blade R3 Grinder

Before I even get to the sieving system, which has benefits and drawbacks, let me briefly cover the rest of the Blade R3 from MHW-3Bomber. It is extremely well made, top to bottom. It certainly does not feel like a $90 grinder; just in feel, fit and finish, it matches well with $150 to $200 manual grinders out there. The entire construction is metal, and everything fits together with precise engineering.

The Blade R3 has an external click dial for adjusting the grind fineness, and each individual click adjusts in the burr vertical movement by 16 microns. That puts it on par with some 1zpresso grinders, and and has better grind selection performance than the Commandante and other grinders currently on market. The grind number indicators are very easy to read, and the grinder comes zeroed out from the factory. The grinder can also be calibrated: it has a similar spindle / locking nut mechanism to some 1zpresso grinders.

On visual inspection, 3Bomber’s “custom” heptagonal (7 bladed) 48mm conical burr looks very similar to recent 1zpresso flagship grinders’ burrs, but not the current K-Ultra, J-Ultra or X-Ultra from 1zpresso, all of which are brand new designs. Once I get down to the full Snapshot Review for the Blade R3, I’ll give the burrs a much closer look. For now, here’s what they look like.

The burr stack is also similar to the previous gen 1zpresso manual grinders: the thick spindle (electric drill compatible according to the manufacturer!) is permanently attached to a bottom block plate. The inner burr slides down the spindle and locks into place on the block plate via a mounting bolt. The spring sits above it. In this case, 3Bomber’s spring is a lot longer than those found on 1zpresso models.

I should note, 1zpresso did away with the bottom block plates on their most recent grinders, and instead, hard-attach the inner cone burr directly to the spindle. They said this reduces static issues with their grinder. Here’s what the 3Bomber setup looks like:

The crank arm is very similar to those found on the Commandante, older 1zpresso and Kin Grinders, but has a longer reach. It is longer than the current gen 1zpresso J-Ultra handle, for example. The handle is beefy, made of wood and a bit different in shape compared to other grinders I have here.The mounting cap for the crank arm is made of metal and secures very well on top of the grinder.

The entire grinder can be disassembled without tools (except the adjustment external dial). This is fantastic for deep cleaning. Here’s the grinder, entirely disassembled, with all its parts:

The grinder is long, with a good grip portion that is particularly elongated. The catch cup is held in place by a gazillion magnets, and holds on even tighter than the current generation 1zpresso grinders, which is saying something because the K-Ultra, J-Ultra and X-Ultra’s catch cups are held on quite firmly compared to previous generation models.

Now to the catch cup itself. It is a four part affair: the main catch cup, a screw on base, a sieve disk, and there’s also a magnetized lid to use when shaking the catch cup full of grinds. The Blade R3 comes with five sieves, in micron size holes of 300, 400, 500, 600, and 850. As mentioned there’s a gazillion magnets (each component has 24 rare earth magnets installed).

There is one really weird thing about the Blade R3 you should note if buying: the capacity of the grinder is barely 20g if you are using the built in sieve system. This is weird because the grind chamber and “hopper” for beans above the cutting blades can hold a lot more coffee: at least 30g if not more. But the catch cup, at least when the sieves are installed, will top out at about 22-23g which I don’t recommend doing because that tops out the catch cup. If the catch cup is full to the brim, shaking the coffee for the sieving effect won’t work very well. You need some headspace in there, so 18-20g is the max coffee you should have in there when using the sieve.

Of course, you could use the catch cup without any sieve installed, and the capacity of it increases to around 25-30g, nearly matching the hopper up top.

Using the MHW-3Bomber Blade R3 Grinder

Currently we’re testing a lot of manual grinders: three 1zpresso models, the latest Timemore external adjustment grinder, two from Staresso (including one that is rechargeable!), and a Kin Grinder. For the past 45 days, about 80% of the espresso and coffee brewed in my lab space and at home has come from manual grinders. I mention this because I’ve been able to do a lot of side by side comparisons with a lot of different brands.

Again, stressing this isn’t my formal review: the MHW-3Bomber Blade R3 is holding its own. It isn’t matching the king of espresso grinders – the J-Ultra from 1zpresso – on overall espresso quality, but it is on par with the more expensive Timemore and K-Ultra. Considering the grinder is only $90, that’s seriously impressive.

The biggest issue I’ve had with the Blade R3 is static. The mix of materials (steel, aluminum, lots of magnets, and the steel sieve disks) plus the block-plate at the bottom of the burr set all seem to create a bit more static than I’m getting from the current gen 1zpresso models and the new Timemore. RDT’ing the dose helps a bit, but it is still there, and that moisture, as minute as it is, is also evidenced in the catch cup, with some grounds sticking stubbornly to the angled edge where the sieve meets the side walls of the catch cup.

In terms of grinding “action”, it is smooth and very low resistance. This is obvious because of the long crank arm design. The spindle is held in place with three anchor bearings, making the rotation of the burr rock steady and even. And because the spindle is very thick, using an electric drill with this grinder, if you follow Jim Hoffmann’s advice, is actually fine (you should not use an electric drill on more narrow gauge spindle grinders like the Timemore series). 

Everything fits together well. The grind markings are extremely easy to read in most light conditions. The catch cup is held on so tightly it’s actually a bit difficult to remove, but there should be almost no worry about accidentally knocking it off and spraying coffee everywhere while you operate the grinder. 

In short, this is a very well built, well engineered, precision instrument. 

Sieving

I didn’t expect the sieves to work all that well. After all, the surface area of the sieves is like 1/6th the surface area of the Kruve Sifter sieves. But in practice, it actually works quite well, removing about .5g of fines from an 18g dose ground for pour over and using the 500um sieve, in my limited testing.

It even works better for press pot. I set the grinder up for 1200um particle sizes, used the 850um sieve, and for every 15g I ground (I would grind two batches to hopefully get 28g of coffee to use), it would sieve out about .75g of fines. This resulted in a lot cleaner cups overall from my press pot brews. Keep in mind you’ll have to grind about 8-10% more coffee to take the sieving amount into consideration. 

The process is this: install the sieve of your choice, set the grinder to your set grind level, and grind the coffee. Once done, remove the catch cup, put the catch cup lid on it, and start shaking the bejeebus out of the container. Side to side motions, knock motions, up and down. Do this for about a minute. Then pour out the coffee from the catch cup. Later on, unscrew the bottom plate, and witness all the fines you sieved out. Magic.

There is the aforementioned problem with static. I’ve also noted coffee would get stuck in crevices and edges in the grinder, making it a bit hard to get all the usable coffee out

Oh, one more thing: 3Bomber, in their promo literature, says the act of shaking the container is calming and focusing, which has health benefits for you. Specifically: “sieving also relieves your pressure; enjoy it in the present moment!” More magic? 🙂

Should You Buy One

If all you do is espresso with your manual grinder, instead go with the 1zpresso J-Ultra, which is probably the best manual espresso grinder you can buy today. With the MHW-3Bomber Blade R3, the sieves won’t give you much benefit for espresso, and all that time shaking the grinds catch container will stale the coffee.

Also, if you want your manual grinder to crank out large (30g+ batches of coffee in one go, the Blade R3 might not be for you.

But if you want an all purpose grinder that gives you good value and excellent construction for under $100, then heck yes you should consider this one.

If you prefer using metal filters (or ultra rare, luxurious all ceramic mesh filters boo yah!) in your pour over, or metal filters with your AeroPress, or are a big press pot fan, this grinder might be the best choice for you, because of the sieving system, built in. The biggest drawbacks are a) the low capacity and b) the static. I did note there was less static when I did not use the sieves in place, so I’m pretty sure the mix of metals contributes a tad to this.

Right now, the MHW-3Bomber Blade R3 is listed for $100 on Amazon, with a 10% off coupon available, making it $90. That’s a killer bargain for this device. We’re working on a full Snapshot review for this grinder and several other manual grinders, coming soon.

https://coffeegeek.com/blog/new-products/mhw-3bomber-blade-r3-manual-grinder/

#BladeR3Grinder #coffeeGrinder #coffeeSieve #manualGrinder #mhw3bomber

Did you know Baratza made a commercial grinder? One tested and certified for light commercial use?

It's the Forte Grinder. We've never formally evaluated this grinder at CoffeeGeek. That's changing this summer. And this unit we just got in is a very limited edition version of the Forte, in a different colour, and signed by one of Baratza's two founders, Kyle Anderson.

More soon!

cc @coffee

#baratza #coffeegrinder #coffee #baratzaforte

New grinders in today to test, review and possibly include in our best grinders features.

From 1Zpresso, the X-Ultra, K-Ultra, and J-Ultra grinders (left to right).

#coffeegrinder #espressogrinder #grinder cc @coffee @espresso

Indeed, this looks to be the "year of the Grinder" on CoffeeGeek. Here's all the models we hope to have full reviews throughout 2024:

- Rancilio Stile
- Lagom Mini
- Lagom Casa
- Lelit William
- Zerno Z1
- Timemore Sculptor
- Fellow Opus
- Turin SD40s
- Turin DF64 Gen 2
- Ceado Life-X
- Mazzer Philos
- Baratza Vario+
- Baratza Vario-W+
- A new Baratza grinder (shhh)
- MAYBE the Varia S3

And the manuals:

- Timemore C3 ESP Pro
- Timemore Chestnut X-Lite
- 1Zpresso J-Ultra
- 1ZPresso X-Ultra
- 1Zpresso K-Ultra
- Timemore Chestnut S3

Yikes. I gotta get to work.

#coffeegrinder #espressogrinder #grinder cc @coffee @espresso

I AM EXCITED. I always seem to get great news late in the evening.

1Zpresso wants our website to review all their major products, so they are sending us the latest K-Ultra, J-Ultra, and X-Ultra grinders to put through the ringer at CoffeeGeek.

In their email, they know we're tough but fair, and they fully expect their products to be put through the ringer, but also will score very highly.

Our blog contributor @natiasees is a major 1Zpresso fan, owning the J-Max grinder. I am looking forward to these tests.

cc @coffee

#manualgrinder #coffeegrinder

The Rancilio Stile grinder - fully seasoned, is usually within .25g a dose or smaller, based on its timer.

That is... REALLY good. Here's two doses, 3 shots apart (ie, I did three shot pulls I didn't photograph the measurements of). The other two doses were within 0.15g of the first one.

#rancilio #ranciliostile #coffeegrinder #espressogrinder cc @espresso

The first 24h our latest Feature Guide has been online has been pretty good!

Best Budget Coffee Grinders for 2024 has 24,250 reads so far. There seems to be a lot of interest in finding a quality coffee grinder under a budget! Can't wait to see what the number is like in a week, when search engines (hopefully) start doing the work, pointing people to us.

Check it out if you haven't already:

#coffeegrinder #grinder #espressogrinder cc @coffee

https://coffeegeek.com/guides/feature-guides/best-budget-coffee-grinders-for-2024/

It's live and online right now:

CoffeeGeek's ultimate guide to the best coffee grinders you can buy today, on a budget! All tried, tested, reviewed, and in some cases, owned by CoffeeGeek staff. Nine picks, eight under $220, three under $150.

Check it out, and share with your friends just getting into specialty coffee!

#coffee #espresso #coffeegrinder cc @coffee @espresso

https://coffeegeek.com/guides/feature-guides/best-budget-coffee-grinders-for-2024/

New this morning on CoffeeGeek: our latest Feature Guide:

The Best Budget Coffee Grinders for 2024. Our recommendations for the best quality and best bang for the buck multipurpose coffee grinders available today.

#espressogrinder #coffeegrinder #coffee #espresso cc @coffee @espresso

https://coffeegeek.com/guides/feature-guides/best-budget-coffee-grinders-for-2024/

Coming in just a few hours on the front page of CoffeeGeek.com:

Our Best Budget Grinders for 2024 Feature Guide.

Here's a sneak peak at the choices.

#coffee #espresso #coffeegrinder #espressogrinder

cc @coffee @espresso

Putting the final touches on our next huge Feature Guide at CoffeeGeek:

Best Budget Coffee Grinders for 2024.

Nine selections... all under $250 (well, almost all... I had to pick one that just jumped $50 in price to $299, but it is definitely worth it). Four of the picks are $150 or less.

All tested / owned / reviewed / used by CoffeeGeek staff.

Coming tomorrow!

#coffeegrinder #grinders cc @coffee

OMFG.

Option-O has a new consumer-focused grinder coming out. The Lagom Casa. Look freakin' awesome. Up to 65mm conical burrs inside. Monster.

Link: ⬇️
https://www.option-o.com/lagom-casa

cc @espresso @coffee

#coffee #coffeegrinder #espressogrinder

Last week, another monster review was posted, for another grinder: the #Baratza #EncoreESP grinder; the long knock against the Encore was the inability to do any fine-tuned espresso grind; Baratza tried to answer this with the ESP version. How did they do? We dove deep in our full review of this #coffeegrinder

https://www.coffeegeek.com/reviews/baratza-encore-esp-grinder/

New CoffeeGeek Content this afternoon:

The Turin SK40 is a new entry in the range of high quality $200 grinders. It's an espresso-primary single dose grinder that can do pour over.

#coffeegrinder #espressogrinder #singledose #turin #turinsk40 #coffee #espresso #coffeegeek

https://www.coffeegeek.com/new-products/turin-sk40-conical-burr-grinder-a-200-bargain/

Arrived today - the surprising (in a very good way), Turin Grinder SK40 model. It's hard to believe this all metal, 40mm conical burr, single dose, bellows equipped, torque-ey, quiet grinder is around $200. It's smaller than I thought too - pictured next to the diminutive Lagom Mini for comparison.

We're doing a feature on $200 grinders this fall on CoffeeGeek. Both the SD40 and SK40 from Turin are in that matchup.

#coffeegrinder #turinsk40 #singledose #espressogrinder #grinder #coffeegeek

Grinding Coffee Beans the Machine Shop Way - Okay, so you bought a bag of heavenly-smelling single-origin beans down at the hip... - https://hackaday.com/2021/04/28/grinding-coffee-beans-the-machine-shop-way/ #food-gradeindustriallightbulb #coffeegrinder #bladegrinder #burrgrinder #lifehacks #mischacks #flywheel

Engineering Overkill Motorizes the Daily Grind - You don’t tug on Superman’s cape, and you don’t come between an engineer and his coffee. And reall... more: https://hackaday.com/2020/01/09/engineering-overkill-motorizes-the-daily-grind/ #coffeegrinder #manualgrinder #mischacks #overkill #coffee