#coffeegrinder — Public Fediverse posts

Option-O Lagom Casa Grinder

Out of the BoxLagom Casa

When the Lagom Casa arrived, the packaging immediately felt premium: subtle branding on the box, an integrated carry handle, and everything secure and professional. Inside, the familiar polystyrene made an appearance, big chunks holding the grinder firmly in place. It does the job, but I can’t help thinking that companies like Rancilio manage to ship 35kg espresso machines and 8kg grinders using fully sustainable packaging.

I’ll keep saying it: companies need to do better here. Sustainability should be non-negotiable, and it would be great to see Option-O take this on as a positive goal for future releases.

Inside, the grinder and its parts are wrapped in what looks like biodegradable plastics, which is a good thing. The magnetic catch cup, power cord, everything is wrapped nicely and securely. The Lagom Casa weighs around 3.5 kg (≈ 7.7 lb) when fully assembled. Its width is slim, roughly 9 cm, with enough depth and height to sit comfortably beside most espresso machines without feeling oversized or intrusive.

Running a hand over the CNC-machined aluminium body, you can’t find a single seam or rough edge. Our matte black review unit feels like it was milled from a solid block. There are no panel gaps or rattles, just a dense, solid object that conveys precision before you even turn it on.

There’s also a surprising heft and density to the grinder that belies its compact footprint. The whole impression is so complete, you feel like you’ve bought something Jony Ive would design if he had his own ultra-secret, super-exclusive coffee gear lab.

The top houses a compact but deep bean hopper, which holds a respectable 30–40g. Just know that for doses above 25g, some beans will be chilling on top of the anti-popcorning device for a moment before they drop in. Beneath that, the stepless adjustment dial encircles the burr housing, featuring clear, numbered markings for reference. Option-O also includes their signature dot stickers, a nice touch for users who want to mark their own specific, in-between settings with even greater precision.

Dead centre on the front of the grinder is a round, protruding button that looks suspiciously like a power switch. It is not. This is the integrated grinds knocker. Solid, firm and well machined, a press down activates the chute’s knocker with a satisfying clack sound.

Then we come down to the grounds cup and bottom platform. The magnetic grounds cup doesn’t sit flush with the central body of the grinder above it; it’s intentionally offset to align perfectly under the grinder’s exit chute. Some may find the look a bit quirky, but frankly, I thought it looked fine. The cup aligns itself every time magnetically with a very satisfying “snap” into position.

The catch cup is designed to fit a standard 58mm portafilter well, for a clean transfer. However, it can be slightly messy when used with smaller 54mm portafilters, like those common on many Breville espresso machines, so a funnel is recommended in those cases. The cup itself is robust and easy to handle, and seems completely devoid of static when grinds are inside.

The power button is mounted on the right side of the grinder base and has a pro-spec tactile feel, not flimsy or cheap, and the integrated power supply keeps the setup clean with a standard cord, avoiding a clunky external brick (one of the big complaints about the original Lagom Mini). The grinder also includes an auto-off feature that shuts the motor down a few seconds after the last grind, which makes the workflow safer and less stressful during a busy session, and ensures you never leave the motor running unintentionally.

You get an immediate sense of longevity from the Casa; it feels designed by people who actually grind coffee every morning. Every touchpoint, from the collar’s smooth rotation to the self-aligning cup, feels considered, intentional, and pro-spec. After seasoning the burrs with nearly 3kg of old coffee, our first test shots with a light-roast Ethiopian confirmed this. The clarity was immediately evident, and the minimal static cling right out of the box was impressive for a new grinder.

The only real quirks at this stage are minor workflow considerations: turning the dial for big adjustments still requires multiple rotations, and transferring grounds into a 54mm portafilter can lead to minor spills without a funnel.

Beyond those minor quirks, the workflow feels incredibly polished thanks to the combination of low retention, the magnetic cup, a solid knocker, and the auto-off feature. That polish extends to the stubbornly professional build quality, projecting a confidence that genuinely exceeds its price point.

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Coffee Pulse

Join the 12,850 other coffee lovers who receive CoffeeGeek's premier newsletter. Each issue dives deep into one coffee or espresso based subject. Subscribing is free, and your personal information is never shared.​​

Support CoffeeGeek

If you enjoy and learn from this resource, please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help support our work and fund purchases for future reviews.

Using TheLagom Casa

Using the Option-O Lagom Casa becomes routine quickly. Set your grind setting via the stepless dial, weigh or measure your beans, dump them into the bean hopper, place the grinds cup, flip on power, grind, knock the chute, and wait for the grinding to be done. The auto-off feature takes care of shutting off the motor after the beans are chewed through. The magnetized cup makes alignment easy; I found myself appreciating that more than I expected.

Once you get the rhythm, the workflow feels seamless. At the heart of the Casa are two key design choices: its burrs and motor speed. It now comes standard with Option-O’s refined 65mm Mizen Omni conical burrs, a set they honed to excel at both espresso and filter. This is paired with a slow 140 RPM motor to prioritize flavour clarity. This design philosophy also underscores the Casa’s identity: despite its commercial-grade build, this is unapologetically a home grinder. The official 1:1 duty cycle confirms this; for a typical morning routine it’s a non-issue, but it rules out any kind of commercial volume.

The Casa’s leisurely 140 RPM pace is a worthwhile trade-off for flavour fidelity. Surprisingly, it’s even slower than the unhurried Lagom Mini (~180 RPM), though it drives a much larger 65mm burr set versus the Mini’s 48mm. This isn’t a design flaw but a fanatical devotion to the low-speed philosophy; it’s how Option-O achieves such a clean grind from conical burrs.

The small footprint and compact bean hopper further reinforce the Casa’s home-friendly design: it doesn’t dominate a countertop, and you can grind espresso and filter without reorganizing your kitchen setup.

The stepless adjustment dial is smooth and almost clinically precise. The crisp, easy-to-read numbers provide excellent reference points, making it straightforward to remember your settings and switch between espresso and filter grinds. The included sticky dots let you set more “way points” for the types of grind you are dialing in. This simple and effective feature makes the grinder easier to use day-to-day.

Grinds collection and transfer is straightforward thanks to the magnetic catch cup. It aligns well under the chute, and removal or replacement is instantaneous. The cup’s lip is designed for a standard 58mm portafilter, and while I’ve seen some reviewers – most notably Tom at Tom’s Grinder Lab, who I have immense respect for – complain about the dosing cup’s design, my own experience over dozens of shot pulls has been flawless and clean.

The only inconvenience is with the ubiquitous 54mm Breville portafilters, where the size difference can cause some spillage. A simple dosing funnel remedies this. Either way, static is so impressively low it’s a virtual non-issue, which keeps the entire process tidy.

The integrated chute knocker is another well-engineered feature. You press it straight down, and it responds with a satisfyingly sharp “clack,” clearing residual grounds. The action feels purposeful and the tactile feedback from both the knocker and the side-mounted power button reinforces a sense of quality engineering. The internal construction and CNC-machined aluminium body also help to dampen down vibration, contributing to consistent grinds with minimal noise.

Cleaning and maintenance are intuitive. Lift the hopper, unscrew the burr chamber, and you can brush or vacuum residual coffee with minimal effort. The combination of low retention design, magnetic cup, and chute knocker reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning while keeping workflow efficient. Because the grinder is compact yet solidly built, handling these components never feels precarious.

Overall, I got a completely “professional” vibe from using the Casa in its single-dosing workflow. The machine balances speed, precision, and ease of use without resorting to gimmicks or overcomplicated mechanisms. Light and medium roasts, whether for espresso or filter, are where it shines, giving clarity and flavour separation that make each shot or brew satisfying.

For home enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their grind and prioritise flavour over brute speed, the Casa offers a polished, considered experience that feels more expensive than its mid-range price suggests.

Lagom CasaCompeting Products

The Lagom Casa lives in a lively mid-range space where home baristas are spoiled for choice, yet the online conversation is often dominated by a few key players. This is the realm of users who have graduated from entry-level gear and are now searching for precision and a more premium workflow without the flagship price tag.

This puts the Casa in direct conversation with some heavy hitters. It is often measured against the three best known single-dosers in this space: the iconic Niche Zero, the workhorse DF64 Gen 2, and the influencer-obsessed (but rather limited) Fellow Ode Gen 2. The discussion also needs to include ambitious specialists that fly under the radar, like the Ceado Life X. Each brings its own philosophy to the coffee bench.

Niche Zero

Without a doubt, the Niche Zero is the OG single-dosing champion and the Casa’s most direct philosophical competitor. Built around a large 63mm Mazzer conical burr set, its claim to fame is a workflow that feels intentional and clean, with a promise of near-zero retention (which it failed to reach). For years, its quiet operation and reputation for producing rich, textured espresso shots made it the go-to recommendation.

The conversation between the Niche and the Casa is one of refinement. Both grinders cater to the same ritualistic coffee lover, but the Casa feels like a significant evolution of the concept. It incorporates modern enhancements like a magnetic grounds cup, an integrated chute knocker, and a true auto-off function. These are meaningful quality-of-life features that streamline the daily process and deliver, at least in our early testing, noticeably lower retention.

NB, we have never formally reviewed the Niche Zero, as the company has not responded to review requests, but have used three different units for about 15 total hours of informal testing and hands on work, in order to develop a working opinion of the grinder. 

DF64 Gen 2

If the Niche is about refined simplicity, the DF64 Gen 2 is about open-ended potential, making it a favourite of tinkerers. It’s a versatile single-doser with 64mm flat burrs and a huge ecosystem of aftermarket burrs to explore. The Gen 2 (or Gen II) model is a welcome update, fixing the original’s flaws with a plasma generator for static and a 45-second safety auto-stop.

But the fundamental choice here comes down to the burrs: the DF64’s flat set versus the Casa’s conical. The DF64’s flat burrs excel at creating a uniform grind, which means brewed coffee with fantastic clarity and clean flavour separation. For espresso, this translates to modern, bright shots, sometimes at the expense of body (though you can buy aftermarket burrs to change this).

The Casa’s conical burrs, prized for creating textured espresso, are paired with a slow-spinning motor. This is the Casa’s secret weapon, minimizing fines to deliver remarkably clean pour-overs. The decision is about the character of your coffee: the high-clarity, endlessly tweakable profile of the DF64, or the rich texture and versatile performance from the Casa’s smart conical design.

Fellow Ode Gen 2

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a specialist, and a well regarded one at that, with some arguing it is the best-in-class grinder for filter coffee at its price point (that’s not our take at CoffeeGeek though). Fellow has said that every engineering choice, from its custom 64mm flat burrs to its quiet motor, is optimized for pour-over clarity. Fellow is transparent that the motor isn’t built for the high-torque stress of espresso; they say this isn’t a flaw, but a deliberate trade-off made to perfect its performance for one purpose.

This is where the Lagom Casa presents a compelling challenge. Thanks to its slow-spinning conical burrs, the Casa produces filter coffee with remarkable clarity that can genuinely rival the Ode Gen 2. The crucial difference, however, is that the Casa’s talents don’t stop there. It is also a fantastic espresso grinder, capable of producing the rich, textured shots that conical burrs are famous for.

This makes the Casa a true multipurpose machine, excelling in a realm where the Ode simply cannot compete. For the barista who enjoys the full spectrum of coffee, the choice becomes clear. While the Ode has mastered one trade, the Casa’s ability to excel at both makes it the more versatile and, ultimately, the better overall choice.

NB, we have not formally tested the Fellow Ode Gen 2 grinder, as Fellow does not want CoffeeGeek to formally review their products (though we have independently reviewed a few anyway, including the Fellow Opus). That said, we have had a local coffee enthusiast’s Ode 2 in our lab on several occasions for informal testing.

Ceado Life X

The Ceado Life X brings a touch of Italian commercial expertise to the home market, offering 50mm flat burrs and a stepless adjustment system in a compact and stylish package.

Ceado’s goal was to distill the features of its more expensive grinders – low noise, near-zero retention, excellent grind quality – into an accessible form. It cleverly bridges the gap between single-dosing and hopper use by including both options in the box.

The Life X and the Casa occupy a similar premium-but-accessible space, but they offer two distinct paths. True to its design, the Life X’s 50mm flat burrs are engineered for espresso with high clarity and flavour separation. This stands in contrast to the rich body and blended texture from the Casa’s conical burrs. Their philosophies also diverge in workflow; the Casa leans heavily into a dedicated single-dosing routine, while the Life X is for the user who wants a high-end feel plus the flexibility of using a hopper, though it also comes with an option to use it as a single dose grinder as well.

Support CoffeeGeek

If you enjoy and learn from this resource, please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help support our work and fund purchases for future reviews.

ConclusionLagom Casa

So, the Lagom Casa. It made a solid first impression in our Lab, which, in a world of coffee gear that promises to change your life but mostly just changes your bank balance, is a minor miracle. It’s a strikingly beautiful single-doser that aims to handle both espresso and filter without drama, and based on our initial testing, it pretty much pulls it off.

The build quality is borderline obsessive, and the workflow is noticeably clean. With its low static, clever magnetic cup, and a knocker that actually feels like it does something, you will spend more time drinking coffee and less time cleaning it up. The flavour rewards patience, particularly if you favour the lighter side of the roast spectrum. It has no interest in your morning rush, but it pays you back for your deliberation with clean, repeatable results.

It is not perfect. It is notably slow, so if speed is a priority, look elsewhere. The espresso it produces is more about clarity than a thick, syrupy punch, which won’t satisfy die-hard dark roast drinkers. And making big adjustments on the dial requires attuned effort, a full rotation of the big grind dial to move between espresso and filter, with a resistance that feels heavy (and deliberately so).

The pricing is where things get complicated. This is a niche product, and a niche, almost cottage-industry like availability. (though to call Option-O “cottage industry” really does no justice to them and the amount of work and perfection they put into their products). The direct-from-Asia price of around US$530 looks attractive, but Americans will get a pointed lesson in vengeful and hair trigger international trade policy at the door, pushing the landed cost closer to US$700.

Canadians have a more straightforward path at $849 CAD through Cafuné. (Cafune is a past CoffeeGeek sponsor). Depending on the exchange rate, buying locally in Canada may actually be the better deal once the tariff math is done. At either price, for the right user, the value holds.

A First Look is just that. The full scored review is coming, with quantified retention figures, particle distribution analysis, and long-term consistency testing across roast profiles and brew methods. The question isn’t whether the Casa made a strong first impression. It did. The question is whether it earns that impression under sustained scrutiny.

We intend to find out. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this grinder, feel free to ask in the comments section, below. 

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Subscribe to
Coffee Pulse

Join the 12,850 other coffee lovers who receive CoffeeGeek's premier newsletter. Each issue dives deep into one coffee or espresso based subject. Subscribing is free, and your personal information is never shared.​​

Option-O Lagom Casa Grinder

Out of the BoxLagom Casa

When the Lagom Casa arrived, the packaging immediately felt premium: subtle branding on the box, an integrated carry handle, and everything secure and professional. Inside, the familiar polystyrene made an appearance, big chunks holding the grinder firmly in place. It does the job, but I can’t help thinking that companies like Rancilio manage to ship 35kg espresso machines and 8kg grinders using fully sustainable packaging.

I’ll keep saying it: companies need to do better here. Sustainability should be non-negotiable, and it would be great to see Option-O take this on as a positive goal for future releases.

Inside, the grinder and its parts are wrapped in what looks like biodegradable plastics, which is a good thing. The magnetic catch cup, power cord, everything is wrapped nicely and securely. The Lagom Casa weighs around 3.5 kg (≈ 7.7 lb) when fully assembled. Its width is slim, roughly 9 cm, with enough depth and height to sit comfortably beside most espresso machines without feeling oversized or intrusive.

Running a hand over the CNC-machined aluminium body, you can’t find a single seam or rough edge. Our matte black review unit feels like it was milled from a solid block. There are no panel gaps or rattles, just a dense, solid object that conveys precision before you even turn it on.

There’s also a surprising heft and density to the grinder that belies its compact footprint. The whole impression is so complete, you feel like you’ve bought something Jony Ive would design if he had his own ultra-secret, super-exclusive coffee gear lab.

The top houses a compact but deep bean hopper, which holds a respectable 30–40g. Just know that for doses above 25g, some beans will be chilling on top of the anti-popcorning device for a moment before they drop in. Beneath that, the stepless adjustment dial encircles the burr housing, featuring clear, numbered markings for reference. Option-O also includes their signature dot stickers, a nice touch for users who want to mark their own specific, in-between settings with even greater precision.

Dead centre on the front of the grinder is a round, protruding button that looks suspiciously like a power switch. It is not. This is the integrated grinds knocker. Solid, firm and well machined, a press down activates the chute’s knocker with a satisfying clack sound.

Then we come down to the grounds cup and bottom platform. The magnetic grounds cup doesn’t sit flush with the central body of the grinder above it; it’s intentionally offset to align perfectly under the grinder’s exit chute. Some may find the look a bit quirky, but frankly, I thought it looked fine. The cup aligns itself every time magnetically with a very satisfying “snap” into position.

The catch cup is designed to fit a standard 58mm portafilter well, for a clean transfer. However, it can be slightly messy when used with smaller 54mm portafilters, like those common on many Breville espresso machines, so a funnel is recommended in those cases. The cup itself is robust and easy to handle, and seems completely devoid of static when grinds are inside.

The power button is mounted on the right side of the grinder base and has a pro-spec tactile feel, not flimsy or cheap, and the integrated power supply keeps the setup clean with a standard cord, avoiding a clunky external brick (one of the big complaints about the original Lagom Mini). The grinder also includes an auto-off feature that shuts the motor down a few seconds after the last grind, which makes the workflow safer and less stressful during a busy session, and ensures you never leave the motor running unintentionally.

You get an immediate sense of longevity from the Casa; it feels designed by people who actually grind coffee every morning. Every touchpoint, from the collar’s smooth rotation to the self-aligning cup, feels considered, intentional, and pro-spec. After seasoning the burrs with nearly 3kg of old coffee, our first test shots with a light-roast Ethiopian confirmed this. The clarity was immediately evident, and the minimal static cling right out of the box was impressive for a new grinder.

The only real quirks at this stage are minor workflow considerations: turning the dial for big adjustments still requires multiple rotations, and transferring grounds into a 54mm portafilter can lead to minor spills without a funnel.

Beyond those minor quirks, the workflow feels incredibly polished thanks to the combination of low retention, the magnetic cup, a solid knocker, and the auto-off feature. That polish extends to the stubbornly professional build quality, projecting a confidence that genuinely exceeds its price point.

Subscribe to
Coffee Pulse

Join the 12,850 other coffee lovers who receive CoffeeGeek's premier newsletter. Each issue dives deep into one coffee or espresso based subject. Subscribing is free, and your personal information is never shared.​​

Support CoffeeGeek

If you enjoy and learn from this resource, please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help support our work and fund purchases for future reviews.

Using TheLagom Casa

Using the Option-O Lagom Casa becomes routine quickly. Set your grind setting via the stepless dial, weigh or measure your beans, dump them into the bean hopper, place the grinds cup, flip on power, grind, knock the chute, and wait for the grinding to be done. The auto-off feature takes care of shutting off the motor after the beans are chewed through. The magnetized cup makes alignment easy; I found myself appreciating that more than I expected.

Once you get the rhythm, the workflow feels seamless. At the heart of the Casa are two key design choices: its burrs and motor speed. It now comes standard with Option-O’s refined 65mm Mizen Omni conical burrs, a set they honed to excel at both espresso and filter. This is paired with a slow 140 RPM motor to prioritize flavour clarity. This design philosophy also underscores the Casa’s identity: despite its commercial-grade build, this is unapologetically a home grinder. The official 1:1 duty cycle confirms this; for a typical morning routine it’s a non-issue, but it rules out any kind of commercial volume.

The Casa’s leisurely 140 RPM pace is a worthwhile trade-off for flavour fidelity. Surprisingly, it’s even slower than the unhurried Lagom Mini (~180 RPM), though it drives a much larger 65mm burr set versus the Mini’s 48mm. This isn’t a design flaw but a fanatical devotion to the low-speed philosophy; it’s how Option-O achieves such a clean grind from conical burrs.

The small footprint and compact bean hopper further reinforce the Casa’s home-friendly design: it doesn’t dominate a countertop, and you can grind espresso and filter without reorganizing your kitchen setup.

The stepless adjustment dial is smooth and almost clinically precise. The crisp, easy-to-read numbers provide excellent reference points, making it straightforward to remember your settings and switch between espresso and filter grinds. The included sticky dots let you set more “way points” for the types of grind you are dialing in. This simple and effective feature makes the grinder easier to use day-to-day.

Grinds collection and transfer is straightforward thanks to the magnetic catch cup. It aligns well under the chute, and removal or replacement is instantaneous. The cup’s lip is designed for a standard 58mm portafilter, and while I’ve seen some reviewers – most notably Tom at Tom’s Grinder Lab, who I have immense respect for – complain about the dosing cup’s design, my own experience over dozens of shot pulls has been flawless and clean.

The only inconvenience is with the ubiquitous 54mm Breville portafilters, where the size difference can cause some spillage. A simple dosing funnel remedies this. Either way, static is so impressively low it’s a virtual non-issue, which keeps the entire process tidy.

The integrated chute knocker is another well-engineered feature. You press it straight down, and it responds with a satisfyingly sharp “clack,” clearing residual grounds. The action feels purposeful and the tactile feedback from both the knocker and the side-mounted power button reinforces a sense of quality engineering. The internal construction and CNC-machined aluminium body also help to dampen down vibration, contributing to consistent grinds with minimal noise.

Cleaning and maintenance are intuitive. Lift the hopper, unscrew the burr chamber, and you can brush or vacuum residual coffee with minimal effort. The combination of low retention design, magnetic cup, and chute knocker reduces the need for frequent deep cleaning while keeping workflow efficient. Because the grinder is compact yet solidly built, handling these components never feels precarious.

Overall, I got a completely “professional” vibe from using the Casa in its single-dosing workflow. The machine balances speed, precision, and ease of use without resorting to gimmicks or overcomplicated mechanisms. Light and medium roasts, whether for espresso or filter, are where it shines, giving clarity and flavour separation that make each shot or brew satisfying.

For home enthusiasts who enjoy fine-tuning their grind and prioritise flavour over brute speed, the Casa offers a polished, considered experience that feels more expensive than its mid-range price suggests.

Lagom CasaCompeting Products

The Lagom Casa lives in a lively mid-range space where home baristas are spoiled for choice, yet the online conversation is often dominated by a few key players. This is the realm of users who have graduated from entry-level gear and are now searching for precision and a more premium workflow without the flagship price tag.

This puts the Casa in direct conversation with some heavy hitters. It is often measured against the three best known single-dosers in this space: the iconic Niche Zero, the workhorse DF64 Gen 2, and the influencer-obsessed (but rather limited) Fellow Ode Gen 2. The discussion also needs to include ambitious specialists that fly under the radar, like the Ceado Life X. Each brings its own philosophy to the coffee bench.

Niche Zero

Without a doubt, the Niche Zero is the OG single-dosing champion and the Casa’s most direct philosophical competitor. Built around a large 63mm Mazzer conical burr set, its claim to fame is a workflow that feels intentional and clean, with a promise of near-zero retention (which it failed to reach). For years, its quiet operation and reputation for producing rich, textured espresso shots made it the go-to recommendation.

The conversation between the Niche and the Casa is one of refinement. Both grinders cater to the same ritualistic coffee lover, but the Casa feels like a significant evolution of the concept. It incorporates modern enhancements like a magnetic grounds cup, an integrated chute knocker, and a true auto-off function. These are meaningful quality-of-life features that streamline the daily process and deliver, at least in our early testing, noticeably lower retention.

NB, we have never formally reviewed the Niche Zero, as the company has not responded to review requests, but have used three different units for about 15 total hours of informal testing and hands on work, in order to develop a working opinion of the grinder. 

DF64 Gen 2

If the Niche is about refined simplicity, the DF64 Gen 2 is about open-ended potential, making it a favourite of tinkerers. It’s a versatile single-doser with 64mm flat burrs and a huge ecosystem of aftermarket burrs to explore. The Gen 2 (or Gen II) model is a welcome update, fixing the original’s flaws with a plasma generator for static and a 45-second safety auto-stop.

But the fundamental choice here comes down to the burrs: the DF64’s flat set versus the Casa’s conical. The DF64’s flat burrs excel at creating a uniform grind, which means brewed coffee with fantastic clarity and clean flavour separation. For espresso, this translates to modern, bright shots, sometimes at the expense of body (though you can buy aftermarket burrs to change this).

The Casa’s conical burrs, prized for creating textured espresso, are paired with a slow-spinning motor. This is the Casa’s secret weapon, minimizing fines to deliver remarkably clean pour-overs. The decision is about the character of your coffee: the high-clarity, endlessly tweakable profile of the DF64, or the rich texture and versatile performance from the Casa’s smart conical design.

Fellow Ode Gen 2

The Fellow Ode Gen 2 is a specialist, and a well regarded one at that, with some arguing it is the best-in-class grinder for filter coffee at its price point (that’s not our take at CoffeeGeek though). Fellow has said that every engineering choice, from its custom 64mm flat burrs to its quiet motor, is optimized for pour-over clarity. Fellow is transparent that the motor isn’t built for the high-torque stress of espresso; they say this isn’t a flaw, but a deliberate trade-off made to perfect its performance for one purpose.

This is where the Lagom Casa presents a compelling challenge. Thanks to its slow-spinning conical burrs, the Casa produces filter coffee with remarkable clarity that can genuinely rival the Ode Gen 2. The crucial difference, however, is that the Casa’s talents don’t stop there. It is also a fantastic espresso grinder, capable of producing the rich, textured shots that conical burrs are famous for.

This makes the Casa a true multipurpose machine, excelling in a realm where the Ode simply cannot compete. For the barista who enjoys the full spectrum of coffee, the choice becomes clear. While the Ode has mastered one trade, the Casa’s ability to excel at both makes it the more versatile and, ultimately, the better overall choice.

NB, we have not formally tested the Fellow Ode Gen 2 grinder, as Fellow does not want CoffeeGeek to formally review their products (though we have independently reviewed a few anyway, including the Fellow Opus). That said, we have had a local coffee enthusiast’s Ode 2 in our lab on several occasions for informal testing.

Ceado Life X

The Ceado Life X brings a touch of Italian commercial expertise to the home market, offering 50mm flat burrs and a stepless adjustment system in a compact and stylish package.

Ceado’s goal was to distill the features of its more expensive grinders – low noise, near-zero retention, excellent grind quality – into an accessible form. It cleverly bridges the gap between single-dosing and hopper use by including both options in the box.

The Life X and the Casa occupy a similar premium-but-accessible space, but they offer two distinct paths. True to its design, the Life X’s 50mm flat burrs are engineered for espresso with high clarity and flavour separation. This stands in contrast to the rich body and blended texture from the Casa’s conical burrs. Their philosophies also diverge in workflow; the Casa leans heavily into a dedicated single-dosing routine, while the Life X is for the user who wants a high-end feel plus the flexibility of using a hopper, though it also comes with an option to use it as a single dose grinder as well.

Support CoffeeGeek

If you enjoy and learn from this resource, please consider making a one time or recurring donation to help support our work and fund purchases for future reviews.

ConclusionLagom Casa

So, the Lagom Casa. It made a solid first impression in our Lab, which, in a world of coffee gear that promises to change your life but mostly just changes your bank balance, is a minor miracle. It’s a strikingly beautiful single-doser that aims to handle both espresso and filter without drama, and based on our initial testing, it pretty much pulls it off.

The build quality is borderline obsessive, and the workflow is noticeably clean. With its low static, clever magnetic cup, and a knocker that actually feels like it does something, you will spend more time drinking coffee and less time cleaning it up. The flavour rewards patience, particularly if you favour the lighter side of the roast spectrum. It has no interest in your morning rush, but it pays you back for your deliberation with clean, repeatable results.

It is not perfect. It is notably slow, so if speed is a priority, look elsewhere. The espresso it produces is more about clarity than a thick, syrupy punch, which won’t satisfy die-hard dark roast drinkers. And making big adjustments on the dial requires attuned effort, a full rotation of the big grind dial to move between espresso and filter, with a resistance that feels heavy (and deliberately so).

The pricing is where things get complicated. This is a niche product, and a niche, almost cottage-industry like availability. (though to call Option-O “cottage industry” really does no justice to them and the amount of work and perfection they put into their products). The direct-from-Asia price of around US$530 looks attractive, but Americans will get a pointed lesson in vengeful and hair trigger international trade policy at the door, pushing the landed cost closer to US$700.

Canadians have a more straightforward path at $849 CAD through Cafuné. (Cafune is a past CoffeeGeek sponsor). Depending on the exchange rate, buying locally in Canada may actually be the better deal once the tariff math is done. At either price, for the right user, the value holds.

A First Look is just that. The full scored review is coming, with quantified retention figures, particle distribution analysis, and long-term consistency testing across roast profiles and brew methods. The question isn’t whether the Casa made a strong first impression. It did. The question is whether it earns that impression under sustained scrutiny.

We intend to find out. In the meantime, if you have any questions about this grinder, feel free to ask in the comments section, below. 

We use affiliate links to a) Amazon, and b) manufacturers only. Any links to vendors (including CoffeeGeek Sponsors) are not income generating links. Further details about our commission and affiliate link policies can be found on our Terms and Conditions Page. The use of any affiliate links have no effect on our editorial policy or review objectivity.

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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

☕️ 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

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

#coffeeGrinder #handGrinder #coffee

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

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

MHW-3Bomber F74 Navigator Grinder

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The F74 Navigator Grinder


Unwrapped


Exit Chute Design


Branding


Auger


Hopper Lid


Dosing Cup


Bottom of Dosing Cup


Power Cord


Back Legs


Navigator Box


F74 Navigator Grinder


Testing the Grinder


Closeup of Exit Chute


The Grind Dial


Hopper


Hopper Detail


Lid Instructions


Grinder Brush


Angles and Materials


Inside the Dosing Cup


Back Vent


Machine in the Box


Back of the Box


Out of the Box


Hopper Lid


Grind Dail Sticker


Open the Lid


Control Dial


F74 Navigator Grinder

Whereto Buy
Manufacturer Website
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Buy here to support CoffeeGeek!
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Not a CoffeeGeek Sponsor.

Out of the Box

The MHW-3Bomber F74 Navigator doesn’t so much arrive as land.

At 7.5 kilograms, you know you’ve received something substantial. The outer box is neat and I appreciate the eco-friendly limited use of printing and graphics on the brown cardboard, but crack it open and those feels change. You’re greeted with dense, custom‑cut polystyrene, shaped precisely to the grinder’s industrial frame. It’s effective armour for shipping, though a definite loss for the environment. Protective plastic bags cover the grinder and its parts.

For a brand that markets itself as cutting‑edge, a more sustainable choice in packaging would make a stronger impression. I really hope MHW-3Bomber takes this to heart one day, as other manufacturers, like Rancilio and Breville, are doing.

The main box for the Navigator. 3Bomber is going for good eco-branding here with just black ink on the cardboard boax.

Yeah… that logo. Not for everyone.

Opening up, there’s a couple of mini manuals (containing basic info about the grinder) and… polystyrene.

We don’t like this stuff at CoffeeGeek. Coffee already has a massive carbon footprint and high waste costs. We don’t need this

The machine and accessories as you find them in the box, with even more polysterene.

Everything is wrapped in a kind of plastic, I wasn’t able to confirm if it is biodegradable.

The grinder and parts, unwrapped.

Getting to the grinder itself requires removing more polystyrene and the dosing cup.

Lifting the Navigator free, the weight is reassuring. It’s not large, but it feels like a dense block of engineering magic. The dimensions – 10cm wide, 32cm deep, and 28cm tall (4″ wide, 12.6″ deep, and 11″ tall) – make it surprisingly compact. Yet the dense weight keeps it firmly planted on the counter when the motor spins up.

The design is unmistakably MHW‑3Bomber. No soft curves, no attempts at looking like kitchen décor. Instead, sharp lines, exposed bolts, thick structure legs, and an industrial personality. In black or white, it commands attention without pretending to blend in. If you liked the functional, precision‑first look of their Blade R3 or the Sniper grinder, you’ll find the Navigator in the same spirit, only bigger, louder, and meaner.

The angles and materials on the grinder are start and robust, and almost brutalist in design.

The back of the grinder has a big vent cutout, and it is also some of the only plastic on the entire grinder.

The dosing cup is nicely finished in the same textured matt black as the grinder. But it can get stuck inside 58mm filter baskets.

The main lid for the hopper, in its plastic bag for shipping.

There is a pull-off sticker on the lid with some fairly random non-related information about the grinder.

The grinder brush is okay. I prefer softer bristles for this kind of tool.

The hopper lid is very well designed, with a silicone rim for “soft” seating and also a bit of an air tight seal.

The back legs of the grinder are thick aluminum, powder coated with a textured black paint.

The single control point dial; press to start and stop, press 2sec to change modes, rotate to change RPMs

Thankfully, 3Bomber’s branding of this grinder is fairly subtle – this front plate (you could stick some black electrical tape over if you like) and the side dial when it lights up.

Front and centre sits the grind adjustment dial. The dial claims 90 “steps” on its visual indicators, and the manufacturer says each tick represents a 0.01mm burr movement. That’s plenty fine enough for espresso, though we’ll see if real-world use matches that claim in the full review.

But the feel is what’s really impressive. The dial delivers a seriously premium touch-point experience, with dampened resistance and a firm clack at the end stops. It’s a unique hybrid system. Visually, you get indicators from 0 to 9, with ten tick marks between each number (and a larger one at the halfway point between each number). As you rotate it, there’s a very subtle, tactile feel of “clicks”, but the dial doesn’t actually lock into them. You can easily sit it right between those marks.

It’s one of those “you have to try it hands on to know what I’m talking about” kind of things. You end up with the tactile feedback of a stepped grinder but the infinite precision of a stepless one.

This was a highlight for me – the “action” of the dial is very nice, and very repeatable. With a fine touch, you can park it between ticks.

Above the grind dial is a removable sticker with 3Bomber’s recommended settings for various brewing methods

The hopper lid fits very securely; more machine instructions here, kind of a catch all.

The hopper has an anti-popcorn device built in and the lid can be used as a sort-of bellows to blow out any stray grinds.

The hopper is also magnetized and slots into the top of the machine via click channels. The grinder won’t run without it in place.

The third of the three main labels on the grinder, this one details how to use to control dial. Memorize then peel it off.

The burrs themselves, uniquely sized 74mm titanium‑coated flats, hide behind the front dial and mounting plate. If you peek down through the hole where the hopper sits, you see the machine’s auger system, itself attached to the unseen back burr plate. Out of the box, alignment is spot on excellent, at least with our test unit. The Ti coating is there for wear resistance and to keep grinding temperatures down, which should help preserve delicate flavours. On paper, this sits at the top of its class.

We will have further photos of the burrs very soon, but for now, here’s two detail shots.

The auger / prebreaker for the F74 Navigator, visible when you remove the hopper.

There’s no knocker installed on the grinder (IMO, there should be).

Quick aside: every coffee forum has folks obsessing over “burr swapping” like it’s a rite of passage. The F74’s 74 mm burrs? Rare size, wider footprint, not meant to play musical chairs. And honestly, you don’t want to swap them. These burrs were built to sync with the auger, which controls flow and pre‑breaks beans so the grind’s on point. Hold off until 3Bomber makes additional, brewmethod-specific burrs for this grinder; in the meantime the OGs are doing just fine without a $400 order to SSP.

The F74 is equipped with an ionizing coil – two of them in fact – which are supposed to aid in the reduction of static and also lower the grinder’s retention of grinds. They’re located at the exit chute area. We will be testing that a bit in this First Look, but will do our thorough tests in the Full Review coming in the next few months.

The catch cup is just… okay. Honestly, after using the awesome catch cup with the Lagom Casa recently, the F74’s version just isn’t in the same class, even if it’s better than what ships with most DF grinders.

It feels nice enough at first. It’s a 50-gram magnetic container that slides into place with a satisfying snap, and the silicone base is a nifty touch that prevents scratching while still sliding securely. But the workflow is where it falls apart for me. Every time I tried to dose coffee into a 58mm portafilter basket, the cup got wedged, making it a PITA to remove. I quickly learned I can’t use it to dose on its own and have to pair it with a dosing collar, which feels redundant.

This is such a classic MHW-3Bomber move. If there’s something I’ve learned about them over the last few years, it’s that they can come up with some very innovative, unique ideas, but there always seems to be a few areas they just needed to pay more attention to. The dosing cup’s design is a perfect example of that.

Here’s the exit chute, seen with a shot mirror. Note the declumper built in, and the ionizer coils.

The grinder can build up retention (hence needing to clean it out often with a brush). You can just make out the 2 ionizer coils. A knocker would go a long way here.

You still get stray grinds with this grinder; it isn’t a true zero retention design, but its close.

In this closeup, note how close the exit and declumper is to the actual burrs; also note the two ionizing coils. They can be overwhelmed by grinds and chaff if you don’t clean this area often. Again, a knocker could be a possible solution.

The bottom of the dosing cup (the magnet’s inside) has a silicone base that isn’t super grippy (by design) but prevents the cup from scratching the grinder base.

The dosing cup inside also has the textured black paint, but we noticed it does tend to attract chaff on the side walls.

On the right side of the machine is the multi-function control dial, fronted by a bright LED display that shows the current RPMs and grinder mode. This is also how you access the F74’s three modes: just press the dial for two seconds, then rotate to pick your poison.

There’s the A1 mode, which senses when the hopper’s empty and kicks in a quick reverse spin to clear grinds; A2, the full hands-free auto option; and M, old-school manual control. Simple enough once you’ve tried them, even if the naming is a bit clunky. Beeps accompany every mode change, as well as each time you change the RPM by 100, and they cannot be turned off. Consider yourself warned (it’s loud).

The mode and action dial; when the machine is in standby mode, it shows the 3Bomber Logo, the current mode, and current RPMs.

the dial is the grinder’s single control point (other than the front grind dial). It doesn’t have the finesse of the dials on an OXO product, but it’s not bad.

We put the usual 3+ kilos of old, stale coffee through the grinder to season everything up (sidenote – I wish more manufacturers would pre-season their burrs, like Mazzer and Mahkonig do). Once that was done, the true first use started, and here’s what I got.

An 18g espresso dose at 1200 RPM is through in under 7 seconds. At 800 RPM for a 19g pour‑over grind, we got about 8 seconds (both grind speeds measured after we fully seasoned in the burrs). The initial measurements of retention were quite nice: about .2g on the espresso side, and down to .1 on the pourover range. This was with the auto reverse mode enabled. Not bad at all for a fresh-out-of-the-box grinder.

Grinds were very fluffy and consistently placed as they fell into the cup. Combined with the speed, this was particularly impressive. I do have to say, this first use showed a lot of promise for the F74 Navigator.

Using The

It’s a sign of good design and engineering when you open a product and don’t really need to use the manual. I basically skimmed the instructions for the F74 Navigator to learn how the control dial worked, and that was about it.

Operating the grinder quickly became second nature. Start with the grind setting: dial in the luxurious-feeling, dampened dial up front to your preferred fineness level. Next comes your dose of coffee: the 50g hopper is designed for single dosing, keeping your workflow tight and on track. Snap the hopper lid on (this mainly helps reduce grinding noise; the hopper itself has a anti-popcorn device in place), If you like hot starts, run the grinder and drop your beans in. Cold starts? The 400W brushless motor has no issues at all with loading up the beans then running the grinder, if you prefer that way. Even if you used baked ultra light roasts.

I found espresso liked to live in the area between 0.7 and 1.2 on the grind selection dial. That’s actually a really nice dial in range, especially since the selections are effectively stepless. I should note, MHW-3Bomber ships this grinder with the grind dial not truly zero’ed out when you set it to zero. This is because they wanted to give more range in the coarser grinds. You can easily recalibrate the dial by pulling it out (it is held in place with magnets) and setting it to your new zero point. I’d leave it as is, and we did just that on our espresso tests.

AeroPress (we like to grind fine for AeroPress) sits in the 4-5 range, and pour-over grinds for V60, Kalitta Wave, and Melitta cone have their happy zone in the 5.5 to 6.5 range on the grind dial. For our full review, we’ll really get into this, testing grind particle size to find the factory-set zero point grind settings that match our CoffeeGeek standards for various brewing methods.

But let’s cut to the chase: the actual grind quality here is excellent. My espresso shots had a syrupy sweetness, viscous body and flavour note highlights that I’d say is perhaps on par with the Mazzer Philos I recently tested.

It’s not just an espresso one-trick pony, either. For pour-over, the variable RPMs give you fantastic control, delivering grinds with impressive clarity and nuance you can tweak and play with. This firmly places the F74 near the top of the class for any sub-$1,200 grinder in this category.

And that RPM control is not just a gimmick or fad, but a banger of a tool to really take your coffee extractions to the next level. This is where the fun begins. Lower settings like 800 RPM deliver cleaner, more transparent brews, and help with minimizing dust production in coarser grind settings. Higher settings around 1100-1200 RPM yield smoother, sweeter espresso shots with that viscous oomph I personally seek out. You can grind the same beans twice at different speeds and taste two distinct cups: not a bad trick for a single grinder.

Modes are easy to switch. A1 will probably be the most popular for its auto‑reverse, which does a bit of clearing out stray grounds, keeping retention low. A2 offers one‑touch automation, grinding hands‑free and stopping when out of beans. M puts you in full control, useful when experimenting with tricky beans.

The grind itself is fast. An 18 gram espresso dose takes 6 to 7 seconds depending on RPM. For filter coffee at 800 RPM, expect 8 to 9 seconds. Grounds land cleanly in the magnetic catch cup, with very little clinging thanks to the vertical chute, built in dual ionizer coils, and reverse spin.

Noise is the one workflow hazard with the F74 Navigator, and one area where I kind of shook my head at what the folks at 3Bomber were thinking here (remember how I mentioned those “classic MHW-3Bomber moves” in the OTB section? This is another one). At idle, the motor is absolutely whisper quiet. Add beans, and the volume spikes close to 85 decibels. It’s a screechy burst of noise, and you will notice it. But that’s not my main concern.

It’s the beeping. Oh my stars, the beeping. Every setting change comes with an audible and annoying chirp. And you can’t disable it. You’ll either tune it out or grow to resent it. Can you guess where I’m at?

Daily cleaning is easy with a quick brush, although I often forget to do it. The next morning I usually regret that when I see errant chaff sticking here and there.

Here’s the ironic part: the grinder has dual ionizer coils specifically to reduce static and retention, but their design and placement seem to invite buildup anyway. Once that exit chute gets a light coating of grounds, the coils just… stop doing their job. I’ve found that as long as you give the chute a quick brushing each morning, the coils stay clear and work as intended for the rest of the day.

It’s a manageable quirk, but this is definitely another one of those “MHW-3Bomber, please fix this” areas for a future version.

For a full burr chamber clean, you’ll need a screwdriver and hex wrench. Not ideal, but manageable. We’ll get a lot deeper into that for the Full Review.

Overall, the F74 Navigator rewards curiosity and experimentation. Adjusting grind size, changing RPM, and swapping modes all feel intuitive. The output is consistently fantastic and perhaps even class-leading. It’s early days, but so far the Navigator feels like the rare grinder that is both fun to tinker with and consistent enough to trust.

The Navigator enters an extremely competitive space where a handful of grinders have already set the bar.

The Timemore Sculptor 078S ($799 USD) is one. Its design is sleek and modern, the kind you’d happily leave out on a minimalist kitchen counter. It uses 78mm burrs and has a clacker system for static. The F74 Navigator’s burrs, on paper are smaller (74mm vs 78mm) but their extra wide footprint means they provide more cutting surface. Of the two the Navigator is more robust and beefy, and it has the ionizer coil system and the auto reverse feature.

We do not have a Sculptor for testing, though I did borrow one for a few days just to see what it was all about. Between the two, the Timemore is more pretty, but the F74 is way more feature packed, better overall build quality, and IMO, just a better grinder overall. It also feels like it’s built to outlast grinders like the Sculptor.

Then there’s the Option‑O Lagom P64 ($1,650 USD). This grinder is completely loved by the enthusiast world. It kind of started the whole “let’s swap the burrs” trend. Option-O is most definitely a boutique brand, doing small production runs. Their QC is industry leading and the fit and finish of all their grinders is beyond question. The P64 also has variable RPMs (200-1400), and a 300W brushless motor. It really did set the standard for a while on what an enthusiast coffee grinder could be.

The F74 Navigator nearly matches the P64’s RPM flexibility, and perhaps surpasses it on burr geometry and size. The auger pre-feed and cutter system adds weight on the F74’s side of the scale. Consider that it’s half the price of the P64, and that scale starts tipping heavily. It’s not as refined or downright “beautiful” like the P64 is, but it delivers cutting edge (heh) tech and developments that the P64 needs to catch up to.

Speaking of boutique grinders, the Zerno Z1 ($1,250-$2,000 USD) is as close to true boutique and bespoke as we can get these days, with customizable touches, and serious burr capability. The catch, beyond pricing which can climb through the roof depending on how you want yours built, is availability: you may wait months for one. The Navigator, by contrast, is in stock and ready to ship. It may not offer the bespoke appeal, but in day‑to‑day use, the results in the cup might be nearly identical and the quality quotient on taste might even tip the F74’s direction.

(NB, we were in discussions about getting a Z1 for testing and review, and those discussions, while paused, are still ongoing).

Finally, the DF83 V2 ($650 USD) pushes the affordability angle with 83mm burrs (and third party burrs in this size are more readily available if you want to really experiment). It’s solid, straightforward, and a favourite among budget‑minded home baristas. It does feel like last decade’s choice tool (even though it’s only been out for a few years). The DF83 also lacks the Navigator’s variable RPM, which makes the MHW‑3Bomber more versatile for those who want to experiment.

In short, the Navigator threads a needle. It may not match the polish of the Lagom or the bespoke nature of the Zerno, but it delivers performance on par, and perhaps even a bit better, at a fraction of the price. Against Timemore, it trades elegance for rugged intent. And versus the DF83, it offers extra control without jumping into boutique pricing.

Conclusion

The MHW-3Bomber F74 Navigator is a grinder that wants to play in the big leagues without charging big league prices. From the moment you unbox it, the Navigator communicates something, and that something is “I’m not playing kid games any longer”.

The grinder is heavy, solid, and built with an industrial aesthetic that often puts function ahead of curves or polish. The grind dial feels luxuriously solid, the magnetic catch cup is another touch point that makes you smile, and the vertical chute with auto reverse keeps retention surprisingly low.

The 74mm titanium coated burrs, 400 watt brushless motor, and variable RPM system make the F74 Navigator a serious playground for home baristas who like to tinker and taste the results. Espresso shots come out syrupy and sweet. Pour overs show clarity and separation. Brew with a Chemex and Kone filter at low RPMs and you get noticeably fewer fines and a cleaner cup. Retention is nearly negligible, and the magnetic cup plus the chute design keep workflow smooth and consistent.

There are frustrations. The ever‑present beeping is impossible to silence. Grinding volume screeches to the point where your early morning brews need to include an apology to your still-sleeping spouse. The packaging is dense polystyrene, which feels like a missed opportunity for a company that wants to be seen as forward thinking in 2025 by going all eco-friendly in their packaging. And if you are someone obsessed with burr swapping, you will be disappointed, because this grinder was not designed for it.

Still, for $650 to $759 USD (before any Trump Taxes applied extra), the F74 is very difficult to dismiss. You are getting control and consistency that normally require much more expensive grinders. That is why the Navigator earns comparisons to high end machines like the Lagom P64 and Zerno Z1. It may not carry boutique branding or furniture grade looks, but in terms of results it belongs in the same conversation.

We will keep running coffee through the Navigator in the coming months, because it is too fun not to. If you already own one, or if you are considering adding it to your home coffee arsenal, let us know what you think in the comments. We are curious to hear if you are grinning at it or cursing at the beeps, and your comments will help shape our upcoming deep dive.

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#coffeeGrinder #f74Navigator #firstLook #mhw3bomber #singleDoseGrinder

Dial in your perfect brew every time! Choose a clicker-adjustable single-dose grinder with precise settings, low retention, and easy cleaning for fresh, flavorful coffee. Find the ideal model for your ritual. #CoffeeGrinder #SingleDose #HomeBarista #CoffeeTips

https://posivi.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-clicker-adjustable-single-dose-coffee-grinder-for-fresh-brews/

Dial in your perfect brew every time! Choose a clicker-adjustable single-dose grinder with precise settings, low retention, and easy cleaning for fresh, flavorful coffee. Find the ideal model for your ritual. #CoffeeGrinder #SingleDose #HomeBarista #CoffeeTips

https://posivi.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-clicker-adjustable-single-dose-coffee-grinder-for-fresh-brews/

Dial in your perfect brew every time! Choose a clicker-adjustable single-dose grinder with precise settings, low retention, and easy cleaning for fresh, flavorful coffee. Find the ideal model for your ritual. #CoffeeGrinder #SingleDose #HomeBarista #CoffeeTips

https://posivi.com/how-to-choose-the-perfect-clicker-adjustable-single-dose-coffee-grinder-for-fresh-brews/

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

Unlock the secret to café-quality coffee at home! ☕ Discover how manual single-dose grinders can elevate your brew game. Say goodbye to stale coffee and hello to freshness! 🔥 #CoffeeLovers #HomeBrew #CoffeeGrinder #FreshCoffee #ManualGrinders

https://posivi.com/achieve-coffee-shop-quality-with-manual-single-dose-coffee-grinders/

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

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

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

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

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

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

Out of the BoxStile Grinder

Rancilio introduced the Stile grinder in 2022 at the Milan Expo. The grinder got its full rollout in North America in 2023, and it is designed as an espresso-primary grinder that can also easily do other brew methods. It is ideally suited for use with the Rancilio Silvia or Silvia Pro X home espresso machines, and is styled to pair with these espresso machines.

Massive, huge kudos to Rancilio for packaging their Stile grinder in environmentally responsible packaging (I should note they also do this with the Rancilio Silvia, the Silvia Pro X and other machines). It is refreshing to see a company use dye-free inks on their plain cardboard boxes, and use cardboard and other environmentally friendly materials in packaging and protecting their products. Rancilio deserves recognition for being one of the few companies to do this. Ceado, take note here.

The Stile comes in a brown cardboard box, and is wrapped with layers of corrugated cardboard and paper. It’s fully assembled, and only requires the removing the the paper outer shell, a plastic wrap, and some tape holding the bin lid and other parts in place. You can have it set up in just a minute or two.

Stile GrinderWalk Through

From top down on the Stile grinder, we start with the hopper and lid. There’s an impressive depth to the engineering involved in both. Starting with the lid, it actually can double as the catch plate for placing under the grinds chute, with two tabs that slot underneath the front of the grinder. Smart stuff (I also like keeping the lid on the hopper at all times (it helps reduce noise a bit), so I wonder if one can buy a second lid from Rancilio to use as a catch plate 24.7?).

The 300g capacity bean hopper is made from high grade clear plastic, is square, and continues the engineering design tricks. It has a bean shut off pull arm on the right side, which also disengages the hopper’s lock into the rest of the machine. With the bean shut off pull recessed, the hopper is tightly secured in the grinder. Pull out the bean shut off tab, and the hopper can now be removed.

The hopper sits easily on any tabletop (many hoppers sort of wobble around if you place them on a countertop). The hopper is designed so it engages a microswitch when inserted into the machine; the motor will only run when this microswitch is pressed.

Grind Adjustment

Moving down the machine, on both sides below the hopper is the grind adjustment dial. The dial is beefy and dense and moves “thickly” but fluidly. It feels very solid and commercial grade.

Technically the Rancilio Stile is a “stepped” grinder, in that each tick on the grind dial registers a click you can hear, but in reality, this is a stepless grinder because you can leave the grind selection anywhere between each clicked area, and it will generally stay put. That said, there are over 80 clicks on the dial, going from choke-your-machine extra fine espresso grind, to a very coarse press pot grind.

Controls

Up front is the deceptively simple (it’s not – it can get complicated) controls for the grinder, all operated via a capacitive touch screen.

The Stile gives you options. This grinder can be operated as

• an automatically timed grinder (with two timer settings for single and double shots);
• a pulse touch grinder that runs as long as you hold the pause button on the screen (to a max of 20 seconds);
• an auto timed grind with pause function (for removing the portafilter and settling the dose before restarting);
• a count-up grinding option that starts at 0 seconds and grinds for up to 20 seconds or until you stop it;
• a portafilter-activated timer grinder that automatically pauses when you remove the portafilter;
• and a manual count-up grinder function also activated via the portafilter insertion.

Phew. Maybe a video will help.

One note about the display: it is always on (when the grinder’s power switch is turned on) and the numbers and iconographs are a very bright white. The display will not dim or turn off after a few hours of non use. Something to keep in mind.

Grinds Chute and Portafilter Fork

Up front is the business end of the grinder, where the coffee comes out. It is a chute system and there is a height-adjustable rubberized fork for a portafilter or small dosing cup to rest on. Rancilio is working on a set of accessories for their home espresso lineup, and I’ve been told a dosing cup for the Stile is in the works.

We haven’t had a full look at the chute system yet, as it is behind the touch display panel, but the output of the grinder is static free, fluffy (no clumps) and the retention we tested on the grinder is very minute: less than .3g when the grinder was tested as single dose grinder. So Rancilio is doing something very right with the chute design.

The fork has a catch lip designed to accommodate and hold in place, hands free, a portafilter. Every 58mm portafilter I tried with the grinder fits, including chopped models. 57mm and 54mm portafilters also work, with the exception of the Breville 54mm triple bayonet portafilters, which won’t sit on the forks hands free: you have to hold the portafilter in place.

There is a pulse-activation button below the chute on the Stile’s vertical back plate. This is a tactile, mechanical button that is electronically enabled (or disabled), depending on which timing mode you’ve set up on the control panel. Activating the button works with almost every portafilter I’ve tried, except for Lelit’s fancy wraparound spout portafilters, and the 54mm triple bayonet Breville portafilters.

I have one other observation about the portafilter fork and the hook system. 

The fork itself is covered with a rubberized “sticky” kind of material that really holds the portafilters in place, even chopped ones. It’s so effective, that you don’t even have to fully “hook” the portafilter basket in order for everything to stay secure and in place. Look at this photo: the filter basket is actually resting on the tip of the hook; it isn’t “captured” by the hook, yet it all stays in place under operation, without falling out. 

It’s just an example of excellent design.

The Base

The base of the grinder is compact but sits sure on the counter. The hopper lid is designed to use as a grinds catch plate, and the main on-off button for the machine is on the right side, towards the front. The cord feeds from directly underneath the grinder, and you can direct it out the back, or the sides. The feet have lots of grip; the grinder doesn’t slide around.

The Motor and Burrs

The Stile uses the latest generation of Fiorenzato 58mm bi-modal flat burrs (there’s some false information out there that the grinder has Mazzer burrs; they are Fiorenzato). We will have more information in the Full Review for this grinder, but our initial testing show these burrs are well suited for any kind of grinding you want the Stile to do. They produce a very even grind from espresso through to Chemex grinds, and are very fast.

The motor on the Stile is very impressive. Physically, it’s huge, with the diameter being roughly 2/3rds the grinder’s width and depth. It is a 200W motor, and spins at 1200RPM. It has an auto brake system, meaning the burrs spin down and stop within milliseconds. The torque on the grinder is very impressive: nothing seems to vary the motor speed or ability, even the lightest roasts I’ve thrown at the grinder, with a cold start.

Other First Impressions

Everything feels premium on the Rancilio Stile. The main body is all metal construction, and the plastics in the hopper, lid, and parts of the front panel have a premium feel and look to them. Everything about the grinder looks polished and well finished. Even the base and rubberized feet have a premium feel. When you dial the grind adjustment, it feels… professional.

The grinder only weighs 5.5kg (about 12lb) but given its compact body, it has the impression of weighing a lot more. It is 13.2 cm wide, 18.5cm deep with the portafilter fork and display panel abutment, and sits 31.cm tall (5.2″ x 7.25″ x 12.5″).

This is all really good stuff. Lately I’ve been testing a lot of budget coffee grinders and have gotten kind of used to the plastic-fantastic they all seem to be. The Rancilio Stile by contrast feels like a professional tool, top to bottom. We have the white model, which looks excellent next to a white Rancilio Silvia Pro X.

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First UseStile Grinder

Turn on the grinder you have in your home right now. Listen to the motor. The pitch. The strain when the burrs are chewing through coffee. It most likely has that “consumer device” sound to it, if your grinder is pretty much any model under $500. It’s something we’ve just come to expect in consumer grinders.

Things are different when you turn on a Rancilio Stile grinder. It sounds like a professional, precision instrument. The motor engages immediately, hits its RPM within milliseconds, and sounds like a stable piece of highly engineered, lab quality equipment. Pour some beans in. The grinder barely changes pitch, and only rises up about 7db in noise (66.5db measured without beans, 73db with beans).

That was quite literally my first impression of the Rancilio Stile coffee grinder. A lab-quality precision instrument, with no expense seemingly spared on its noise reduction, its motor, and its gearing system for turning the 58mm flat Fiorenzato burrs. It reminds me of the motor precision in a $2,500 Compak K10 Conic, a grinder I’m very familiar with. But the Stile costs $650, or 1/4 the cost. This alone gives confidence in the machine.

The torque on this grinder is insane. There’s so much, the grinder immediately tries to do a physical shift to the right every time you activate the motor. Just a tiny shift, then it is stable again, but you notice it and recognize the power of that motor. You often read and hear talk about “cold start bad, hot start good” with consumer coffee grinders (a hot start is running the grinder empty, and pouring in beans while the burrs are spinning). This is because their motors and gearing systems may strain too much with a cold start (ie, semi-crushed beans already in between burrs before they spin up).

You do not need to worry about cold starts with the Rancilio Stile. ‘Nuff said on that.

After I ran over 3+kg of stale, old coffee as well as another kg of good coffee through the grinder to season and settle the burrs in (this is very crucial to a new grinder), using that grinding time to get familiar with how the grinder operates and can be adjusted, I moved on to my first actual taste tests for espresso.

As a side note, using that seasoning time to familiarize myself with the grinder was a very good thing. I did some research into the grinder before my first operation, including watching a few influencer videos on Youtube about the Stile. One reviewer covered some aspects of the grinders controls. Another covered different aspects, and contradicted the first reviewer’s instructions. That just left me very confused, especially on how to change the grinder from a count-down, auto timed dose, to a count-down, portafilter-controlled dose.

Eventually I figured it all out during the seasoning stage (and I show the various modes in the video demo displayed in the previous section of this First Look).

Out of the gate, things tasted good. Dialing in is relatively easy, and I found the 0.1 second timer was accurate for delivering within .4g (.2 up, or .2 down) of my target dose once I had that dialed in. Our standard at CoffeeGeek is 18.5g, for a 35 second shot pull time (incl. 10 seconds preinfusion) delivering 45g output. The Stile was able to meet those parameters easily with a timer setting of between 8.2 and 8.6 seconds, with the grind setting set at two ticks finer than “2”, on the right side adjustment dial.

The output is fluffy and even. It all doses centrally into the portafilter, without much back loading of the grinds (back loading means more coffee delivered to the handle side of the portafilter basket, than the opposite side). There is some very minimal clumping, which would benefit from applying a WDT, but I also pulled many shots without WDT (just a single knock down of the bed of coffee via a counter-knock, levelling with my finger, and tamping).

Shots were pulled with our lab standard Breville Dual Boiler, a Breville Bambino Plus, and a Lelit Bianca V3 and I had different results in the chopped portafilters when I did not apply a WDT to the filter basket. The Dual boiler shots would sometimes exhibit those pinhole jets of coffee showing the effects of an uneven bed; I did not see this phenomenon once with the Lelit Bianca chopped PF shot pulls. Which probably speaks more to the Lelit’s shot ability.

I really appreciated the Stile’s overall speed. It is so much faster than both a Mazzer Mini and the previous generation Rancilio Rocky. An 18.5g dose on this grinder delivers in 8.2 seconds. That’s only a few seconds slower than the home-grinder speed champ, the Baratza Sette 270Wi. But unlike the Sette, the Stile is very quiet.

Rancilio did an excellent job with grinder noise muffling on this grinder. It is only 7db louder with beans than it is without beans, and at 67db without beans, it is very quiet indeed.

Longer Term UseStile Grinder

I’m 20kg+ of coffee into the Stile as of this writing, and there’s a lot of things I really like about the grinder. I haven’t done any formal non-espresso testing with the grinder yet, though I have used it to grind for press pot (output is really good), pour over (excellent), and AeroPress (excellent).

I did note that moving from pour over grinds back to espresso grinds wasn’t ideal: I marked my setting for espresso before making the adjustment, but bringing it back to that setting didn’t deliver the same exact grind. It usually required one “dial in” attempt before finding the best grind position again.

I also found I preferred one timer mode over all the other modes available. My favourite is the portafilter-activated, automatic timer mode. The Stile was set to 8.2 seconds for the double shot indicator, and grinding would start automatically when I inserted the portafilter into the grinder’s fork. Midway through the grind, the portafilter is removed, I give it a quick knock down to settle the first half dose, and reinsert it to finish the grind; the timer picks up where it left of, and stops when it gets to zero.

Some other thoughts in this initial look at the Stile:

Speed

The burr speed of the Stile reported online in various sources is all over the map. Some say it’s a 1600RPM grinder; others say it spins at 1200RPM. One vendor website says it’s 1500RPM in their description, but lists 1200RPM in the specs, so go figure. I asked Rancilio directly, and they claim the motor is rated for 1600RPM, but the gearing system maintains it at 1200RPM, both with load and without.

1200 RPM is very fast for a consumer oriented grinder, but still what many consider an acceptable speed for flat burrs. At this speed, some heat is generated in the grinds but not enough to influence taste (according to some of the latest science on the matter). Bear in mind, many professional flat burr Italian espresso grinders spin at 1200-1500RPM, so this is at the lower end.

Flavour Profile on Espresso

If you’ve ever used a traditional high RPM flat burr grinder from Italy, especially by companies that make their own burrsets, you will be very familiar with the flavour profile the Stile provides. I’ve been putting the Stile up against the Ceado Life X (50mm flat blind burrs), as well as a well seasoned Vario+ grinder with the steel 54mm burrs, and if anything, the Stile just slightly beats both out for overall fullness of flavour and representation of the more delicate taste notes in shots pulled with it.

I will say this: If you are a seeker of ultra bright, acidic coffees, you won’t be happy with this grinder. If anything, it slightly mutes high acidity.

If you like full bodied, texture rich, deep and nuanced balance in your espresso that doesn’t favour acidity over sweetness, this is the grinder for you. The Stile certainly does an excellent job of representing our standard test coffee, Social Coffee’s People’s Daily blend.

The 58mm flat burrs started to hit their sweet spot on the Stile after having about 30 pounds of coffee through them. I remember tasting shots a few weeks in, and thinking “there’s potential here”, but I could taste a bit of chalkiness from the finish, which usually indicates a slight imbalance in the distribution of fines vs target grind size.

The shots I pulled this morning, as an example, were noticeably more complete, balanced, with more sweetness on the finish and that chalkiness is gone.

Recently, I had the Stile up against non-competing grinders, like the Fellow Opus, the Baratza Encore ESP, and the Lagom Mini. They don’t really compete with each other based on price point and that those three grinders are conical burr grinders. Both the Encore ESP and Opus delivered more acidity and a sharper finish on espresso shots. The Lagom Mini — a true outlier in conical burr grinders – was a lot closer to the Stile in terms of a balanced espresso shot.

For our Full Review, I will be putting the Rancilio Stile up against the Ceado Life X, the Baratza Vario+ and a DF64 Gen 2 grinder.

Stop the Single Dosing Nonsense

Ever since the Niche Zero brought factory-made single dosing grinders to the mainstream market, everyone and their dog seems to want single dosing. You’ve even got big name manufacturers trying tp play catch up by offering micro-hoppers for their full bag grinders (and they often look ridiculous).

I’m not a single dose grinder super fan. I understand and appreciate some of the benefits of single dose grinders, and love it when they actually work as intended (ie, zero retention between uses). They really suit situations like individual service pour over coffee because they give you the luxury of changing up your coffee for each brew session. For pour over grinds, you rarely need a serious “dialing in” process.

But espresso is a different beast. I do not like changing the coffee I use for each shot pull over a few days. Espresso always needs to be dialed in when you change the beans, so you’re plowing through 35-50g of coffee sometimes when swapping out one blend or single origin for the next.

I prefer to fill a hopper with coffee, dial in the shot pull, and then for the next 2 to 4 days, have a consistent, even experience as that coffee dwindles down in the bean hopper (I know I may have to change the grind size finer half a click by day 3, that’s it).

And to be honest, I’ve got zero issues with purging out a gram or two of coffee between uses from an on-demand grinder that retains some ground coffee between uses. For some reason, there’s a certain cadre of the home coffee enthusiast that bristles at the thought that they might have to purge off a gram or two of coffee.

The Rancilio Stile is not a single dose grinder. It is an on-demand, fill the hopper grinder. And I’m very good with that.

That said (sigh), I did test it as a single dose grinder to see what the retention was like. And it’s pretty good! I based my tests off of using 20g of coffee, ground for espresso. In three cases, I started with a completely cleaned out grinder. In six other tests, I did an additional grind sample after grinding and measuring the initial 20g dose.

In the completely clean start tests, the Stile left an average of .3g inside the machine: 20g in, 19.7g average out.

In my six measurements doing a second (and third) grind sample after the initial clean sample, the retention was less, and in two samples, I actually got more coffee out than I put in. The retention was less than .2g for four of the test runs, and two were actually .1g over my dose (20g in, 20.1g out).

One More Comment on Seasoning

Early reviews for this grinder belie the fact that grinders like the Rancilio Stile need a lot of break in and seasoning before it operates at a consistent level. That’s just a fact. The Fiorenzato burrs are rated for 250-300kg of espresso-ground coffee, and really require about 10-15kg through the grinder before they are fully seasoned and optimal for consistent results.

There are some Amazon reviews for this grinder with low ratings by people who decided to review it after putting their first bag of coffee through the machine. I’d ignore those entirely.

The Stile needs seasoning. Run at least 10kg through the grinder before making judgement on it, and by the time you hit 20kg, it will be fully into its groove. We didn’t even start recorded and documented tests on this grinder until it had at least 7.5kg through the hopper, and our more crucial tests started once we passed 10kg.

Concerns About the Rancilio Stile

My main concern about this grinder, long term, is the touch screen. I always prefer mechanical buttons over electro-mechanical ones, and electro-mechanical buttons over capacitive touch screens.

There have been reports of the touch screen failing. In one example (of several I found online) there was one person in Europe who posted a review of the Stile, and she deleted it later on. When I reached out to her asking why, she said that her grinder stopped working when the touch screen failed. That is concerning, and something you should keep in mind if buying this grinder.

I will be asking Rancilio specifically about the touch screen and how it will stand up to a decade or two of use. I will also find out if the touch screen is easily serviceable or replaceable, and won’t break the bank if you have to do so. I’ve had our test unit’s touch screen removed to poke around inside, and it is mostly a self-contained unit that can be easily replaced by the end user if it comes to that.

(Side note: Rancilio also has a non touch screen variant of the Stile, called the Stile SD).

I do note in the manual that the grinder will pop a warning to “replace grinder” after it has run for 70 total hours (4,200 minutes), which is a bit ominous at first glance. But if you do the math, that is 252,000 seconds, and considering a double dose takes about 8.5 seconds, that is 29,647 double shot doses for espresso before the grinder expects to be replaced. In case you are really wondering, that is 548.5kg of coffee. Or 1,208 pounds of coffee put through the grinder.

Oh. That warning that pops up after 70hr of active motor use? You can reset it when it pops up and ignore it if you want. That said, I’d rather it display a warning for when it is time to replace the burrs based on motor time. They could trigger it at 35 hours.

Lastly, the touch screen and how to jump between different settings is not intuitive. I had to read the manual several times, and watch several demonstration videos just to figure it all out. If Rancilio ever updates the Stile, this is an area I think they should tackle: the UI. Once you figure it out and get used to it, things are fine; it’s just a matter of learning it in the first place.

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ConclusionStile Grinder

I really like this grinder by Rancilio. At the end of the day the Stile is a fantastic espresso grinder, dishing out a very uniform, static free, fluffy grind directly into the middle of a portafilter basket, and it does so are speeds faster than 2g/second. It does it with a powerful, torque-heavy and quiet motor. Use it, and you feel this grinder is just taking care of business without trying to put on much of a show.

Rancilio supposedly is working on a Casa, or Home line of products, which are set to include things like new tampers, knock boxes, tamping mats, WDT tools, and a few goodies for the Stile: a proper dosing cup (that works with the Stile’s portafilter forks) and a new stray grinds tray. In fact, one of the reasons this First Look is so delayed is that I was waiting for official confirmation and public information on these things. But Rancilio’s dragged that out, so no formal announcement yet. A dosing cup that works with the Stile fork will “next level” this grinder a bit, because it does do an excellent brew grind, and it has the range, all the way up to press pot.

There’s not a lot of coverage of this grinder online by independent sources. The scant consumer reviews out there (mostly on Amazon, which I mostly don’t trust), are negative, but my experienced eye says most of those complainants were writing their reviews after getting a pound or two through the grinder and complaining about how the timed dosing was off. Folks: all grinders, but especially burr grinders, need seasoning and breaking in to be consistent. The Stile we had here was off by as much as 1 to 1.5g on doses early on. By the time I had 5kg through the grinder, the timed doses were off by .2g up or down, which is a very acceptable range.

A slightly bigger concern is the display panel. A few consumer reviews talked about the panel failing. A barista / blogger in Europe had a review of the Stile online but she recently deleted it. When I asked her why, she said it was because the display failed and the grinder could not longer operate. That is a big concern, and something I think Rancilio will have to talk about to assuage potential buyers. Parts failures are a fact of life in high end equipment, but as long as the companies can supply replacement parts that are not at extortion rates (I’m looking at you, La Marzocco), that’s acceptable to me.

For over 3 months now, the Stile’s been happily producing grinds to be pulled through the Lelit Bianca. It’s performance is as good, if not better than our lab grinder (Sette 270Wi), the DF64 Gen 2, the Baratza Forte, and and other grinders I use and test for espresso.

Even though this is a First Look, I have a lot of time and about 20-25kg in on the grinder now, and I know if I was just in the market for an espresso primary grinder, the Rancilio Stile would be on my short list.

This grinder currently retails for $650 in the US, and is only available at a few select vendors.

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Out of the BoxLife X Grinder

Ceado has a very unique approach to their packaging; the box the Life X comes in is full of vibrant life scenes, people enjoying coffee. The outer box doesn’t so much promote the specific features of the grinder, but what kind of lifestyle to expect.

Opening the lid, we face a bit of a disappointment in 2024: a lot of styrofoam. This just isn’t acceptable any longer from any manufacturer, when valid and applicable environmentally friendly options are abound. If Breville and Rancilio can safely ship espresso machines weighing 10, 15 kilos or more in packaging based on cardboard forms, the maker of a 5kg grinder can do the same. We do urge Ceado to rethink their packaging for the Life X, to much more environmentally friendly materials.

On a more positive note, the Life X grinder comes with some interesting and unique documentation. Right up top, there’s three documents: a very nicely visual “what’s in the box” pamphlet, a “get to know your Life X” pamphlet, and pretty fantastic guide on how the grinder can build a variety of drinks, from espresso to pour over and more. It’s honestly one of the best “let’s walk you through the different kinds of coffee this grinder can service” guides I’ve seen.

There is also a credit card type thing with a scan code that, other than pointing you to Ceado’s lifestyle / instruction site for the grinder (a nice touch!!!), I haven’t quite figured out what it is for yet. In case you’re wondering, here’s a PDF of the Life X manual.

Interestingly enough, Ceado doesn’t wrap the various parts of the grinder in plastic bags like most manufacturers do, which, on the enviro side of things, is a positive. That said, a lot of the parts I unpacked were covered with a white kind of powder of unknown substance (no, not what you’re thinking) which gives a real reminder that you should always wash all the parts you get with a machine (that are washable) before your first use.

Everything, from the grinds bin, to the hopper feeder, to the on demand hopper all had this powder on it. So a nice warm water sudsy bath for everything, and a good wipedown of the grinder body itself with some foodsafe cleaners was performed.

With everything unpacked, it was time to look at this grinder from top to bottom.

Life X GrinderWalk Through

Right at the top of the Ceado Life X, we start with the choice of bean hoppers.

The grinder comes with two in the box: a 250g max capacity traditional hopper with a bean shut of slide. It mounts via friction into the grinder body, but Ceado also recommends attaching the single mount screw at the back. I do too, after I accidentally dislodged the hopper moving the grinder, and spilt beans everywhere.

The screw mount is a bit difficult to get to by hand only, because the hopper’s bean slider gets in the way. You will need a screw driver to mount and tighten it.

Ceado also includes a single dose hopper for the Life X, and it comes with a detached bellows and press tube. The hopper itself maxes out at around 30-35g of coffee, and you are meant to insert the bellows press tube after the grinding starts and the beans lower down into the grinder. Once the beans are mostly through the spinning burrs, a couple of flat palm presses on the bellows will clear out any stray grinds, effectively giving you a zero-retention result.

The purpose of the bellows push tube is to provide some pressure against the beans aiding them in their downward movement to the grinder burrs, but also to prevent any popcorning of the beans. The flat, blind 50mm burrs spin at a reported 1650rpm, so popcorning can be an issue without this device in play.

The standard hopper has a bean cap over the exit chute to the grind chamber ,and achieves the same effect, in a slightly less efficient way.

The control panel up front is redesigned, compared to the previous Life model, and we’ll cover that more below. The LED display is black with white pixels changing, depending on what mode the screen is in. When on, it displays a cup with a “1” in it, and the programmed time for that (the single shot button, on the left); it displays a second cup, with a “2” in it below, with the programmed time for that (the double shot button, on the right).

The four capacitive touch buttons below the display are single shot, menu, manual / on demand button, and double shot. The two middle buttons change function once you get into the menu, or go into manual grinding mode.

Pressing the menu button cycles through the grinder’s modes. The first press brings up the programming controls for the single and double shot buttons. Press either of those after getting to this menu, and you can change the grind time in .1 second increments.

Press the menu button a second time, and you get to the manual / on demand setting. You can set it either to just run with a manual button press (pressing again to stop it), or as a true on demand grinder, only operating as you press and hold that button.

Manual mode is great for single dosing and also for figuring out the times to program for your single and double shot buttons. When the manual mode is in “on” mode (press once to start, press again to stop), the display pops up a pause button and a stop button – if you hit pause, the timer count up continues to display, and commences again when you hit the pause button again to restart the grinder.

This grinder also has counters, keeping track of how many times each button (single and double shot) has been used, and also the total grinding sessions (including manual use). This is accessed by pressing the menu button 3 times, then cycling through the information presented.

Moving down the front of the grinder, you come to the grind chute, and the folding portafilter / grinds bin fork with it’s adjustable portafilter hook. The grind chute doesn’t jut out of the machine much, but enough that if you place Ceado’s included plastic grinds bin on the fold out forks, it’s lid can clasp and wedge just slightly under the grinds chute to stay in place hands free while grinding.

Thanks to the adjustable portafilter hook, pretty much every portafilter I’ve tried with this grinder fits and stays in place, from the 49mm chopped portafilter of an Olympia Express Mina, to the 58mm Lelit portafilters with their wacky wrap around spouts.

The front panel on the Ceado Life X deserves a bit of mention. On all units, it is black, made of dense textured plastic, and is slightly dimpled inward from its edges, which is a nice style effect. I really like it when companies apply these style characteristics to their products… it feels more professional.

The base of the Ceado Life X is impressive in its own right: instead of four rubberized feet like most grinders, it actually has a wraparound no-slip, grippy rubber base that does two things: minimizes vibrations and sounds from the grinder, and keeps it secure on the countertop.

The back of the grinder also has that dense, hiqh quality textured plastic, but is dimpled outward from the edges. It has a Ceado logo subtly embossed, and a power button in the lower left corner.

The grinds adjustment dial is on the right side of the grinder and is very well designed. There is a plastic arrow built into the black housing, indicating the current setting. The numbers and ticks are easy to see, and the stepless grind adjustment has just enough resistance to feel secure, but still easy enough to adjust.

The sides of the Ceado Life X are where the company applies some colour. It is a painted metal wraparound, all one piece, and is available in black, white, teal and beige. Other colours may be available at some point.

The grinder is small, and very heavy for its size. Operating weight is 5.2kg with the cord (12lb), and it measures 15cm wide, 20cm deep with the forks extended (16cm without) and is only 36cm tall with the 250g hopper in place. (6”x8”x14”). This is a very small grinder, smaller overall than a Baratza Vario+ (though they are the same width).

The Ceado Life X is a 120V grinder, with a 250W motor, spinning at 1650RPM at full speed. The burrs are entirely custom for this grinder and made by Ceado, and are 50mm and “blind” burrs, meaning there’s no screw-pass through on them. Being a blind design, they are the equivalent cutting area of 58-60mm traditional burrs.

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Ceado Life XUpdates

Ceado has a reputation of applying fixes and updates to their grinders relatively quickly; the original Ceado Life was only available in the USA and Canada for about a year before the Life X model was introduced (though Ceado introduced the Life grinder nearly 4 years ago in Europe).

Burrs and Grinder Chamber

The blind 50mm burrs inside the Life X got a big upgrade. The cutting pattern has been changed to feed and break up the beans more efficiently, and the overall geometry has been improved for better performance, and for reduced fines production especially at the coarser end of the grind settings. Ceado also claims the burrs provide a much “cleaner cup” in the brew grind settings compared to the original Life burrs.

The chamber the burrs are housed in has been modified too, along with the grind selection “ratio”. The chamber is slightly taller overall, allowing for more travel between the burrs at the coarsest end. This means the Life X can approach a proper press pot grind (not quite though: we measured particle sizes around the 1050um size; you want about 1100-1200 for press pot). The previous Life model could only get to around 850-900um, so that is an improvement.

This does come with a slight cost: since the range of burr adjustment is greater on this grinder, but the grind selection dial is the same, it means the difference in grind adjustment per “tick” on the grind dial is ever slightly greater. Not a big deal at all though, since this is a true stepless grind adjustment system. Once you get used to the minute, slight adjustments you can make on the espresso side of things, it’s all golden.

Ceado also redesigned the exit chute and flap that covers it so there’s less retention, but also less “kick back” of ground coffee to muck up the grind chamber. It works well for espresso with very little static, but we did see more static build up with coarser grinds. RDT takes care of this.

I asked Ceado’s Cosimo Libardo if the burrs were backwards compatible with the original Life grinder, and while they are, the company explained there’s no real benefit to do so, as the burrs were engineered to work with the new grind chamber and the new flap system at the exit chute on the Life X.

Libardo also confirmed the burrs need a 3 to 5kg break in period before operating at optimal efficiency. That means that once fully broken in, the grinder should be very consistent on timed doses, back to back.

Libardo told me that the new blind burrs have an expected life of at least 400kg, or as he put it “the life of the grinder for a typical home user”. 

Display and Interface

Ceado updated the display and controls for the Life X. The grinder – along with its predecessor – are pitched as a multi-purpose grinder that can do both on demand grinding (using the bean hopper) and single dosing (via the single dose chute), and people generally like a one touch button for single dosing operation of a grinder.

On the Life model, it wasn’t one touch: you had to touch the single and double dose buttons at the same time to get to pulse or single dosing mode. And it wasn’t very intuitive.

On the Life X model, Ceado reconfigured the display and buttons so the grinder now does have a true single press, single dosing grind button that can be set to be on with a single press (press again to stop), or running only while pressed. It also displays a count up timer in .1 seconds when using the grinder this way. There’s also a neat pause function, which keeps track of your total grinding time, if you are trying to measure the grind’s output via weight to program in the single and double shot “on demand buttons”.

Noise and Grinder Speed

The Life X is quieter than the Life grinder; I have tested the sound on the Life X, and it is around 70-71db with beans in the grinder. Referencing online tests for the original Life grinder, that was reported around 74-75db.

The output is also slower on the new Life X grinder. It was reported the original Life had an output speed of around 1.8g/sec for espresso at the 1.5 setting. On the Life X, after I’ve had about 3kg through the grinder for seasoning, I measured the output at 1.4g/sec at the 1.5 grind dial setting. This may change (and improve) as the grinder goes through more seasoning.

The reduced output, combined with the lower noise makes me speculate the Life X grinder may spin at a lower RPM than the original Life. That said, Ceado lists, in their specifications, that both grinders spin at 1650 RPM at full speed on 110V, 60hz power.

I asked Ceado’s Libardo about this speed difference, and he wrote that a combination of factors, including the different burr geometry, the redesign of the grinder flap, the larger grinder chamber all reduced the output speed (and noise) a bit on the grinder.

Other Changes

Besides the updated display panel and its new sleep mode, Ceado did some minor changes compared to the original Life Grinder shown at the Milan Expo in 2021. The grind selection dial originally was embossed metal for the numbers and ticks: it now has black lettering and ticks for much easier viewing.

First UseLife X Grinder

Almost immediately I found the Ceado Life X a pleasure to use (mostly). I got used to the control interface quickly, using the manual button press grinding to find the timings I needed to program in for the single and double shot buttons. I did this in combination with a scale: grind for about 10 seconds, hit the pause button, weigh, realise I needed another 2-3 seconds’ worth, pressed the pause button again, got that, hit pause again, weigh, and find my target “time” based on what the display said.

Then it was a matter of programming the double shot button.. Once that was done, confirm the grind dose via the timed grinding, make one more small adjustment, and the double button was set for doing 18.5g (give or take .2g) each time I pressed it (FYI, it was set to 12.4 seconds with the coffee I am using).

When using the Life X for espresso and grinding directly into a portafilter, it outputs the grinds as if from a sluicebox, jetting them gently to the middle of the portafilter basket. Clump free, fluffy, and centered. You almost don’t need to WDT these grinds. Not static issues at all.

Changing to the single dose hopper and using the grinder for brew grinding showed some minor issues. The grinder does produce more static by the time you get to a V60 grind, but a very light RDT spritz takes care of that. Using the funnel and bellows system, while a bit quirky (you can’t put it into the funnel right away, as the beans are in there and piled up), was efficient, and resulted in nearly zero retention. This grinder does seem to produce a lot of chaff at the end of the grind.

One thing that is a tiny annoyance is how messy the grinder gets around the bean hopper area when you use the single dose system. A lot of stray chaff ends up around the grinder’s rubberized collar. It’s hidden from view (inside the single dose hopper) but once you remove that to put the on demand bean hopper in place, you’ll see the mess all over the top of the grinder.

I suppose Ceado could remedy this by redesigning the single dose plastic hopper so it has a tighter final fit to the entry point to the burrs and grinding chamber.

How Does It Taste?

Honestly? Really good. Flat burrs do an excellent job for brew grinding, and a good job at more balanced espresso brewing (conical burrs tend to highlight acidity more). I’m not a big fan of excessive acidity, so the Ceado Life X hit the absolute sweet spot for me on espresso shots.

For brew grinding, I tested the Ceado Life X for V60 paper, V60 with an Able Kone filter (all metal), siphon coffee, and the Espro Bloom no-bypass brewer (without any filter paper used).

All were… excellent. Nice, well balanced cups, super clean and proper flow on the paper and cloth brews, and not overly muddy or “thick” for all metal filters. I’ve been testing a lot of grinders lately, and the Ceado is one of the better ones I’ve tried with the all metal Espro Bloom, which is a bit of a torture test I devised for grinders (I promise, I will have an article or how to on this soon).

For grinder settings, I was around the 1.5 mark for espresso, 5.5 for V60 paper and siphon cloth filters, and 6 to 7. for metal pour over and no bypass brewing. In our Full Review, we’ll dive a lot deeper into taste results.

Life X GrinderCompared To

At $700, the Ceado Life X isn’t a cheap grinder, but I want to give you a perspective: the premier espresso grinder for the Rancilio Silvia back in 2002 was the Rancilio Rocky. It was $375 (give or take $25) back in 2002. In today’s dollars, that is $650. And I can state, with authority, the Ceado Life X is a way, way WAY better grinder than the Rocky was.

That said, there are flat burr grinders on the market today for as little as $350 or less, that do a good job. One is a model I’ll be comparing to the Life X: the Wilfa Uniform.

Close to the Life X’s price point and output offerings are the Rancilio Stile grinder, and the Baratza Vario+

Rancilio Stile

I really like the Rancilio Stile, a very underrated grinder (our first look is coming soon!). It’s been sitting next to the Lelit Bianca V3 espresso machine for 3 months now, getting daily use, and I’m amazed at the grinder’s ability on espresso: fast (18.5g out in 8 seconds), quiet (even quieter than the Life X), and the motor has an astounding level of confident torque you can just feel the moment you activate it. The Stile is also sometimes priced lower than the Ceado, going as low as $650.

That said, it has its own quirks, and while Rancilio pitches this grinder as “multipurpose” it isn’t really (at least easily). They have no catch cup for it (I’ve been told one is planned) for doing brew grinds. The display is finicky and sometimes non responsive. And some portafilters (like Lelit’s chunky 58mm with the wrap around spouts) don’t fit the forks well. The Stile is also definitely an on-demand grinder, and not suited for single dosing (though you can use it that way if you insist).

The Ceado is better suited as a multipurpose grinder. Adjusting the grind size is easier, and the ability to swap a single dose hopper for the 250g hopper is choice. I struggle to decide which has the better espresso output, because both grinders put out a nice, fluffy and even espresso grind.

Build quality on both is excellent, but the Rancilio Stile seems a tad more “professional grade”.

Basically if all I was doing was espresso with this grinder, I would go for the Rancilio Stile. If I wanted one grinder to do everything from espresso to chemex, the Life X wins.

Baratza Vario+

The Baratza Vario+ in many ways is a very different beast than the Life X. The Vario+ uses ceramic burrs made by Ditting, and some (myself included) argue that these burrs produce a more full and complex balance on espresso shots than metal flat burrs do.

The Vario+ also has a very different adjustment system for the grind levels, and it also has its own quirks: the macro and micro slider adjustments sometimes don’t register one or two micro clicks; you have to go 3 or more clicks, which over-compensates the adjustment, run the grinder a bit, then as it runs, go one or two clicks back to get the adjustment you were hunting for. The Ceado Life X, while having a very tight adjustment range, is stepless, and gives you a better practiced touch (with a LOT of practice) on better dialing in espresso grinds.

The $530 Vario+ has other features the Ceado lacks: a grinds bin + a portafilter fork system, presets, a lit-up dosing area, a more robust hopper system, and Baratza’s legendary after sales service and support. You also get about 100um extra “range” in the grind settings, going from about 200um up to 1150um (vs the 1050um max on the Life X)

The Ceado is quieter, slightly quicker (on espresso), has a better motor, more metal in construction, and those blind burrs make it the equivalent of a 58-60mm burr cutting surface (vs. the Vario+’s 54mm burrs with screw mount holes). I also like the controls and UI more on the Life X.

We wrote up an introduction to the Vario+ if you want to give it a read.

Wilfa Uniform

I love / hate this grinder (read our review). It remains one of the best brew grinders I’ve ever used, and at $350 or less, punches way above its weight class on grind output quality.

I just wish it wasn’t glacially slow (blame Tim Wendelboe’s consultation advice for that).

The Uniform is unique looking, quiet, produces a stellar brew grind and a good espresso grind (the Ceado Life X is better in this regard), and is half the price of the Life X. But it is slow. If your primary focus is on brew coffee, with the occasional espresso, I’d recommend the Wilfa over the Ceado Life X. Keep in mind Jim Hoffmann is also a big fan.

If you need to get to work anytime soon, the Life X will get you there much sooner. And it is a way better espresso grinder.

ConclusionLife X Grinder

For the life of me, I cannot believe that what you are reading now is the first (and so far only) independent content written about the Ceado Life X grinder you’ll find online. I searched high and low, and there are no other independent reviews out there of this capable, well built espresso and coffee grinder. Of course, there are lots of vendor reviews.

I could go on a rant about the whims and machinations of the modern day influencer and ginormous Youtube stars, but I’ll save that for another time. Well, one dig: I’d rather see the Hoff review a grinder like this (and the Rancilio Stile) than put out some celebrity coffee overview (Jim, get back to reviewing equipment, willya?)

Here’s what I’ve learned so far about the Ceado Life X: it’s a really well built, versatile grinder. 

The output on the espresso side of the equation is fantastic, and it also serves extremely well as a brew grinder, where the strengths of a flat burr really shine. It’s unique in that, right out of the box it offers both a single dose system and an on-demand bean hopper. The user interface is intuitive and well thought out. The digital timers, once the burrs are fully seasoned, repeat your doses within .2g (up or down) every time. The grinder is quiet, has a decent (not blistering) output speed, and it looks fantastic. It deserves to be reviewed and talked about more.

The price is a bit steep considering what else is out there in the flat burr market, but you’re getting unique burrs from a top burr manufacturer, you’re getting a beautiful design, a solid build quality and top shelf parts. It is a machine that should last for decades. More important: it’s built by a company that should also be around for decades to come (for that after-warranty service you might need).

The Ceado Life X is entering a very competitive market. On top of the grinders I’ve compared it to in this review, it also compares to the DF64 Gen 2 ($500), and even the DF54 ($350) model. That said, it offers several things those grinders do not, including the multiple hopper systems, the better motors and build quality, and Ceado’s reputation and history. The DF grinders use off the shelf burrs. Ceado designs their own and the housing they go into, as just one example.

The Ceado Life X is now available from select retailers (we list two below, and we don’t make any affiliate income from either). It is $699USD, and available in several colours.

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https://coffeegeek.com/reviews/firstlooks/ceado-life-x-grinder-first-look/

#ceado #coffeeGrinder #espressoGrinder #grinder #lifeX

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

MHW-3Bomber Blade R3 Manual Grinder

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 $99 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.

#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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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 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 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 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/

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/

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/