Which IzPresso (or Feldgrind)

JHCCoffee

I currently have an Orphan Espresso (OE) hand grinder. It takes and produces a substantive dose and grinds at a decent speed. But it is challenging to set the grind fineness, or to move from espresso to pour over. Just not easily done. And it is very large and heavy, especially for travel.

So I am looking for a replacement. IZPresso has a large selection of grinder models. There is also Feldgrind. I am confused about which to buy. Can you suggest which model is best for my needs, which ideally are:

Wide grind fineness range (pour over to espresso)
Easily set from an external dial with reference numbers (like a Niche)
Micro adjustment capability (for dialing in espresso)
fast espresso grind speed
high quality connical burrs
good hand crank ergonomics
ideally: some kind of gearing, to reduce the required force and improve grinding efficiency
considerably smaller and lighter than the OE

That’s my ideal: it!s not a perfect world.

FadedFrontiers

Until recently I had an Aergrind and it was a solid grinder, I personally like the minimalist design of the MbK hand grinders. It does espresso to filter reasonably well but most importantly for me was very portable. However I do think the Feldgrind (which uses the same burrs) will feel like a slight downgrade or at the very least sideways move taste wise compared to your OE. The burrs in my experience were not the fastest for espresso and did tend to make for a slightly muddy pour over.

I do hear a lot of great things about 1zpresso but I don’t think their higher end grinders are very portable (although they aren’t as awkwardly designed as the OE). Still something like a K or J series are highly regarded for their build quality, ergonomics, speed and taste. A few users on here have experience of these grinders so I’m sure they’ll chip in.

DavecUK

1Zpresso hand grinders are very well made indeed…I have one of the early JX Pros, very good grinder for espresso or pour over.

JHCCoffee

I’m trying to narrow down which IZPresso grinder to buy, from their very long list. I will be grinding for both expresso and pour over, while away from home. Afew questions:

Has anyone used or tried a model with their magnetic catch cup? Does it stay in place or is does it easily fall off, when grinding? As you obviously cannot hold the grinder in that area, does this cause any grinder operation problems?
What about the burrs? They have a proprietary stainless steel burr, an Italimill burr and a “coated” burr, if I have their burr list correctly. Their burrs range in size from about 34mm to 48 mm. Any experiences or comments on their burrs? Any recommendations?
What about adjustment fineness, which ranges from 8.8 microns per click (on the J-Max) to 12.5 microns per on the X-Pro to 20 to 22 microns per on other models. What do I need?
What about capacity? Do I need the 35 to 40g capacity size or is 25 to 30g sufficient? I am leaning towards greater capacity, so that I can grind sufficient coffee for 2 espresso shots or a larger pour over at once.

I am at this point leaning towards the J-Max, which has 35 to 40g capacity, a coated burr, external adjustment and 8.8 microns per click. So apparently it is great for expresso, but also good for pour-over. Thoughts?

IZpresso will be a definite improvement from my current Orphan Espresso Lido-E beast, which is just to heavy and large for travel. Its a great home grinder and still is portable enough if you do not have luggage capacity or weight concerns.

DavecUK

JHCCoffee What about adjustment fineness, which ranges from 8.8 microns per click (on the J-Max) to 12.5 microns per on the X-Pro to 20 to 22 microns per on other models. What do I need?

8.8 to 12 micron if you want to use it for brew and espresso.

whinmoor85

Coffee Chronicler has a good round up of alot of 1zpresso grinders, the K series might be up your street.
https://coffeechronicler.com/best-1zpresso-grinder-overview/

JHCCoffee

Is the handle easily removable and re-installable, for travel, without risk of eventual wear or damage? Or should I get the S version with the collapsible handle?

whinmoor85

JHCCoffee I have a ZP6 which is the same as the K Pro with a different burr set. The handle is attached to the lid and it’s easy to remove from the body of the grinder - just lift it. There’s no wobble when you attach it back either, it feels nicely made, comes with a travel case too.

I haven’t used the new foldable handle, I believe they only created that to get around Comandante claiming they have the European patent on the crank shaped handle.

JHCCoffee

Well, after much deliberation I just ordered the Izpresso J-Max, with:

titanium coated burr
8.8 microns per click
35 to 40g capacity magnetic catch cup
External adjustment ring

$260 CDN including shipping.

Thanks all for your advice and suggestions.