Happy new year to all. I have a very slow-moving renovation underway and at its’ end I shall be ordering a Niche Duo with both burr sets. However, I realize, I may need an additional grinder (Thank you Tom P ;-) I’m not being obsessive, just thorough.
The additional grinder would be used solely for Nordic light roast coffees; 80% espresso and 20% filter. I have researched as far as I may, and arrived at a decision tree of possible solutions in my preferred order of less expensive, smaller, simpler through more of each of those parameters.
I am aware that Tom’s massive Burrathon may cast further illumination on my question, however there is no time for compulsion as good as the present ;-)
In order of desirability to me these are what I am considering and why:
Niche Duo with stock burrs:
Although almost every user comment and review I’ve read talks about this as optimum with medium and dark roast, and I understand the burr geometry may slant it that way, I’ve not actually read anywhere that it is less desirable with Nordic roasts and I even thought I saw a mention of Tim Wendelboe using one in his cafe. (this may be entirely faulty memory on my part). However, if the ND does as well with Nordic as with darker roasts I need look no further.
Niche Duo with unannounced third burr set option,
— the Niche Omni Light burr set. While it would be shrewd for Niche to do this and it would actually benefit many existing customers as well as create new ones, I believe them unlikely to do so. Sadly, because it really would be the best solution for light roast drinkers.
Niche Duo with 3rd party burrs:
I had a discussion with Dave about this some months back, and he confirmed my guess that there is no advantage to doing this for general use. The stock burrs are very capable and the grinder is tuned for them. We did not discuss use with Nordic roasts specifically. It appears purchase of another burr carrier on the secondary market plus a set of SSP Cast CV2 aka Lab Sweet 83mm uncoated burrs will run $400 to $600, so priced well. More importantly for me, no additional space is required, and I get to make additional use of an exceptional grinder. NB — I have zero interest in SSP HU or MP burrs. The SSP Cast seems geared toward light roasts but with good balance.
Fiorenzato Pietro with dual burr sets and stand
Yes, I’m comfortable using a hand grinder. The Pro burr set for filter seems to do everything I’d need for Nordic roast filter, however I’ve not sen any user posts regarding the espresso burr set with any roast level. If anyone here can advise about this I should greatly appreciate your help. The cost as configured above is about $700 so still reasonable, and the footprint is the smallest of any additional grinder on my list.
My decision tree continues with four 64mm grinders & burr sets, however I will not post these now because if any of the above fit my use case, there is no reason to spend more on gear, especially gear with larger footprints than the above.
I hope to obtain some informed guidance and arrive at a decision with your help. Thanks for any clarity you may offer.