MWJB The nicest coffee I ever made was on a Compak K10 fresh, the early one. I think from memory they were 68mm size. I used to make the tastiest coffee ever, but this was back in the day before single dosing became the norm, and the retention was really horrible. I doubt very much I am going to buy one for all the reasons and more that you mention. But I do look at what is available from time to time. The flat burr market is saturated with the latest things, but the conical market seems to lag behind. I could not go back to a hopper fed system
Kafatek Monolith 71mm Conical
dfk41 If I remember correctly, when the Niche Zero was launched, Dave said the taste was somewhat very similar if not identical to his Ceado E92 - which is a conical grinder with 71mm burrs.
So maybe… save the money and stick with the Niche Zero? 😊
MediumRoastSteam I had one of those Ceados as well. I do not remember them being in the same class. They were a monster with a very slow spin speed, terrible retention and if you did whatever the mod was (I cannot remember now but it involved a puffer) then 18 gms took in excess of 60 seconds. It is not just the size of the burrs I believe
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I know there’s been a bit of hype around it but I’d recommend trying the Mazzer Philos if you get the chance.
We’re still partial to the odd ‘traditional’ espresso with a decent body too and they really shine on the ‘200’ burrs in the Philos. It’s capable with lighter roasts also but not so much so that it favours clarity over body.
I’ve always thought those ‘endgame’ US made grinders are for the real light roast enthusiasts with meticulous puck prep and great tastebuds. Certainly not something I’d be tempted by even though I’m sure they’re brilliant.
La Marzocco Linea Mini - Mazzer Philos
Ikawa Roaster
HarveyMushman I have a T64 with SSP burrs and I am afraid it does nothing for me! I cannot imagine the Philos burrs being any better……I do prefer conicals
HarveyMushman I’ve always thought those ‘endgame’ US made grinders are for the real light roast enthusiasts with meticulous puck prep and great tastebuds. Certainly not something I’d be tempted by even though I’m sure they’re brilliant.
Denis has been active on H-B for over a decade (to my knowledge at least), I don’t recall the party faithful being in the light roast camp at all.
dfk41 - Dfk… what you need is a beefed up upgraded “Niche Zero Plus”.
Like a Niche Duo, but instead of big flat burrs… conicals instead. 👍
MediumRoastSteam dfk41 - Dfk… what you need is a beefed up upgraded “Niche Zero Plus”.
Like a Niche Duo, but instead of big flat burrs… conicals instead. 👍
Like a Craig lyn HG1 prime for instance. Perfect.
Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.
Adrianmsmith I had one of the first HG One’s when they were released. This was back in the day of course. I hated it in every way imaginable! A couple of years later I did buy another, and hated that one just as much!
Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.
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Adrianmsmith I will take a cursory glance! Still a hand grinder!
No, David this is so much more 🥰
Its not just a hand grinder
This is a Craig Lyn hand grinder, lovingly created for the pleasure of connoisseurs such as those from the north east 🫣, where rusty old monstrosities are lovingly known as Angels!!
This is a real grinder for life 🫣☕
Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.
dfk41 gnoring that and just going off the info above, what do folks think $2450 plus shipping and import costs will turn out at?
This is great grinder, you will be happy user.
But, If you can find MC4, this is the last model with Mazzer burrs, it will be bit closer to K10.
Also, it will be much cheaper.
dfk41 what do folks think $2450 plus shipping and import costs will turn out at?
I bought an MC6 last year. Shipping to London was $180. Customs, etc was £274.08.
I have no complaints about the grinder. I use it for medium and dark roasts. Light roasts are better with my Kafatek Flat (SLR burrs).
Isn’t someone selling a Weber Key on here?
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Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.
Adrianmsmith I wonder why no one seems to be interested in either your Key or my Solo?
dfk41 - O would be all over it if I were in the market for a flat burr grinder. But I already have a Niche Duo, 83mm flat which does a wonderful job with the added bonus of a very simple workflow. Pop beans in, turn it on, wait 30 seconds, turn off.
Good luck with the sale. It’s a bargain.
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dfk41 in my humble opinion I don’t t think you need to pay more than 1K for a grinder, you will enter into the diminished returns territory. When I used to make espresso a few years ago I used the Compak K10 and also the E10, both were beast. I got the best espressos in my life. I also had the Mazzer Kony which uses the Niche 63mm conical and the results were fantastic. Don’t think I you will notice a difference from 68mm to 71mm and honestly just to avoid a bit of retention I wouldn’t pay around 2500€.
profesor_historia I Have a Niche Duo so would be moving from 63 to 71mm conical. But, like you, I just cannot see me really getting an awful lot out of spending 2 to 3 k on something. I would probably buy a K10 if I could find one at the right price for the condition, but most of them have been in a commercial setting and well used. The strange thing is, now that I am at a stage of life where I could buy a new Kafatek, I simply know it is not the right thing for me to do…..this is the wrong time of life to start having a conscience!