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!

      https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/2024/02/thank-goodness-for-madeira-cake/

        What’s the difference between the Key and the monolith aside from the monolith being smaller burs? I’d think the key would be better, no?

          dfk41

          I have the key and prime.

          Both have the same burrs except the key has the weber TiN coating treatment .

          My only slight niggle with the key is it needs a slight rdt spray to stop the static .

          Not quite one full press of the weber bottle does the trick, so next to no mist, but, i have this thing about not wanting to do any rdt!!

          Not required on the prime.

          Coffee from both is great and i like both these and the Philos.

          The key and prime have less mouth feel than the zero and they are very close but still different to the Philos. I have difficulty describing taste!!

          I dont have room for the prime and key, hence its for sale . Luckily im in no great rush!! Theres some weird pleasure using the prime!

          David, do you ever venture down to Derby or Nottingham….. im stuck in the middle if you wanted to call in.

          Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.

          About Me

              dfk41 I think you have no intention of buying one and we should respect that 🙂👍

              Flair 58, Mahlkonig EK43, Kinu M47, 1zpresso ZP6.

                Rob1 Great deal. Great bargain from a trusted seller.

                Flair 58, Mahlkonig EK43, Kinu M47, 1zpresso ZP6.

                  dfk41 Wow! Why did you hate HG1? I can see the issue with lighter roasts for espresso 🤔

                  Flair 58, Mahlkonig EK43, Kinu M47, 1zpresso ZP6.

                    I have an MC6 with an Evo2. Before that, I previously used a major (so 83mm flat to conical). There’s a lot that I like about the monolith. It’s solidly and precisely built, quiet, very low retention for single dosing, clean, and incredibly consistent. The burrs, on taste, are probably a little bit punchier than the older mazzer 71mm. Less places to hide for a bad roast. Really easy to dial in. I still use a few spritzes of water and a stir. Probably not necessary but helps for that last bit of consistency. If I spray, a couple of wet beans will need a puff of air to clear mid grind. It’s not fast, taking about 22 seconds for 18 grams. There is also a trick required for the 3 ear 54mm portafilter and the forks but it holds it great once adjustments are made.

                    It’s expensive and no frills. It’s got one job to do and it does it well. I’m not sure if it’s worth the price increase over some of the other conical grinders mentioned, but I have no complaints and no desire to look at other grinders.

                      I have a recently acquired MC6 and basically it’s what MacPhisto said.

                      Is it expensive - yeah

                      Does it do a great job - yeah

                      What do I like about it - great form, great function, great coffee

                      Is it worth the markup from other grinders - dunno, but it’s the grinder that I wanted. YMMV

                      Am I satisfied with it - totally

                        MacPhisto

                        @dfk41

                        Wow!!!

                        I thought the requirement for a slight RDT was just in the Key!!

                        Its that step i just do not like!!

                        But, seat belts are second nature now, maybe one day RDT will be too. My wife prefers EDT!

                        I still prefer

                        Water Droplet Technology

                        though 🫣😎

                        Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.

                        About Me

                            Adrianmsmith I always think that the need to add water occurs for 2 reasons. The first is a combination of atmospheric conditions and the actual bean. Many times over the years I have had a bean with static and needed to add water, although that rarely seems to happen since I moved house 5 years ago. The second reason is the grinder itself. I am no engineer but there must be a reason why some grinders are static monsters whilst others are not

                            https://www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org/2024/02/thank-goodness-for-madeira-cake/

                                dfk41

                                yes the static side is Black Magic

                                the worst ive ever had was on the niche zero (which normally was good) with a bag of monsoon malabar. never found out why but it was a disaster….

                                Mazzer make a big point about the grounding on the Philos but i think materials choice has a big part as well. wish there was a hard and fast rule other than getting peoples opinion!!

                                Philos is the best ive had. Key has a bit of cling under the burr but is eliminated by RDT.

                                Ade Smith. ACS Evo Leva v2. Kafatek Flat max 2, ssw 2024. Mazzer Philos, Craig Lyn HG-1 prime., WW key mk1.

                                About Me

                                    Adrianmsmith malabar. never found out why but it was a disaster….

                                    That’s really weird! I use MM a lot with a Niche Zero and, if anything, I get less static with it than other beans.