Initial thoughts on Kafatek Monolith

Adrianmsmith

Yes it does have variable speed but having read some time ago, Comments by @DavecUK , I do not bother. I just leave it set at max. Seems perfect.

That is an interesting idea about the side-by-side video and it will not be in the next few days but if I get time I will have a go for you!!

@HarveyMushman

I do not have any long-term grinders where I have used rdt (In fact, I do not have anything long-term due to that disease I have, upgradeitis!!) and I probably would not recommend it for any grinders with plain steel or cast burrs that are not coated, but, I can’t see it doing any damage to any of the grinders I have as all parts are stainless steel , coated or anodized aluminium.

Also, if you watch the James Hoffman interview video I posted a link above in this thread, there is one point where James asks about this and is told that the grinder is completely dry within a minute or two. I can confirm this and I can also confirm the grinder is spotless inside. No sign of corrosion or coffee residues on the inside of the teeth.

The dosing cup is also completely dry by the time I am drinking my coffee….

MWJB

HarveyMushman Probably not, but there’s already some moisture in the beans, also some oils which probably help protect the burrs.

I guess if you are concerned, focus on RDT with the beans that definitely need it and/or use the minimum amount of RDT water. Periodically checking the burrs too.

I found I used 0.04g of water average with stirring one drop off a teaspoon handle (probably inconsequential even compared to bean moisture), About 0.1g per spray with an atomiser bottle (not so keen on this method as it made the dosing cup & hopper wet enough for beans to stick in my Zero & Ode).

FadedFrontiers

MWJB b) the Hendon paper was based on the EK-43 (and confirmed point ‘a’.), the Monoliths are gravity fed, not auger fed like an EK/Philos/other vertically mounted burr grinder, with additional voids required to transport beans to the burrs).

That’s the theory but the only data I’ve seen comparing retention /exchange/shot consistency between the EK43 and Monolith shows the Monolith retaining less and with more consistency between doses.

That aligns with my experience of EKs being retention monsters and also extremely messy, nothing to do with the verticle versus horizontal burr placement debate - it’s just not a single dose grinder like the Monoliths.

MWJB

FadedFrontiers That aligns with my experience of EKs being retention monsters and also extremely messy, nothing to do with the verticle versus horizontal burr placement debate.

How do you come to that conclusion?

3 measurements isn’t really enough for Hoffmann to give significant results, but from the figures supplied the dose consistency is still under a gram (for average retained weight, plus stdev) for the EK-43S if extrapolated to 95% confidence. Isn’t the EK-43S the only grinder in the shootout with a horizontal auger bean transport to the burrs?

FadedFrontiers

MWJB so in the post you linked by Smrke, he suggests the variance between grinders is entirely down to the size of their burrs, not their verticle/horizontal orientation. He also cites a lack of data.

Try using an EK43 without rdt and see how you get on, fines all collect in the chute and axle as there’s way more surface area for grinds to creep in to compared to the Monolith. Even compare their grind chambers and it’s immediately clear which one was designed for single dosing and which has been modded to do it. Ek still makes a cracking cup of coffee 👍

MWJB

FadedFrontiers MWJB so in the post you linked by Smrke, he suggests the variance between grinders is entirely down to the size of their burrs,

True, but he also describes it being related to “voids”. Also, given the data available, the Bentwood is essentially ‘the same’ as the EK-43.

dfk41

I have been quietly just using the M now for a few weeks. Apart from the silicone chute dropping out (it was easy to relocate once Adrian had explained with photos) there are no issues. I am not really bothered if it retains 0.001 or 0.1 gm of coffee. I do not stir, spray with water or anything else. I found a spare kilo of old beans that I might run through her but I hope soon to test it against my Zero, taste wise. All that will tell me is that a is more tasty than b which is meaningless. It is a beautifully engineered bit of kit and a pleasure to own.

Jason1wood

The engineering is what I love about that grinder. Looks really imposing (in a good way) 👌👌👌

Adrianmsmith

Jason1wood Looks really imposing (in a good way) 👌👌👌

Are you talking about David again 🤭🤔😘

Jason1wood

Adrianmsmith he is that. 🤣

dfk41

I am not a great one for running tests and weighing things. I have no idea if there is any retention. If there is I am presuming that it it minuscule (unless I have a duffer). Having used it now for a few weeks, it is easy to live with. Th e grinder does not need any peculiar workflow habits. I do not spray with water, stir the grinds or anything else. I had intended to run some side by side tests with the Zero but decided not to. I have made a couple of shots at the same time and they taste very different, but which one is better……depends on you and Mr Hobson!

Adrianmsmith

dfk41

Ive said this many times and suggested the term “slightly different” is more accurate than the word “better” for something i cant measure.

And depending what time of day it is, what I’ve been eating and my general mood ( not got time yet for meditation 😘) will usually change which i actually prefer at that point in time….. and therefore which one is better so are they therefore all better. 😎

MattH

@dfk41 How goes it with the new grinder ?

I do love the industrial over engineered look of these - I also see there is a MC6 on ebay currently… not sure I could spend that much when I have deliberated enough over the Philios!

dfk41

MattH It is an interesting question. As a grinder, I like it a lot. It does not have any peculiarities I cannot handle, but, there is a but. The Shuriken burrs have a taste profile that as yet, does not really float my boat. Whether that is because it never will, or I have been putting in beans that are not suited I do not know. When it arrived, it came with a very darkly roasted bean. Legend says conicals are more suited to darker roasts. I have just today ordered 4 × 250 gm bags of what I am hoping will be at the right level……I will report back

dfk41

MattH That Ebay grinder. The guy has had several Kafateks for sale in the last few months, all different models. HE is super cagey and insists upon cash and collection if my memory is right. That is not to suggest he is dodgy but I suspect there is a sub story! It has extras as well. The red power button and collar are on top

MattH

dfk41 Interesting - but if I was to buy a new grinder top of the list currently is the super jolly v pro… guess I am a hopper kinda guy 😂

Adrianmsmith

MattH

That should make You really happy, If not even, very jolly haha.

Jason1wood

MattH personally went back to my Mythos as the single dosing was becoming a huge faff. Got a smaller hopper and I’m glad I did 👍🏻

Adrianmsmith

Jason1wood

Did you say the Philos was too big?!! 🤭🥴🥰

Thats a whopper!!

Dusk

Jason1wood
We need a tin of beans for scale

profesor_historia

Jason1wood Christ alive, that thing is huge!!

Jason1wood

Adrianmsmith aye before I got the Evo I was looking for something near the Zerno size, but convinced ‘her who must be obeyed’ that this is a farrrrrr better setup 😉

Adrianmsmith

Dusk

Was that a sack of green beans , did you mean😁

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