• Grinders

  • Potential 1st hand grinder for espresso..

Been floating the idea of a hand grinder for the sole purpose of having a conical for medium roast flat whites.
I had conical grinders for years before upgrading to the duo last yr and I suppose just fancy the option to taste a different flavour profile.

Ideally I would just get a Niche zero and be done with it but that isn’t an option atm for a number of reasons.
Having read plenty of posts and reviews am I right in thinking the best option currently is the ‘1zpresso J ultra’? (Ease of adjustment being high on my list of priorities)
It is more than I was wanting to pay tbh as it’s just an idea atm but I am a believer in paying once for something and being done with it!

  • LMSC replied to this.

    I used the Commandante C40 occasionally for trying more premium SO espresso that my other half didn’t like before I got the Philos.

    It worked well and the C40 in general is one of my most highly rated grinders but you need the Red Clix add-on to get the extra steps between settings.

    Probably goes without saying but it’s an absolute chore to grind espresso by hand.

    La Marzocco Linea Mini - Mazzer Philos

    Ikawa Roaster

      I’d say that buying different beans is the best way to get a different flavour profile & adjusting grind/ratio to tweak/balance acidity.

      But since you asked, the 2 hand grinders I have used for reasonable espresso results were the OE Lido E (slight preference, but certainly more of a chore to adjust & not the most intuitive when changing grind) and the Made by Knock Feldgrind with 38mm burr. Perhaps the Aergrind would be an option (stepless, easy to monitor/change adjustments, not a great amount of grind resistance in use, value for money). I’d avoid a stepped grinder.

        Yes another vote for the Aergrind. I’ve not used it for espresso but it’s a great grinder and fantastically well made.

        La Marzocco Linea Mini - Mazzer Philos

        Ikawa Roaster

        MWJB
        Bit of a novice when it comes to adjusting tbh 🙈
        I tend to do 15/16g - 30s usually hits the spot.
        I very rarely have the same coffee twice these days. Find it easier adjusting with a 500g bag.

        I suppose it’s the texture/mouthfeel of the conical that I have in the back of my mind.

        • MWJB replied to this.

            ST30B I tend to do 15/16g - 30s usually hits the spot.

            I’m not a fan of frequent, or large grind adjustments, but when you have to do it, being able to quickly look at your grinder without disassembly/counting clicks (as with the Aergrind) makes life much easier (I do have grinders that adjust underneath and find them fine for drip/pour over as you don’t need to adjust that much). I very rarely adjust my Lido 2/E grinders, the newer Lido OG looks like an improvement, but sounds like more than you want to spend.

            How much weight are you getting out? Grinding finer to lose sharp/tart acidity, or extending the brew ratio for more output is the way I’d go.

            500g bag/16g dose is 31 shots…I’d be aiming for 3-5 shots to get in the ball-park.

                I also have an Aergrind, it’s really well made and can happily do an espresso grind. I don’t think it’s too much of a workout but I still use my electric grinder… I take the Aegrind on holiday and it’s definitely a pleasure to use. I also use it if anyone comes over and wants a cafetière

                Easy choice, Kinu! Works flawlessly and it’s a pleasure to grind with, you don’t need to put force to grind and it’s built like a tank. And I tell this because I had it and used for espresso, impecable, the same or better compared with more expensive electric grinders.

                Of course now many of you will jump and say that’s not like this, impossible, etc ;)

                  profesor_historia

                  No, actually i agree.

                  I dont get it when people call it a chore.

                  Sold k ultra and J ultra. Prefer the kinu classic.

                  Have kinu simplicity with travel case for sale .

                  I can recommend

                  For the left hand . 1000% better grip and slip proof.

                  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 was exaggerating a bit but I really think it’s one of the best manual grinders. I had the pleasure to meet Christian, the owner, at Host Milan in 2023, he was born in Romania, like me, very nice guy.

                        I like the feld47, the bigger version of the aergrind with the same burrs as the kinu but for a cheaper price (currently they come with regular and pour over burrs for £216).

                        A high quality hand grinder, especially with a bigger burr set like the kinu isn’t too hard for espresso. I still prefer electric but going from a 3 second grind to hand grinding is a big jump

                        Coffee Roaster. Home: Sage Dual Boiler, Niche Zero, Ode v2 (SSP), 1zpresso ZP6 Work: Eagle One Prima EXP, mahlkonig e80s, Mazzer Philos and lots more

                        ST30B Been floating the idea of a hand grinder for the sole purpose of having a conical for medium roast flat whites.

                        If you are making one or two cups a day, you may get away with a hand grinder. I had the pleasure of owning JX pro for filter (easy) and espresso (🙄😥) for a couple of years. I am glad I bought the Duo. 😊

                          I’d imagine the 1 espresso at a time routine with a manual is fine, it would be dialing in something new that would get rather tedious after a few shots!

                          MWJB
                          I only get a 500g nowadays if I really enjoy it. Majority of purchases (couple of subs also) now are 200/250g bags, there’s just so much choice and I tend to get bored quite quickly unless it’s a standout which funnily enough happens rarely!

                            @ST30B another vote for the Feld47. Great adjustment range and just a pleasure to use. Timed a 14g dose for the LaPavoni at a relaxed 41 seconds grinding time just there.

                            Very well made (in Edinburgh!)…buy local :)

                              Whatever you get, don’t underestimate the usefulness of external adjustment.