Flats v Conical

dfk41

Having recently bought a 75mm Eureka Atom grind by weight, I now find it redundant (or did I?) as it grinds straight into the pf. This is needed because it also weighs a set amount. So, first thoughts were to sell the Atom and just use my Niche Zero.

Now, I am of an age where you were told that flats are much better than conicals with lighter beans….but is this an urban myth? I know we all like to have nice kit. @MWJB is without doubt the forum brew master and he has a collection of hand grinders (all conicals) but his go to electric grinder is a Niche Zero. Mark has explained to me that in his opinion the Zero is as much up for the job as the next grinder, and I certainly have no complaints. I do not own a Kruve therefore could not care about particle distribution and fines!

But, if I bought a pf with a triple basket, I could set the Atom up to dose into the new pf then just tip that into the Fellow or whatever.

So, my question is, will I realistically expect to see a difference using same beans between the Zero and the 75mm flat Atom?

dfk41

I have already partially answered my own question. For espresso, I have been using the same bean for more than a year, so all I did was top up the hopper. Once the 350gms was down to 150 then the grind tightness was affected. So it would be virtually impossible to manage chopping and changing beans.

But question 2 remains. If I buy a flat to replace the Zero, will I spot any difference?

MWJB

dfk41 I do not own a Kruve therefore could not care about particle distribution and fines!

I do have Kruve sieves, as well as a couple of ASTM/ISO sieves and a Keck sifter.

I also do not care about particle distribution (within the wide, normal range), nor fines (I don’t know who would care, or why).

dfk41 But question 2 remains. If I buy a flat to replace the Zero, will I spot any difference?

Everyone notices a difference with a new/different grinder, usually because they can’t replicate the setting with the old grinder. Even if you do replicate the setting for best tasting cups, there will be subtle differences in character, less so in overall enjoyment.

Plus, of course, most people sell one grinder to recoup money spent on the new one, so comparisons are relegated to reality vs halcyon/gloomy memories

Tal

Could get a filter only grinder, like a fellow ode and have access to 64mm burrs if you feel like experimenting.

I’ve got a stock ode Gen 2. Grinds very quickly, plus the wife doesn’t mind using it (the only thing other than the aeropress she will use)….hence I can’t get rid of it!

I quite like the brews from it

MWJB

Tal I only have the V1.1, sure fast grind, but I find it less fun to use than the Zero due to chaff/mess.

Tal

MWJB

The gen 2 didn’t solve the chaff/mess issue despite allegedly having some updates, it needs RDT to stop it, wife won’t do it. So I deal with the mess ..

MWJB

Tal The V1.1 isn’t really that messy to be fair, I keep the catch cup lid off (the lid seems to make it worse), but it is a little messier than the Zero (maybe closer to a Zero with no flow control disc?).

I’ve just got used to having a low tolerance to mess. Puts me off using my Lido 2 regularly too.

Tal

Most of the mess occurs when she removes the catch cup I think. As the static seems to dissipate, dropping grinds where the catch cup should be…unsure if she uses the clacker/knocker either.

Who knows, I’ve asked what her aeropress technique is and she can’t tell me….she does weigh her dose though. Anyway I digress! With RDT it is a non issue, so I generally have no problem with it.

I enjoy the duo for brewing too, but I don’t have the inclination to swap burrs a lot of the time

Amberale

I had a Eureka Silenzio that I single dosed with and used the timer to grind directly into the PF for my old G Classic and then my new Bianca.
It was easy and convenient.
I upgraded to a P64 and have no intention of changing.
My taste buds are used more for chasing flavours in red wine than espresso.
I have an old HG1 with 85mm conicals but it is a prick to use and I am yet to pick an improvement over the P64.

LMSC

dfk41 If I buy a flat to replace the Zero, will I spot any difference?

If Mark says the Zero is as good as anything for filter, I’d take that at face value. Period.

If you don’t think you’re the kind of taster who can pick out clarity, notes, and subtle differences, then it probably won’t make much difference.

😀

dfk41

LMSC If you don’t think you’re the kind of taster who can pick out clarity, notes, and subtle differences, then it probably won’t make much difference.

Have you read my CV?

nopapercup

I’ve been using the Niche Zero since a group of us bought them when they were launched. Before I was using a La Cimbelli Magnum with 75mm burs which had been modded for single dosing. The Niche is a lot less faff to use and significantly smaller however (I never did a side by side) I had better espresso with the Cimbelli. I like the fruit profiles medium to lighter beans deliver and I don’t seem to get them as much with the Niche.