MediumRoastSteam I’m not sure Jake. I can’t remember exactly when they shifted the whole production and assembly to their own factory in China.

I think it was 6-9 months, as demand was so high it became difficult to manufacture at their home workshop. The production facilities in China are quite incredible, and he got to know the best places to have things made due to his previous career with Kenwood. If anything, I would imagine the quality/consistency of the Chinese assembly is as good or better. Certain parts are still sourced from all over and shipped to China for production. e,g. Mazzer Burrs etc..

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    i dont see made in china as a derogatory remark,

    it gets used in ice hockey equipment all the time, if its not can/us made then its trashed, im like they can sew just as good in china lol

    Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

    ‘Made in China’ is no longer synonymus with poor quality…just cheaper. If they carried on trying to have it made here in the UK, I guess the price would be quite a bit more.

    Still it makes me shake my head in disbelief though at how having something made thousands of miles away then transported here and all that costs, is still cheaper than having it made here in the UK. But, then again I suppose very low wages, poor working standards/rules in these other countries are probably the reason. Sadly, it’s the price many in the west are willing to pay for paying less… me included.

      How much cheaper though? If the competition is producing grinders in the same space at the same price but manufactured in Italy?

      I have always been pleased with the fact that coffee machines/grinders/gears are manufactured mostly in Europe.
      I understand that a small company has less scaling opportunities but it’s definitely disappointing to see another production moving from the UK/Europe to China. If I were on the market for a single dose grinder I would consider this a big point in favour of Eureka.

        Evergreen88 If I were on the market for a single dose grinder I would consider this a big point in favour of Eureka.

        Not me. Personally, I dislike the current implementation of the Eureka - It just doesn’t feels right yet, based on what I see on videos etc.

        Now, if there was a similar grinder, which was equally capable and could be compared like for like, then yes, I would consider buying closer to hone, always.

        I’d rather buy a product I’d be happy with made away from home than something I wouldn’t enjoy made close by. And, based on what I see so far, the Niche is a far superior product. My opinion, of course.

        To put it differently: If you were in the market for a coffee machine and a car, would you buy a Fraccino machine just because they are made in Birmingham, even though they don’t really tick all the boxes for you? Or a Nissan car because they are made in Sunderland even though your eyes were set on a Skoda? (just as an example)

            MediumRoastSteam I agree with your reasoning, the manufacturing location is one advantage of the Eureka over the Niche, but it wouldn’t be the only criteria for me. At the moment I am not looking at single dose grinders so I have not gone into the details of the two options, I am not saying I would get the Eureka over the Niche.

            Maybe in 10 years time I will look at the available options (Niche 2.0 vs Eureka platino?) 😁

              We all want best bang for our buck. However, would I pay more for the same item made in the UK than made in China?..depends; how much more. If Niche said we will now make the grinder in the UK but it will cost you £75 more, then I would seriously have to look elswhere or wait much longer before getting it. It’s all down to disposable income and priorities.

              As I’ve said before, one man’s £75 may be their fortnightly shop and another man’s Friday night out. If I could always afford to buy British I would. However, if Britain can’t produce what I want for the money I have available, then I don’t. At least buying from a British company even if they make their goods in China, the business rates and taxes go to Britain.

              I cannot afford or justify spending more than the price they are asking for the Niche on a grinder, and I can only do that by selling other stuff first. Yes, there are plenty of other grinders out there within that price range, but none I’ve seen (in my opinion) with such good reviews and comparisons for an overall package that the Niche delivers.

              So, it comes down different burrs giving different taste profiles and that is subjective and also, way out of my league.

              As a side issue, and I agree with what you say, I have had many many grinders over the years, and could still have one of these high end single dosers that so many people own like a fashion accessory, but I run a Niche. Why? Simple, for the way I make coffee, the routine, the taste, the Niche does it for me. When I hear of folks discussing whether to buy Unimodal or clinky clunky burrs, I truly wonder if we have all gone mad. I simply do not believe that the majority of these owners have taste buds so delicate.

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

              think it depends what you’re drinking, if the beans look like a lump of coal then the grinders the least of your problems,

              burrs can make a difference even to my untrained pallet i tasted a change when i got the ssp over the stock mazzer

              what does get me is you can spend so much on a ek then have to potentially align it, 83mm is the biggest burr ive tasted

              but like anything it comes down to ££££££

              niche have hit the right area, its just about right whilst still alot of money its inbetween a small speciliata and a fancy flat

              id like to see a weber key in real life

              Decent De1pro v1.45 - Niche Duo - Niche Zero - Decent is the best machine ever made -

              Pompeyexile Labour in China is no longer as cheap as you might imagine. Labour costs in parts of Europe are already comparable and in some sectors cheaper. China’s strength is in having abundant, advanced manufacturing facilities and a skilled workforce who are experienced in setting up production and tooling very quickly. You’ll start to see a lot more Made in Romania and Made In Poland markings on goods in the coming years.

                  Isn’t it interesting though that at one point it was the ‘selling point’ being made in the UK (as explained by some users) and now it is the selling point it is made in China.

                  I would go back then to my comparison to the Niche and the Solo. If now both are made in China and one is cheaper (Solo) does that mean the loyalty to a British firm is now the difference. Or is it styling that they prefer

                  I have no stock in the race or discussion. I do not single dose (as explained earlier).

                  I do think if we learn anything from all this is work out what you desire, need, require and your budget most importantly. Diminishing returns is a thing and sometimes for you that extra £100 or more made be a pointless expenditure for what you want.

                  I do look forward to potential sequels and what the next big design feature will be the ‘must-have’

                  Edit: I did watch that Eureka video and from the design and issues he found I personally IF I was in the market for a grinder not go for the Eureka at that price point with those lazy design choices.

                    Gagaryn You’ll start to see a lot more Made in Romania and Made In Poland markings on goods in the coming years.

                    Talking of which, I was looking for a really nice headphone stand for my Hi-Fi and bought this…


                    Beautifully made in Poland.

                    We also got our made from solid oak dining room furniture from Lithuania. Far better quality than we what we were looking at in Oakworld Furniture. The eastern block countries have just as good craftsman in many areas in my experience.

                        Pompeyexile We also got our made from solid oak dining room furniture from Lithuania. Far better quality than we what we were looking at in Oakworld Furniture. The eastern block countries have just as good craftsman in many areas in my experience.

                        My Father had a Polish friend from the war….he used to make beautiful wood furniture objects…one was a racing Yacht as a lamp, absolutely beautiful work. There was a record cabinet and TV stand…he was also a great (Polish) french polisher. I think there are lots of woodworking skills in Poland

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                          I’ve a few Polish friends and have been to Poland quite a few times. Wood working is ta big thing, especially in the South, traditional architecture is all wooden houses with all wooden interiors, sometimes referred to as Zakopane Style.

                            Wow! A woodworker’s dream house…..I’d have one in a heartbeat.

                              Yeh, perhaps at only 5′4″ it’s a bit big for someone like me …

                              I know, they are totally mad. First time I saw one with all the wiggly lines I thought it was a one off from a drunk carpenter.