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Espresso grinder with filter capability?

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  • Espresso grinder with filter capability?

    Hey all -

    I'm currently an enthusiastic filter brewer (v60, Aeropress, Clever Dripper) with a Baratza Encore.

    I'm looking at getting started on my espresso journey with a Bambino / Bambino Plus. From the research I've done, I'm making a few assumptions:
    1. Baratza Encore will only really work for espresso if I'm using the pressurized portafilter.
    2. If I want to progress to standard portafilters, I'm going to need to invest in a grinder that's more fit for espresso.
    I've seen lots of reviews and discussions that suggest that mid-priced espresso grinders ($500 - 800) don't grind well for filter. It sounds like the Comandante is one exception.

    My question: is there an espresso grinder available for sub-$1000 that can grind for filter as well as, or nearly as well as, the Encore? Or am I going to need two grinders on the bench?

  • #2
    Fellows Ode is competent for both and even better is the Mahlkonig X54 All Rounder (the name says it all). I've had both and both are good quality but the latter would be my pick and it is 990 on special at site sponser alternative brewing right now (from memory I paid 1250 for it when it first came out last year)

    Comment


    • Sebarin0
      Sebarin0 commented
      Editing a comment
      Thanks for your reply Tom. Mahlkonig looks great! Interesting that you had good experiences grinding for espresso with the Ode - most things I've read or watched suggest it has trouble grinding fine enough. Did you have to change out the burr set or something like that?

    • tompoland
      tompoland commented
      Editing a comment
      I'm aware of the comments but in my experience The Ode ground fine enough for espresso although it was built for brewed. I think the criticism stemmed from James Hoffmans review and his main point (from memory) is that Ode could have made the dial a bit broader in it's capability. Not so much that it could not do espresso type grinds. I used the standard burrs and dark roasted beans. I don't think the Ode would have coped with light roasted beans.
      Last edited by tompoland; 22 April 2022, 09:47 PM.

  • #3
    I wouldn't suggest the Ode for espresso, the stock burrs physically cannot grind fine enough for espresso, and the motor is seriously underpowered for espresso. Also you'll need to modify the grind adjustment to be stepless and deal with a usable espresso range of about 5mm.

    The two that jump out to me for this are the Option-O Lagom Mini and the DF64.

    The Mini was designed as a filter grinder and excels at it, the grind profile will be similar to a high end hand grinder like the Comandante (but slightly less clarity). It also does espresso really well, but the workflow is very slightly more clunky.

    The DF64 will do the job well from stock, and with a couple of mods it will be very good (3D printed dial indicator, replace the clump crusher with an after-market one). It also has options for upgrading the burrs to something like SSP MP down the track if you want to improve the grind quality, though that's not necessary to start with.

    Otherwise you could get as hand grinder like the Comandante, KINGrinder K6, 1Zpresso Q2 7-core etc.

    Comment


    • level3ninja
      level3ninja commented
      Editing a comment
      This video talks about modifying the Ode for espresso. https://youtu.be/-IMNKwMoThg

    • Sebarin0
      Sebarin0 commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you! V helpful. Do you know anything about availability for the Lagom Mini? At the moment it's a "notify when they're in stock" situation. Any alternative sellers in Aus, maybe?

    • level3ninja
      level3ninja commented
      Editing a comment
      Sebarin0 Unfortunately it's only available direct, and pretty popular due to some YouTube reviews. Worth the wait in my opinion (get a hand grinder in the meantime?). IMPORTANT: I forgot to mention above that only the 48mm version of the Mini is rated for espresso

  • #4
    Commandante will definitely do the job; I quite enjoyed using mine for espresso for a couple of months waiting for my Key to arrive. I'd recommend also getting the 'red clix' upgrade to reduce the step size though, it can be frustrating trying to dial in when you want to make a half-step adjustment.

    Comment


    • #5
      The Heycafe H1 may be worth a look. It's being discounted at the moment by a number of retailers.

      Comment


      • #6
        I have used the 1ZPresso JX Pro this works nicely for espresso have used it with a flair and Rocket Giotto, I use it daily at work for V60 style pour overs.

        Although a coated burr set would make espresso easier. I think the J Max and some other models have Tin coated burrs.

        Comment


        • #7
          https://coffeesnobs.com.au/forum/mar...on-gs4-grinder
          This works well.
          if I didn’t have too many grinders already I would keep it.

          Comment

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