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Which hand (manual) grinder makes the best tasting espresso cup?

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  • Which hand (manual) grinder makes the best tasting espresso cup?

    Dear Friends,
    Please, could you share with me and the other interested people your opinion about which hand (manual) grinder makes the best tasting espresso cup. I am asking specifically about taste only and not about anything else in regard to the hand (manual) grinders. I would also appreciate limiting opinions to those based on your personal experience or on serious testing results (not on speculations and/or gossips).Thank you very much

  • #2
    Hi Viandr my money is on the Kinu Classic M47. I have one and i use it when travelling. It was also selected as James Hoffmans winner in his hand grinder showdown posted on YouTube. But probably the most popular amongst members here would be the 1zpresso (jx pro or another variant).
    Last edited by tompoland; 1 May 2022, 02:05 PM. Reason: Typo

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    • Viandr
      Viandr commented
      Editing a comment
      Thank you very much for your advice. I am very curious about your specific reasons as much as it is possible to explain them. How does this grinder regarding the taste produced compare to the other manual grinders, such as 1Zpresso JX Pro, for example? What is it you exactly appreciate?

  • #3
    That depends on what type of espresso tastes good to you.

    Comment


    • crazyhakins
      crazyhakins commented
      Editing a comment
      This.
      Different grinders have different qualities. They will favour some aspects of espresso over other. My advice, but a few on your list, try them all and sell the one’s that aren’t your favourite.

  • #4
    Originally posted by level3ninja View Post
    That depends on what type of espresso tastes good to you.
    Indeed. It is why I have asked about personal opinions based on personal experience or serious tests, which can be explained to the interested people. I appreciate tompoland's advice about Kinu Classic M47 but am very curious about his specific reasons as much as it is possible to explain them.

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    • level3ninja
      level3ninja commented
      Editing a comment
      Do you like traditional thick espresso shots with strong roast flavour characteristics or do you like medium-lighter coffee with lighter body but more origin characteristics and clarity? I could give you an opinion of good or bad but that's useless unless my good & bad are the same as yours.

    • Viandr
      Viandr commented
      Editing a comment
      I like more "traditional thick espresso shots with strong roast flavour characteristics"

  • #5
    You'll find the almost all quality (probably $200+) hand grinders will give you a tatsy espresso but they will all be different. As mentioned in my last post, I suggest you go to YoutTube and search for James Hoffman's ultimate hand grinder show down video. That will get you as close to the answers you are seeking. I can't tell you how the Kinu compares to the others because I have not bought too many hand grinders.

    Other than that, members here will tell you they like a certain grinder or not, but I would be surpised if you get a definitve taste breakdown or valid comparisons across several grinders from members here. That said, you will make it a LOT easier for members to help you if you can be specific and explain exactly (to use your word)s as to what you want in a grinder. Will you be grinder medium roasts or dark? Are you looking for clarity or are you OK to sacfice some of that for a fuller bodied, more chocolate tasting espresso?
    Last edited by tompoland; 1 May 2022, 03:02 PM. Reason: typo

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    • #6
      I am familiar with James Hoffman's review of hand grinders as I have watched it a few times. Unfortunately, he does not say much about taste comparison. It is understandable as this area is the most subjective. Yet, it is the most important as well. Of course, I have done thorough research on the Internet but could not find any relevant reviews of cup quality and taste made by coffee professionals as a result of blind testing. It is why I am so interested in personal experiences and preferences in this regard. Concerning myself, I would prefer more full bodied espresso with rich taste. I am aiming to replace my Compak 10 grinder with a manual grinder, which would be capable of making such a replacement reasonable concerning taste.

      Comment


      • tompoland
        tompoland commented
        Editing a comment
        He's actually quite explicit about taste preferences.

        20m 45s regarding the M47: "I really enjoyed the espresso from this. Some tasters thought that this produced the best tasting espresso but I preferred the espresso from the Commondante".

        Not wishing to offend at all but if Hoffman's review was not enough for you then I think you have set yourself an impossible mission. Don Quixote comes to mind.

        It sounds like you want someone to give you their taste impressions across a range of hand grinders. Even if you found someone who could do that, their tastes are likely to vary from yours. So what would the point be?

        The best thing you can do IMHO is buy a good quality used grinder or two from here, try them out yourself and then onsell if you don't like it.

        Grab a Commandante, a 1zpresso or a Kinu. You've inquired about at least three so far, time to buy one and try it. You've going to die from paralysis by analysis otherwise.

        All the best with your quest

      • Viandr
        Viandr commented
        Editing a comment
        Thank you for your attention and help

    • #7
      Has anyone had any experience with Timemore Chestnut X and Timemore Chestnut X Lite or read a thorough review? Can you comment on these grinders, please, and about cup quality and taste specifically?

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      • #8
        I had a Lido E for a while that I quite liked. I mostly used it for filter brewing and it actually made really good filter coffee, but of course I used it for espresso a few times as well just to test it out. It was a while ago now so my memory has faded a bit, but I know that I liked it and the main reason I sold it was because it was so big. So I’d definitely say that if you need it to be able to travel you’ll definitely want the E-T model. Interestingly the next best hand grinder I’ve ever used for espresso was a relatively cheap ceramic burr grinder - the Gefu Lorenzo. Part of the reason I liked it so much was that it was super easy to use. Most people will say that cheap, ceramic burr grinders can’t possibly give anything more than passable results and I’d usually agree with them, but the Gefu was a notch above. I’ve owned and used some Porlex and Hario ceramic burr grinders and they are absolute junk. The Gefu was far superior. I think I had a pretty basic espresso machine at the time, but I know that it was at least equal to, if not better than the conical burr electric grinder I had.

        Comment


        • Viandr
          Viandr commented
          Editing a comment
          Thank you very much. I guess Lido ET is worthy to consider.

      • #9
        Only commenting on grinders I've owned, Porlex Mini, Hario Skerton, and KINGrinder K6. The first two can be ruled out immediately for espresso (and most other things). The K6 is great. It's a 48mm conical burrset (as all hand grinders are), but being a 7-core burrset it's towards the higher clarity, lower body end of conical burrs. I would still prefer it to be even clearer, but it's pretty good. The build quality is excellent, the upper external burr adjustment mechanism is much better than the traditional mechanism underneath the burrs. It has 16um steps, which are relatively small (Comandante is 30um stock or 15um with RedClix) and easy to dial (haven't made enough espresso yet to say is this is small enough, but I'm guessing tweaking will need to be done by adjusting dose by 0.1g).

        Warning: I now depart from my own experience.

        If I wanted a more traditional espresso I would go for either a KINGrinder K4 or 1Zpresso J-Max which both have a 6-core burrset. The K4 is identical to the K6 except the burrset is 6-core. The J-Max has a a similar adjustment method and 8.8um steps. Both of these are reported to produce more of a more traditional style espresso.

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        • #10
          Thank you very much. 1Zpresso J-Max is already on the list of my consideration. Following your recommendation, I will pay attention to KINGrinder K6.
          Indeed, I like more "thick" espresso but appreciate complex taste nuances very much

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          • #11
            The Rosco Hand Grinder from Portopresso is a great grinder - and made in Australia. I purchased with the Rossa hand espresso for travel in the campervan... ended up using the Rosco/Rossa at home most of the time as well. Built to last, and great espresso. For taste I like lever machines - Elektra, and La Pavoni Professional. Severe arthritus meant I had to retire the Rosco. Whilst I used the Rosco/Rossa for international travel as well, you do need to consider the weight if you are lugging baggage around a lot. For travel to Lord Howe Island I was very restricted in weight - and had to use an Aeropress and light plastic grinder... it was ok.

            Comment


            • Viandr
              Viandr commented
              Editing a comment
              Thank you very much. Is it not significantly overpriced?

            • 338
              338 commented
              Editing a comment
              Viandr, significantly overpriced is really a relative term - compared to what? The Rosco is made in tiny (I believe almost hand made) quantities in Australia, units like 1Zpresso and King Grinder are made in China with large economies of scale. It may cost more but a fair comparison would be to other heirloom quality Australian grinders. I totally understand that not everyone will value the differences the same and your title states 'best tasting', not 'best tasting and nicest grinder'.
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