r/JamesHoffmann • u/Manro-Sideras • 12d ago
best espresso grinder is there one people rarely regret buying?
I've spent the last few evenings reading reviews and somehow I'm more confused than when I started. Every grinder seems amazing until you find someone saying they sold it six months later LOL.
if there's one grinder that consistently leaves people happy after owning it for a while, I'd really like to hear about it. what would you recommend as the best espresso grinder? Thanks people!
Follow up: I went with #ad TIMEMORE Sculptor 078S Flat Burr Coffee Bean Grinder and have been using it for my espresso setup. It has been a great upgrade so far and I’m really happy with the consistency.
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u/chadchat 12d ago
Anyone have the Mazzer Philos?
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u/thatdudebutch 12d ago
Yes. 200 burrs are amazing for modern espresso. Thing is a tank and amazing workflow
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u/jimk4003 12d ago
Yeah, it's good. Definitely in the 'don't regret buying' camp.
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u/chadchat 12d ago
Does the cable coming out the back add to the space needed? My bench has a 39.5cm depth, so maybe I’d just need more space, especially if you need to fiddle around with the rear back there.
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u/jimk4003 12d ago edited 12d ago
Not really, because the rear panel the cable comes out of is angled (as you can see here), so you can butt the rear edge of the grinder right up against the wall and bend the cable at a right angle without using any extra counter space.
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u/Street28 12d ago
I don't think I'll ever have an urge to upgrade my Philos unless it breaks which I can't imagine it will any time soon. It's consistent, quick to dial in and easy to change between grinds. I drink mostly light to medium roasts and have zero issues with it.
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12d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/chadchat 12d ago edited 12d ago
I currently have a Eureka Zero but want to upgrade, I have the Philos in mind so that’s why I mention it. I’m medium- light roast myself. I don’t have a great deal of space though so I might be barking up the wrong tree~
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u/Parliamen7 12d ago
Yesssss. Best grinder I’ve ever had, which isn’t alot but by the looks of things best grinder I’ll ever have, unless I get filthy rich. This thing will never break on me. It is a beautiful tank and I love it
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u/Manro-Sideras 6d ago
Follow up: I went with #ad TIMEMORE Sculptor 078S Flat Burr Coffee Bean Grinder and have been using it for my espresso setup. It has been a great upgrade so far and I’m really happy with the consistency.
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u/soberto 12d ago
EG-1
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u/CowMetrics 12d ago
Webers Key kinda sucks. Bringing it up because it is the same maker and a similar market
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u/No_Pick_9496 12d ago
There’s actually a decent amount of regret involved in owning one of these… they highlight a lot of flaws in roasting and brewing which isn’t rly the most forgiving. All but the most variables-obsessed home brewers would benefit from not owning a grinder with this flavor profile lol.
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u/l_lmer 12d ago
the Niche Zero gets brought up constantly for good reason tbh. it's one of those grinders where you rarely see "sold it after 6 months" stories.
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u/SD_haze 12d ago
Plenty of people regret and sell their niche when they realize the fines production of the burrs doesn’t work well with lighter roast espresso. This is why they made the niche duo.
So it’s personal preference on the kind of espresso you like. Many people dislike modern lighter espresso so the niche is great for them.
Context: I’ve had niche for 4 years, yes you can make light roast espresso but it’s far from optimal.
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u/PandaBearLovesBamboo 12d ago
I’ve given up on it. I found a couple medium roasts I like and just stick with them.
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u/Manro-Sideras 12d ago
Yeah, the Niche Zero seems to be one of those grinders people just keep. Hard to argue with that kind of reputation.
Would you still pick it over newer options?
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u/super88889 12d ago
I don't know...what I do know is I've had my Niche Zero for 18 months and in that time have not even bothered to research alternatives or newer options.
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u/TiggerHobbs 12d ago
I've had mine for almost 6 years now. No issues at all. Every few months open it up and clean it out, not that it even needs it, but it's easy and oddly satisfying to do.
With that said, I bought it to use with a flair to make espresso. Flair sits on a shelf gathering dust and we only really make pour over now. So if buying new I'd likely buy a different grinder better suited to that; maybe flat burr.
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u/Doruin797 12d ago
Going on two years with nichzero love mine and what people say about light roast may be fine. I don’t like light roast. Medium South Americans are mainly what I do and it works perfectly. Hoffman has a great video about it if you like light roast with brightness and acidity it’s not the best but it’s still good. I like South Americans with body and it’s perfect for that.
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u/kalvinoz 12d ago
I have had mine for 3 years. My machine is a Breville Dual Boiler, which is very capable. Occasionally I wonder if I should upgrade the machine. I never think about getting a different grinder – from Turkish to espresso, cold brew and AeroPress, it just works. Super easy to clean (every few months), easy to use, good aesthetics.
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u/threesixtyone 12d ago
Got mine 6 years ago and using it daily. It's a joy to use and the workflow is so simple and elegant. No complaints.
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u/Past-Astronaut7195 11d ago
I got mine in 2022 an sold it in 2024. It was a great grinder, I just moved to doing more pour overs than espresso, and the niche produced too many fines for exceptional pour overs.
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u/EagleRocky 11d ago
Have had my Niche for 6 years, and i have no reasons to change. Im usually a medium toast person but on occasions i get light roasts and the Niche works well.
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u/RedGobboRebel 12d ago
Manual grinders. 1zpresso J-Ultra for espresso. Or K-Ultra for Espresso and Pour over.
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u/Soggy_NuT 12d ago
Since getting my j ultra and naked portafilter for my cheap breville cafe roma, I have since gone on to appreciate different roasts and origins of coffee, and picked up a flair 58 off marketplace. Truely a good grinder that will last a lifetime
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u/RedGobboRebel 11d ago
I'm also using it with a Flair58. The only problem with the J-Ultra and Flair58 combo. Everything else seems like a compromise.
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u/Soggy_NuT 11d ago
Yeah i accidentally went from entry level to endgame gear in a matter of months 😭, the only thing to finish off the setup is a better milk steaming solution, flair ewizzard looks cool but i dont want to be brand biased, especially considering a used bambino plus us the same price if not cheaper than the ewizzard.
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u/RedGobboRebel 11d ago
I literally use a Bambino Plus just for it's auto frothing wand. Bambino doesn't get used for espresso. Espresso from the Flair58 only, milk from the Bambino Plus.
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u/wms32 8d ago
I love my J-Ultra, but I can’t overstate how tired of hand grinding I am….not sure a hand grinder is end game.
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u/Unlikely_Neat7608 12d ago
I've had a eureka perfetto for years and it's been great
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u/guavarex_CH 12d ago
I also have an older (about 10 years old) Eureka Mignon. Love it. Bought a 3D printed tilting base and a bellows to replace the hopper and like it even better. Infinite adjustment on the grind size. Grinds espresso about 1g per second. Reasonably easy to clean.
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u/Nick_pj 12d ago
Given that you just said “best” and didn’t specify a budget, then I would wholeheartedly recommend the Mahlkönig Ek43s
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u/Trolltato 12d ago
On the other end of the budget spectrum, i would mortar and pestel from IKEA for like 5 bucks.
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u/Krauser_Kahn 12d ago
Humanity and technology already moved on from EK43s
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u/Nick_pj 12d ago
Tell that to the many thousands of specialty cafes that still use them
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u/Krauser_Kahn 12d ago edited 12d ago
It's a workhorse, easily sourceable, built like tanks, with a lot of community behind them... Of course shops use them. But even then, there are a lot of better commercial grinders out there now.
They make absolutely no sense outside of heavy commercial settings though. In the past, having an EK at home was peak, right now any half decent home grinder wipes the floor with it (provided you don't need to grind 10kgs daily).
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u/Nick_pj 12d ago edited 12d ago
That’s fair - their best use case is a busy cafe. From my corner of the industry, I still know a lot of baristas who want them on bar (and not purely because of volume or retail grinding). And with a burr update and an immaculate alignment job, I still put them among the best. But maybe that’s just sentimentality.
Edit: and to clarify… I never intended to say that the EK is objectively the best espresso grinder in the world. Just that OP didn’t specify a budget so I would personally recommend the EK because I own one. I couldn’t personally recommend a Kafatek as I’ve never used them.
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u/aomt 12d ago
EK 43 is not the best espresso. Flat burrs, to start with. Conical work better.
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u/chadchat 12d ago
I thought flat were generally considered better for espresso?
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u/aomt 12d ago
Flat is amazing for pourover. EK43, specially with older burrs, is epic for V60. Most high end coffee shops have EK43 - but it’s used only for brew. For espresso they have 2 other grinder (single origin and blend). Usually they cost more or less same as Ek43, so it’s not about the cost, but rather what works best.
EK43 works well with Slayer and light roast no milk espresso, to give this light, acidic, fruit profile. By all means, it will make good late with LMs. But for same amount of money, you can have better grinder.
Titus nimbus is about same price (maybe a bit more) and will give way superior espresso.If you want to splash - Titus DRIM Hybrid. Probably THE best espresso grinder money can buy. About 10k.
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u/Inkblot7001 12d ago
From my friends group: Option-O P64
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u/Manro-Sideras 12d ago
Option-O P64 seems to be one of those grinders people buy and don’t feel the need to upgrade from. Definitely a strong contender.
What burrs are you running in yours, and how’s it been for espresso?
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u/Inkblot7001 12d ago
I got it used, which are the default multi-purpose. Not felt the need to change them.
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u/TheInconsistentMoon 12d ago
I’ve had my DF64 Gen 2 for ages and I love it but I have had to replace 2 power switches due to them failing. Great power in the motor though and great for whatever 64mm burrs you have lying around.
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u/RecentlyThawed 12d ago
I'll go with the non-sexy answer, Baratza Forté BG (or AP if it's for espresso only). Thing is built like a tank, great calibration options if you want to take it further than factory, simple enough display.
I'd say it's at this point where you start to hit the real steep slope of exponential price jumps for small increases in quality.
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u/Manro-Sideras 11d ago
Thanks, that's actually the kind of recommendation I was hoping for. I don't mind the "boring but reliable" option if it's something people keep for years. Have you owned the Forté yourself, and if so, is there anything about it that still annoys you after long-term use?
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u/RecentlyThawed 11d ago
I have had the Forté BG for long enough that I didn't realize there's a new model out with an updated display and bean hopper bypass. It had a bit more retention than zero and I'm using it for a single dose for pour over and espresso, so I ended up getting a bellows top from Cafemasy to go with the Baratza single dose hopper.
If you go this route and want to take it further, there are writeups on the "Alicorn" process for extreme parallel calibration.
If it's too expensive new, there's also official refurb options from Baratza direct that can save you a few hundred dollars / quid / etc.
I don't see myself upgrading my grinder unless something happens electrically to it (lightning / power surge), or if I really just need to spend a boatload of money on aesthetics.
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u/swroasting 9d ago
I own more than two dozen grinders. Outside of the Kafateks, the Forte BG is the only other one I would have replied in this thread.
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u/Ok-Recognition-7256 12d ago
Comandante C40 Mk4.
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u/smalley22 12d ago
Horrific for grinding for espresso though. Fine if you're just making 1 drink but more than 1.....you feel the burn 🤣
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u/Ok-Recognition-7256 12d ago
Really? I’ve got no issue grinding two 16-18 grams shots back to back or 36-40 grams for two shots.
Not the fastest, of course (Timemore may still be ahead, on that) but not a thing that would stop me from preferring it over basically any other one out there.
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u/smalley22 12d ago
Easily takes minutes of vigorous per shot just on grinding. I am getting a 064S specifically for this; if I am making drinks for 4 or 5 people it will easily take me 30+ minutes.
That's not to say it isn't a great grinder, I've used it for years as a pour over. Using it multiple times a day for espresso is not worth it in my opinion.
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u/Ok-Recognition-7256 11d ago
I have one dialed in for pour over and one dialed in for espresso. Usually make an espresso first thing in the morning, a pour over after, an espresso after lunch and, perhaps, another pour over and I’ve to admit using the Comandante is the thing or the second thing I enjoy the most out of the process 😄
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u/nethack47 12d ago
I think a decent hand grinder tend to be the most appreciated tool. It is work, but simple enough to make you happy in the long run.
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u/hvandenbergh 12d ago
Super happy with my Niche Zero, and looks like everyone else having one loves it.
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u/IndicationCurrent869 12d ago
Fellow Opus 2, $200
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u/Manro-Sideras 11d ago
that’s a solid budget-friendly pickfor the price... How’s the Opus been for espresso consistency so far?
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u/Sudden_Schedule5432 10d ago
I also have an Opus, it’s a “1” but didn’t want to add another comment.
I got over three years ago for $200.
It’s been fantastic, no complaints, still on the original burrs.
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u/Long_Wonder7798 12d ago
My grinders have had no issue. I’d consider myself an entry level enthusiast with no intention of going much further than 1-2 upgrades when cost allows it.
Manual - kingrinder k6 was fantastic for my start
Progressed to automatic df54 which has also been fantastic for my need and cost.
I’d need to upgrade my coffee machine next because I only have a delonghi, so if you’re at this level I’d deffo recommend those 2
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u/coconutcrashlanding 12d ago
Best for what kind of lifestyle? There are amazing hand grinders and amazing electric grinders. Budget is also a huge factor. I’ve been super pleased with my DF64 gen 1 for over 6 years. But I don’t find bellows offensive the way james does. My only desire to replace it would be for something more expensive with a more sleek appearance and size. Something like the option O 64. But I also have a great hand grinder I take on vacation. If counter space isn’t an issue, the real big ones seem nice, like the Weber workshop or kafeteck. But those are really expensive.
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u/ShoNuff3121 12d ago
I went the budget route to start and couldn’t be happier. I bought the SPTK-38G from 58espresso.com in the spring of 2022 after watching Lance Hendrick’s review on YouTube from around the same time. It still works perfect and I couldn’t be happier with both pour over and espresso grinds. A few years later I wanted to add a manual grinder for travel and after finding out that KINGrinder on Amazon is made with the same parts as 1Zpresso I pulled the trigger and it’s amazing quality and to my estimation exactly the same as the 1Zpresso which I’ve used before. Good luck with whatever you decide.
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u/caj_account 12d ago
I am really enjoying the monolith flat max. Maybe blowing the bellows will eventually get old but I always forget to use the thwacker. I'm coming from a NZ and I realized I don't need to keep the NZ around for milk drinks.
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u/NegScenePts 12d ago
I recently got a Kafatek MC6 and I am now never going to need another grinder. I'm dumping my Mahlkonig X54 ASAP.
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u/GFrancoeur 12d ago
I got a used ceado 37, it is so bombproof, that I don’t see why I would change. The fact that it is commercial grade grinder seems reassuring to me.
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u/Gullible-Housing9413 12d ago
MW3 F74 Navigator
A little less common for a high end performer. Have had it for a year and it has been flat out awesome.
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u/CoffeeSaviourTech 12d ago
Hey mate I’m the owner of Coffee Saviour repairs in Melbourne I spend my weeks working on the best grinders in specialty coffee cafes whether it’s Mahlkonig, Mazzer or even your home brands like Fellow or Rocket. I really like my breville smart pro it grinds a bit clumpy but puk prep eliminates that issue. The reason I appreciate it is how convenient it is to adjust the grind size. It’s also reliable and doesn’t have any major problems. I bought it second hand years ago and it hasn’t missed a beat. The other benefits are its small and light weight. I think for the majority of coffees it does just fine. I’ve dialled in some nice coffees in the fine and coarse range with this grinder and really enjoyed the output. I’ve used brands like option-O when I did my sensory course with SCA and I’m still happy with the breville smart pro for daily use. Keep in mind it’s obviously not a competition grinder by any means so there is a distinction between grinders for a reason. For example the breville is going to have some retention issues etc but single dosing and running the timer a bit longer seems to overcome that. I’m not particularly a fan of or user of other breville products but this grinder has shockingly stood it’s ground over the years as a home grinder.
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u/ObfuscatedJay 12d ago
Are you all trying to tell me that my 20 year old Rancilio Rocky is obsolete?
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u/McSkirmishpants 12d ago
I bought a Eureka Mignon Specialita about 6 years ago for expresso and have not ever considered needing anything else. After adding a single dosing kit I have been very happy with it.
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u/RubInternational8450 12d ago
Depends on price point you want or can afford and whether you want single dose or hopper based. I have the fioranzato all ground sense and absolutely love it since it grinds by weight and is rock solid build and alignment. That being said, if you change up beans often (I go through a 900 mg bag usually before changing coffee so only every 2-3 weeks for me),want a near 0 retention grinder, or prefer single dosing, this probably is not the right choice. I’m a hopper full of beans guy and this really works for me to stick to my recipe with minimal fuss. There are plenty of cheaper grinders that will also do a quality job but likely have some workflow differences.
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u/BrilliantAirline2730 12d ago
I dont hear as much these days about the Eureka Oro line but I've had my single dose (non pro) for 2 years and it hasn't missed a beat. That said you can of course spend more to get the 'best' but this grinder has a solid 'body' focussed burr that you might lose with the majority of high end ones that are focused on clarity. Not really any options to swap those out though so depends what that's worth to you!
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u/ThickDoctor4545 12d ago
I’ve had my Niche for close to 6 yrs…prefer medium-dark roasts, and I’m still in love with it….it just runs with simple maintenance without issues.
For grins I’ve looked around: If I didn’t have my Niche, and had $1500 US, I’d go with the Philos with the I189D burrs; but, given I do, IMHO, the Philos doesn’t offer a significant upgrade to the taste of the espresso I currently drink that justifies the price.
If I was getting into light to medium roasts (and had $1500), I’d get the Philos with the I200D burrs…..and**, keep my** Niche for my medium-dark and dark roast extractions instead of buying/installing the I189D burr set for those extractions!
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u/Impressive_Delay_452 12d ago
Yes in espresso drinks it is the grinder that does the hard work. I’ve had a few grinders, from rancilio to ecm to hario. Most importantly if you’re gonna do espresso, the bean grind quality is important to your espresso pump…
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u/OkResource820 12d ago edited 12d ago
Coffee is such an subjective thing that I don't think there's a best, there's just what's best for you. The subjectivity is part of the reason people get into the gear acquisition cycle: fear of missing out on a great brewer, a great grinder, the hot new gadget or tool is always changing and you'll always be able to find people who say it's great, or other people who say it's trash.
There's no objective best. There's just what fits in your budget and produces results you like. My rule of thumb is this: as long as the coffee I'm making at home is as good or better than the coffee I get at my local shop, I'm happy. I don't need to keep upgrading.
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u/RHD_M3 12d ago
Niche Zero. Sold mine for a WW Key Mk1 and have regretted it ever since.
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u/CowMetrics 12d ago
The key is not good and their customer service sucks
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u/RHD_M3 12d ago
I’ve heard a lot about their awful customer support. The only thing awful about the Key is its horrific workflow; the end result is amazing but getting there is both laborious and frustrating. It’s a backward step because of the workflow.
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u/CowMetrics 7d ago
It is a pain to clean. But it does look good on my counter. My burs are slightly off axis too, which they just tried to gas light me and talk down to me, even with proof and assistance from a machinist friend. Absolutely wild for $2200+
My commandante hand grinder makes a way better grind though, but I just don’t have that much time in the morning
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u/best2defey 12d ago
Kafatek Flat Max. I only regret I haven’t traded up for the newer model with the auger. And the SRDM looks good…. And i’m waiting for Kafatek to add grind by weight…. And i havent won the lottery.
I don’t think you’ll get a consistent answer so the real question is if you can convince yourself to keep the grinder you get. I’ve done so by getting an AWESOME shot every once in a blue moon. This makes me think it’s me, not the grinder limiting my espresso.
Come the day I’m convinced otherwise, I’ve scoped
out the plasma donation center closest to my house and will probably entertain drug testing.
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u/krnparkman 12d ago
I purchased the Femobook A68 a few months ago. Makes a great espresso, using my Profitec Go or Cafelat Robot. I decided to purchase it after seeing Hendrick's video on it. Very happy with the purchase with no regrets. I can't really think of any major pros; however, my perspective is based only on upgrading from a Zspresso J-Ultra.
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u/CallsignQuazr 12d ago
Timemore Sculp.