Grinder recommendation for thickest body espresso - Page 2

March 21st, 2023, 3:51 pm

So I'm your opinion the niche would be the minimum starting point for getting into descent conicals

March 21st, 2023, 5:57 pm

erik82 wrote:... Downside is that conical doser and GOD grinders have a lot of retention so I'll advice you to look at a singledose version. Good things if there's a lot of SD grinders with big conical burrs. The benchmark which can't be beaten for the money is the Niche Zero.

While all true, I wouldn't say that the Mazzer Kony burrs in the Niche Zero are in the same league as "big conical burrs" for traditional espresso roasts. Close, but no cigar.

That being said, I would take a Niche over a Specialita for traditional espresso roasts.

YMMV. Taste preferences are subjective.

March 21st, 2023, 6:53 pm

In your opinion what would be a great conical grinder in the $1000-$1500 range

#14: Post by **drH** » March 21st, 2023, 7:13 pm

I wonder if the experts here would recommend the Kafatek Shurikone burrs to fit the OP's taste requirements or if they deviate too much from traditional conical profiles

March 21st, 2023, 7:19 pm

Nv333 wrote:In your opinion what would be a great conical grinder in the $1000-$1500 range

I gave three already ... I've also heard good things about the Malwani Livi and the Helor 106, but have no experience with either.

Many, many hundreds of people bought the Key at the Indiegogo price of $1500 with free shipping to the USA. Those should popup used sooner or later. The people who bought on Indiegogo expecting to profit are pretty much done now, although I see that there are a few on ebay. The Key isn't perfect, as design trumped engineering, but it sure looks nice.

The Femobook looks interesting but it is not yet in production, so this is not a recommendation: 1Zpresso + electricity = the new Femobook?

March 21st, 2023, 7:47 pm

drH wrote:I wonder if the experts here would recommend the Kafatek Shurikone burrs to fit the OP's taste requirements or if they deviate too much from traditional conical profiles

They deviate too much from the budget

.

I haven't tried them.

Regardless, past certain points, grinders and machines act on the margins. The green coffee and how the coffee was roasted are where the biggest improvements lie.

#17: Post by **arcus** » March 21st, 2023, 7:59 pm

If you're only using medium and dark roast espresso then I can confirm that the Niche is a great grinder for the money with a super easy and low mess workflow. The MC5 seems to be the most popular upgrade from the Niche (medium/dark espresso) and I will definitely have to try one.

#18: Post by **JohnB.** » March 21st, 2023, 8:35 pm

I've never used a Niche but for medium/dark roast espresso I much prefer the shots using either my K30 or Super Caimano to those using my K10 WBC. Large conical burrs might have an edge in producing slightly thicker shots but they will also bring out a harshness/sharpness in various flavors which is why I recently replaced the K10 with an MC5. The Shurikone burrs solve that issue while seeming to bring out more flavors then my flats. Shots are nice and creamy but so were my shots from the flats. Early days but so far I really like the MC5.

#19: Post by **Milligan** » March 22nd, 2023, 9:13 am

I've seen lots of Keys for sale recently. Many of them are unopened. That would be a great option if you could snag one in the $1300-1400 range if someone is trying to unload theirs. I have a Niche Zero and enjoy the occasional medium/dark roast shot but typically with steamed milk. With the right bean I get some nicely textured shots, but it isn't a mind blowing, slice-it-with-a-knife shot that I'd phone up my friends to talk about. The main driver for the Niche is exceptionally easy dial in, a great balance between flavor separation and body (at the price point), and arguably still the best workflow. I wouldn't say it leans to an extreme toward body like the OP seems to be looking for.

#20: Post by **buckersss** » March 22nd, 2023, 12:05 pm

JohnB. wrote:I've never used a Niche but for medium/dark roast espresso I much prefer the shots using either my K30 or Super Caimano to those using my K10 WBC. Large conical burrs might have an edge in producing slightly thicker shots but they will also bring out a harshness/sharpness in various flavors which is why I recently replaced the K10 with an MC5. The Shurikone burrs solve that issue while seeming to bring out more flavors then my flats. Shots are nice and creamy but so were my shots from the flats. Early days but so far I really like the MC5.

Was intrigued to read this. Thanks John. There are SSP 71/83mm conical burrs...If you had to guess (or from experience) do you think the grinders that use these perform more like the MC5, or more harshly; like the traditional big conicals (K10).