Low Retention Single Dose Espresso Grinders that are Not Chinese?

Recommendations for buyers and upgraders from the site's members.
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Emoto
Posts: 59
Joined: 15 years ago

#1: Post by Emoto »

Looking for a low retention single dose grinder for espresso only. It needs to be able to go VERY fine and would prefer stepless.

I have been researching grinders and it has been a very slow process of reading threads and then doing additional research, so I thought I would just ask.

Have been running a Rancilio Rocky for a very long time and it is mostly fine, but now and then I encounter beans that I cannot grind finely enough to get proper slow enough extraction, so that has me looking for a new grinder. I would prefer to avoid Chinese made grinders if possible, and since this board is apolitical I think it inappropriate to detail why. I have no set budget, but will consider any grinder that suits my needs.

What do you recommend?

palica
Posts: 151
Joined: 2 years ago

#2: Post by palica »

Eureka Mignon Oro SD is made in Italy and is probably checking most of your requirement.

gobucks
Posts: 239
Joined: 2 years ago

#3: Post by gobucks »

The Acaia Orbit is going on sale next month, I think it's made in Taiwan.

BaristaBob
Posts: 1866
Joined: 6 years ago

#4: Post by BaristaBob »

Looking for zero retention and grinding to the "choke point" then any of the Monolith grinders would fit the bill. Five years ago I went from a Rocky to a MonoCon...and more recently to a MFlat with SSW burrs, and have never looked back. Despite the tough criticism on the Rocky, those 50mm flat burrs do a decent job for that price point, but it has it limits.
Bob "hello darkness my old friend..I've come to drink you once again"

dockoelboto
Posts: 146
Joined: 4 years ago

#5: Post by dockoelboto »

Biggest question is what is your budget?

Many great options at each price point:

DF64
Niche Zero
Eureka SD
Ceado
Option-O P64/p100
Weber Key/EG1
Versalab
Kafatek MC4/Flat/Flat Max

Budget is the biggest question, next is how quickly do you want one. I know there are others, these are just common choices.

I just received my Kafatek Monolith Max - made in Seattle WA. Fantastic SD grinder.

palica
Posts: 151
Joined: 2 years ago

#6: Post by palica »

dockoelboto wrote:Biggest question is what is your budget?

Many great options at each price point:

DF64
Niche Zero
Eureka SD
Ceado
Option-O P64/p100
Weber Key/EG1
Versalab
Kafatek MC4/Flat/Flat Max

Budget is the biggest question, next is how quickly do you want one. I know there are others, these are just common choices.
You can remove at least the 2 first ones: OP does not want a product manufactured in China.

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Jeff
Team HB
Posts: 6808
Joined: 19 years ago

#7: Post by Jeff »

Every grinder out there will likely contain components made in China, even if from an EU-based company or labeled "Made in USA". Electronics, motors, and fasteners are common examples.

Budget is the question.

Pressino
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Posts: 1374
Joined: 3 years ago

#8: Post by Pressino »

Jeff wrote:Every grinder out there will likely contain components made in China, even if from an EU-based company or labeled "Made in USA". Electronics, motors, and fasteners are common examples.
Budget is the question.
I suspect that by "China" the OP meant (for political/ethical reasons) the PRC and not the ROC (Taiwan). The ROC is a good source of the parts you mention if one prefers not to buy stuff made in the PRC. However, I'll let the OP chime back in to address this issue.

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Emoto (original poster)
Posts: 59
Joined: 15 years ago

#9: Post by Emoto (original poster) replying to Pressino »

You are correct. I have no issue with Taiwan and I have a deep respect and admiration for traditional Chinese culture. My small expenditures don't matter a whole lot, but to the extent I can, I try to make good choices.

Arafel
Posts: 161
Joined: 3 years ago

#10: Post by Arafel »

Kafatek grinders are made in the U.S. I have a Flat and it was a revelation. I'd look at Denis' stuff for sure.

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