Anyone Compare Weber HG-2 vs Key vs Craig Lyn HG-1 Prime?
Or other grinders that use the same or similar large conical burrs (Option-O HSM for example) or cheaper random grinders I've seen being sold overseas.


Out of al these listed here they all use the same 83mm Mazzer burrs so grind quality should be similar I'd think.

The advantage of the motorized Key is you can get a more consistent RPM and tweak quality / results by doing lower rpm (probably similar to hand grinding) or higher RPM which SHOULD give you more body at the expense of some clarity.
Not sure if the burr coating really does much, they're also supposedly pre-seasoned but I think I noticed with my Key an improvement in flavour after a few lbs of coffee was through it. The HG-2 also shares the same burr and coating/ treatment I believe.

Advantage of the HG-1 Prime and HG-2 is the Price (Craig Lyn HG-1Prime probably being the best bang for the buck!)
Possibly better build quality and less moving parts to break or go bad.
Also these are probably more quiet, the Motor or gears or something on my Key is a bit loud, especially at higher RPM.

I'm not sure how many HG-1 Prime machines are out in the wild. I'm also not sure how many HG-1 or HG-2 owners bought a Key. I think Chipman is one. The Helor 106 has the 71 mm variant of the Robur burrs, so that's another comparison point (and probably the cheapest). The WUG conical grinder, WUG2-DAI, is probably the closest non-conversion comparison. I don't know how common those are. Also, their new switchable flat/conical grinder. So, there're a few additional possible comparisons.

Since the burrs are the dominant factor, I would expect any of these to have similar performance at a similar speed if properly aligned with the closest being the Key and motorized versions of the Key using a WUG kit. Hopefully, someone can chime in here.

I haven't found my Key to be overly loud at RPMs below 90. I agree that at 150 RPM, the sound is disagreeable, but not necessarily loud. Sorry if I just added more questions instead of information.

Does the HG-1 prime need to be mounted to a surface, or can it be used on the counter? I have an OE Apex and it definitely needed to be mounted to a cutting board. The HG-1 prime is about $500 lower in price than the HG-2. I wonder why there is that big of a difference?

It is a regular stand alone grinder that is also easily mounted to a surface.

Two different companies and the internals on the HG2 are different and more complicated.

The HG-2 looks like a 'duh how do we make this better' afterthought...

I saw one when I picked up my Key. The HG2 is actually quite ingenious, and the gear reduction transmission makes grinding lighter roasts much easier.

I think the HG-1 Prime is in the same price range as the previous Weber and Lyn HG-1 models. The HG-2 has a shifting gear transmission as the principal difference. You could argue the Magic Tumbler as well, but I'm not sure how that differs substantially in cost and materials from the funnel/tumbler or shaker arrangement. Obviously, removal of the flywheel leads a serious reduction in material, height, and weight when comparing the two. I'm curious if there is a usability difference.

If I was in the market for a manual grinder, and the "prime" version was easy enough to grind, I think I would pick the HG1 Prime over the HG2. Price, lighter weight, and simpler design would be the key reasons for me.

I have the prime in my basket.
..... for 3 days now.....
just battling with myself if it would be a good choice!! Currently have Niche Zero.
has anyone seen a review yet for the craig lyn 2022, please post a link if so