I'm super happy with my Monolith Conical as a home espresso grinder. It's just ideal for the job. Totally spoiled by it.

I can't exactly say without lab equipment what makes it better. Really wish I had a particle size analyzer and a good microscope. Would be a lot of fun figuring it out.

I've had grinders with much bigger burrs, including a flat 83mm (I'm not gonna say the brand 'cause the fanbase will argue) that turned out a fair number of sour sink shots and wouldn't pull two shots the same in a row. I had a Vario that was more reliable, at least until it reached a point of wear after years of use that it got inconsistent. (felt I got my money's worth out of it). The Mahlkonig K30 Vario had a smaller burr and did a much better job than the afore-mentioned 83mm grinder.

Clearly, it has something to do with the precision of the mechanical system and how stable it is in terms of repeatability. Precision machines, tend to be more expensive, especially when made in small volumes. Durable precision machines, even more so.

Then there's the burr set. Again, there are inexpensive burrs. But they are usually made with less precision (since that increases costs) and with less durable materials, as that also increases costs. There are burr sets that cost more than an entire decent entry-level espresso grinder.

How many people are interested enough in home espresso to pop a kilobuck or two on a grinder? Economies of scale come into play as well.

Honestly, I think Baratza has the entry level grinder business cornered. At +/- $500, you can pull a decent shot. That being said, it's a ~$500 grinder and it is not full of ball bearings and precision machined metal parts. It's not going to last forever, but you'll get your money's worth out of it.

I dont' regret a penny I spent on the Monolith Conical.

^^^ Are those available for purchase somewhere, or is there a "waiting list" or "pre-order" like on Pharos where you never ever ever hear form them ever again?

osel wrote:What is THE ultimate home grinder for straight espresso?

I would say Monolith Flat, you cannot go wrong with it.

another_jim wrote:It would be very cool if smaller units made their way into cafes.

There are adjustable hand roller grinders (for grain) available on ebay, relatively inexpensive. e.g. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Twin-Roller-Gra ... 2438459648
I can't recall people trying them for coffee, but would popcorning or precision be an issue?
Thanks.

osel wrote:^^^ Are those available for purchase somewhere, or is there a "waiting list" or "pre-order" like on Pharos where you never ever ever hear form them ever again?

I ordered and I waited for it to be built. It's just how it works outside the consumer world. As far as I know, everyone who's put down a deposit has received their grinder from Kafatek as promised.

Looks like they've sold out for the next production run. Just wait for orders to open again. It is worth it.

another_jim wrote:In addition, very light third wave roasts are not roasted long enough for the beans to get into their "glass phase," therefore, these beans are less brittle and pose grinding challenges for conventional grinders.

By glass phase do you refer to the terminology in physics or another field? I am a bit confused as this paper notes that the glassy state is at lower temperatures, not hotter ones.

Never ever ever?

orphanespresso wrote:<image>

Never ever ever?

You guys really need to pay a web designer to fix that mess of a website.

Nevermind