Portlandia wrote:I agree completely! Isn't the point of a SD espresso grinder, single dosing espresso? Why would you be constantly trying to adjust back and forth when consistency is the objective?

Consistency isn't necessarily the objective for me. I drink multiple different roasts every day. So the grind setting, even with espresso, is subject to change for different beans. Additionally, if I have a great shot I may want to replicate it. Or I may want to tweak different variables to pull different qualities out if the coffee.

And where does it state that the P64 is specifically an espresso grinder? I haven't read that anywhere yet.

Different strokes for different folks. But I do actually like the idea of an Ode. However, my inquiry was based on hoping that the quality of the P64 could reduce the gadgetry that I have for the time being. I've got a well aligned Vario right now for brew.

Well, given that the majority of P64 owners swap in SSP burrs that are either geared for espresso or brew/pourover, by default makes the grinder fall under "specifically for". There is no one size fits all grinder, and there certainly aren't one size fits all burrs, which is why the majority of espresso drinkers have a grinder specifically for brewing espresso.

I've kept the MP burrs in mine specifically because they are good for modern espresso and filter coffee. They live up to their name.

Portlandia wrote:There is no one size fits all grinder, and there certainly aren't one size fits all burrs

here come the LS owner!

Portlandia wrote:Well, given that the majority of P64 owners swap in SSP burrs that are either geared for espresso or brew/pourover, by default makes the grinder fall under "specifically for". There is no one size fits all grinder, and there certainly aren't one size fits all burrs, which is why the majority of espresso drinkers have a grinder specifically for brewing espresso.

The MP and Cast can do both, in the case of the MP it gains over 95% of the cup quality and characters of the brew version, the difference is minuscule in brewed. It's pretty hard to pick the odd one out in triangular test and I bet that majority will have no success in it as many won't be able to detect the difference because these are really that close.

The cast where design as brew burrs but V2 got some minor modifications to the outer cutting so it is now in fact able to do espresso, but the brewed are equal to V1 that where fundamentally brew only burrs.

In the days of 64mm HU, Brew, italmill and Mazzer burrs you would have been right that it was a choice but today you can successfully do both because of those two burrs and in 80mm burrs the lab sweet can also do both successfully. What you describe is mostly a problem for the 50ish, 70ish, 83mm and 98mm seized burrs, none of them really have burrs that is widely available that is great at both, well perhaps except the Kafatek Shuriken but it's Monolith exclusive so not really widely available.

The New option-o cast should from what I hear from them also do both well.

Curious about your experience buying from Prima ... can you get on a list or pre order? Seems unclear from their website and I've heard some folks just get lucky and stumble on the site when a few grinders showed up. Thanks for any intel to help me track one down!

Funny that you should ask. I went to the Prima site a couple of times just to see if anything was available with no luck. Hadn't checked in a while and went to look into the Lagom mini just to get some specs. And they happened to have a P64. So I did indeed get lucky and stumbled across a used model.

Anyway, you can sign up for a notice for when specific items are back in stock. Not sure about used equipment but you can for new equip for sure.

Portlandia wrote:I agree completely! Isn't the point of a SD espresso grinder, single dosing espresso? Why would you be constantly trying to adjust back and forth when consistency is the objective?

One of the main advantage of single dosing is being able to switch between different beans on a shot to shot basis, so you're switching between grind sizes already.

I have the MP burrs and switch back and forth between drip and espresso every day. It is absolutely capable of both and I couldn't be happier.

But the thing to note is that the espresso with the MP burrs is going to be the more modern style. More clarity, less body, longer ratios. With some beans I can go with a 2-1 ratio. With others I absolutely have to go to a 2.5:1 or more ratio in order to get a balanced shot. If you like the modern style then you'll probably find the grinder unbelievable for both drip and spro like I do. If you're into medium/dark roasts and/or want more texture/less clarity then you're not going to be satisfied.

The lagom P64 FAQ page has a great flow chart describing the characteristics of the different burr options. I've found it to be spot on. The new cast burrs fall directly between the MP and HU burrs. Definitely recommend checking that out.