GregoryJ wrote:While price is an important factor in purchasing decisions, there is already a dedicated thread to discuss Niche's pricing decisions: Niche and VAT payments

To wit, I moved some of the posts from this thread to that thread so this one can focus on the grinder functionality and not VAT. It wasn't a perfect move.

AuFinger wrote:Bigger point though, is workflow is as important as anything to me as I'm not chasing the "God shot." Just very good, repeatable,and predictable espresso that's as enjoyable to brew as drink.

This. I have already written in this thread about how I preferred the Niche Zero flavorwise to Mazzer Major. I thought the shots were a little fruitier or complex overall. But what made me switch was Niche's small form factor, ease of single dosing and adjustments with a much more pleasant sound. Contrary to some I still think you can pull fairly light roasts well with a Zero.

Not having actually used it, I still wouldn't be interested in the Duo if all it offered were the Major burrs. But offering the same enjoyable workflow with some hopefully great aftermarket burrs like SSP MP and cast, without completely breaking the bank, now that's a major draw.

Jonk wrote:This. I have already written in this thread about how I preferred the Niche Zero flavorwise to Mazzer Major. I thought the shots were a little fruitier or complex overall. But what made me switch was Niche's small form factor, ease of single dosing and adjustments with a much more pleasant sound. Contrary to some I still think you can pull fairly light roasts well with a Zero.

Not having actually used it, I still wouldn't be interested in the Duo if all it offered were the Major burrs. But offering the same enjoyable workflow with some hopefully great aftermarket burrs like SSP MP and cast, without completely breaking the bank, now that's a major draw.

I don't think we said you cannot, but to get these to truly work it's preferable to profile the shots. I used Conics on levers and it can work fairly well with light roast... I still prefer flat though, but it can definitely work.

I always speak in how grinders work on pump like profile, because that's what majority have and can relate too... It's to no use for people if I start talking about performance only achievable on manual lever or something like a Decent, Mina etc. because they will never be able to replicate that. I can push far more performance out on the Zero then you ever will on you standard DB or HX.

Whatever the reason, the Zero is challenging with light-roast espresso to get a balanced shot without getting into astringency.

If Niche can deliver comparable usability and robustness in a flat-burr grinder and if burrs comparable to the Bentwood, 64 MP, 98 HU become available, there's a welcome spot at at or below $1,000

malling wrote:I don't think we said you cannot, but to get these to truly work it's preferable to profile the shots. I used Conics on levers and it can work fairly well with light roast... I still prefer flat though, but it can definitely work.

I always speak in how grinders work on pump like profile, because that's what majority have and can relate too... It's to no use for people if I start talking about performance only achievable on manual lever or something like a Decent, Mina etc. because they will never be able to replicate that. I can push far more performance out on the Zero then you ever will on you standard DB or HX.

You seem to be incredibly confident in your assessment of the performance of various burrs. I take it you have a vast amount of hands-on experience?