User Experience: Kafatek Monolith Flat MAX - Page 41

Grinders are one of the keys to exceptional espresso. Discuss them here.
mivanitsky (original poster)
Supporter ★
Posts: 1272
Joined: 15 years ago

#401: Post by mivanitsky (original poster) »

The standard burrs on MAX are the design I have shown previously. They are available in several coatings from SSP. Silver Knight is now the preferred coating, I think. I have Red Speed on one, and Silver Knight on the other, and there is no difference in the cup whatsoever.

Tom, though I too like the massive feel of the funnel on the MAX, it actually has nothing to do with the stability of the grind setting. The much smaller and lighter Conical turns very lightly, and is every bit as stable. If you take it apart, how it works is self-evident, but it is discouraged, unless necessary for some reason of cleaning.

RyanP
Posts: 871
Joined: 8 years ago

#402: Post by RyanP »

It wasn't until I saw it in person that I realized what a beast of a grinder this is.

★ Helpful

RyanP
Posts: 871
Joined: 8 years ago

#403: Post by RyanP »

Only just starting to get to know mr max, but it is an impressive piece of hardware. The new grind adjustment is a treat. Initial taste impressions after pulling some shots is positive, pulling some very tasty tighter syrupy fruity ristrettos with light roasts. Still lots of testing to do. It'll take a week or two but starting today to put the max through its paces with some sbs shots of Slate's Ethiopia Adisu Kidane natural. (The regular flat is with the og burrs, not ssp.)


Fluffeepuff
Posts: 251
Joined: 10 years ago

#404: Post by Fluffeepuff »

RyanP wrote:Only just starting to get to know mr max, but it is an impressive piece of hardware. The new grind adjustment is a treat. Initial taste impressions after pulling some shots is positive, pulling some very tasty tighter syrupy fruity ristrettos with light roasts. Still lots of testing to do. It'll take a week or two but starting today to put the max through its paces with some sbs shots of Slate's Ethiopia Adisu Kidane natural. (The regular flat is with the og burrs, not ssp.)

<img>
Mmm Slate roasts...

Very cool setup. If you plan on keeping both you'll have to update the color scheme of your flat...

The blacked out MAXs look great, but I personally can't justify the additional money on aesthestics on a $3.3k grinder. For those of you that can, more power to you!

RyanP
Posts: 871
Joined: 8 years ago

#405: Post by RyanP replying to Fluffeepuff »

I didn't actually custom order any color upgrades. Denis is making these one by one and the blacked out Max is just what he had made and offered. I was just grateful he had one for me, color was honestly last thing on my mind! I get the sense that perhaps he is still playing around with different color options and figuring out what the base model will look like. That's just speculation, though.

lloydalvarez
Supporter
Posts: 43
Joined: 7 years ago

#406: Post by lloydalvarez »

RyanP wrote:It wasn't until I saw it in person that I realized what a beast of a grinder this is.

<image>
Wow! It feels like it's almost double the size! Is the base bigger as well or is that the same size as the flat?

User avatar
arcus
Supporter ♡
Posts: 770
Joined: 11 years ago

#407: Post by arcus »

It looks great in black and it's certainly not too big for my kitchen :lol:

Having said that, I've been liking white a lot lately so a white Max would be very interesting too.

User avatar
danetrainer
Posts: 730
Joined: 16 years ago

#408: Post by danetrainer »



Can it beat the Robur? Why, yes. Is there better Clarity and Flavor separation than a Peak? Definitely. Does an Anfim have a chance? Well...No. Does the EK43 have the edge in smoothness and flavor for Brew Range? Nope...actually not even close. 4 Baristas and the Cafe owner unanimously said so.



Does it also pair well with the Robot? Yes, yes it does!

Had a fun day putting MAX to the test!
★ Helpful

User avatar
Denis
Posts: 365
Joined: 6 years ago

#409: Post by Denis »

With some coffee/roast Mazzer Robur will be better/more ballanced. Specially espresso/darker roasts.

One question since I don't know all your gear. Is the ek43 with SSP + aligned static burr+ changed burr carrier? It would be better for everyone to just specify that in your post if possible, since many people consider Max, and they come from ek43.

Thank you.

User avatar
chopinhauer
Posts: 350
Joined: 19 years ago

#410: Post by chopinhauer »

danetrainer wrote:
Can it beat the Robur? Why, yes. Is there better Clarity and Flavor separation than a Peak? Definitely. Does an Anfim have a chance? Well...No. Does the EK43 have the edge in smoothness and flavor for Brew Range? Nope...actually not even close. 4 Baristas and the Cafe owner unanimously said so.
Given the mix of grinders you have I find this pretty compelling. I'm wondering, however, how it compares to the Monolith Conical for medium to darker roasts. Is it as good? Better? Or, given its design perameters, just not quite up there with these more traditional roasts in which the MonoCon (as well as other big conicals) truly excel. I've got the MonoCon for this very reason and won't change regardless, but just interested if there is consensus on this (or whether one might, over time, arise).
LMWDP #027