My trusty BPlus Apollo coffee grinder has been a steadfast companion since the early days of my coffee blogging journey at coffeegeek.co. I fondly recall penning an article where I compared it with the Kinu M47 Classic. You can find that post right here.
Having explored a vast array of coffee grinders, some of which I’ve had the pleasure of featuring in my previous articles, I’m excited to revisit and refresh my thoughts on the BPlus Apollo today.
Bplus: The Architect Behind the Majestic Apollo
Meet the Apollo coffee grinder, a brainchild of Arthur, the founder of the BPlus company. Hailing from Taiwan, Arthur is not just a businessman, but a coffee aficionado, roaster, and inventor. His company has been a breeding ground for several innovative projects, many of which are directly associated with La Pavoni machines – a brand he proudly represents in Asia.
During one of his journeys, he found inspiration in a column from a Roman temple, which sparked the idea for his mill. I remember the moment I saw the pictures on social media, I was instantly smitten with this mill. Consequently, when it became available, I didn’t hesitate to purchase it. I was eager to see how it would stack up against the Kinu M47 Classic, which I was fortunate to own at the time.
Little did I realize when I penned my comparative analysis of the Kinu M47 Classic and the BPlus Apollo, it would create quite a buzz online. It seems that Kinu has a dedicated group of enthusiasts who were quick to assert that BPlus had simply replicated the Kinu M47. However, this was far from the truth. My article, through its detailed comparison of the two grinders, inadvertently debunked this myth.
Discover the Distinctive Elegance of the Apollo Coffee Grinder
Unlike our competitors such as Timemore, 1Zpresso, Kingrinder and others, who manufacture grinders composed of multiple components that assemble together, the Apollo grinder is uniquely crafted from the ground up using a CNC machine. This results in a product that, when held, feels impressively heavy and robust. I’ve been a proud owner of the Apollo coffee grinder for several years now and its charm never ceases to amaze me.
I personally own the black version of this model. However, you’ll be delighted to know that there are several other vibrant colors available to choose from.
However, let’s return to the distinctive features that set this mill apart for me. Interestingly, when it’s not in use, it serves as a charming piece of decor.
Exploring the Crank Handle
This grinder’s crank doesn’t retract, but it does feature a large, metallic knob that provides an excellent grip. I want to emphasize this aspect as I’ve had the opportunity to test MHW‘s 3Bomber, Kinu, and the Timemore S3 coffee grinders, all of which have significantly smaller crank handles. From my personal experience, I find that a larger handle offers a more comfortable grip.
The elegant “La Pavoni” laser engraving beautifully signifies the enduring connection between BPlus and La Pavoni.
Exploring the Adjustment Wheel
Discover the magic of the adjustment knob nestled at the apex of the mill, where the crank cozily connects to the axle. This axle is the life force that sets the grinding wheels in motion. The knob is your key to precision, enabling you to fine-tune the grind to your exact preference. Rest assured, you’ll never find yourself stuck between two clicks, searching for that elusive perfect setting.
Indeed, it’s interesting to note that most high-end coffee grinders, barring a few exceptions like the Timemore S3, provide an adequate level of fine-tuning for perfect espresso extraction. Factors like the design of the grinding wheels also play a significant role in determining the quality of the grind.
Conversely, grinders that feature a lower setting provide less precision in their adjustments, resulting in a broader gap between the grinding wheels with each click. To illustrate, during my evaluation of the El Commandante C40, I found its performance for espresso extraction somewhat lacking. Interestingly, I often found the perfect setting to be somewhere in between each click.
In essence, if you’re looking for a slow, coarse-grind extraction, you’ll find bottom-adjusting grinders to be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re aiming for an espresso-type extraction, then top-adjusting grinders would be the ideal choice for you.
Unveiling the Charm of Cork
Unlike the majority of coffee grinders available today, which typically feature a removable handle that’s part of the cap, the Apollo grinder stands out with its non-detachable handle. It also comes with a silicone cap that needs to be fitted prior to use.
While it’s entirely possible to use the grinder without the cap, you might find that tiny fragments of coffee beans could scatter. For me, I tend to lean towards using the stopper provided by BPlus, despite the fact that it doesn’t quite match the aesthetic of the coffee grinder.
Exploring the Structure of the Apollo Coffee Grinder
As previously highlighted in the introduction of this article, the design of the mill draws significant inspiration from a column found in a Roman temple. In essence, the mill beautifully encapsulates the spirit of Italy, the birthplace of espresso and coffee.
I’m not entirely sure about the exact cost involved in manufacturing each of these mills, but I do know that the process is quite time-consuming, especially since each piece is meticulously carved from the ground by a CNC machine. I had a conversation with Arthur a while back and got some insight into this. Surprisingly, he sells the Apollo virtually at its production cost. This implies that his motivation to keep producing this coffee grinder is driven more by his passion than by the prospect of profit. This could explain why his coffee grinders are frequently out of stock.
Let’s circle back to our main discussion. The unique design of the grinder, which tapers to a narrower top and expands into a funnel at the bottom, offers two significant benefits. The funnel design not only facilitates the pouring of coffee into the grinder but also ensures that the ground coffee doesn’t spill out during use.
Exploring the Apollo Grinding Wheel
The grinding wheel of the Apollo is a product of the renowned Italian manufacturer, Itamil. This is the very same grinding wheel that you’ll find in the Kinu and certain 1Zpresso machines, and possibly in other mill brands as well. This grindstone is known for delivering exceptional results when it comes to espresso extractions. With a diameter of 47 mm, it’s crafted from an incredibly durable alloy, ensuring its longevity. I’ve been using this grinder since mid-2018 and have processed kilograms of coffee without noticing any signs of wear. Plus, the grinder’s design allows for easy disassembly, making it a breeze to replace the grinding wheels if the need arises.
Meet the Recipient
The container is meticulously crafted from a solid block, giving it a substantial weight. Its low center of gravity and broad base ensure that the mill maintains stability on your workspace.
The interior of the container is perfectly smooth, devoid of any rims that could potentially trap coffee grounds, a feature I’ve noticed in other coffee grinders. The container’s 58 mm width is a direct match for most filters, adhering to the standard professional format. It’s also designed to screw onto the base. The threading is much more refined than what you’d find on the Kingrinder, for instance. Initially, I was concerned about damaging the thread. However, having owned and frequently used this mill since 2018, I can confidently say it’s held up beautifully without any issues.
A layer of rubber is thoughtfully placed beneath the container to ensure your worktop remains unscathed.
Mastering Espresso Extraction with the Apollo from BPlus and La Pavoni
Mastering the art of brewing espresso with a La Pavoni has been thoroughly discussed in our previous article. As such, we’ll bypass some steps in this guide to focus primarily on the intricacies of the coffee grinder.
Let’s embark on the journey of making the perfect cup of coffee! The initial step involves measuring the coffee accurately. Once done, you’ll need to sprinkle a few droplets of water onto the beans before you grind them. This method is known as the RDT technique. It’s a clever trick that reduces static electricity, a key contributor to retention, ensuring you get the most out of your coffee beans.
Effortlessly, I pour the coffee beans into the grinder. The funnel, a cleverly designed feature of the grinder, ensures that every single bean is guided in smoothly, with none straying off course.
Remember to pop on the silicone stopper. While it’s not a must, it’s a handy little addition that helps to keep those coffee beans in check during the grinding process.
Next, I proceed to grind the coffee. Among the numerous coffee grinders I’ve experimented with, this one stands out as one of the quickest in grinding an equivalent quantity of coffee. This rapidity produces a noticeable torque during the grinding process. BPlus has thoughtfully provided rubber straps that can be wrapped around the grinder for enhanced grip. These bands certainly make the grinder more manageable, but they do somewhat disrupt the aesthetic appeal of Apollo’s design.
In just a matter of moments, I’ve completed the task of grinding my coffee. I then carefully pour it into the filter holder of my trusty La Pavoni. To distribute the coffee evenly, I use my handy WDT. This is a crucial step in the espresso-making process as it helps to prevent the occurrence of channeling.
Understanding Coffee Retention in the Apollo Grinder
Now that we’ve enjoyed our coffee and I’ve successfully set up the puckscreen, it’s the perfect time to delve into the Apollo‘s retention capabilities. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that it’s remarkably low.
Let’s begin with the container. Once you’ve poured the coffee into the filter pan, you’ll notice that there’s not a trace of coffee left behind, except for a fine dusting of powder. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
Now, let’s turn our attention to the grinding wheel outlets. Interestingly, they don’t seem to retain a noteworthy amount of coffee.
The minimal retention feature of the Apollo coffee grinder is truly impressive. It’s worth noting that many hand grinders boast low coffee retention, especially at the grindstone outlet. However, the real difference often lies in the design of the container. Certain brands have chosen components or shapes that inadvertently lead to coffee retention. A prime example of this is Kinu. When I had one of their grinders (though this may have changed since), it featured a rim on the inside of the container which inevitably resulted in some coffee retention.
Crafting My Espresso with the BPlus Apollo Grinder
Allow me to present the exquisite espresso I’ve crafted. The coffee was finely ground using the Apollo, and then meticulously extracted with my trusty La Pavoni.
Guidelines on Disassembling Your Apollo Mill
Unlike many manual coffee grinders available out there, the Apollo stands out with its design that prioritizes easy disassembly and cleaning. So, let’s embark on a journey to disassemble this grinder together, shall we?
Let’s get started! First off, it’s a good idea to take note of your mill’s current settings. Once you’ve done that, go ahead and unscrew the bolt that’s securing the crank in place, then carefully remove it.
Next, gently take off the metal adjustment component.
Let’s get started on how to unscrew the nut that holds the setting digits. First, gently take off the container. Now, using your fingers, secure the grinding wheel in place. Once that’s done, you can go ahead and remove the nut. Easy, right?
Let’s carefully take off the grinding wheel and the central axle.
Let’s delve into all the parts you can disassemble on the Apollo without the need for any tools. Isn’t that convenient?
Let’s get started on how to dismantle the fixed section of your grinding wheel. It’s a simple process, really. All you need to do is unscrew a pair of screws. And guess what? You’ll only need an Allen key to do this. Easy, right?
After carefully removing the stationary component of the grinding wheel, we now have effortless access to the mill’s interior. This allows us to clean it thoroughly and efficiently.
Let’s take a closer look at the Apollo spacecraft, meticulously deconstructed for your viewing pleasure.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, amidst the influx of coffee grinders flooding the market, one might wonder, does the Apollo still hold its ground? From my perspective, it absolutely does. The Apollo grinder has not only undergone several transformations since I first acquired it, but it’s also the creation of a dedicated artisan who prioritizes excellence over mass production. Granted, there are areas where the Apollo could use some enhancements, like the stopper, which unlike its rivals, isn’t attached to the crank. However, when it’s not grinding away, the Apollo’s stylish design makes it a true conversation starter.
As of this moment, I’ve had the pleasure of owning approximately ten unique manual coffee grinders. However, I’ve parted ways with all of them, save for one – the remarkable Apollo.
Given that this is a trial piece, I find it fitting to award it a commendable score of 4.5 out of 5.
The Bright Side
- Quality materials
- Made in one piece, CNC-cut from a single piece
- Paint quality unchanged in years
- Fine-tuning, totally suitable for espresso
- Very low retention
- Greatoverall design
- Wheel quality
- Grindingspeed
Areas for Improvement
- The cap, breaking the design a little if left on.
- Silicone rings for a better grip on the mill during use
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