Recently, I’ve realized that I frequently suggest the 1Zpresso J-Ultra as a top-notch espresso grinder. However, I noticed that I hadn’t yet provided any user feedback for you. In reality, I’m already a proud owner of the J-Ultra’s elder sibling, the J-Max. The sole distinction between these two grinders is that one features a retractable crank, while the other does not.
The creation of this retractable crank handle is a fascinating tale of resilience and innovation. It all began when a rival German brand sought to hinder 1Zpresso’s European sales by filing a lawsuit over the handle’s design. Consequently, 1Zpresso had to adapt and redesign the crank handle on several of its grinders, including the J-Max. This led to the birth of the J-Ultra, a grinder that continues to be a popular choice in Europe. But that’s not all, 1Zpresso boasts a wide range of coffee grinders, each with its unique features. You can explore them all here.
I’ve recently acquired the J-Ultra, and I’m excited to share it with you.
Discovering the Magic Inside the 1Zpresso J-Ultra Box
Our coffee grinder includes a variety of handy accessories:
- Carrying case
- Brush for cleaning the mill
- Small bellows
- Silicone strap, to be fitted on the mill according to your choice
- Card with QR code, redirecting to instructions for use
Discover top-notch accessories.
Exploring the Design of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra
The moment you lay your hands on the J-Ultra, you’re instantly enveloped by a feeling of superior quality. To be frank, it’s immediately clear that it’s not playing in the same field as the Kingrinder I reviewed earlier. But before we delve into the specifics of each component, let’s start with my overall impression.
The 1Zpresso boasts a robust weight, ensuring stability during use. Its magnetic container is securely fastened with an array of magnets, providing a firm hold. The grinder is well balanced, designed with a low center of gravity to prevent any accidental toppling. The adjustment knob is a joy to use, offering a satisfying resistance with each click. With its ultra-fine settings of 8 µm, the 1Zpresso is a coffee grinder specifically tailored for espresso.
Exploring the Key Features of Your Coffee Grinder
Let’s dive into the key features of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra manual coffee grinder:
- Precise adjustment: 8 microns per click.
- Wheels: 48 mm wheels, optimized for espresso.
- Materials: Wood, polycarbonate, silicone, stainless steel, aluminum alloy.
- Ergonomic design: rounded body for a comfortable grip.
- Magnetic container: Secure attachment and easy removal.
- Weight and dimensions: 700g, 19 x 18.5 x 5.5 cm, 35-40g capacity.
- Accessories: Cleaning brush, blower, carrying case.
- Warranty: One year, defects in materials and workmanship.
Discover the J-Ultra Crank Handle
If you’re a keen follower of coffee industry updates, you might be aware of the recent controversy involving 1Zpresso. This company found itself in hot water with a competing German manufacturer who lodged a complaint against them. The bone of contention? A crank handle design that was strikingly similar to their own. Rising to the challenge, 1Zpresso swiftly redesigned their crank handle, not only changing its shape but also making it retractable. Despite these changes, some 1Zpresso products, like the J-Max, had to be pulled off the shelves due to the crank handle issue.
One unique feature of the J-Ultra is its integrated crank handle, which is cleverly built into the cap – one of the few plastic components of the mill. This foldable design is a first for me from 1Zpresso, and it certainly lends a robust feel to the mill. However, I must admit, I find it not as user-friendly as the Timemore system. It’s possible that 1Zpresso couldn’t incorporate the Timemore system due to patent restrictions or lack of agreements. The ability to retract the crank is a significant plus, as it allows the mill to be more compact and maintain better balance.
Experience a new level of comfort with the redesigned crank handle, meticulously crafted to provide an exceptional grip. Its broad and ergonomic design ensures a smooth coffee grinding experience. While earlier 1Zpresso models echoed the design of the El Comandante C40 crank handle, the latest design draws inspiration from theBPlus Apollo.
Exploring the Design of the J-Ultra Coffee Grinder
1Zpresso coffee grinders are delightfully user-friendly. The J-Ultra model gives me the same satisfying experience as the other models I’ve tested, such as the JE-Plus and J-Max. The tactile texture around the mill ensures a superb grip, making additional silicone straps for a better hold unnecessary, unlike with the BPlus’ Apollo model.
The external adjustment knob is subtly prominent, offering a firm hold that ensures the mill stays securely in your grasp. This is a thoughtful enhancement from the Timemore Chestnut X, where I previously observed this issue.
Exploring the Magnetic Container of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra
The design of the magnetic container for collecting ground coffee is truly ingenious. It’s equipped with a multitude of magnets that firmly secure it to the grinder, ensuring it stays put even during vigorous grinding. Its substantial weight contributes to the overall stability of the grinder, maintaining balance even when the crank is fully extended. This is a noteworthy feature, especially considering the tilting issues I’ve noticed with the Timemore Chestnut X when the crank isn’t retracted. Additionally, the container is thoughtfully fitted with a rubber pad at the bottom, providing a safeguard against any potential damage to your countertop.
The manufacturer has thoughtfully designed the container with a subtle incline, extending from the base to the magnets, to ensure no ground coffee gets left behind. This clever design feature sets it apart from other manufacturers. It effectively eliminates the issue of coffee getting stuck while being transferred into the filter holder, a common problem I’ve noticed with models like the C40 and Kinu.
One aspect of this container that I truly admired is the magnetic attachment feature. The clever addition of a recess in its design ensures that the container stays firmly in place, even when pressure is applied at an angle while the mill is operating. This thoughtful design significantly reduces the chances of the container accidentally detaching under such conditions.
Exploring the Adjustment Wheel
Perched atop the grinder, you’ll find the adjustment knob, conveniently located on the exterior. This knob allows for a wheel spacing of 8 µm per click, a level of precision that is a perfect match for espresso preparation, promising an exceptional degree of finesse. Unlike other grinders, particularly those with bottom adjustments, this grinder offers unparalleled precision. Sometimes, the perfect cup of coffee requires a setting that falls between two clicks, a feat not achievable with less precise grinders.
Below, a graph of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra settings.
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This chart is a French rendition of the original for our Francophone friends.
Exploring the Intricacies of the Grinding Wheel
Let’s talk about the J-Ultra’s grindstone. It boasts a 48 mm diameter, specifically crafted for espresso. I’ll delve deeper into this shortly, but rest assured, it’s a fact.
When you’re on the hunt for a coffee grinder specifically designed for espresso, there are three key factors you should keep in mind:
- Fine adjustment: the J-Ultra’s precision of 8 µm per click enables very fine adjustment, essential for espresso.
- Grinding wheel size: Larger grinding wheels (47-48 mm) reduce grinding time. For example, with smaller grindstones (38-40 mm), it takes around 1 minute 30 to grind by hand. With 47-48 mm wheels, the grinding time for 16 g of coffee is around 40 seconds.
- Grindstones designed for espresso: The quality of the grind depends on its regularity. A wide disparity in the size of the ground fragments adversely affects the taste of the coffee. Some grindstones are optimized for the fine, even grind essential for espresso. Other grinders can be versatile, offering a grind that’s regular enough for both pour-over and espresso, but without reaching the quality of dedicated grinders.
These elements play a pivotal role in crafting a top-notch espresso.
Meet the 1Zpresso J-Ultra: Your Perfect Partner for an Exquisite Espresso Experience
It was a tough call deciding whether to use my La Pavoni or my Lelit Mara X to demonstrate an espresso made with the 1Zpresso J-Ultra. In the end, I opted for my Lelit Mara X. It’s been a while since I’ve showcased it, plus it’s simpler to photograph the extraction process with it compared to my La Pavoni. To keep our focus on the grinder’s operation and handling, I won’t delve into the intricacies of espresso making this time around. Rest assured, I’ve explored these topics in depth in previous articles.
Today, I’m spicing things up a bit with my espresso preparation. Instead of sticking to my usual routine, I’ll be grinding 18g of coffee. Why, you ask? Well, I’m in the mood to tweak my standard water-to-coffee ratio for a slightly more concentrated brew. Let’s see how this goes!
With the help of my trusty scale, I carefully measure out 18g of coffee. To mitigate the static electricity that often arises during the grinding process, I add a smattering of water drops. This static electricity is often the culprit behind those pesky lumps and the annoying coffee retention in the grinder.
Next, I carefully move the coffee beans into the welcoming embrace of the grinder for their transformation. The grinder’s opening is generously wide, ensuring a spill-free transfer of the beans.
Next, I extend the crank and begin the process of grinding. To provide a clearer picture, when I need to grind 18g of coffee using this grinder, I typically use the following setting: a complete rotation of the knob, followed by setting it to position 1.0. The entire grinding process for this amount of coffee usually takes me around 40 to 50 seconds.
Exploring the Retention Capacity of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra
In order to assess the retention capacity of this coffee grinder, I embarked on a simple experiment. I started by weighing the coffee beans before grinding them. After grinding, I weighed the coffee once more, this time in the filter holder. The results were quite revealing, as depicted in the accompanying photos. This grinder’s retention is remarkably minimal, which is a great feature.
Based on my personal experience, I’ve discovered that retention primarily happens in two key areas of a hand mill:
- At the grinding wheel outlet: This retention can easily be reduced using the RDT(Ross Droplet Technique).
- In the container, because of its shape or the materials used. I’ve used top-of-the-range grinders where the manufacturer had put a rim inside the container. This rim, designed to hold the container’s fastening system, blocked coffee every time it was poured into the filter.
Rest easy with the 1Zpresso J-Ultra. The thoughtful design features a gentle slope instead of a rim, ensuring no coffee gets trapped. Plus, the paint utilized is of the finest quality, guaranteeing zero retention.
It’s important to note that the use of the RTD technique significantly decreases retention. Additionally, you might observe a higher retention during the initial use. This is because the mill may be charged with static electricity, a result of the plastics used during its transportation and manufacturing process.
Once your coffee is finely ground and neatly poured into the filter holder, it’s time to take steps to prevent channeling. To do this, I recommend using a WDT to evenly distribute the coffee. Next, you’ll want to tamp it down firmly using a guide tamper. Lastly, don’t forget to add a puckscreen for the best results.
My trusty Lelit has been warming up for a bit, ensuring my cups are perfectly hot, and my filter holder is primed and ready. Now, it’s time to pour that delightful cup of coffee.
I’m thrilled to share that my coffee extraction process took a mere 25 seconds, operating at a pressure of 9 bar. Thanks to the flow control feature of my trusty Lelit Mara X, I was able to achieve a delightful 40 ml of coffee in my cup. Now, let’s take a visual journey through the different stages of the extraction process with the images provided below.
So, without further ado, let’s unveil the final result:
The image captured beautifully showcases the delightful coffee I brewed using the 1Zpresso J-Ultra coffee grinder and my trusty Lelit Mara X V2. To give you a vivid idea of my sensory experience, I’ve included a flavor wheel below. It visually represents the unique mouthfeel I experienced while savoring this particular brew.
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- Country of origin: Honduras Uluma
- Type of coffee: Arabica – Typica / Pacas
- Altitude: 1200 – 1700m
- SCA score: 84/100
- Roaster’s description: A complex, highly aromatic coffee with bright, lively acidity and a smooth, velvety body.
Is it Possible to Brew a V60 Using a 1Zpresso J-Ultra?
Absolutely, you can certainly use a coffee grinder that’s primarily designed for espresso to prepare your V60. However, as highlighted in the grindstones section of this article, certain grindstones are specifically engineered to work more efficiently with particular grind sizes. Consequently, some grindstones might outperform the 1Zpresso J-Ultra when it comes to pour-over / V60. I experimented with the same coffee I typically use for espresso, but this time in a V60. Although the roast was slightly on the darker side for a V60, which usually favors very light roasts, the coffee turned out to be truly delightful.
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- Country of origin: Honduras Uluma
- Type of coffee: Arabica – Typica / Pacas
- Altitude: 1200 – 1700m
- SCA score: 84/100
- Roaster’s description: A complex, highly aromatic coffee with bright, lively acidity and a smooth, velvety body.
Unraveling the Steps to Disassemble Your 1Zpresso J-Ultra
When it comes to disassembling your 1Zpresso J-Ultra, the process is quite straightforward. Start by gently unscrewing the nut that secures the central axle. You can easily do this with your fingers. Once that’s done, proceed to remove the grinding wheel. Now, with the help of the brush and pump that came with your grinder, you’re all set to clean it thoroughly. It’s as simple as that!
Here’s a snapshot showcasing the state of the grindstones after brewing several cups of coffee without giving them a proper clean.
Did you know? You can even remove the fixed grinding wheel to clean your mill more meticulously. It’s all about keeping things sparkling clean!
Final Thoughts: Does the 1Zpresso J-Ultra Reign Supreme as the Best Espresso Grinder?
Meet the J-Ultra, a premium coffee grinder that stands out for its exceptional build quality and the superior cup results it delivers. To be honest, it’s hard to find any shortcomings with this grinder. It boasts a plethora of benefits such as a stylish design, an excellent grip, and highly precise adjustment options with numerous notches. Plus, if needed, you have the option to dismantle and align the grinding wheels – a feature that’s quite rare. To top it all off, it comes complete with a carrying case and additional accessories.
When compared to the other coffee grinders featured on our site, such as the Kingrinder, El Comandante C40, Timemore S3, and the Apollo from BPlus, the 1Zpresso J-Ultra stands out as the top choice for espresso. While the quality of the brew is comparable to that of the Apollo or VS3 (which also have specific espresso grinders), the J-Ultra’s handling is far superior. The El Comandante…
Wrapping things up, if your budget is flexible and your focus is primarily on espresso extraction, then the 1Zpresso J-Ultra is the perfect match for you. However, if you’re working with a tighter budget and also have a penchant for pour-over coffee, the Kingrinder makes a great alternative.
After careful consideration, I’ve awarded the 1Zpresso J-Ultra a perfect score of 5 out of 5.
The Bright Side
- Supplied accessories case
- Very good grip
- Retractable crank handle
- High-precision adjustment
- Excellent espresso grind
- Removable
Areas for Improvement
- The price
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