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.

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.

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:

1. At the grinding wheel outlet: This retention can easily be reduced using the RDT(Ross Droplet Technique).
2. 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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

L’article CoffeeGeek’s test of the 1Zpresso J-Ultra est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.

1Zpresso, a Taiwanese gem, was established in 2017 with a focus on crafting exceptional coffee grinders. Born out of a passion for coffee, the company prides itself on the innovation and precision that goes into each product. Every 1Zpresso coffee grinder is meticulously crafted in Taiwan, utilizing high-grade materials and cutting-edge technologies to guarantee the perfect grind for every brew.

Exploring the Various Ranges of 1Zpresso Coffee Grinders

1Zpresso, a brand dedicated solely to the art of coffee grinding, has unveiled a plethora of models since its establishment. These models are neatly organized into distinct series, namely the X, J, Q, and K series. Rather than categorizing by extraction type, each series showcases a variety of models tailored to different coffee preferences. For instance, within the J series, you’ll find the J-Ultra, which is perfect for espresso lovers, while the standard J model is a better fit for those who prefer filter coffee.

In this engaging read, I aim to categorize 1Zpresso grinders based on three distinct criteria. Let’s dive in!

• Espresso grinders
• Grinders for filter coffee
• Hybrid grinders for filter and espresso coffee

Discover the 1Zpresso Coffee Grinders Specifically Designed for Espresso

The entire J series from 1Zpresso is ingeniously crafted for hybrid grinders, making them perfect for both espresso and filter coffee. However, the J-Ultra stands out as it’s specifically tailored for espresso. I conducted a thorough examination of this grinder and, based on my findings, it’s the top manual coffee grinder for espresso extractions currently on the market. It shines with its ultra-precision, superior-quality extractions, user-friendly operation, and the unique ability to be dismantled without disturbing the alignment of the grinding wheels, among other impressive features. After a comprehensive evaluation, I found it to be flawless in every aspect.

In the past, 1Zpresso’s flagship espresso model was the impressive J-max, a model I had the pleasure of owning. The J-max, which has since been discontinued and replaced by the upgraded J-Ultra, boasted an 8.8 µm gap between each click. It also featured 47 mm titanium grinding wheels, the same high-quality wheels found in other premium grinders like the Apollo or Kinu.

Allow me to introduce you to the JE-Plus S, a coffee grinder that I’m quite familiar with, thanks to a family member who owns its sibling model, the JE-Plus. The only distinction between the two is the non-folding crank on the JE-Plus. The JE-Plus S boasts a 47 mm grindstone, specifically crafted for espresso. This is the same grindstone found in the earlier J-max, J-max S, Apollo, and Kinu models. While the JE-Plus truly shines when it comes to espresso, I personally have a soft spot for the J-Ultra model due to its user-friendly design, especially its external setting wheel. One unique feature of the JE-Plus S is its container, which ingeniously incorporates a version of Weber’s“Magic Tumbler”.

	J-Ultra	JE-Plus S
Material	Aluminum (one color)	Aluminum (one color)
Folding handle	Yes	Yes
Weight	1.08 kg (with accessories; grinder alone: 670 g)	1 kg
Grinding wheel size	48 mm	47 mm
Number of clicks	100 clicks per rotation	N/C
Wheel spacing with each click	8 microns	12.5 microns
Setting wheel position	Top (external)	Top (internal)
Available on

Discover the Magic of 1Zpresso Coffee Grinders for Your Perfect Filter Coffee

Here at 1Zpresso, we’re proud to offer two exclusive models specifically designed for filter coffee, both nestled within our Q series. These models boast a 38 mm grinding wheel, expertly crafted for consistent coarse grinding. However, it’s important to note that due to certain characteristics, these grinders may not be the best fit for espresso:

• 38 mm wheel size
• Adjustment system from underneath for wheel spacing of 25 µm per click

The 1Zpresso’s Q series is a remarkable piece of equipment that can be likened to models such as the El Comandante C40. However, it’s worth noting that it comes with a slightly higher price tag.

	Q	Q Air
Material	Aluminum (one color)	Plastic (various colors)
Folding handle	Yes	No
Weight	480 g	365 g
Grinding wheel	New heptagonal grinding wheel (easier to grind)	New heptagonal grinding wheel (easier to grind)
Wheel size	38 mm	38 mm
Number of clicks	30 clicks per rotation	30 clicks per rotation
Wheel spacing with each click	25 microns	25 microns
Setting wheel position	Below (at grinding wheel level)	Below (at grinding wheel level)
Available on

Versatile Hybrid Coffee Grinders: Perfect for Both Espresso and Filter Coffee

Hybrid coffee grinders are ingeniously designed to offer versatility across a variety of extraction methods, without being confined to any specific one. The grinding wheels of these innovative mills are crafted to deliver a uniform and consistent grind, regardless of the setting. With hybrid grinders, the manufacturers have ingeniously engineered the wheels to ensure a relatively uniform grind across all settings, without focusing excessively on a particular range. This makes them a perfect choice for those who appreciate flexibility and consistency in their coffee grinding.

Allow me to illustrate why the J-Ultra, which I referenced earlier, outshines all of the brand’s “hybrid” grinders when it comes to brewing a perfect espresso. Its efficiency is simply unmatched!

	K-Ultra	1Zpresso J	X-Ultra
Material	Aluminum (two colors)	Aluminum (one color)	Aluminum (various colors)
Folding handle	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight	1.08 kg (with accessories; mill alone: 700 g)	860 g	990 g
Grinding wheel size	48 mm (special K wheel)	48 mm	48 mm
Number of clicks	100 clicks per rotation	30 clicks per rotation	60 clicks per rotation
Wheel spacing with each click	20 microns	25 microns	12.5 microns
Setting wheel position	Top (external)	Below (at grinding wheel level)	Top (external)
Available on

What About the Others?

Indeed, 1Zpresso isn’t the only player in the coffee grinder game. There are other noteworthy brands such as Timemore, a specialist in pour-over coffee, and Kingrinder, which provides more budget-friendly options, albeit less premium than 1Zpresso. Both brands also deliver high-quality equipment.

L’article Discover the Right 1Zpresso Coffee Grinder for You est apparu en premier sur CoffeeGeek.