Grind Anywhere, Anytime: Wacaco Exagrind Grinder Review

In my recent conversations with Wacaco, I expressed my curiosity about the Wacaco Exagrind travel coffee grinder. They kindly agreed to send me one for review. I want to assure you that this review is completely independent, free from any directives or influence from Wacaco. As a passionate coffee lover who has evaluated numerous grinders, I view this as a fantastic chance to once again share my insights and expertise with you.

Exploring the Design of the Wacaco Exagrind Travel Mill

What’s Inside the Box?

With the Wacaco coffee grinder, you’ll receive a compact carrying case for easy transportation, a handy cleaning brush to keep it in top shape, and a user manual in multiple languages to guide you through its use.

Exploring the Crank Handle

Just a few weeks prior to getting my hands on this grinder, I had purchased the Timemore C3 ESP Pro. My aim was to find a compact grinder that would be perfect for brewing coffee on the go. Now, having experienced both, I can confidently say that the Wacaco Exagrind is significantly more compact than the Timemore. What sets this grinder apart is its unique crank handle. It folds down completely, which is a fantastic space-saving feature.

When you fold the crank, a rubber stop is there to ensure that the metal part of the crank doesn’t touch the body of the mill. It’s a neat little feature that helps protect your mill from any potential damage.

While operating the machine, you may initially perceive the handle’s shape as potentially uncomfortable for cranking. Surprisingly though, the handle is remarkably comfortable to grip, simplifying the process of grinding coffee.

Wacaco has cleverly incorporated a petite magnet into the crank handle to simplify storage. When the handle is positioned atop the mill, a gentle magnetic pull secures the assembly neatly in place. But that’s not all! Wacaco has also thoughtfully included an elastic band. This band restricts the crank from wobbling haphazardly when stored, guaranteeing an even firmer hold.

Let’s shine a spotlight on another noteworthy feature – the handle’s ball-bearing attachment system. This ingenious design guarantees a smooth rotation and ensures the handle can’t be easily removed just by pulling on it. This is a stark contrast to the clip systems employed by some rival brands, which are less sturdy. The clip-on models often run the risk of the handle coming loose, leaving users with no choice but to reach out to the after-sales service. Wacaco clearly distinguishes itself with the durability of its system, earning it a big thumbs-up.

Exploring the Structure of the Mill

The mill features a silicone-coated aluminum body that not only feels comfortable in your hand but also prevents any slippage while you’re using it. Adding a unique touch, Wacaco has chosen a dodecagon design (that’s 12 sides for those counting), giving a nod to the distinctive Pipamoka style, instead of the traditional round body.

From my personal experience, I’ve found the grip to be incredibly comfortable. The mill stays remarkably stable during use, refusing to spin on its own. This stability can be attributed to the high-quality materials used in its construction and its thoughtfully designed ergonomic shape.

Exploring the Adjustment Wheel

Located at the base of the mill, right on the grinding wheel, you’ll find the adjustment wheel. It boasts 30 clicks per revolution, each click creating a gap of 33 µm. To help you navigate, Wacaco has thoughtfully provided directional indicators, guiding you on which way to turn the wheel for a coarser or finer grind. However, it’s a bit disappointing that the manufacturer didn’t include graduations. This means you’ll need to count the number of clicks from zero (with zero being the point where the grinding wheels touch) to find your preferred setting.

Let’s dive into the recommended settings based on the type of extraction (as suggested by the manufacturer):

• Espresso : 10 to 20 clicks from zero
• Filter coffee : 20 to 26 clicks from zero
• For over: 34 to 42 clicks from zero
• French press: 42 to 46 clicks since zero

Exploring the Grinding Wheel

With a standard measurement of 38 mm, the grindstone is perfectly suited for grinders with bottom adjustment. When compared to some of my other conical grinders, such as the Timemore S3, C3 ESP Pro, and the Apollo from Bplus, the Wacaco Exagrind truly shines. Its standout feature is its ability to produce a thick, exceptionally even grind. It’s clear to me that Wacaco has thoughtfully designed this mill with a specific purpose in mind – to cater to extractions that require a thick grind. The grinding wheel design has been optimized to achieve this very goal.

Getting to Know the Recipient

From my observations, the quality of a mill’s container can often provide insight into its overall design. Take the Kinu Phoenix for instance. It comes with a plastic container that’s a tad too light, which can cause the grinder to lose balance when it’s set on a work surface. Conversely, the C40 features an inner rim that tends to hold onto the coffee, making it a bit tricky to pour into the filter.

Unlike other models, the Wacaco Exagrind features a container with no internal rim, effectively eliminating coffee retention. Its well-balanced weight distribution lowers the center of gravity, providing excellent stability. In contrast to the 1Zpresso models, the screw-fastening system of the Wacaco Exagrind enhances the overall robustness of the unit.

Moreover, the bottom of the container is thoughtfully equipped with a rubber coating. This feature not only safeguards your workspace but also reflects the meticulous attention to detail in the design.

Mastering Espresso Extraction with the Wacaco Exagrind

Creating the perfect espresso using a semi-professional machine, such as my Lelit Mara X V2, can be a bit tricky when paired with the Wacaco Exagrind. Despite both the Wacaco and the Timemore C3 ESP Pro having 30 clicks per revolution, the difference lies in the gap per click. The Wacaco has a gap of 33 µm, while the Timemore has a slightly smaller gap of 23.5 µm.

The discrepancy of 9.5 µm can be attributed to the sharper thread angle found on the Wacaco. This design feature leads to a more expansive gap between each click, which unfortunately, can compromise the precision of the espresso setting. At times, the gap between two clicks may be too wide to pinpoint the optimal setting. I frequently found myself feeling as though the ideal setting was nestled somewhere between two clicks.

While it’s possible to make up for this by tweaking other factors, like the amount of coffee you use, this does pose a significant constraint if you’re specifically looking to use it for espresso. If you’re on the hunt for a grinder that’s perfectly tailored for espresso, I’d suggest considering the 1Zpresso J-Ultra or the Kingrinder K6.

When I previously discussed the grinding wheel, I mentioned that Wacaco seems to have designed this travel grinder with a specific purpose in mind. It doesn’t appear to be intended for professional espresso making. Instead, it’s more suited for preparations that require a coarse grind.

Crafting Espresso with the Lelit Mara X V2

Allow me to show you how an espresso is made using my Lelit Mara X V2 and the robust Wacaco Exagrind.

The images clearly illustrate that achieving a flawless espresso extraction is entirely feasible. When it comes to the aroma, the coffee presents a sweeter profile, exhibiting less acidity compared to when I use my Varia VS3 electric grinder.

Savoring Espresso Brewed with the Wacaco Minipresso GR2

Wacaco was kind enough to send me their compact Wacaco Minipresso GR2 coffee machine, which I’ve been using to create delightful coffee extractions. I found that the Wacaco Exagrind pairs perfectly with it.

Feel free to explore the comprehensive review of the Wacaco Minipresso GR2 right here. To be honest, the pairing of Exagrind / GR2 is simply perfect for those on the go. Interestingly, the GR2 demands less precision than my semi-professional espresso machine to achieve a successful extraction.

Exploring Filter Coffee Extraction with the Exagrind

Just as you’d anticipate, the Wacaco Exagrind works wonders when used for V60, Aeropress, or French Press extractions. The grind it produces is consistently even, allowing the full, rich aroma of the coffee to shine through.

Here’s where the Wacaco Exagrind truly shines. When I’m on the go, I typically rely on my Aeropress Go or my Wacaco Pipamoka. These methods are simpler and more straightforward for achieving a successful extraction. But the superior grind quality and compact size of the Exagrind have won me over completely. It’s now my go-to grinder for all my travel adventures.

Mastering the Art of Extraction with Aeropress Go

If you’re curious to learn more about how I extract coffee using my Aeropress Go, feel free to delve into my comprehensive article on the subject. You can find it right here.

Exploring the V60 Infusion Method

When it comes to brewing my coffee, I follow the expert advice of James Hoffmann. I use a V60 and meticulously grind 15 g of coffee using the Wacaco Exagrind, set precisely to 26 clicks. It’s a method that never fails to produce a perfect cup!

Here’s a handy hint for you: I’ve found a fantastic use for the Kinto Unitea teapot. When you take out the tea filter, it transforms into a pourer that’s perfectly compatible with a V60. Give it a try!

The outcome is truly fascinating. The grind is ideally tailored for extractions that call for a coarse grind.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Dismantling and Cleaning Your Wacaco Exagrind

Putting the mill back together and giving it a good clean is incredibly straightforward. Let’s walk through the steps in detail:

1. Completely unscrew the adjustment knob to release the grinding wheel.
2. Remove the central rod to gain access to the interior of the mill.
3. Clean the inside of the grinder with a brush or dry cloth to remove any coffee residue.
4. Reassemble the mill in the reverse order : replace the central spindle, reinstall the grinding wheel, then screw back the adjustment knob.

By following these steps, you can ensure the mill’s maintenance is both quick and effortless. This not only guarantees its longevity but also enhances its performance.

Wrapping Up

The Wacaco Exagrind truly shines in its role as a compact travel mill, courtesy of its fully retractable crank handle. It’s evident that Wacaco has poured a lot of thought and care into every detail to deliver a product of superior quality. When you use it, you’ll enjoy a comfortable grip, a sense of durability, and outstanding grinding performance.

Unlike certain manufacturers who choose to create “hybrid” grinders, Wacaco has intentionally designed its grinder to shine in the realm of coarse grinds. In the coffee connoisseur’s world, there are grinders specifically tailored for certain types of coffee, such as the 1Zpresso J-Ultra, which is optimized for espresso. The Wacaco Exagrind follows a similar philosophy, but its specialty is coarse grinds. “Hybrid” grinders, while versatile and capable of producing a range of grinds, don’t particularly excel in any one area. They provide satisfactory results for both espresso and pour-over coffee, but they can’t compete with the superior performance of specialized grinders.

Pro Tip: Enhance your coffee grinding experience by adding just 2 or 3 drops of water to your coffee beans prior to grinding. This clever trick, referred to as RDT (Ross Droplet Technique), effectively minimizes the static electricity that often leads to clumpy coffee grinds…