Over the past few years, we’ve seen a surge in the number of coffee grinder brands hitting the market. Among these, 1Zpresso has carved a niche for itself by offering a diverse selection of top-notch coffee grinders. These grinders cater to all budget brackets and are designed to suit various extraction methods. Now, the question is, how do you pick the perfect manual coffee grinder from this vast array? Let’s delve into this topic in our article.
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.
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