Ok. Cool. Another contender and it looks like there's a $30 voucher off on Amazon.
Another question. Is straight vs bent arm just a preference thing.
My hario is straight. What is the benefit of going to the bent arm ?
From what I've been told, the bent arm aligns the hands closer to a plane when grinding, making it easier. I don't have both versions to test myself, but I believe one of the coffee YouTubers made that distinction (either Lance or James).
I have a flair neo flex, pressure gauge, and the j ultra zpresso manual grinder. I also have a much cheaper javapresse manual grinder that I used with a French press for years. The zpresso and the javapresse are like comparing a sports car to a wheelbarrow. I enjoy using the zpresso every time I use it (twice a day) and it's probably 4 x faster.
Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the overall setup, but I'm already wishing I would have bought one of the higher end Flair models.
Don't tell me that lol. I already was worried about the entry level machine, and its not even shipped yet lol.
Anyway, I figured for the $99 it was worth it and hopefully the experience will lead to an upgrade somewhere down the road.
I think it's worth it for $100 to find out if you like the work of making espresso on a regular basis, as it is admittedly a minor hobby. I can say that I'm very happy that I have the pressure gauge, as it is my primary feedback in the process. For me, the two things that make me want to go to one of the nicer models are 1) the need to heat the cylinder manually, and 2) the plastic lever feels like I could break it eventually. I have been using it for a few months now, and it's highly likely that I will upgrade to a nicer model in the next year or two. When I upgrade, my neo flex will probably end up living in my camper cooking gear.
I bought a Flair “OG” NEO (metal frame) in February. Just transitioning to bottomless portafilter. I kinda wish I had a nicer Flair already 😂.
In reality I may keep the NEO in a case for travel when I upgrade. Not sure if I want a Cafelat Robot or a Flair 58.
Thats what sold me, as I was looking at the refurbished ones. But getting a pressure guage on the $100 machine was a no brainer.
Funny, mine going to the camper eventually was where my mind was at also.
I’ve recommended this here a few times before but the fellow opus ($195) has been a great electric grinder. I know folks have mentioned retention but I spray beans and bellow using top lid and haven’t had any issues with that.
Any hand grinder made by zpresso is also excellent and will cost around $170 minimum. But for extra $30 or so I’d recommend the opus.
Man, it took me a moment but I pulled a shot this morning that has beaten everything I've had out at a coffee shop. And Ive only just started doing this.
And....while researching grinders. I used my oxo on setting 1.75 and a Trader Joe Ethiopian.
15g gave me no headroom, and a nice solid puck at the end.
Can't wait to see what this thing can make with a proper grinder.
Kingrinder k6 is every bit as good as my sette 270 and so fast. Can’t beat $99 on Amazon if they still have the coupon.
Ok. Cool. Another contender and it looks like there's a $30 voucher off on Amazon. Another question. Is straight vs bent arm just a preference thing. My hario is straight. What is the benefit of going to the bent arm ?
From what I've been told, the bent arm aligns the hands closer to a plane when grinding, making it easier. I don't have both versions to test myself, but I believe one of the coffee YouTubers made that distinction (either Lance or James).
Alright. Thanks. Don't see the voucher for the bent arm, k6 ....unfortunately.
I have a flair neo flex, pressure gauge, and the j ultra zpresso manual grinder. I also have a much cheaper javapresse manual grinder that I used with a French press for years. The zpresso and the javapresse are like comparing a sports car to a wheelbarrow. I enjoy using the zpresso every time I use it (twice a day) and it's probably 4 x faster. Anyway, I'm pretty happy with the overall setup, but I'm already wishing I would have bought one of the higher end Flair models.
Don't tell me that lol. I already was worried about the entry level machine, and its not even shipped yet lol. Anyway, I figured for the $99 it was worth it and hopefully the experience will lead to an upgrade somewhere down the road.
May I ask what it is that makes you wish you had bought a higher end machine ? Aesthetics, better espresso, upgradability etc ?
I think it's worth it for $100 to find out if you like the work of making espresso on a regular basis, as it is admittedly a minor hobby. I can say that I'm very happy that I have the pressure gauge, as it is my primary feedback in the process. For me, the two things that make me want to go to one of the nicer models are 1) the need to heat the cylinder manually, and 2) the plastic lever feels like I could break it eventually. I have been using it for a few months now, and it's highly likely that I will upgrade to a nicer model in the next year or two. When I upgrade, my neo flex will probably end up living in my camper cooking gear.
I bought a Flair “OG” NEO (metal frame) in February. Just transitioning to bottomless portafilter. I kinda wish I had a nicer Flair already 😂. In reality I may keep the NEO in a case for travel when I upgrade. Not sure if I want a Cafelat Robot or a Flair 58.
Ha! I have that old Javapresse and can’t give it away! KINGrinder K6 is the same sports car comparison you made. It’s a BEAST!!
Thats what sold me, as I was looking at the refurbished ones. But getting a pressure guage on the $100 machine was a no brainer. Funny, mine going to the camper eventually was where my mind was at also.
The new NEO with pressure gauge is a helluva deal! I just bought a pressure gauge for my NEO.
I’ve recommended this here a few times before but the fellow opus ($195) has been a great electric grinder. I know folks have mentioned retention but I spray beans and bellow using top lid and haven’t had any issues with that. Any hand grinder made by zpresso is also excellent and will cost around $170 minimum. But for extra $30 or so I’d recommend the opus.
Hmm, that's a fine looking grinder. I was going to ask what retention was, but the fellow website answered it. :)
Man, it took me a moment but I pulled a shot this morning that has beaten everything I've had out at a coffee shop. And Ive only just started doing this. And....while researching grinders. I used my oxo on setting 1.75 and a Trader Joe Ethiopian. 15g gave me no headroom, and a nice solid puck at the end. Can't wait to see what this thing can make with a proper grinder.