Zerno Z1 Espresso Grinding Speed, Sound and Retention Test

Рет қаралды 4,533

9 ай бұрын

Sound is generally higher pitched with the SSP MP burrs but I found in the Zerno the pitch isn't that bad, although the motor IS louder than Lagom P64.
Testing Grind Speed, and retention etc.
I think it's about the same grinding speed (and similar quality) as the Lagom P64 with the same burrs when set to around the same RPM and grind size. But Might need more testing to be conclusive.
Retention in the chute is my main gripe with this grinder because it is slightly hampering the workflow and cleanliness of the grinder as a result, which they may be addressing. Apparently the current solution is a 3d printed insert for the chute interior which prevents / limits retention and prevents the Ionizer from being blocked by coffee particles and becoming inactive which I believe is what is occurring.
On the plus side at least the retention is somewhat consistently limited to being in the chute and easily knocked out.
I'm not really a fan of 3D printed parts so close to moving parts and touching ground coffee!
Lagom P64 has been around longer and just works and gets less retention with less fuss and mess.
Update: I aquired the Zerno chute insert design and had a friend 3D Print it and tried the 3D Print chute insert and it DOES WORK well to reduce retention, I was probably getting just 0.2 or 0.3g in the chute afterwards, Still the Ionizer doesn't seem to be work effectively to reduce static, but now I can actually tap the top and knock out the last 0.2g which is similar workflow to using the P64. So with the insert it is much nicer and neater experience. New Zerno Z1's I believe will come with either a 3D Printed insert or (maybe later?) a proper Anodized Aluminum insert, and eventually it will be one piece with a redesigned chute.
Existing Zerno V2 owners may have to purchase that new chute separately. They offered to send me a 3d printed insert for 'FREE' but wanted 25 (USD!?) for shipping.
The neat thing about the Zerno Z1 is that everything seems to be built in a very modular way so if there's an issue (or upgrade) with one part, it's likely easy to replace.

Пікірлер: 46

@manniefred86 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video, seems like there's a lot of static on the chute, did you RDT the beans prior to grinding?

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

I don't like doing RDT so I don't but I did test with doing RDT and it does reduce the amount of retention in the chute. Still needs to be knocked for espresso. I'll upload all my testing soon if people wanna see.

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

There was a 3d printable chute insert design made to help with this and it does help a lot! Basically getting like 0.2g retention in the chute now with the insert, it doesn't allow me to do the rotation knock anymore due to the way it fits, but luckily it doesn't really need it anymore, I just do a tap on the top where you feed the beans in and it gets out that last little bit of retention, I and many people do the same thing for the Lagom P64, so workflow is much nicer and similar to the P64 now without having to fuss and make a mess knocking the chute!

@fillflashdetailer8838 6 ай бұрын

For the life of me, I don't understand why these companies can't source quieter motors -- especially at this price point. It's inexcusable to me.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

I agree. That's one thing that pissed me off about the Weber Key I think the Motor was quiet supposedly but the gearbox was noisier than actually grinding coffee. It could have been such a nice quiet grinder! Now you got cheaper Timemore grinders, Df64v and 83v, Gevi grindmaster etc all which come with quiet brushless DC motors! Some burrs do sound better grinding than others though.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

With the same burrs I think the p64 was actually louder grinding than on the Zerno. The pitch Is a little different for some reason but the motor is a bit louder on the Zerno for sure. It's nice to have it go silent when done grinding coffee for a clear indicator of when the grinding is done.

@rxonmymind8362 4 ай бұрын

Agree. Making thst racket at 6am while everyone is trying to sleep isn't working for me. This led me to the Kitchenaid model KCG8433 espresso grinder at 67db. Makes decent espresso and filter coffee. But most importantly it's quiet in the mornings.

@davidhunternyc1 6 ай бұрын

Great video. Would you rather have a Zerno Z1 or a Kafatek? Why? Thanks.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

If cost isn't a factor I'll take the Monolith max and an Mc5 or whatever their latest conical option is, although I haven't actually used either of those models. I had the Monolith titan flat (75mm) which was great but the shuriken LM burrs were too slow for me. ZERNO Z1 was also great for a good amount less $ but I ended up selling both because they're still pricey grinders and I already had a P64 I'm happy with, so right now I just got the Lagom p64 and a Df83 ( plus the ode and some hand grinders for pour over) and a timemore 078s coming soon hopefully I'll probably end up selling that too.

@davidhunternyc1 6 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants Thank you for your considered reply. I have a Kafatek MC4 for espresso drinks and BPlus Apollo Handgrinder for my French Press. Love both, though the Kafatek does take a while to grind. I don't need another grinder but I've been wondering about the Zerno, however.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

@@davidhunternyc1 Yeah Zerno Z1 was good, if you're looking for something different from your mc4 with more clarity I'd get it with ssp MP burrs and slow feed coffee into the grinder. Also try a classic, plastic, v60 !

@haziq7885 8 ай бұрын

hey thanks for the review! trying to get my hands on the zerno.. does it do filter well?

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

Yeah depending on the burrs. I like the SSP MP burrs for filter / pour over etc as well as espresso. Probably my fav burr for high clarity with good coffees. Option-O Mizen burrs are also good.

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

I'm going to list mine for sale but I doubt you're in the same area.

@cafelista 8 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRantsHi Ben, would you ship to Quebec ? 😊

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

@@cafelista Maybe, Email me, LindoPhoto@gmail.com

@haziq7885 8 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants sadly im not in the same area… but thanks a ton for the response, cant wait to get my hands on one! :)

@jettav88 8 ай бұрын

Should I upgrade to this from my Niche Zero for Espresso or save my money? Thank You!

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

It depends on what type of coffees and brew methods you like. Niche Zero is a great contrast to the SSP MP burrs in a 64mm grinder if you want to cover all bases for dif types of coffee and brew methods. Zerno or many other 64mm grinders are good for higher quality light roast espresso and coarser brew methods, Niche is great for more traditional espresso. Not so great for coarser brew methods. Lots of good grinder options within this price range, If you've never tried a 64mm flat burr grinder I suggest going for a cheaper one first, then if you find the quirks and inconsistencies or workflow bugs you, THEN upgrade. There's also a wait for the Zerno and it usually sells out quick since they do small batches, you're probably going to have an easier time getting a Lagom P64 if you want a high end no fuss grinder, with similar workflow to the Niche Zero (which is one of the best for workflow) with the new chute insert on the Zerno it's also great though.

@jarrahdrum 7 ай бұрын

I bought the Niche Zero about 3 years ago and I use it everyday. I think it’s great, but because this machine has introduced me to much much better coffee, I am curious of course. I love the design, size, sound and ease of use. It will take a lot for me to change actually. I think it’s still the all around best for the price and time has proved that it’s also very reliable. I would like the same size but with a fist burr to try, I don’t think that I want a bigger machine, or one that sound s like the Zerno. Maybe I will change my mind

@jettav88 7 ай бұрын

@@jarrahdrum Thank You for the feedback!

@anthonykwan93 6 ай бұрын

Were the Canadian duties expensive for the zerno?

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

Supposedly no duties since it's made in USA and we have a free trade agreement however UPS still charged Tax and extra fees as usual it was like an additional $225 canadian. Plus had to pay $100 usd for shipping when I placed the order. P64 from Cafune you get free shipping predictable taxes, mine came with 2 bags of Hatch Coffee and I got a bunch of loyalty points. ❤

@richardkoop5216 6 ай бұрын

I have the DF83v1 and kinda been disappointed with it. I’ve been eyeing this or the p64. Which one have or did you enjoyed more?

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

Both are good, I find the Lagom P64 more versatile so I kept that one and resold the Zerno Z1. It was also my first high end grinder, so I have a soft spot for it. It just works nicely. I do think the DF83 is a great value too though. What's the issue with that one for you? I did open up the declumper for better flavour clarity and less retention and that made a huge difference on the DF83 (as well as slow feeding (you'll need an anti-popcorn solution).

@richardkoop5216 6 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants I agree on value just at the point where it never met my expectations. I’ve had the chute break, couple screw issues and a lot of clogging. I find it really messy even with messing with the declumper and rdt. The DF83v2 seems to be better but I am set on the zerno or P64. Appreciate your response I’ve been leaning towards the P64 since it’s more available than the zerno and is tried and true.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

@@richardkoop5216 Oh yeah I've been grinding super-fine lately for light roasts and using the Weber high extracting baskets and slow feeding the beans into the grinder (all of which requires a finer grind size) on the DF83 and noticing it's clogging up sometimes. Just switched back the P64 and pulled some shots that actually ran too slow! SO no problem grinding super fine at least with the SSP MP burrs in the P64. Yeah go for the P64, or Lagom p100 maybe :D

@richardkoop5216 6 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants I like that thinking. Thanks again!

@BensCoffeeRants 13 күн бұрын

Removing the declumper on the df83 helps a lot. Not getting clogs and barely any retention now grinding super fine.

@itamarkas 16 күн бұрын

Hi, Can you compare the Lagom P64 and Zerno Z1?? Which one produce better coffee? Better build and workflow? Thanks

@BensCoffeeRants 13 күн бұрын

I was comparing a lot when I had the Zerno Z1 and P64 with same SSP MP burrs in them both (except blind burrs in the Z1). Workflow because of the retention in the chute on the Zerno i preferred the p64. But now with the updated chute they fixed that on the Zerno. I think after changing the burrs the p64 retained better alignment and may have tasted better sometimes. But before that they seemed identical for pour over and similar for espresso sometimes p64 would do better other times zerno would do better which was probably mostly just due to one being dialed in better than the other. Sold the Zerno Z1 for a slight profit and not planning on selling the P64. Mainly didn't like the motor noise and the fact they wanted to charge me 25 usd to ship their 'free' 3d printed chute insert to fix the retention issue. But now they come with a real updated lower retention chute. Oh and the ionizer didn't do anything on the Zerno I think they've since gotten rid of it now.

@itamarkas 13 күн бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants thanks for the comment! the P64 really looking like a tiny bit better option. thanks and enjoy your coffee!

@sammyrabbat384 8 ай бұрын

How much better is zerno than ode 2

@BensCoffeeRants 8 ай бұрын

I was really surprised how great the ODE is, mine is V1 with the SSP MP burrs (supposedly, haven't checked) found a good deal on it locally, used. So I had pretty low expectations. I can tell more of a difference between the ODE and the Zerno or P64, than I can tell between the P64 and Zerno, which you'd expect. With the MP Burrs in all of them (hopefully in the ODE too) the higher end grinders produce a very high clarity modern more tea like coffee where you don't get much bitter or roasty notes on a lighter roast coffee, on the ODE I was noticing a little more of a traditional / roasty note so it kinda reminds you it's a coffee not tea, but really if not compared side by side, I'm not sure most people would notice or care. Some may actually prefer the more traditional profile. The ODE isn't meant for espresso, apparently it CAN do it, but might not last. It SOUNDs like something is wobbly in the ODE but I think that's normal for it? Just doesn't sound as confident and consistent when grinding as the higher end grinders. If you're just doing pour overs the ODE Is a great option at a much lower cost.

@BensCoffeeRants 6 ай бұрын

I think I've discovered the ODE does actually work better if you do a hot start and slow feed. Where you add coffee beans slowly rather than dumping them all in. The Zerno works the same way but I think when testing I was doing a cold start in the ODE which put it at a disadvantage (apparently it tamps up high rpm initially which can make grind inconsistent) I'll have a video review coming out if its not already out lol.

@goldfish8196 2 ай бұрын

between the P64 and the Zerno? Is there a winner? Thank you

@BensCoffeeRants 2 ай бұрын

I still have the p64 and sold the Zerno Z1 I didn't feel it was better than the p64 despite the hype and claims from Lance and people. If you're in the US Zerno might be a decent amount cheaper, but if in Canada, you might as well spend a bit more and get the P64. My v2 didn't seem like it was really finished just yet. They're still improving the Zerno.

@goldfish8196 2 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants Thank you so much for your reply. I joined the Zerno waiting list 2 weeks ago but you are right - something about the Zerno that still looks like a prototype. it's louder than the P64 too. What do you think they should improve?

@BensCoffeeRants 2 ай бұрын

@@goldfish8196mine had retention issues with the chute so that bugged me that the solution was a 3d printed insert and that they wanted another 25 usd to ship me the part 'free' part. Now it comes with some sort of insert or an improved chute. The ionizer didn't work on mine. But it's a good grinder just didn't love it as much as the p64 I had high expectations due to all the stupid hype. I got an Ode too around the same time used cheap and beaten up and was impressed with that due to low expectations and price! I'd take the Zerno over the 078s, it's a better designed grinder and higher quality as expected but also more money for smaller burrs. Not sure that really matters much though.

@goldfish8196 2 ай бұрын

@@BensCoffeeRants I'm having a tough time deciding between the P64 and the Zerno. I have a Breville dual boiler and an old DF64. I really enjoy watching your videos. And I really appreciate your camaraderie.

@BensCoffeeRants 2 ай бұрын

@@goldfish8196 Sorry I haven't done much videos lately, I do have a lot of stuff with the Zerno but editing it down will be a mess and a lot of it was to do with being annoyed by the retention in the chute which they're fixing so now it's all moot (aka pointless) :D I think the question is what's with the DF64 that you want to improve. BDB is a great machine, just maybe not the most reliable long term. I think I need a new solenoid on mine, maybe ill put together a video when for that when I change it up.

@sympathetic_crustacean 4 ай бұрын

33 seconds to grind 16 grams of beans is wayyyy too long. My Mignon does it in 20 (even with Pacamara, ground a hair away from the zero point, i.e. as fine as possible).

@BensCoffeeRants 4 ай бұрын

SSP MP burrs are pretty slow to grind also it's running at lower RPM.