THE TOP 7 COMMERCIAL COFFEE GRINDERS IN 2024 AND HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ONE FOR YOUR CAFE

At Zest, our pursuit of flavour is at the core of everything we do. From sourcing the finest beans to selecting the best equipment, every decision is driven by our commitment to delivering exceptional taste. If you’ve visited our Richmond studio, you’ve seen this philosophy in action. But we know that not every café can easily justify investing $5,000 on the latest grinder, even if it promises outstanding coffee. Beyond taste, it’s important to ensure the investment makes sense for your business.

Will it handle the demands of your café smoothly? And does it make financial sense? With over 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we’ll be comparing seven of the most popular commercial grinders used in cafés across Australia: the Malhkonig E65s GbW, Malhkonig E80 GbW, Mazzer Robur S, Mythos 1, Mythos 2, Anfim SP 2, Slingshot S75, and LM Swan. Using criteria such as value for money, ease of use, accurate dosing, dosing time, and flavour profile, we’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of each grinder to help you make an informed decision for your café.

Whether you’re focused on speed, precision, or maximising the flavour of your coffee, this comparison will give you a clearer understanding of which grinder might be the best fit for your business. Let’s get into it, starting with an overview of the criteria.

Value for money: This criterion assesses whether the grinder offers a good balance between cost and performance. It considers factors such as durability, build quality, and the range of features compared to its price point. A grinder that delivers consistent results over time and has low maintenance costs while being priced competitively would score well here.

Ease of use: This evaluates how user-friendly the grinder is, particularly in a busy café environment. It looks at the ergonomics of operation, intuitive controls, the ease of cleaning, and the simplicity of adjusting settings for different grind sizes. A grinder that staff can quickly learn and operate smoothly during rush hours ranks higher in this category.

Accurate dosing: This measures the grinder’s ability to deliver precise, consistent doses of coffee with minimal variation. Accurate dosing ensures that each shot of espresso or brew gets the exact amount of coffee, which is critical for maintaining quality and consistency in a café setting.

Dosing time: This criterion looks at how quickly the grinder can dispense a precise dose of coffee. In a fast-paced café environment, speed is crucial, and a grinder that can dose coffee efficiently without sacrificing accuracy helps keep operations smooth and customers happy.

Flavour Profile: This considers how the grinder influences coffee flavour. Key factors include:

– Burr Type and Geometry: Flat burrs tent to produce consistent grind sizes, leading to balanced extraction, while conical burrs may offer more complexity by varying particle size. The burr shape affects how heat is managed, impacting flavour clarity.
– Grind Consistency: Uniform particle size is essential for even extraction, preserving sweetness and balance. Inconsistent grinds can cause bitterness or astringency.
– Grinder Speed (RPM): Higher speeds can generate heat, dulling delicate flavours. Lower speeds reduce heat, preserving flavour complexity and sweetness.
– Heat and Static: Excess heat can “cook” beans, dulling flavours, while static affects grind consistency, leading to uneven extraction.
– Retention and Fines: High retention and too many fines can lead to stale or bitter flavours, detracting from clarity and balance.

Now that you know the criteria, it’s time for you to check out the top 7 commercial coffee grinders in 2024!

 

1. MAHLKÖNIG E80 GBW

 

Photo by @brew_it_group_official

Value for money: ★★★☆☆ The E80 GbW is a premium option with advanced features, but for cafes not requiring such high throughput or the weight-based system, it may be overkill for the price.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ Similar to the E65S, while intuitive once mastered, there is a learning curve due to its additional features and tech-heavy interface. Maintenance and servicing can also be challenging for some baristas.
Accurate dosing: ★★★★★ Near flawless in dosing accuracy thanks to its advanced grind-by-weight system, particularly useful for busy specialty cafes.
Dosing time: ★★★★★ One of the fastest grinders available, making it a great option for high-volume cafes where speed is crucial.
Flavour profile: ★★★★★ The consistency of grind particle distribution ensures top-notch flavour extractions, with excellent clarity across different brew methods, especially for espresso.

 

2. MAHLKÖNIG E65S GBW

 

Mahlkonig E65S GbW

Photo by @bohnenkartell

Value for money: ★★★★☆ The E65S GbW is a solid grinder, but the price tag can feel steep for smaller cafes. While the grind-by-weight feature is a major plus, some might not feel the price is justified compared to competitors with similar offerings.
Ease of use:★★★★☆It has an intuitive interface, but some users report a learning curve with its advanced features, particularly when fine-tuning the grind-by-weight system.
Accurate dosing: ★★★★★ Accuracy is this grinder’s strong suit. The grind-by-weight system is one of the most precise in the market, ensuring consistent results even in high-volume settings.
Dosing time: ★★★★☆ While not slow, it’s not the fastest either. It can take longer to dial in, and some users have noted the dosing time could be more efficient.
Flavour profile: ★★★★☆ It delivers consistent and balanced flavour extractions, though some users find that other grinders at similar price points extract more nuanced flavours.

 

3. VICTORIA ARDUINO MYTHOS 2

 

Mythos 2

Photo by @ victoriaarduino_id

Value for money: ★★★☆☆ Premium pricing for premium features. It’s worth the investment for those who prioritise precision, but may be a luxury for cafes with smaller budgets.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ The grind-by-weight system reduces manual adjustments, and its interface is more refined compared to the Mythos 1, but it’s still somewhat complex.
Accurate dosing: ★★★★☆ One of the most accurate grinders available, thanks to its grind-by-weight and stable temperature control.
Dosing time: ★★★★★ Extremely fast and efficient on the fastest RPM setting, making it ideal for high-volume cafes that need to keep up with demand.
Flavour profile: ★★★★★ This grinder excels in flavour clarity, and a good balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a highly versatile grinder for both blends and single origins.

 

4. MAZZER ROBUR S

 

Maszer Robur S

Photo by @hometowncafeph

Value for money: ★★★☆☆ This grinder excels in high-volume cafes but is priced for larger operations. Smaller cafes might find this overkill given the cost.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ It’s straightforward, but due to its size and weight, it’s a bit less user-friendly in smaller spaces. Adjustments are intuitive, though, making it a workhorse.
Accurate dosing: ★★★☆☆ Consistency is strong but not at the level of weight-based dosing grinders. There’s occasional variation in dosing depending on environmental factors.
Dosing time: ★★★★☆ The Robur S is not the fastest grinder compared to the newer models on this list. For high-volume settings, faster dosing times might be expected at this price point.
Flavour profile: ★★★★★Thanks to the conical burrs, it excels in retaining nuanced flavours. Particularly suited for cafes looking for a bold, full-bodied espresso with rich mouthfeel.

 

5. ANFIM SP2

 

Anfin SP2

Photo by @brewmethods

Value for money: ★★★★☆ The SP2 is competitively priced given its performance and build quality. It’s an excellent mid-range grinder with some high-end capabilities.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ Simple to operate, adjust and clean, though not as sophisticated or automated as some competitors.
Accurate dosing: ★★★☆☆ Reasonably consistent dosing but without the precision of more advanced grinders like those with weight-based systems.
Dosing time: ★★★★☆ Its dosing time is efficient, though not as quick as some of the higher-end models.
Flavour profile: ★★★★☆ It offers good overall flavour, but some users have reported less clarity in extraction when compared to grinders with more advanced burr designs.

 

6. SLINGSHOT S75

 

Photo by @geshacoffeeco

Value for money: ★★★★☆ The Slingshot S75 is well-priced for its innovative self-dosing technology. It’s a solid option for cafes that want efficiency without breaking the bank.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ The self-dosing system is easy to learn, though it lacks the intuitive feel of grind-by-weight grinders. Suitable for high-traffic cafes looking for speed, falls a little short in cleaning and servicing which can be problematic.
Accurate dosing: ★★★★☆ While fairly accurate, the self-dosing mechanism isn’t as precise as weight-based systems. Occasional calibration may be needed.
Dosing time: ★★★★★ Fast and efficient in delivering doses, especially suited for busy settings where speed is crucial.
Flavour profile: ★★☆☆☆ While consistent, it doesn’t deliver the same level of flavour clarity and balance as higher-end models, though it offers great value for the price.

 

7. VICTORIA ARDUINO MYTHOS 1

 

Mythos 1

Photo by @base.coffee

Value for money: ★★★★☆ It’s priced well for the features it offers but lacks the grind-by-weight technology of newer models. Some may feel that better alternatives exist for a similar cost.
Ease of use: ★★★★☆ The basic interface is easy to navigate, but regular recalibration for accurate dosing can become frustrating in busy environments.
Accurate dosing: ★★★☆☆ While consistent, the lack of a grind-by-weight system means it falls behind more advanced grinders. Dosing accuracy can vary based on grind retention.
Dosing time: ★★☆☆☆ The dosing time is one of the slower in the market.
Flavour profile: ★★★☆☆ Generally produces a balanced and smooth espresso, but lacks the flavour clarity of newer grinders like the Mythos 2.

 

Summary of Critique:

 

Mahlkönig E65S GbW: This grinder excels in accuracy and offers high build quality, making it a reliable choice for many cafés. Its grind-by-weight (GbW) feature ensures precise dosing with minimal waste, which is essential for consistency. However, for smaller operations or those with lower volume needs, the E65S GbW may be considered over-engineered and relatively costly compared to other options that could offer similar performance at a lower price point.

Mahlkönig E80 GbW: The E80 GbW is an excellent choice for cafés that prioritise speed and high throughput. It grinds large quantities quickly without sacrificing consistency, making it ideal for busy cafés with high demand. However, its premium pricing can be a significant drawback, especially for smaller establishments or those with tighter budgets. The E80 GbW offers impressive performance, but some may find it overpriced given its specific benefits.

Mazzer Robur S: Known for its robustness and reliability, the Mazzer Robur S is a highly efficient grinder with a strong track record in the industry. It produces a great flavour profile, particularly for espresso. Its large burrs and consistent performance make it a solid workhorse in a café environment. However, it’s on the pricier side compared to other grinders with similar functionality, which may deter cost-conscious buyers.

Mythos 1: A solid, dependable choice that has been a popular option for many cafés. The Mythos 1 performs well in terms of grind consistency and speed. However, it lacks some of the more advanced features found in newer models, such as grind-by-weight technology, which has become increasingly important for precise dosing and efficiency. As a result, it may feel outdated compared to its successors.

Mythos 2: The Mythos 2 improves upon its predecessor with superior accuracy, faster dosing times, and the inclusion of grind-by-weight functionality. These advancements make it an appealing option for those who prioritise precision and speed. However, its high price tag might be a barrier for smaller cafés or those with less frequent demand, making it better suited for high-volume, premium coffee shops.

Anfim SP2: The Anfim SP2 is a well-rounded grinder that delivers solid performance for its price. It offers decent grind consistency and speed, making it a practical choice for medium-sized cafés. While it doesn’t have the precision or advanced features of more expensive models, it strikes a good balance between affordability and quality, making it a dependable option for those looking for value without compromising too much on performance.

Slingshot S75: The Slingshot S75 offers a strong combination of efficiency, affordability, and user-friendly design, making it a compelling choice for cafés looking for a balance between cost and performance. While it performs well in terms of dosing and ease of use, it falls slightly short in delivering the flavour precision seen in higher-end models. Nevertheless, its price-to-performance ratio makes it a highly competitive option for budget-conscious operators.

 

Do You Need Help Setting Up Your Cafe?

 

At Zest, we’re more than just a coffee supplier – we provide full support to help you launch your café with confidence. From choosing the right equipment to training your staff, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Ready to connect with one of our representatives? Fill in the form below we’ll be in touch!

 

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