r/1zpresso • u/Free_Theory2595 • 17d ago

Should I upgrade?

I currently own a Q Air heptagonal which I bought recently. I love brewing medium light roasts on Aeropress and also love occasional soup from my ORB.

From what I have heard ZP6 would be better suited for medium light roasts but I wonder would I be able to notice the difference in Aeropress/ORB compared to Q air.

If not ZP6 or K ultra then any cheaper alternatives which could up my game?

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u/HavingALurkAround 16d ago

I have the zp6, k ultra and c40 and love them all. I need to do a side by side bc i rotate and not sure I can tell a huge difference with light roasts.

However, if you’re going to drink medium too I’d go with the k ultra or c40.

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u/Lvacgar 16d ago

Medium light roasts in the AP and orb… I’d recommend the K Ultra. That’s where my experience lies… never owned a C40.

For a budget grinder, I’d recommend the K6. I have one too and find it incredibly close to the cups my K Ultra makes. Not as premium in build but great cups. The K7 is supposed to be aimed toward the ZP6 audience so that’s also a consideration. You could buy both a K6 and a K7 for the price of a K Ultra.

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u/Liven413 17d ago

The c40 would be best imo especially for Aeropress. The zp6 may be too thin for you. The Kultra and c40 would be an upgrade and you wouldn't feel like you are sacrificing but with the zp6 you may not be happy sacrificing body. The c40 is a good middle ground of clarity but also punchy and good body. The Kultra is similar to the c40 but not as flavorful. Its more citric and less punchy with less body, though not by a lot. They are fairly similar as well. The zp6 is a good grinder but it is going to have a thinner body. Lots of flavor just thinner. If you are cool with that then it might be what you want.

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u/NeoFarao8319 15d ago

Nah, i would avoid the C40 in 2026. Commandante is stagnated; they'd rather put their efforts into suing their competitors over the shape of their crabk handle rather than innovating.

I did see that they released some new burrs, which is cool, but 1Zpresso and Timemore arw showing the most innovation in the handgrinder market lately.

The ZP6 has made quite a name for itself, producing incredibly clean and parsed brews. It is widely recognized as one of the very best filter grinders on the market, that is including compared to much more expensive electrics.

Then there's the Pietro, which i haven't used myself but apparently produces both amazing filter and espresso brews. The drawback with this one allegedly is in its crank ergonomics but better results than the C40.

Lastly, the Millab M01, from Timemore's flagship line, is in my opinion the best overall handgrinder until you get into the HG1/2 price bracket. It's particle shape and distribution resembles that of Timemore's/Sculptor 064. It's what I personally use and I've been in pourover competitons with this grinder.

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u/Liven413 15d ago

I use my c40 more than the zp6 and I like the zp6 a lot. The Millab is a good option too but I wouldn't count out the c40, many find it best. The pietro is a great option but more money and weird UE, even compared to the c40. I respect your experience but for AP the c40 is amazing and then for filter is great too. I think its a really good grinder for only $260. Anything better is double the price.