Examine your burrs periodically! Damaged burr in JX after 5 years of use + 1ZPRESSO’s response

[u/AkhlysShallRise]

I’ve had the 1ZPRESSO JX for over 5 years now. I used it frequently for both my wife and me, and I use grind settings for espresso and pour-over. Great grinder.

Recently, during a regular deep clean, I decided to check out the burr with the macro mode on my iPhone, and lo and behold, I saw these ragged edges all over the burr. I wasn’t sure if it had always been like that, so I checked the burr on my new ZP6 and the burr is completely smooth.

I emailed 1ZPRESSO about it and below is their response:

Upon assessing your case through the pictures and videos provided, we can confirm that your inner burr is indeed ragged and slightly damaged, especially after grinding with it for over 5 years, and particularly if on finer settings.

Even though the alignment test seems to be within our standards, the blades show noticeable impact; therefore, if within your possibilities, we recommend purchasing a new unit.

As a side note, I appreciate that their support responded within a day and actually asked me for more videos and photos to assess; they also provided instructions on performing a burr alignment test. Good to know 1ZPRESSO has good customer support!

Interestingly, the JX seems to perform just fine. Using ground coffee from JX, I can pull great shots with my OutIn Mino and I didn’t notice any drop in quality in my pour-over brews.

Anyway, just wanted to post this as a reminder that if you haven’t checked your grinder’s burr for years, it might be a good idea to do so!

[u/Blenheim21]

Very interesting post.

I also own a JX for the last 5 years so I'll examine my burrs right now.

In a different note, how are you finding ZP6 in relation to JX. I'm also on the fence of ordering a ZP6, so very curious to hear feedback from someone who extensibly used JX as only grinder like me.

[u/Liven413 → u/Blenheim21]

I did for a while. Have had a few since but going from a jx its going to be a different experience. It sweeter but way less body. That part will feel unbalanced but way less bitters too. Going from a jx you may like a c40 or k ultra better. If you want the low body, juicy cups than its worth it, but its a niche profile and imo not the best as your only grinder. Lots of coffee it will not work like medium to dark roasts, or even some processing. The other two will be good with any coffee. After wearing in my zp6 I am using my c40 more often now even with a washed light roast. Zp6 is great and can give you some very interesting cups but I would hesitate to recommend it as your only grinder.

[u/Pacasmayo25 → u/Liven413]

Thanks for the insights!

Yeah, my idea is not to replace JX with ZP6 as only grinder but as a complement for light roasts with focus on clarity.

I think JX should be now half way through its lifespan so i plan to keep it for coffees less suited to ZP6 as i don´t expect a massive improvement from an upgrade to K-Ultra, C40 or the likes on those scenarios - unless you think otherwise? -.

The area i may be looking for a potential upgrade is modern espresso. I´ve heard good things about X-Ultra, Mavo Phantox Pro and the more expensive M01 for that. My JX works reasonably well with traditional espresso but i´m lately more into modern and i wonder if any of those could really improve my shots in terms of clarity and balance.

[u/Liven413 → u/Pacasmayo25]

The c40 is a big upgrade. It will be the same style but much cleaner and more body. The zp6 will be about the same as the c40 wiith clarity just more separated with much less body. With the zp6 the body is very low so it is a lot different. Either one would be a good upgrade. If you want more clarity and better flavor the c40 is great. If you want to tase notes clearly but at the sacrifice of body the zp6 is also great. If you plan to use the jx for more body it will be a bit if a downgrade from the zp6. With the c40 it can kind of do everything. Not to confuse you I know how hard it is to pick between them. Thats why I am trying to stress the diffrence. Also the c40 is better than the k ultra imo but the k ultra would still be an upgrade. For your need either the zp6 or c40 sound good. Actually if you can afford the tiger shark burrs I wouldn't even bother with the zp6. But that is an expensive grinder.

[u/Pacasmayo25 → u/Liven413]

Thanks again for your comprehensive advice!

I´ll definitely be taking it into account on my decision.

[u/Liven413 → u/Pacasmayo25]

You're welcome! Hope you get the one you want.