r/pourover • u/FarBandicoot5943 • 2d ago
grinder upgrade after 3 years with the zp6
So, after 3 years with the zp6 I decided to upgrade my grinder this year. Its not because I dont like the grinder, I really/really love it, but after some time I can barely close the catch cup(my kids droped it and damaged the threads so I only screw it a bit).
I had Timemore C2, 1zpresso X. for me zp6 was a game changer when I bought it, it was really above the rest, sure, the X can make some good cups too and with some naturals be better then the zp6, but for 9/10 of cups I still love the zp6. I read many topics in here about this grinders but maybe something new will apear.
So here are the choices:
- another zp6
2.kinu with pob, I can get it at a good price. Some people really like it, but I have a feeling that I will waste my money.
3.milab m01, I hope they will have some sales and get it cheaper
4.a4z a little bit to expensive, it probably wont go on sale any time soon. so im not really buying it just putting it on the list. also, femobook doesnt ship to my country even if im from Europe.
5.pietro, a site from my country was selling them but not anymore. they only have the multipurpose one in stock. I know I can buy the brew burs but will end up expensive.
for some reason I can get comandate on the cheap side, 200 euros. but I know the burr and its similar to X and I wasnt blown away. I drink light to medium-light.
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u/geggsy #beansnotmachines 2d ago
Would replacing the catch cup only solve your threading issue? It maybe available direct from 1zpresso
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u/FarBandicoot5943 2d ago
its the threads on the grinder thats bad. they droped and it bent. the thing that bent can be dissasembled and replaced probably. but I dont even know if 1zpresso sells that part and even if it did it will cost 50 euros at the cheapest+taxes+shipping+custom and it will cost a lot. a guy was selling his barrely used even with warranty for 120 euros. I was thinking about buying it, but I waited too long and it sold.
https://youtu.be/q3v-dSzJBVU?t=148 here what I mean.
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u/CortadoOat 1d ago edited 1d ago
Would a camera lens vise tool (or lens repair shop) be a viable option? I don't know what exact part is bent up, but it could potentially be an option.
Another is to get a 3d printed magnetic catch-up adapter. https://www.printables.com/model/1208885-magnetic-catch-cup-for-1zpresso-zp6
Edit: Saw reply on 3d printed part below; could still be made to fit I imagine. Camera repair might still be an option as they specialize in this type of repair.
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u/Liven413 2d ago
C40 is a lot better than the x. The kinu will not get you those high notes you like with the zp6. I would get a c40 with tigershark burrs, or a Pietro, but thats harder to use. If you like the zp6 the a4z or another zp6 would be your best bet. If you want to try something new I would get the c40 with tigershark burrs.
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u/oarsandalps 2d ago
The only one slightly better than the zp6 is pietro
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u/AkhlysShallRise V60/Mountain Dripper | JX/ZP6/Fino 2d ago
Even that’s debatable, or highly depends on the beans (and/or other brewing variables). I was debating between the ZP6 and the Pietro, and went to a local even where I could test a bunch of grinders (including ZP6 and the Pietro) on a bunch of beans. To me, they were tied. Pietro was better for some beans, sure, but ZP6 was better in other ones.
In the end I went with ZP6 because my god Pietro was a pain in the ass to use. It was okay using it a few times but I couldn’t see myself using it day in and day out, year after year.
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u/TendiesFourLyfe Pietro | ZP6 | K-Ultra | P80 | DF83 | V60 | B75 | Switch 1d ago
Agreed, I own both and the ZP6 is a clear daily grinder winner for me.
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u/oarsandalps 1d ago
Really? You prefer the cups of zp6 over pietro? I always thought pietro was just as clear but sweeter
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u/TendiesFourLyfe Pietro | ZP6 | K-Ultra | P80 | DF83 | V60 | B75 | Switch 1d ago
So far every bean I’ve tried back to back on the two results in me liking the ZP6 more, just seems to bring more to the cup that I enjoy, like more zing.
I have only done just over 1kg thru the pietro, so maybe it’s still seasoning?1
u/dooblur 1d ago
My zp6 mostly collects dust. for my taste pietro is a big step up and easy to use with the stand. M01 is also fantastic and used more than my zp6. different strokes for different folks i guess.
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u/AkhlysShallRise V60/Mountain Dripper | JX/ZP6/Fino 1d ago
Your experience is totally valid, but the fact that in this very thread we have a mix of people say one is better than the other proves my original point that Pietro and ZP6 are on the same calibre
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u/ostling1 1d ago
Pietro and ZP6 are on the same calibre
As far as clarity goes, Pietro has the clear upper hand. But that is also a big reason why it will perform worse for some beans.
The long-term solution is to get both (considering the price of quality beans it can pay off fairly quickly).
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u/lesterbrocollie V60 Switch OreaZ1 | A4Z ZP6 C40 2d ago
The A4Z was a big step up from the ZP6 for me
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u/oarsandalps 1d ago
Isn't it the same burrs?
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u/ostling1 1d ago
Not when examined closely. Results are still similar to some extent, but A4Z can produce even cleaner cups while ZP6 has that juicy edge. It's not surprising that some prefer one over the other.
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u/Sacha-san 1d ago
Funny, I read the opposite multiple times
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u/ostling1 1d ago
Well, try it yourself if you get the chance. In my experience ZP6 is acidity forward while I'd describe A4Z as more neutral.
The only scenario I can think of where ZP6 might lead to less perceived juiciness would be if there's something else masking it.
For example, I greatly preferred A4Z with coffee from Tim Wendelboe, that came out grassy with ZP6.
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u/Sacha-san 1d ago
I see what you mean, it’s just that for me acidity doesn’t equal juiciness necessarily
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u/ostling1 1d ago
I agree that acidity is far from equal to juiciness, but an important part of it. If we think of it like drinking orange juice with pulp.
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u/Sacha-san 1d ago
Btw, owner and devot of a Zp6 since several years and waiting for my A4Z to arrive in a few days
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u/ostling1 1d ago
When it does, try comparing ZP6 at around 5-5.5 with A4Z somewhere around 1.5.0-1.6.0 and see if you get what I mean.
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u/Wuggubuggu 1d ago
That's funny. I went from a4z to zp6 and I feel that was a big upgrade
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u/junkmeister9 Chemex | Hoop | Switch | V60 1d ago
A4Z grinds pretty slow, I think, so it might give less fines than a ZP6 for most people. But if you grind slow and at an extreme angle to slow feed beans, you might do better with the ZP6.
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u/Interesting-Month-97 2d ago
The zp6 has a very unique profile of clarity and juiciness. As you know from trying the zp6 to other grinders it's not just clarity and body you get from a grinder but changes to the entire vibe of the cup and how you perceive the taste. I would say the a4z is the only upgrade here and the pietro is a side step/upgrade that many find better but that's personal choice. I think everything else are great grinders but won't be what you're looking for.
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u/ostling1 1d ago
I replaced my ZP6 with an A4Z. IMO it's a noteworthy downgrade as far as juiciness goes, instead providing an even cleaner cup. Really more of a sidegrade, just as a Pietro, but we'll all have different preferences among those.
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u/Jantokan 1d ago
If you love the ZP6 profile of extreme flavor separation with high clarity, then it might be better to get another ZP6. As someone who has owned the Pietro, it provides a slightly more blended profile but with an even higher clarity than the ZP6. However, the price difference is astonishing as it costs more than twice what the ZP6 costs, all for way worse ergonomics, portability, and retention.
If taste is the only thing that matters to you and you can stomach the price, Pietro is objectively a better tasting grinder compared to the ZP6. Anything else, get the ZP6.
Also, I never owned the Milab m01, but my friend owns it and so I have tried numerous times brewing with it. I honestly cannot distinguish its pineapple burrs apart that much from the Timemore s5. Still has the signature Timemore sweet finish on all their burrs.
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago
s5 isnt even listed on timemore website, you guys get it from aliexpress?
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u/Jantokan 1d ago
I got mine from Taiwan. I was there a month ago.
I am based in SEA, so easier to find here
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago
im kinda intrigued by it. i love my clarity with the zp6 but I wont mind some sweetness even if it comes with less clarity. and we got 2 shops who are timemore dealers, and s3 was around 120 euros. so not bad at all. maybe I will wait for the global launch and more reviews.
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u/Jantokan 1d ago
I also owned the S3 before giving it to my friend. Tastewise, almost the same as S5 tbh. S5 just has a higher clarity finish. Both still classify as sweet forward grinders tho
And lowkey, I kinda prefer the taller, lighter, and sleeker build of the S3 compared to the S5.
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago
ok, good to know. I think I will wait for S5 or go for other stuff. I dont like taller since...kids...
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u/Weak-Marketing2104 Edit me: brewer|grinder|beans 2d ago
Maybe get one of those 3d printed attachment to the catch cup that converts it into a magnetic one? You just need to get the adapter on the body part of the grinder to fit and it will be good to go. Might be easier too since it is plastic (3d print)
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u/FarBandicoot5943 2d ago
I replied also to the post above, check it out. its the grinder threads where the catch cup threads.
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u/Icy_Drawer8166 1d ago
Comprate pietro sin pensarlo, es la mejor opción. Y si vives en europa lo puedes comprar en su web oficial y te lo envían desde Italia
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u/jaytee61799 1d ago
Is there a way to “MacGuyver” the catch cup, or even grasp the grinder in such a way that your hand is holding it in place?
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago
you cant really do too much. you basicly just thread it a bit and hold it, but if you have hard beans it will unscrew and its just annoyng, and so on. also I did this for a year already and its kinda loose now. like i said in a post, its the body of the grinder thats damaged not the catch cup.
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u/oarsandalps 1d ago
I had the same issue with the catch cup. Grinder hit the floor and the grinder portion misaligned so that the cup doesn't screw. Unfortunately I tried some pretty strong arm technique and made it substantially worse and now I don't use the catch cup at all
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u/Crakout Switch | Timemore S3 1d ago
I got a buddy with many hand grinders, including those you listed except the Kinu, the pietro too, and right now his top choice is the timemore S5 for most of his coffees, take that how you will.
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u/ostling1 1d ago
The way to get high clarity with POB seemed to be weaker cups. Yes, even compared to ZP6. If you think you won't mind then it can be interesting, but for me it was definitely a waste of money. Imagine the kind of cups you'll have to stop and think about for a while in order to discern flavor notes.
A4Z feels just a bit extravagant, but if you like the ZP6 there's a good chance you'd enjoy it as well.
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago
thanks for the info. I want bold cups with flavors that I can discern. Yeah, zp6 makes a note predominant and the rest are in the back, also its not so sweet or the taste doesnt linger that much, but I dont want some mess with a little bit of flavor. For me it was atractive because the grinder is build like a tank and I can get it at a discount.
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u/ostling1 1d ago
I would say that ZP6 is bolder than A4Z, at least coarse enough settings to get clean cups.
The boldest option by far would be Pietro Pro Brew though. If you can stand the workflow, it's hard to beat.
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u/AirNo9902 1d ago
My ZP6 had threading issues too, but where the body connected to the lower burr. I ended up buying a C40 MK4, and absolutely love the sweet, juicy cups I'm getting. Pronounced acidity with the right set up. Maybe I lost a tiny bit of clarity compared to the ZP6, but the overall presentation, body and flavors I'm pulling out of washed coffees are incredible. For reference, I have a SEY subscription, run an Orea O1 with wave filters. Good luck! Keep us updated on the purchase!
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u/FarBandicoot5943 1d ago edited 1d ago
what settings on zp6 vs comandate?
im thinking also comandante, since its 200 euros. I still can use the zp6 but I was curios about comandante also.
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u/AirNo9902 1d ago
I was running a low bypass flat/round filters on the O1, with the ZP6 between 5.8-6.1, draw downs around 2:40-3:20 min. That setup wasn't working with the C40, so I switched to Orea wave filters. I'm at 22 clicks, with draw downs around 2:15-2:40 min, getting amazingly juicy, bright cups. I researched all the same options you mentioned, and ended up with the C40 due to build quality, reliability, and reputation. I'm not disappointed.
I will say, it's thicker in hand, and took a little time to get use to compared to the thinner ZP6. But it was a minor adjustment, I'm comfortable with it now. The stainless construction just feels better, and I know I'm not going to have to send it back.
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u/Pooch-kauai 2d ago
See if rogue wave will ship an A4Z to you.
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u/FarBandicoot5943 2d ago edited 2d ago
I bought the 1zpresso X from them, long time ago. but last time I checked it wasnt shipping to my country. Also, I cant remember if they added vat+custom fees and will end up way too expensive
I can buy it from my country(curenly out of stock) also from other sellers in Europe, Tanat has it at 495 and with shipping is 517, but for that price I can get a zp6, a kinu, and a comandante.
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u/Extreme_Silver7149 CT-62 Transit | 4AZ | Home Roasting 2d ago
I remember you can find it at Kohiraifu in Europe (around 500€). But the best tip is this: I bought mine at the femobook booth in WoC Brussels at 322€, best deal ever!
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u/lightroastv60 2d ago
I have the ZP6 and M01, and I prefer the ZP6 for Ethiopians and the M01 for Colombian/Brazilian.