I searched this, but got back a lot of AI slop, so like to hear what people’s experience is.
I was considering upgrading to reduce the morning noise for the household, and learned that big burrs are faster and can be quieter. Maybe that’s true?
Going down the rabbit hole, it seems like the burrs can also affect the taste (clarity, body, etc.) in wildly different directions, not necessarily one size fits all.
Is there anyone with more than one grinder over time that has noticed one way or the other? I use a Niche now, and had a Commandante 40. I just drink espresso, but what do I know? In this case, nothing!
I have a df64 and a 1zpresso J Max, which IIRC is 48mm conical. The product tastes pretty similar in an aeropress, although I would say df64 is slightly better (could be due to many things, like conical v.s. flat, geometry etc.), but not $200 better.
The speed difference, even considering hand grinding is negligible unless you are making coffee for more than 4 people.
In general I find the diminishing return might hit you real hard if you decide to upgrade; but it is a hobby anyway: if it makes you happy then it makes you happy; who am I to judge :)
I have the exact same grinders and use them exclusively for espresso. I would say that the DF64 produces brighter flavors and the J-Max a thicker body. But, as I use the J-Max as part of my travel kit with a Flair Pro 2, the difference might also be attributed to the narrower and deeper puck of the Flair compared to a traditional 58mm basket. I’d also tend to attribute the differences to blade geometry rather than size.
I’ve heard that larger burrs produce less heat and help retain more flavors. I don’t know it there is a serious scientific study confirming it.
That sort of what I was thinking, the different grinders actually produce different flavour, profiles, rather than better or worse. That’s a good point about the shape, I’m almost tempted to do it to try different burrs on the same coffee. My palate is shite, but the one of my son-in-law’s is pretty good, so maybe more of a fun thing than a practical thing.
Side by side comparisons like the one you describe are the best way to improve your palate, if that’s something youre interested in
Thanks for that. Definitely agree with the diminishing returns aspect. I have an okay palate, and I also drink about half milk, so not much more to be gained.
I looked at the DF64 because it’s definitely a good deal compared to what’s out there (Weber [Yow! re: price]/Lagom/Bookoo/Zerno [also Yow]). I’m guessing the DF64 isn’t famously quiet though. Have you ever tried different burrs for different flavours?