About this Video

• Video Title: Can Handgrinders Beat Electric? Espresso Edition
• Channel: Lance Hedrick
• Speakers: Lance Hedrick
• Duration: 00:31:45

Introduction

This video compares hand and electric grinders for espresso, focusing on the cup quality produced by each type. Lance Hedrick reviews several models from different price points, discussing their strengths and weaknesses for various espresso brewing methods.

Key Takeaways

• Hand grinders can rival electric grinders: High-quality hand grinders, despite the manual effort, can produce espresso comparable to more expensive electric models. The lack of motor costs allows for higher-quality burr sets and construction.
• Grinder choice depends on espresso style and roast: The ideal grinder varies based on preferred espresso style (traditional vs. modern methods) and coffee roast (light vs. dark). Light roasts benefit from larger burr grinders for better particle size distribution and aroma retention. Darker roasts are more forgiving and show less of a difference between grinder types.
• J-Max excels for traditional espresso: The J-Max hand grinder produces exceptional mouthfeel and body, particularly for traditional espresso shots.
• Linglong 64mm is best for light roasts: The Linglong 64mm hand grinder is superior for lighter roasts and alternative espresso methods, offering bright, vibrant acidity.
• High-end electric grinders shine with light roasts: Large-burr electric grinders (e.g., Monolith Max) significantly improve the quality of light roasts, offering superior particle size distribution and aroma retention compared to smaller grinders.

1. The speaker prefers the J-Max for its superior mouthfeel and body in traditional espresso shots. He finds the Niche Zero's Mazzer burrs produce more particulates, resulting in a rougher texture. The J-Max, he claims, produces a smoother, more elegant cup with a honey-like texture, even when using darker roasts.

2. For light roast espresso enthusiasts, the speaker recommends the LingLong 64mm hand grinder. He states that it offers the best quality before diminishing returns, even though it requires a hand drill for optimal use and can be difficult to obtain.

3. The speaker highlights that hand grinder manufacturers can invest more in R&D and build quality because they don't have to factor in the cost of motors, PCBs, programming, and certifications. This allows them to achieve higher quality at lower price points than electric grinders. He also mentions that hand grinders provide a better quality of life for those who may not want to hand-grind every morning.

4. The speaker describes the Easy Presso K Ultra as a versatile grinder that performs adequately with both dark and light roasts. However, it doesn't excel in either category. While it produces decent body in darker roasts, it also introduces unwanted acidity. With lighter roasts, it's not as good as the LingLong or other grinders capable of housing SSP burrs. He suggests it as an ideal travel grinder due to its versatility.