This video provides a comprehensive review of the Mahlkönig X64 SD grinder. Lance Hedrick purchased the grinder himself and explores its features, design, performance (for both espresso and filter coffee), and ease of use, including a detailed teardown and assessment of its internal components.
Design and Build: The X64 SD is a compact, single-dose grinder with several accessory options (hopper extension, bellows) offering flexibility in grinding volume. It's primarily made of metal and is quite heavy. However, it utilizes Phillips head screws for assembly, which the reviewer finds less ideal than torque screws.
Performance: The grinder performs well for espresso but underperforms in filter coffee applications, particularly with lighter roasts, resulting in bitterness and uneven particle size distribution. The high RPM (1950) may contribute to this.
Grind Adjustment and Calibration: The stepless grind adjustment dial is precise but requires many turns for significant changes, making switching between filter and espresso less convenient. Calibration is easy but potentially prone to issues due to its spring mechanism.
Retention and Cleaning: The grinder suffers from significant retention, especially at finer grind settings due to the burr angle, leading to more grounds remaining in the chamber between doses. Disassembly requires removing several screws, making cleaning less convenient than some competitor models. The reviewer notes considerable coffee residue buildup behind the silicone flap.
Aftermarket Burr Compatibility: While aftermarket burrs (SSP, Labur) can be fitted, Mahlkönig doesn't officially recommend their use due to potential motor strain and increased torque.
The reviewer compares the Mahlkönig X64 SD to several other grinders throughout the video. Here's a summary based on the transcript:
Niche Zero Duo: The X64 SD has a more powerful motor (200W vs. 150W) than the Niche Zero Duo. Both manufacturers advise against using aftermarket burrs.
DF-64: The X64 SD has a much higher RPM (1950 vs. 1400) than the DF-64. The reviewer suggests that the X64 SD's filter coffee performance is comparable to that of a stock DF-64 or DF-54.
Fellow Ode: Similar to the DF-64, the Fellow Ode operates at a lower RPM (1400) than the X64 SD.
Zerno: The Zerno operates at a significantly lower RPM (around 800) than the X64 SD.
Monolith Max: This high-end grinder operates at an even lower RPM (under 400) compared to the X64 SD.
EK43: The X64 SD uses a similar steel dosing cup to the reviewer's EK43. The reviewer also uses the EK43 as a mounting point for a dial indicator in the alignment test.
Timemore 078/064S: The reviewer states that they would still prefer a Timemore 078 or 064S over the X64 SD, despite the higher price, citing superior coffee quality.
Bratza Encore ESP Pro: The X64 SD's filter performance is considered comparable to the Bratza Encore ESP Pro – acceptable but not exceptional.
Specialita: The reviewer notes a preference for the Specialita's espresso shots over the X64 SD's, particularly with dark roast coffee.
The comparisons are largely based on RPM, filter vs. espresso performance, and overall coffee quality. The reviewer emphasizes that the X64 SD is "fine all-around" but doesn't excel in any particular area compared to the specialized capabilities of some of the other grinders mentioned.
