Comandante vs 1ZPresso K-Max

[@LifestyleLab_]

1ZPresso K-Max: geni.us/EBnMb
Comandante C40: geni.us/Taab
Try our coffee! geni.us/4AAmhpj
(As an Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases)

[@ethaningraham9534]

Now THIS is the type of review video I've been searching for! It's so appreciated that you announced this was an unsponsored video in the beginning. It's very clear that so many "reviews" are clearly paid for sadly. Thank you, subbed!

[@quanchi8210]

European Coffee Trip basically, all they are allowed to recommend is Comandante

[@ozpain1]

I’ve used the K-Ultra for over one year now. Just got the c40 and made my first pour over. For me, no buyers remorse at all. The coffee tasted fantastic immediately, whereas with the k-ultra I’d usually fiddle between grind sizes day to day.

[@sampattuzzi]

I own the MK3 C40 and have had it for around 5 years. I totally agree that the grind adjustment is finicky and external would be better but I do see everyone in these review videos doing it wrong. Another comment noted that there are marks on the bottom, use these as a reference. Then you simple hold the adjuster and spin the handle to adjust grind. Full rotation = 12 clicks, half = 6. I can switch from espresso to French press (6 clicks to 36) in just seconds. You sometimes are off by a click or two but this is easily seen by checking your reference marks. There are videos about this process, check it out. And this doesn’t get any more difficult if you install the redclicks.

[@libartstech]

I got my K-Max mainly for travel, but I enjoy the results so much that I often keep using it for a week or two upon returning home before switching back to my Ode with Gen 2 burrs. Such high quality and value!

[@SarntAKluss]

How would you describe the K-Max flavor profile vs the Ode Gen 2 burrs in terms of clarity, flavor separation, sweetness, forgivingness etc. You would do me and big favor ;-) Thx for yor effort!

[@libartstech]

@@SarntAKluss They’re actually both quite similar, though the K-Max is perhaps a bit higher in clarity. They produce results that are high in body and general sweetness, with just enough clarity to bring out the origin characteristics.
If by “flavor separation” you mean the ability to adjust grind level to accentuate certain flavors, then they’re not as capable in that regard as the SSP multipurpose burrs, which I used in my Ode for about a year before switching to the Gen 2s.
They are far more forgiving than SSPs though, in the sense that they tend to round off the sharp edges and hide some of the imperfections that you might get from roasting or brewing.
I hope that helps.

[@SarntAKluss]

@@libartstech Thank you - you should write reviews ;-)

[@robertebob]

I love my K-Plus. I’ll take manual grinding over mechanical any day. I like feeling the bean density of different beans and roast levels.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Little bit of added connection to the routine. 100% agree

[@wlpp1900]

Have been using ZP6 and Comandante as my daily driver in pour-over for more than a year. I don’t adjust grind size that often, so just taste difference for me. Personally I think comandante has better aroma, and zp6 can bring out more plain fruity taste. BTW, I’m using Hario switch and orea.

[@PanopticMotion]

I recently purchased the 1ZPresso Zp6 Special grinder and have been using it exclusively for making pour-over coffee. I have to say, I am truly impressed with the performance of this grinder. Prior to using the Zp6, I had experience with the Ode Gen1 and the Baratza Encore, but the Zp6 produces a much better variety of grinds and more flavorful coffee with more intricate taste notes. It is a truly phenomenal piece of equipment.

[@NOUGHIRA]

1 Zp6
2 kmax
3 commandant c40

[@indoex]

Hi total noob here: Can i ask why most use manual grinders for pour over even tho they own electric grinders that they use for espresso. Why cant we just coarsen the setting in the electric grinder?

[@LifestyleLab_]

@indoex espresso and pour over require different grind distributions. While espresso can have and even benefits from having some very tiny fine particles, this will clog a paper pour over filter and lead to a muddy cup. On the flip side, the more even particle distributions found on pour over directed grinders results in clear and clean cups, but can cause issues when trying build enough pressure for espresso.

[@indoex]

@@LifestyleLab_ i understand this. But instead of buying a manual grinder.. if you own an electric grinder, why not on the days you make a pour over just coursen the settings in the electric grinder. On days you are doing espresso just make the grind setting to fine?
Why do most tend to have manual grinder even tho they have a versatile electric grinder?

[@LifestyleLab_]

In my above answer, I am not referring to grind settings, but actually the particle size distribution WITHIN each grind setting. So at a setting that is appropriate for pour over on an espresso focussed grinder, there will be more fines than on a grinder targeted at pour over. This is a product of the burrs themselves and their cutting profile. You can make a grinder that is really good at one, but not great at both.

[@Jahloveipraise]

Great video man, I really appreciate your honest opinion even if it may get heavily criticized. I’ve never used the commandante but the features of the k plus is what pushed me towards them. I don’t think I could use a hand grinder daily without the external adjustment anymore lol overall I am in love with my k plus and just got a zp6 and just as impressed. 1zpresso will take the market over I bet if commandante doesn’t mix things up

[@andriitserkovnyi1740]

How much better is zp thank the k?

[@Abrikosmanden]

The K-max really is an amazing grinder, and not just "for the price" - it's an amazing grinder full stop!

[@mariuszw2263]

I'll be honest - if it wasn't for the fact that I got a deal on a barely used C40 MK4 for half the price of a new K-Max, I'd go with the 1Zpresso. However, here I am, grinding for both espresso and filter with my C40 as a form of a workout because I really enjoy it's taste profile :D
One thing I also must say - you do not necessarily need to go back to zero to adjust the grind setting on a C40 - there are marks on the bottom burr ring that you could use as a reference to know where you are. Finicky but works well enough.
One more thing - there is actually a 3D print mod for a C40 that halves the step size. Combining it with the Red Clix axle effectively makes each click a ~7.5 burr gap change (since this is what Comandante means by the step size).
And, lastly, IMHO C40 is the best sounding (while grinding) hand grinder out there. Like there is nothing even remotely close to it in this department. Yeah, that's an insignificant detail in a grand scheme of things, but... it's still nice. And something I appreciate using my C40 almost every day.

[@Btrl8thnNvr]

I would mention that the build quality is deceiving/ a difficult subject when it comes to these two. I have owned 2 1z grinders as well as a comandante. While the 1zs are well built and all metal, they are made of a soft metal that dents and scratches easily where as the comandante does have plastic inside it feels better made and isn’t so prone to getting beat up looking very quickly. Don’t get me wrong in thinking that it will affect the grind quality but it just kind of bothered me.

[@ComandanteGrinder]

Hey Mariusz and thanks for your support :). Glad to read you're enjoying your C40 grinder!
I hope you don't mind but I wanted to clarify a couple of things about the Red Clix axle :). The 15 micron step we refer to is actually the change in Target Particle Size (mode coffee particle size), not the change of the burr gap. The change of the burr gap is about 6 microns.
We love that you love the sound, by the way. The acoustic and the haptic may seem like small details, but to us they are hugely important factors in your everyday enjoyment of the process of grinding your coffee :). No detail is too unimportant!

[@thestudio.coffee]

Absolutely love our K-Max. Find it easier to grip than the C40, too

[@aadammillerr]

Great video and great review. I have just ordered myself a K-Max and I'm very excited for it turning up! After using my Timemore C2 for the past year, I'm looking forward to seeing if I can taste and appreciate the step up in quality and performance to the 1Zpresso.
I was very tempted by the C40, but as a mechanical engineer, I couldn't help but be drawn to how much higher quality materials, and finish the K-Max has.
I think the biggest selling factor for the C40 is that it is simply the industry standard of hand grinders. Since it's such a popular grinder, you'll find the majority of recipes and brew guides will reference the grind size used on a Comandante. No need to guess work out what grind setting you need to achieve the same brew that the aeropress champions use in their recipes. That for me will always be the best thing the C40 has going for it, and something that I will greatly wish I had!

[@ShayneScherer]

I do not own a C40, nor have I ever used one, but I have had a K-Max for several months now and I chose to purchase it for all the reasons that you prefer it. Everything about it is incredible.

[@ozpain1]

This video couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! Thank you

[@-ahmad-6090]

I owned the two grinders , I honestly like the comandante more for the looks and feel (especially american cherry ) , also for the grinding sound . ^ ^

[@cohowtekk]

Now this far better quality of a review than what (example) Lance Hendrick does. Much less noise and absence of focus on the ego of the one making the video, with clear focus on the info value aspect the review should provide. Very good job.

[@joshlieuallen3447]

This was literally the video I needed. Thank you so much!! I was pretty sold on the K, but this completely solidified it for me.

[@IndieRonin43]

I've had my K-pro a year now and absolutely love it; its only knock against it is the storage of the arm when not in use, which they seem to have fixed with the K-ultra. I'm not gonna upgrade just for that though. Amazing quality that I snagged for $190 USD. nice to know that not going for the comandate was the smart move.

[@helloweeny]

I have the jxpro and tbf to Commandante, 1zpresso clearly borrowed a lot of ideas from them which probably explains why it's cheaper. Very happy with the 1zpresso though

[@mprz8188]

Jxpro employs upper adjustment mechanism, pentagonal burrs, and step adjustment is very very fine. Can you please tell me how you conclude 1Zpresso copied Comandante here? I see two vastly different grinders and the JXpro does much better IMO

[@Sanjuro313]

This video made it easier for me to choose, thanks!

[@raulrick]

I have a Comandante for over a year and I regret nothing... yes, it's close to two minutes to grind for an espresso, but the taste in the cup makes the effort worth

[@LifestyleLab_]

No need to regret anything! It’s a FANTASTIC grinder :)

[@seabassisafish5468]

If you have an electric scewdriver you can shorten that time considerably! A 5.5 mm bit socket (I don’t have mine lying around at the moment, so double check that at the hardware store) will improve your quality of life, I promise. Although arguably less sexy and slightly noisier, It’s a solution that really works.

[@itsm3th3b33]

What kind of logic is this?
Just because you don't regret your purchase doesn't mean it's the better grinder.
How do you know that if you compared it to a cheaper grinder like the K-MAX you'd not regret your COMANDANTE purchase?

[@-ahmad-6090]

I think you would like the C60 baracuda even more ^ ^

[@SPEAK.LiKE.FiRE.]

I have 1zpresso JX-PRO and it’s an AMAZING hand grinder at an AMAZING price , a lot less than comandante mo4, like £150 GBP and comandante is like £215 to £255 GBP here in UK

[@drevil2675]

I have C40 and K ultra. I can tell you if you want to have best result for beans , you need few grinders at home . I can find better results with C40 . On the other hand , the K ultra also provides me a better result sometimes . As a result, I am sure it’s better to have few different grinders.

[@mprz8188]

I find your opinion confusing. In any case, i also own Kultra and C40 and both taste so close that most people won't even notice. K ultra offers much better adjustment and feels more solid overall. Just make sure to never wash or soak the grinder in water. The adjustment mechanism will die immediately!

[@chrisruss8332]

I have the J Max and think it is very well made. 8.8 microns per click too. Great for espresso which is important

[@deafno]

After getting a nice deal on Q2 and being impressed by the experience, I went for the K-max also. I was considering Comandante too, but K-max was lower price AND had convenience factors.

[@patrickhockey615]

noticeable differences between to the q2 in taste?

[@shishsuke]

Pretty much all their grinders from JX pro onwards, 1zpresso offer more services/convenience at a better price point than Commandante. I bought the J Max recently. Buying the Commandante never even crossed my mind

[@deafno]

@@patrickhockey615 Easier to get sweeter taste with K-Max. With light rosasts it goes like harsh -> sweet & acidic -> acidic & weak when adjusting grind setting, but Q2 the "sweet" spot is much narrower or not as pronounced as with K-Max.

[@cawww]

I own a Comandante and K-Plus (which I believe is similar enough to the K-Max). I agree with everything you said, but I feel you’re leaving out a noticeable issue with the 1zpresso and that’s the static. After I finish my grind, there’s a ton of coffee stuck to the bottom of the burr. I’d say easily 5x the amount when compared to the Comandante. Not the end of the world, but IMO a drawback. My preference overall is the Comandante.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Very interesting, as I actually experience more static with the Comandante. It seems to separate the chaff in a way that gets it stuck to the bottom of the grinder.
Both are completely fine with the smallest bit of RDT from my experience, but I would have given the edge to the k-max! Thanks for lending your thoughts

[@nikolajhansen15]

I too experience static issues with k-max! As much as 2-3 grams gets trapped, and if i knock it down and use it, the coffee gets overextracted

[@Dizzle4shizzle1337]

@@nikolajhansen15 when using RDT?

[@nikolajhansen15]

@@Dizzle4shizzle1337 no, without - using rdt helps somewhat tho

[@pukki92]

K-Max is upgraded K-Plus grinder, but since pandemic both of grinders have the same burs. Differences beetween this two grinders is catch-cup. K-Plus is bottom less and it is little bit wider than catch-cup from K-Max which is slimer, but taller

[@fjaviergl99]

Two days after getting my K Ultra i sold my comandante... i was never happy with the (very annoying) click system.

[@thomascee]

I was a 1ZPresso fan from the start. Now own the K-Max and also the ZP6. Everything about them I prefer.

[@jeremy3249]

I think what Comandante excels in is simplicity, ease of use and the community behind it. I own a few 1zpresso grinders (Jx, Jx pro) and I think it is very complicated to communicate with other peoples recipe and also cleaning 1zpresso grinders is a bit complicated since it has a few more parts. Sure Comandante is not the most easy to grind for espresso and a bit of old fashion when it comes to changing its grind size. But despite all that Comandante is a reliable grinder that has been in the specialty coffee community way back 2016 (worldwide production of the mk3 version) same grinder that has been used by brewers cup competitors, home brewers, and baristas alike. I drink filter coffee most of the time and I still prefer using Comandante.

[@arpit5317]

Really? You think that click system is simplicity.
I regret buying it blindly. Absolutely hate going back 50 clicks to shift between espresso and pour over.

[@johniadipaolo5251]

This is a great video; really appreciate your work here

[@rossmullins8708]

Great video comparison. As of today one can buy the DF54 flat burr electrtc grinder for less than either the K-Max or Commandante

[@calangolima]

Great Video, as always.

[@benjaminbutton3476]

Grind time difference at espresso settings is a HUGE win for K-Max and absolute deal breaker for Comandante. C40 takes close to 2 minutes! Better hope you counted clicks properly…

[@LifestyleLab_]

For sure, for such wildly different feed rates it’s surprising to me that the flavour profile is so similar

[@Btrl8thnNvr]

The fastest I have ever done is 1:30. It’s so slow for espresso.

[@bluemystic7501]

Are you grinding 22 grams of light roast or something? lol

[@Btrl8thnNvr]

Not in my case no. 16-17 light medium.

[@BruceChanen]

Great review. Answers all my questions about hand grinders. Now can you do a review of the Varia VS3? I’m struggling between that, the DF 64, and the SD40.

[@marcusannegarn8497]

I've compared my K plus to a Commandante and honestly I don't think it's close.
Taste and build was extremely similar:
But the 1zpresso is
- faster (although requires more force)
- much better grind adjustment
- much better catch cup system (magnetic)
I think the Commandante was the gold standard a few years ago but they haven't innovated while 1zpresso offers the same quality with a ton of additional and meaningful features

[@LifestyleLab_]

Seems like we reached a very similar conclusion!

[@marcusannegarn8497]

@@LifestyleLab_ yup! I was nodding my head the whole time.
I absolutely love what 1zpresso has done.
They've pushed forward hand grinding massively while still offering mass production with good prices and build.
Unfortunately their naming conventions can be extremely confusing though

[@LifestyleLab_]

Good thing we have Lance to explain the naming 😂

[@user-pt7ou1by6z]

Спасибо за обзор, приятно слышать. У меня как раз K-Max

[@LifestyleLab_]

Отличная мясорубка, наслаждайтесь!

[@dracus6877]

One of the better reviews out there.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Appreciate it!

[@twistedscience9248]

Really enjoyed this video, thanks for a concise review that hits all the important points! Also I like when you show what coffee you're drinking, just discovered a new roaster!

[@LifestyleLab_]

I’ll be doing a custom coffee with them very soon, stay tuned!

[@user-xs5nb1bb1v]

喜歡1Z K-Ultra！
還在尋找等待新出一支1Z改款讓歸零動作能像泰摩栗子X-lite這麽簡單就更完美了。

[@AhmadHassan-vp2qt]

Many users complain about the plastic lid of c40.
But I haven't seen any complaints about the lid of 1Zpresso even though it uses plastic on it too.

[@LifestyleLab_]

The difference is it’s thicker plastic, a smaller piece so it doesn’t feel as flimsy, and it doesn’t loosely rock back and forth. Completely different feel, hence the repeated mentions of it across many reviewers

[@edzen6122]

5 years and my plastic lid still intact 😂 no crack at all only minor "hair" scratches everywhere

[@LifestyleLab_]

I never said it would break, it just feels cheap… which in this price range is unfortunate

[@unsharted_territory]

When it comes to prices made in China will always win. If we keep favoring items that are cheaper because they are made in China all other companies don't have a choice but to move manufacturing.

[@risktrader3821]

true. but with comandante, they are really charging way more.

[@mikegurv1818]

Absolutely agree.

[@user-mp8tc1si2p]

Comandante step size is 58 micron, not 30. For red clix it's 29 micron.
Comandante decided to come up with their own fake step size, which no other manufacturer uses. They call it "target particle resolution per click".

[@pukki92]

I know that Comandante step is gap beetween burrs, and in 1zpresso is how much burr moves. But where did you get 50 microns?

[@user-mp8tc1si2p]

@@pukki92 I measure the thread pitch and divide it by the number of clicks. Thread pitch of the standard version is 700 microns. Red clix have 350 microns thread pitch. It's also shown in the label on the Red Clix box (RX35) and in the paper Red Clix User's Guide.

[@khalidzamzamkz]

I get the point, and as a C40 owner I do agree with the issues it has, but the question is now, what about espresso. I think that is a big selling point of the C40, that it can do espresso really well, can the kmax do that?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes, the K-Max can do espresso very nicely, and has fine enough adjustment right out of the box (doesn’t need an aftermarket part like the C40 RedClix)

[@fpcawolff]

Even better bang for the buck: Kingrinder K6. Same burr as K-Max, 16 microns, good build quality, way cheaper.

[@adeleck7661]

I have a J Max, good grinder, but quality is suspect, wooden handle comes off in hand with ease, seems the bearing design is not robust.

[@LifestyleLab_]

J-Max construction is quite different from the higher end K-Series

[@guidoserrano2629]

I have the C40 mk4 for pour overs and the 2023 Feld47 for espresso (Flair 58).

[@LifestyleLab_]

Great setup!!

[@guidoserrano2629]

I received the Feld47 a few days ago and I'm loving it.
The Comandante (with red clix) it takes 3x more to grind the same amount of coffee at similar settings. The Feld47 is a breeze.
The only downside is the static of the metallic catch cup.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yeah the comandante is definitely a pretty slow feed, but that allows it the excellent clarity it’s know for. Glad you like the Feld47!

[@10jsfvideo44]

Have you compared the JX Pro to the KMax solely for espresso.

[@pierrex3226]

I'm very happy with my k max. How does it compare with a niche zero for example, when it comes to espresso and filter? Am I missing something by using "only" a k max?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Absolutely not! If you're willing to put in the work to grind, I'd take the K-Max drink quality over the Niche Zero any day of the week. Especially for filter, the Niche is almost unusable due to the high amount of fines for filter brewing.

[@maciejrajewski2937]

Comandante is a perfect grinder. Thats why I decided to sell it and buy few other cheeper grinders, doing it same well for my needs.

[@ericbaluya361]

1zpresso often have discounts also.

[@cakson9006]

What is your grind setting for the Kmax?

[@TheHandThatBites]

I am undwewhelmed with the comandante even against the timemore

[@beaniemac83]

Hi nice video, does the K-Max have 90 clicks all in, or does it have 90 for the first level, and then another 90 and so on? As i've seen a video on a model (not sure which one), and it had several rotations each with 90 clicks, so a recommended pour over dial in was about 260 clicks.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Here's a summary of how many TOTAL settings the 1Zpresso grinders have 1zpresso.coffee/grind-setting/

[@beaniemac83]

@Lifestyle Lab Hi that's great thanks, really helpful! 👍

[@abdoellaharabi]

Could you please give a head to head review on 1z K-Max Vs K-Plus?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Only difference is the catch up. Taste and function will otherwise be identical

[@abdoellaharabi]

@@LifestyleLab_ thank you for the response. Appreciate it 🙏🏻

[@kowalskima3992]

I just sold my 1zpresso k-plus and ordered a comandante c40. I think maybe I will purchase 1zpresso again but comandante is just like blind faith for me.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Update us once you get it!

[@kowalskima3992]

@@LifestyleLab_ To be honest, after using c40 for a while I found myself missing the feeling of k-plus simply because of the build quality and the taste. I admit that c40 is an amazing hand grinder and it set the golden standard for the rest the of brands but I just simply miss k-plus.
When using c40, I don't know what happened but I found that in a certain point, when grounded coffee get finer, it looks like in the form of sheets after being brewed, and in the form of grainy when getting coarser. As you could imagine, it taste not that pleasant when being in the form of sheets.
Maybe I am using c40 in a wrong way. But this never happened to 1zpresso k-plus.

[@asisrizal]

​@@kowalskima3992thanks for updating this mate

[@medsri4247]

The price of each one

[@LifestyleLab_]

Both are linked in the description. Prices vary around the world.

[@SarntAKluss]

I think about ode gen 2 (with gen2 burrs and ssp cast) for Brew and Aeropress. And in ~3 years a Kmax with Flair 58 to complete the set up? What do you guys think about Kmax for Espresso? I know jxpro i better but the Kmax is more the allrounder.... Opinions ;-)

[@thatroykid]

if you're going to get an Ode Gen 2 (then imo) you don't need a Kmax because its a better "all around" option, I would get the jxpro and dedicate it to espresso. why get the kmax as an all around grinder when you already have an Ode Gen 2?

[@LastAphelion]

It's not a case of better, but preference. The important difference will be if you favor exclusively medium to dark roast and a very blended body you might like the J burr more, but if you enjoy all roast styles light to dark and a slightly cleaner body you'll probably enjoy the K burr more, I favored how much cleaner it tasted for fruitier beans. I disliked how blended everything tasted on JXpro, but enjoyed how much cleaner everything tasted on Kmax when I upgraded to one. Both fully capable of espresso, all comes down to preference.
I still enjoy making pour over on my Kmax too even after having 98 brew burrs, it's a good switch up for some thicker body brews.

[@benjaminbutton3476]

Or just get a grinder that can do filter and espresso instead of the ode.

[@SarntAKluss]

@Benjamin Button what do you think about? Budget up to 700euro... hand grinder is currently a little bit annoying because we have a baby

[@benjaminbutton3476]

@@SarntAKluss if you want 64mm SSP burrs then DF64 is the obvious choice at the price. If you just want good cup quality, and currently don’t have espresso machine, check out Varia VS3. It’s quiet which is good for baby. Does filter and espresso and is great price. @kylerowsell has a budget grinder comparison video and speaks highly of the varia. I have a friend who purchased one and loves it.

[@danymeeuwissen5973]

Every time a video like this appears, commandante's legal team starts sending out c&d letters to resellers carrying 1zpresso, timemore or goat story. 😬

[@pukki92]

Comandante use different microns measure than other manufactures. Technically Comandante have 58 microns step(29 with red clix)

[@valerysafonov]

Hi! Tell me, please, which of the presented coffee grinders is suitable for jezve?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Both of these grinders can grind fine enough for Jezve, but the 1ZPresso will be easier to turn and faster to grind

[@valerysafonov]

​@@LifestyleLab_Thank you.

[@warkanymiyaz8076]

I'm about to buy my first grinder..to really enjoy the results and the money I spend is commensurate with the results..can you help me to choose between comandate C40 mk4 and 1zpresso k ultra...thank you, have a nice day

[@LifestyleLab_]

Exact same factors as this comparison. The K-Ultra just has the new handle design

[@warkanymiyaz8076]

@@LifestyleLab_ thanks for the response..it really helped me

[@mprz8188]

K series easily win over C40 anyday. I've owned comandante and can honestly tell you 1Zpresso is much better. No need to mention the ZP6 special. That one is even better than K series for filter.

[@datinseribojanmuda2484]

I just bought a K ultra to replace my c3 chessnut

[@emerrioadiron293]

My take on the user experience is quite different as I lean towards the organic feel of the grinder. And with a wooden outer body, a glass jar and a deeper grinding sound, the Commandante feels just more organic than the K-Max...

[@mprz8188]

I own both grinders. C40 does exceptionally good. So does the Kmax. Personally prefer the feel of the Kmax. Feels solid, precise. The adjustment mechanism is vastly superior. Workflow is better and speed is noticeable superior.
I think both are absolutely premium and in the cup both are incredibly similar. So no clear winner on the cup profile. Kmax has a wider range and adjustment is way more granular.

[@mirei_]

Is K-MAX much faster than C40?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Yes, significantly faster

[@DavidRBermudez]

How would you rate these two against the Timemore C2?

[@LifestyleLab_]

I don’t love the burrs in the Timemore, but am a big fan of the build quality

[@makerl1fe388]

I can’t understand how do these cost that much. At that price you can buy an eureka mignon which grinds fine enough for espresso and it’s electric, more material used.
This manual grinders are overpriced, there are just 2 burs, a little iron handle and plastic cups. Maximum of 100 dollars in the sense it’s manually made which is not the case.

[@LifestyleLab_]

These are machined far more precisely, allowing better alignment and grind consistency. Electric grinders machined to these tolerances cost FAR more.
There are absolutely budget hand grinders whose price are more in line with what I think you're expecting based on your description. Eg. Timemore, etc

[@KrishnenduKes]

Isn't the K Max essentially an espresso grinder?

[@LifestyleLab_]

No, that would be the J series. K-Max is excellent for filter, as well as espresso :)

[@Frank-i-e]

K max vs Fellow Ode Gen II for filter/French press? Is there a clear winner? Lol

[@LifestyleLab_]

With stock burrs, I’d probably pick the K-Max. But better clarity. However we’re nitpicking, I’d likely just choose based on if you want hand vs electric grinding. You’ll be very happy with either

[@Frank-i-e]

@@LifestyleLab_ thanks a bunch for your reply!!

[@patricktrossbach668]

I think you should factor in the working conditions in which each grinder is produced.

[@craigcernek6776]

I believe that the comandante is made in Germany. Where is the 1Zpresso made?

[@patricktrossbach668]

@@craigcernek6776 China.

[@ginsederp]

​@@patricktrossbach668 no, they are made in Taiwan

[@patricktrossbach668]

@@ginsederp The top Google search would lead you to think that, but if you dig deeper, it's China.

[@risktrader3821]

not just working condition but the minimum wage of the country made. Germany has higher wage than any asian country. but that does not mean they are ALWAYS BETTER.

[@za3931]

What scale is that?

[@LifestyleLab_]

Acaia Pearl

[@LilyWillow22]

If only kmax had cool colors

[@LifestyleLab_]

Would definitely be nice to have some more choice!

[@D1PHAM]

GG 3:49

[@charleslin7605]

Comandante is the best , no doubt

[@LifestyleLab_]

Any reasoning for that?
Because if you watch this video, my findings were quite the opposite

[@mprz8188]

No it's not. It's pretty good but K series are a step (or two) ahead

[@technation7769]

but 1ZPresso uses cheap aluminum !!

[@LifestyleLab_]

What’s wrong with Aluminum?
The build quality is fantastic, I don’t think you’d want this metal grinder being made of solid steel… that would be SLIGHTLY heavy, haha

[@risktrader3821]

but ccomandante is made of thin metal and thin wood and plastic. throw them both, 1zpresso would survive longer. and is cheaper.

[@edzen6122]

Don't forget comandate's nitroblade, I've been using comandante for 5 years and not a single change in terms of the burr sharpness and hardness , i bet no hand grinder can beat c40 in durability

[@TheMakabert]

I bet you don't even know how hard the actual "nitro burr" is on the rockwell scale. Using time as a unit for measuring durability is ridiculous. What roast level do you grind and how much coffee do you grind on a daily basis? Measuring durability on how much coffee it could grind until the burrs wear down is more reasonable. How many other top of the line handgrinders have you even compared to the c40? The nitro blade is not the hardest burr grinder out there, timemore(titanium coating) and kinu(black fusion coating) have harder burrs just mention a few. Also the c40 has been struggling with burr alignment which is so common that commandatnte even try to explain on their own website's FAQ about that issue. Don't get me wrong I like my c40 but it's definitely not as good my 1zpresso k-max or even close to my kinu m47.

[@edzen6122]

@@TheMakabert 😅 chill bro yes i dont know how hard the nitro burr is, i only use my c40 3-4 times a day for making filtered coffee and that's more than enough for me. isn't it enough? I never want to grind a stone with my c40, this is only my opinion, i use it for more thn 5 years without any issue at all , and everything still works really2 well just like new and that's already freakin great for me

[@coffeejournal23]

Comandante in 2023 👎👎👎

[@eobet]

Didn't watch 100% of the video but was Made in China vs Made in Germany mentioned? It may sound political, but there's also an environmental aspect to this, especially if you live in the EU...

[@craigcernek6776]

For me, it’s ethical. I do not buy products made in Communist China unless there is absolutely no alternative. Thankfully, in this case there are alternatives.

[@Hames8]

Pretty sure 1zpresso products are made in Taiwan.

[@harvdaguy]

tai won chi lose

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

ROC 🇹🇼 is not China, it's free and democratic Taiwan

[@fromtheflightdeck252]

1Zpresso is far superior and I love mine. My home roasted beans come out to peak flavour in the cup using my K Plus.

[@MagicLover822]

At this point, why would you buy that plastic toy instead of a real grinder

[@LifestyleLab_]

Not sure which one of these you’re referring to as a plastic toy, but I certainly wouldn’t describe either of them that way myself. Both very well built

[@bluemystic7501]

Considering the 1zpresso grinders have ripped off a few key components from the Comandante, it's no surprise that they're similar. I cannot support unscrupulous, unoriginal companies like that.

[@LifestyleLab_]

Neither company is in the right in that legal battle. Trying to say 1ZPresso “ripped off” a bend crank arm is a stretch at best from Comandante. Which they then took to directly suing cafes selling the 1ZPresso line (not 1ZPresso, small cafe owners…)
Comandante needs to focus less on trying to shut down the competition, and more on continuing to progress their own products

[@bluemystic7501]

@@LifestyleLab_ 1zpresso also stole the Comandante's burr design. Without the Comandante, who's designs would 1zpresso steal. There's a video idea for you.

[@mprz8188]

@@bluemystic7501 Really? Well, Kplus makes a superior cup. Lance thinks the same and many others were able to pick Kplus over the C40 too. 1Zpresso offers many different (and highly innovative) grinders in their portfolio. Different burrs, different configurations, adjustment mechanisms and the list goes on.... So can you please explain what the actual f*k are you talking about?

[@bluemystic7501]

@@mprz8188 Well, the lawyers agree. Google it.

[@risktrader3821]

@@bluemystic7501 comandante didnt copy early grinders to start their company?