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[@allanmcdonald3223]

Thanks for this comparison video Josh. Based on your tests I bought the X Ultra and am absolutely happy with my choice. Easy quiet grinding, excellent consistency and the best Moka pot coffee to date. As I currently only do hand brews, the X fits my needs with the option for Espresso in the future. Thanks again for a great video and best of luck for your channel.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

unreal ! Love this so much 🙌 thanks for the kind words and always happy to help

[@donjetsalihi4801]

Hi I wanted to ask what grind settings are you using for the x-ultra ? I am trying my best with a bottomless portafilter, but when I put it into the coffee machine it starts spraying water around, so I am thinking that I am not grinding well enough.

[@CoffeeGeek]

Hey Josh, another banger of a video, really breaking down the range of these grinders well. I'm currently evaluating three of 1Zrpesso's grinders myself, (X, J, K ultras), and I thought I knew just about everything about the grinders after a month of testing, but still learned just a tad more from your video, so thanks for sharing.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

thanks so much ! 🫶 Dude, I never knew you worked at 49th! 2013/14 - I worked at Matchstick, just around the corner 🫶

[@CoffeeGeek]

@@AlternativeBrewing Hi Josh. I never worked for Vince or 49th Parallel; for a time, I used their coffee as our "standard" coffee for equipment reviews and tests on CoffeeGeek, but that was it. I did help Sammy Piccolo with his World Barista Championship training, did interact a lot with Vince when he owned Caffe Artigiano and 49th Parallel, but no actual working for him ;) Pretty cool you worked at Matchstick. Was that around the time Aaron was still a co-owner? Loved that shop when it first opened up at Fraser and Kingsway. I had a secret drink on the menu too at Matchstick, that only I ordered: a "half and half". They brewed me a double shot, split into two cups, and made one a macchiato. 😄

[@AlternativeBrewing]

That’s further back than I go 😅 I was at Matchstick just after Aaron I believe. Baked goods were so good! Had hoped to work at Revolver tbh but ended up living 2kins from Fraser so that worked beautifully. Miss the city but might come visit one day again

[@jasestu]

Great edit on the grind time comparison!!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Cheers! Glad you liked it.

[@peterr8538]

I do like zp6 for cupping, but keep in mind that cupping is steep coffee not drip coffee, cupping is not how you get the best out of the zp6 Also in a future video you might try the grinders with classic espresso, and lighter roast, the grinders shine different with different roast profiles. Also the grindsize chart you made, unfortunatly the the first step of the grinder is not one step size, it has somthing to do with the angles and finishing teeth and stuff like that, if you kruve sift the different burrs you'll se a different "start size" especially on the zp6 where ist obvious that 1 or 2 clicks as you used dosnt give you 44 micron particles 😅 The best thing i got from this video were that zp6 turbos might be worth exploring and that after their manufacturing difficulties x-ultra has become super capable. Very nice! Also the q-air is more than a beginner grinder, its the perfect backpack grinder, and can make great high dose picopresso espresso and it fits in the aeropress 😊 I really like the last part where you praised what 1zpresso has become, I love how they Arent just copies bun innovations compaired to earlier brands

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks so much 🙌 Great advise and points you've made. More work to really find the sweet spot on all these grinders - certainly not an indication on their capabilities - though the results were the results - I'll aim to fine tune the test to be closer to an accurate comparison. Was super impressed with the X-Ultra! J and K Ultra are very similar to the J & K Max - and the Q-Air 100% agree.

[@CrisChen]

ZP6 is known to be hard to master, and there seems to a very big difference between new and seasoned. Also, there's a sweet spot for ZP6 which is about 10 clicks coarser from the suggested range from 1zpresso

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks so much! I’ll be sure to use this insight. Much appreciated 🙏

[@Jairolarte92]

Thanks a lot, it’s X Ultra my best option for all brewing methods

[@AlternativeBrewing]

It really is!

[@infektdubstep]

the espresso reveal had me laughing so hard with the ZP6 coming in first after you've repeated so much that you shouldn't get it for espresso 😆

[@rittervsp]

Interesting result ) to my taste, the idea of getting comparable results by using expectingly equal grind size is interesting, but i strongly prefer to compare best result each grinder is able to give ) I have k-plus and reasonably happy with it )

[@peterr8538]

Agree with some roast profiles it even outshines the other grinders, lighter roast espresso and darker roast filter curiously enough sometimes shines better though on the k 😁

[@NA26626]

Great review! I've got a ZP6 and I can confirm that it does tend to be bright and super clear. It's got a wide range for "good" brews too which means you have to rely on your technique which is cool!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks for the info!

[@ricstars95]

do you like it? im planning to get it as my 1st grinder, being a beginner. would you recommend it or should i look in other direction? i read its great for light roast but is ir really weak in medium roast? (im fond of med.roast) .

[@NA26626]

@@ricstars95 I think it's nice being able to rely on a grinder and focus on other elements. Not having to worry that it's causing problems or anything with allignment is totally worth it in my book! As for medium roasts, my guess is you prefer the body those roasts tend to give and I haven't been able to do that with the ZP6 without ruining the brew. But if you enjoy clear cups then yeah go for it! Let me know how it goes or if you've got any other questions!

[@bonezed]

great review. I already have the X Pro from you and love it for filter

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Nice 👍

[@meandmyRC99]

Great video. So much potential variability. Thank you!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You're very welcome!

[@rafalz9275]

Great comparison! I’m still torn between K ultra and zp6 , i brew pour overs only , usually light roasts, currently using cheap electric grinder. I miss for sweeter notes. How is your take on zp6 after awhile, will do nice with south American sweeter coffees? Price is slightly more atractive for me. Thank you 😉

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks for sharing! Yeah I’ve got a few videos lined up to come back to the ZP6 for sure. It’s a great grinder - hard to beat but then comparing it to a K burr - tricky!

[@123Peter]

Dialing in should be done by taste. You estimate the initial grind size and from there you continue to adjust based on taste...

[@AlternativeBrewing]

100% agree on this. I'll aim for a recipe or close to begin with and go from there. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqmmZmWifa6Gb9U

[@NINJA_INVESTORS]

Which is the best for immersion cold brew?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Honestly any of them 🙌 they’ll all do a coarse grind for cold brew well!

[@spektrograf]

Great review/testing! Love the authenticity and honesty. 👍✨ I have the ZP6, K-Ultra, J-Ultra, E-Pro, and the first precursor to the current Q series. I've not done a cross product shootout like you have but can confirm general trend/sentiment for ZP6 having great clarity and less body for filter brew coffee with J-Ultra having far more texture and body for espresso. I've not gotten the J-Ultra to produce filter brews that I enjoy.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Thanks so much for your kind words 🙌 and I'd agree - J-Ultra is not the grinder you want for Filter 100%

[@robertebob]

I'm very glad to have my K-Plus for daily espresso.

[@shadowsbyanimesh]

what's your current setup? i am planning to get into espresso with K+ but not sure if it would be good enough

[@robertebob]

@@shadowsbyanimesh I believe the K-Plus is discontinued, but there may be one in the market somewhere. I’m currently pairing it with a Breville Barista Pro. Opting not to use the grinder in the Breville.

[@shadowsbyanimesh]

@@robertebob I am already using K+ for past 2 years but espresso would be new to me.. maybe I would start with flair58

[@MittyMagoo]

K ultra is basically the same grinder as the plus

[@shadowsbyanimesh]

@@MittyMagoo Interesting! Anyways..i got a DF64v with SSP burrs 🕺

[@LocalYokel01]

What is your recommendation for the moka pot? I see one vote below for the X-Ultra.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Yes, I'd go the X-Ultra 👌 Perfect all-rounder

[@LocalYokel01]

@@AlternativeBrewing Thanks for the recommendation.

[@JOHNOSA]

i have q air and its very good for the price👌👌

[@AlternativeBrewing]

so true 🙌

[@reggiehansen5277]

I've been using my x-ultra mainly for espresso and have been really enjoying it. Curious to know your opinion of this vs the Turin/MiiCofee DF 54 for espresso.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Unless you’re a real flavour seeker, I would always go Automatic over Manual - and these two I would say are too close to really sense any advantage with Manual otherwise.

[@donjetsalihi4801]

Hi, what is the grind setting you are using ?

[@reggiehansen5277]

@@donjetsalihi4801 27-35 clicks depending on bean density. This has been lower that what 1ZPRESSO says is espresso range. (40-60)

[@Farpun]

I was just looking at buying an 1zpresso from you guys, crazy timing

[@AlternativeBrewing]

We got you 🫶

[@allanmcdonald3223]

Based on this video, you mentioned setting all grinders to about 1000 micron particle size for the grinding speed comparison. How did you determine what 1000 micron particle looks like and how to calculate the actual dial in setting?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Through matching the Vertical burr gap on each grinder. - Admittedly I thought this was actual micron size that would be produced by the grinder - but it is in fact the VBM of each grinder. also using a visual aid as the secondary check. - Dialling in for filter was based off of time only - not extraction yield - which could be another way to do it though I have my doubts it is the best way. More likely if you really want to test Grinders next to each other comprehensively it would be to to many of these tests and cross reference.

[@Mandragara]

I'd really love to demo a ZP6 somewhere

[@kosvix]

It is just awesome. I have it at home and the filtration is fast so i can go finer a lot than other grinders chasing more taste.

[@space.youtube]

Why would you "aim" for 22-24 secs on an 18 grams in/36 grams out espresso shot? Do you like under extracted shots? Or are you trying to avoid the grinders' espresso limitations?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Which shot are you referring to ? The ZP6 was incredibly difficult to get the fineness for this flow rate, same for the Q-Air

[@space.youtube]

@@AlternativeBrewingThat's kind of my point, if some of the grinders can't grind fine enough to pull a more conventional shot, say 28-30 seconds, then that should be noted. I don't see the point in picking parameters that every grinder can achieve when said parameters may not be fit for the purpose of pulling conventional espresso shots with your chosen bean. That you structured this comparison in the terms you did rendered the taste test completely useless, unless you're trying to establish which grinder produces the least offensive under extracted shot. I would have created a dialled in baseline with my go to (electric) espresso grinder, then compared which hand grinder comes closest to replicating it. If some of the grinders can't, then so be it. Surely that's the information that's relevant to anyone considering them for espresso shots? Having said all that, kudos to you. The effort you make is obvious, and it's appreciated. 👍

[@dnullify100]

Weird espessso tasting results. I use a k-ultra with a flair58. I can get 1:2 ratio thick coffee with it, and more modern juicy acidic longer shors with lighter roasts. Perhaps im able to modulate pressure to get the results im targeting?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I would say so yes 🙌 give it a try

[@larakaraman]

I bought a Picopresso and I’d like to change my grinder Timemore c3 to 1zpresso. But I’m not sure which one is enough for it? (X-Ultra or J-max?). Btw I wont sell my Timemore.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

I'd personally go the X-Ultra. J series are fantastic but the thing that does my head in is the amount of grind adjustments it has - it makes for dialling in very laborious. Whereas the X-Ultra you can hit the right grind fairly quickly and it's more repeatable - and more compact too without sacrificing flavour 👌

[@larakaraman]

@@AlternativeBrewing thank you for your answer

[@daniellonetree6131]

Hey Josh, I wanted to buy the J-ultra after watching this vid. Will that be restocked? Thanks

[@AlternativeBrewing]

It’s unlikely 😕 lots becoming discontinued atm. X-Pro is good too though

[@daniellonetree6131]

@@AlternativeBrewing Thanks for the update. What about the K-ultra? Cant really decide between it and the comandante c40 as an all-round grinder for pourover and the picopresso....

[@cpt_pugwash]

Doesn't 1zpresso use burr movement for their micron specs not micron of grind? IE the burrs move 22 microns on the axle which won't equate to a 22 micron change in actual grind size.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You could be right there 🤔 I’m possibly confused then - the attempt was to make the grinders at the same grind size - or very close, to taste how the grinders make similar coffee tastes. Sounds very much like I’ll be revisiting this down the track 🙌

[@MittyMagoo]

This is correct, Lance Hedrick highlighted this in one of his videos

[@brownzys]

were the grinders well seasoned? I found myself not enjoying the first 3 kilos through the j ultra now Im in love

[@brownzys]

What the test shows for sure is that the X is very forgiving with grindsize not being perfect

[@airfoilsinmotion4777]

Thanks for this video! I had an X Ultra on order and wasn’t 100 percent sure I made a good choice. (As there are so many) I drink press coffee mostly but would like the option to have an espresso down the road. Your surprising results definitely highlighted the the positive qualities of the X Ultra. Thanks again

[@AlternativeBrewing]

You're welcome 😀

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Seasoned - not with 3kg - but with 500g at fine grinds

[@brownzys]

@@AlternativeBrewing seems resonable for a hand grinder. Most people would decide whether they like it or not after that ammount or so

[@Davidfb78]

Excellent review ! Saludos desde España.

[@KrishnenduKes]

This is such a strange result. I was not expecting this! I am still on my J Max workouts though.

[@chahahc]

Just FYI the J-Ultra has a different burr set than the J-Max.

[@KrishnenduKes]

@@chahahc I am sure it does. I have not used it though.

[@chahahc]

Very interesting. I wonder what variables are making the results contradictory to some other youtube videos. I have read that the zp6 can pull some great turbo shots.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Great point! Yeah turbo from my experience is all you’re going to get

[@jupitersky3]

I in the middle to buy 1zpresso and looking for the right all around grinder. Right now the j ultra and k ultra is on my mind. But Now, You are showing a confusing video that makes me more confuse to make a choice.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

X Ultra just as good 👍 for all-round if. It better than K-ultra tbh for price and comparable performance

[@jupitersky3]

@@AlternativeBrewing thanks for the recommendation!

[@elcapeta]

Well, you did like the espresso with filter burrs on the Pietro.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

🥴 yeah that’s true

[@KrazyShark]

Was looking for 1Zpresso for a while and got so confused with their model names so thank you for the vid :) I'm really surprised about the ZP6 results however... Overall the results were really confusing 😅Guess I'll keep my K6 for now.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

hahaha yeah - I would say - it's not a definitive example of the ZP6's capability for taste here. I'm certain it goes well for filter too, results were confusing for me too - need more time with the Grinder and will be revisiting this.

[@KrazyShark]

@@AlternativeBrewing Yeah definitely needs more testing probably. I've always wondered if going the Fellow Ode Gen 2 route would be a game changer for me in terms of filter brewing taste but oof, wallet taking quite a hit with this hobby 🤣 will stick with my K6 for now. Thank you again for your videos 🙏

[@Kang_Guru.]

It's hard to believe that X Ultra and ZP6 performs better than J Ultra -- I think there' s a room for more tuning with the J Ultra.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

That's a good point. I do know the J Ultra is by far one of the better Espresso grinders - although it does tend to grind with more fines than the other grinders - and this may impact its ability somewhat for filter coffee.

[@Kang_Guru.]

@@AlternativeBrewing in other words, J Ultra is still the better manual coffee grinder, we just need to find the suitable setting to produce the same result as the other grinder (which grinds not as fine as the J Ultra)?

[@Kang_Guru.]

@@AlternativeBrewing also, does the Comandante C40 MK4 produce a better espresso than 1zpresso J-Ultra? In other words, the J-Ultra grind beans too fine?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

No - I’d honestly still go the 1Zpresso system over the Comandante one. Simple and smooth workflow - taste difference wouldn’t be much at all

[@Howie-bz5pe]

This is interesting results. I love my k ultra and zp6 but would never hand grind espresso. I really wonder if this was a seasoning and/or grind size mismatch or just one persons taste preferences as you mentioned.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

a bit of both I think 🫶

[@j.st.8037]

My comment got deleted, it appears. I'll ask again: What's your source for the idea of ZP6's burrset being identical to m2?

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Deleted! 😳 no sorry I hadn’t deleted Ny comments - I’ll take a look to see if it’s waiting for approvals or something. My source? Side by side comparisons irl. Just happened upon, have both here - if it’s not identical- then it’s very close.

[@Timmeh2Buck]

I think if you spend more time with the K you’ll be able to dial in amazing shots. That’s been my experience. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@vito6397]

I wish the J-ultra looked like the K-ultra... I want to buy the J-ultra but prefer the look/colors of the K-ultra :( makes the purchase feel worse, which ain't great for expensive grinders

[@Lectuz]

The ZP6 could probably work really well with an espresso machine that uses 54 mm baskets or even smaller.

[@chris_huelsemeyer]

I don’t see it there. It’s focused on clarity, which is great for light roasts, but most 54 basket machines are not doing well on light roasts, but are rather entry machines for dark roasts

[@shadowsbyanimesh]

I feel it's a wrong methodology! Matching grind settings for different burrs doesn't makes sense at all! And Ideally it should have been the grind size particle distribution similarity to find the best one for each brewing method!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Good point!

[@chefarj]

Lance Hedrick 👀 Alternative Brewing

[@AlternativeBrewing]

🤣 .. is that a question or a statement?

[@arghmon]

Wow weird results…but yea my j-max and k-ultra can have good days and bad days

[@thomascee]

Hilarious outcome! To me it's pretty clear, you lean towards the heavy fruity body mouth feel. I would be curious if you upped your grinds dose on the pour-over with the ZP6 how that would compare. Fantastic comparison, that took you awhile. Thanks!

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Great suggestion! Thanks so much. Certainly not a bad idea, and the ZP6 is a great grinder no matter what I did on this day. Interestingly I discovered they use the exact same M2 burr as the Baratza Encore ESP

[@thomascee]

@@AlternativeBrewing I had NO idea!?? That is REALLY fascinating! Like EXTREMELY so. Well fantastic video, I hope it drives a lot of views and website clicks. 1Zpresso is awesome and that was the best comparison video to date 🤌🏽☕️

[@j.st.8037]

@@AlternativeBrewing Regarding the ZP6 and M2 burrs being identical: What's your source for this info? Thanks.

[@peterr8538]

​@@AlternativeBrewing also the outer burr? The flair royal grinder uses the same inner burr but different outer burr witch gives different results

[@unknownentity222]

You released this video... Yet you dont cover the New Q model, J model, etc. Very lacking in providing actual information. I kid, thank you for the video. I am curious how the ZP6 special was your favorite grinder for espresso. Also, excellent shot at a certain German company that has sent me a cease and desist letter.

[@AlternativeBrewing]

😂 😂 😂 ! 🙌 more tasting on my end - it was one espresso, after dialling in to a recipe - not to taste. Will be re-visiting this for sure

[@MittyMagoo]

Fantastic quality grinders, really confused product management. They need to cut back on the number of models and simplify things, shouldn't need a video to explain the difference

[@AlternativeBrewing]

Totally agree 🫶 and they are doing this now 👌