Has the GOLD Standard Come Home?? Mahlkonig x54 Review

The Mahlkonig name has been the industry standard in cafes for years. Has Mahlkonig replicated that success in a package that's affordable and approachable for home baristas?
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Huge thanks to James at Mark IV Brothers Coffee in Orillia for letting me crash the cafe.
Also to ‪@mikflores‬ for the footage of the single dosing attachment and beauty Bentwood! Make sure to subscribe to him!
Here is the link to the Single dosing attachment - www.etsy.com/c...
The coffee I was drinking was from ‪@pilotcoffeeroasters09‬ and grown by Chalo Fernandez

[@abdallahalhasnainytimuroglu]

I got X54 Mahlkonig, it's been 2 weeks but it's smooth and calm does its job perfectly. I'm loving it.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Yup, great grinder!

[@catman928]

It HAS earned a place on my counter as a pour-over and cold brew grinder. I am very impressed with the grinder and the short hopper which I also purchased.

[@sbc_4738]

Nice review! I usually weigh out enough beans for my wife to make a Technivorm pot (~78g or so) by way of Baratza Encore. Is there a simple on/off grind switch to run until that particular amount goes through, or must a timer be set to grind?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

You can definitely run it manually as well!

[@shootloadrepeat]

Thanks for the review and for not completely butchering the name although it could use some improvement. Try splitting the name into 2 words: Mahl-----Koenig. (Grind-King)

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Ha! Thank you! I did tweak that since I recorded ☺️

[@manm2003]

This guy’s content is so much more watchable than other coffee reviewers’. More interesting insights, he’s articulate but concise and his voice is easy to listen.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Man, thank you so much for this. I am always trying to balance being clear and concise with giving enough detailed info, and providing a “watchable” and enjoyable review. It’s a balancing act and I find myself overthinking it all on every release! It’s always so tempting to go way down the rabbit hole, and that’s not always the most helpful! Besides, there are others who do that very well. I really appreciate the encouragement! I’m just a normal dude making videos!

[@SureFeelsGood]

agreed..there's others on here that maddeningly talk on and on without saying anything

[@TheBigDean18]

Which coffee reviewers are you referring to?

[@efrentan7377]

Hi can you do a video on how to re zero the grinder thanks

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s on the list but my dude @lifestylelab_ already has a great one! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zl7XeoN8ftR_bJI

[@Jomaxp]

Would you recommend this grinder over the niche ?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

If you want to single dose I would recommend the niche over this. This is a fantastic grinder but it’s really better suited as an on-demand (hopper style) grinder

[@Jomaxp]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Thank you

[@Maybaby1959]

Leave it to the Germans.

[@Heeman1119]

1) who are you 2) why are you in my feed 3) who in their right mind would pay more than 20 bucks for a grinder This is materialism absurdism, and doesn't even propperly disclose that it functions entirely as an ad.

[@johnscottguggenheime]

For 20 bucks you are probably better of just hammering the beans one by one 🐒

[@adityacbj]

Hi Aditya from India, I have just ordered myself the Lelit Bianca V3 Gold edition. I am now looking for a suitable grinder to pair it up with. My focus is only for espresso as I have a barratza encore for filter coffees. Money no object, please share your suggestions. Thanks

[@Tchas2020]

Just ordered and used the X54 for the first time and want to send a word of warning. Workspace: A clean workspace is extremely important to me. There doesn't seem to be a way to get 18g in the basket without a complete explosion. Usage: The button that senses when the portafilter is in place seems to shut off intermittently even when applying pressure to the portafilter handle. The grind time will reset 3s after the grinder deactivates; Seemingly because the button isn't depressed hard enough? Grind settings: Even after zeroing out the grinder 2x I still was unable to grind fine enough for a light roast espresso. And with other roasts I had to be set on the absolute finest setting . Overall: 1/10 only because it grinds coffee beans . Returning and looking advice.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

A couple thoughts here: Static REALLY improves after the burrs are seasoned in my experience. Regard the PF button, I have not had this experience, maybe reach out to your retailer? I have also not had an issue with lights roast espresso, although with the way the dial is it can be a little finicky dialing in. Lifestyle Lab has a good video on dial ins

[@ericanderson1753]

I love my X54 with single dosing mod. Can’t wait to pair it with the Meticulous Espresso later this year.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Do you use the one shown here or a different one??? Just curious!

[@ericanderson1753]

I use a different one that I found earlier this year. It was an STL file that I 3d printed. Then I use the bellows that Lance Hedrick always recommends.

[@jackowens_]

I have been running one for about 6 months now and it has really impressed me. Build quality is great. I actually use it in a single dosing workflow in stock form with hopper intact, hopper door as an anti popcorn kind of like an EK43, and I see basically no retention from what I toss in there and super stable shot to shot. The static only ever follows cleaning the grinder out (standard affair really) and returns to complete static free and fluffy after a shot or 2. I'll pop some Ditting steels in there in due course.

[@ReelAesthetic]

Hey, who is this guy? In these videos?!? I know this dude! He’s the man! 😮

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Ha! Hey dude!!!

[@giuseppecesarano108]

The comment made by the Mahlkonig representative is kinda weird, burr coating chipping? Easy to find pictures online? Meh, I've never heard or read someone complain about the coating on a burr chip and I can't really find those pictures. I can understand that Mahlkonig didn't want to invest in R&D for burr coating, you need new machines and the cutting dynamics of a particular geometry changes if you coat the burr, so new studies and research would be needed and it could not be worth since most of their customers are business where ease of dialing-in counts more than getting the perfect shot at the cost of wasting half a day dialing-in. But scaring customers making them think that they are drinking burr coating ain't cool.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Exactly why I made sure to say this is a comment from their team. Intuitively, it makes sense. And I was able to find reports and images of this online. But, it’s also not something that is obviously widespread. I thought it was worth passing on with that disclaimer.

[@jonflyhigh]

What's the risk-reward of coating the burrs? They are used indoors and so will not rust. German made steel is amazing so what coat it with something that could come off? Sometimes the newest trend isn't always the best and can be more of a cult mentality.

[@alejandromendezc]

Hi, I have now seen this video like 5-6 times...just to convince myself that I did the right thing buying this grinder. I first was using in the hopper mode, but too much coffee wasted when switching between grind sizes, which I do every single day(espresso and filter mostly), 1-2 g daily, or more. I then re calibrated(re zeroed) it because espresso was to inconsistent, but still the same amount of coffee waste, so I switched into single dose mode, bought an attachment of other brand different than your recomendation(by mistake), and I have found too much retention and a mess inside the grinder due to a flaw on the attachment design. So I ordered your single dose attachment recommendation and we'll see how it goes, hopefully good.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I really like the R4D single dose hopper - please keep me posted! It’s a great grinder and I think once you get the new attachment you’ll be more than happy with single dosing!

[@anyidulike]

You didn't approach the most important thing : taste profile. Is it a clear or a complex profile?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Definitely not as clear as an ssp, but clearer than a conical. I would say it’s more on the complex end for a flat!

[@funfunnyfunnest]

Just ordered the ascaso machine. I currently have the fellow opus. I want to upgrade to this machine for aesthetics only since my espresso machine is white and I like how this grinder looks .how does it compare to my fellow? Should I make the upgrade? Thanks so much for giving us well put together videos.

[@tom_nuyts]

thx for the review... for me the 2 biggest drawbacks of the x54 are 1. the burr size and 2. grinder size ;-)) - in relation tom the burrs the complete machine is way too big

[@craigmann84]

Did not expect that low price. Nice!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Yes - very competitive!

[@JacksBrainStem]

Question as it relates to burr coatings wearing off: metal, no matter what kind, wears off in grinder burrs as they are used. What makes the coating any differnt from the base steel metal? Both materials end up in very minute amounts over time in your coffee, right?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Yes, however what they had said to me is that the fissures created from the coating/substrate can cause cracking and flaking which causes material loss in a much more accelerated manner than normal wear. Again, you can find pictures of this but it does not seem to be a widespread issue either from what I can tell. Something I didn’t think about either before I recorded is that it is more difficult to manufacture coated burrs at the massive scales that a manufacturer like mahlkonig requires.

[@JacksBrainStem]

Interesting. I'd be curious to see whatever science there is to be had on when the flaking starts occurring - before or after the intended lifespan of the burr. Fair point on the manufacturing. If nothing else, it's a cost saving measure 😅

[@pauloamw]

Purging the grinder between different grind settings isn't really a con, you'd have to do that with any grinder you are using for different brewing methods.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I hear you. Any time a hopper grinder is billed as an all around I feel the need to point this out, because I’ve talked to plenty of people who buy one not being aware of this and then spend forever trying to figure out the inconsistency of their brews

[@pauloamw]

@@DaddyGotCoffee I see, good observation and great review!

[@jackgtravis]

The way you have pronounced Mahlkönig makes this a really tough watch 😂

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

For some reason Mahlkoning and La Marzocco are two manufacturers that I cannot for the life of me say properly. Believe it or not it took work to get to this point without stuttering 😂

[@jackgtravis]

@@DaddyGotCoffee haha, it got better as the video went on but the first few are pretty funny 😄

[@bramwillems356]

Great review. Just to inform you. The link to the Single dosing attachment is not working anymore.

[@tt11qj]

How does the x54 compare to the fiorenzato allground? Im having a hard time deciding which of the two grinders to purchase!

[@tt11qj]

By the way, love all your videos, keep it up!

[@tt11qj]

Also, I only grind beans for espresso. What grinder would you choose?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Great question! Here’s how I see it. I prefer the taste of the AllGround Burrs personally. They slide further down the clarity spectrum. The x54 burrs are great too but a little more body and complexity. The x54 is a lot more approachable and easy to dial in, it just feels so easy to use. In my experience the x54 created more static/mess. Also, there are great single dose attachments for the x54, but not the AllGround. And, the x54 is cheaper! Hope that helps! Both are great grinders!

[@AD.H.]

If you have to choose between mahlkonig x54 or Rancilio Stile, what would you choose?

[@jessicahelinda8507]

Hi Daddy, would u be able to make a video of the best home grinder that you have at home? Mahlkonig, Fiorenzato or any other brands? much appreciated! thank you!

[@etc115]

Good point. Never thought of this. So Mahlkönig doesn’t cost the grinder for a good reason. Does Niche coat its grinder?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Niche doesn’t. But I believe for them it’s more the ability to get burrs at scale. Actually, it could be another factor for mahlkonig too. Coated burrs are much more difficult to make at a massive scale

[@etc115]

@@DaddyGotCoffee that makes niche still the top choice. Small details like this are important.

[@TheUn4givN]

What's the story behind the "Grace" tattoo that you have on your arm?

[@Maybaby1959]

It’s limited. Can’t upgrade. I mean if that’s what you wanted. Those burrs are it

[@Maybaby1959]

It’s made in Japan. I swore not to get but at 398.00 I hit a good bargain.

[@jamesfox8537]

Link to single doser doesnt work anymore. Can you share which one it was?

[@alexs9101]

Nice review! The link to single dose add-on is not working, any other recommendations?

[@NewRansomChurchoftheLivingGod]

What espresso machine are you using In This video ?

[@JeefMcQueef]

I’ve been going back and forth on this for about a month now. Found a display unit I think I am going to pull the trigger on. Just picked up a Moccamaster as well. Decided to step up the home coffee game

[@inuitviking]

I personally think they should have created a single dosing option for this grinder, it seems very capable; maybe something similar like the Eureka Mignon Oro or Mignon Zero, where the screen is gone, and with a nice bellows. It would probably be a cheaper option too. Now, completely unrelated to the X54, answering your question about what videos we want to see you make, it would be pretty cool if you could get your hands on a Rocket R Cinquantotto, and hear your thoughts on that. I of course don't expect you to get your hands on such an expensive machine, it is not exactly cheap. I haven't tried it, but I like the idea behind it: - It's an E61 (meaning, E61 mods are available, like flow control knob, and a pressure gauge) - It has a PID - Timer with *two* timers - Can be plugged into mains or used with a tank, just like your Ascaso Baby T (Plus, I assume it is?) In general, it is an analogue experience, with a digital twist, making it semi automatic, with no real need to flush the group head to cool it down into the right temperature, as the PID controls that. It also works without the PID, it's not even a necessity. To me, this seems like a perfect amount of control and analogue experience, as well as being tinkerable (I think that is a word?).

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I’ve really wanted to review some Rockets - this is a great idea. I’m not at the size yet where I can just go and buy one but I will keep this in mind if I can pull this together in some other creative way. On the single dosing front, I agree - this would be great. I’m not sure how large the single dosing market actually is in comparison to the hopper market. I’d love to have some info on this but I agree this would be a great add to the x54!

[@inuitviking]

​@@DaddyGotCoffee Guess I have to go share your channel more! You're doing an excellent job in my opinion, and I always look forward to a new video, regardless of what it contains. When it comes to single dosing grinders and hopper grinders, based purely on observation, I think the bigger market is for hoppers. People new to coffee are also seemingly weighing convenience over nerdiness, which is a fair; perhaps the single dosing grinder market is more of a niche one, where the true tinkerer and coffee nerd aims for something else, which the common coffee drinker probably doesn't go for. I'm personally also still with my CM 702 which has a hopper. Sorry for yet another long comment, I'm just too happy to chat about things that are interesting. 😅

[@3dus]

I thnink its the same burrs as the ones in baratza Vario W+ or forte. Very nice burrs.

[@carlospadial2905]

Any suggested settings for different brewing methods?

[@Jack-uw8do]

54mm portafilter fit ok without mess?

[@ED-fd7rh]

how does it compare to the fiorenzato allground?

[@chubbylord]

Was so tempted to purchase this grinder until you showed that static mess at the end 🤯.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I think the best solution to this is to put the filter cup up onto the espresso attachment. Static while grinding filter was probably the biggest issue I ran into with this

[@azza2575]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Hey, would rdt reduce the static?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

@@azza2575 it would but also not really practical assuming a hopper workflow. If you want to single dose, absolutely.

[@Maybaby1959]

Dosnt it come with a single doser too?

[@jesusgalvez9746]

If you don’t need it Can I have it

[@MrP_2112]

Thanks for the review! How does it perform with light roast espresso? Can it grind fine enough for it?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I drink predominantly light-medium/light. It can absolutely do it and do well, you will need to calibrate it though as mine was not zerod fine enough. I wouldn’t describe it as a high clarity style burr though - but it is a solid burr

[@etc115]

Also can you make a video and how to clean the ascaso?

[@ngkokwei6114]

Not a fan of decaf anyway, 😅.

[@3ede467]

LOL, there are no good things on a hopper grinder at home, except for the performance when one is serving guests which is actually the same argument as "having a party". 😅

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

I lean toward single dosing at home too but you’d be surprised how many people don’t want to bother with it. It’s a growing market share but still the minority. Maybe that will change as time goes on??

[@3ede467]

@@DaddyGotCoffee They just need to be educated on how to properly store their beans and how storing it in a hopper lets them get stale quickly. I am able to switch the coffee beans for each shot: A lighter, fruity type for my girlfriend, a muddy robusta for her dad and a nice specialty coffee for myself. Anyone being able to do that with a hopper full of beans? 😁

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

@@3ede467 I’m with you on this! But, some people don’t want to have more than one bag of coffee on hand or to bother with it. Different strokes for different folks!

[@tagheuer02]

​@3ede467 so which single dosing grinder do you recommend for $500?

[@tagheuer02]

​@@3ede467I do this with my Eureka Specialita, threw a hopper on it and it works great.

[@toddd7444]

it's a cheap grinder it made for drip coffee its easy to use and buy EK43 is a better for Espresso coffees wheelchair larry

[@handshake883]

This is an ad, not a review.