Mahlkönig X54: Home Grinder Deep Dive Review

[@chielichiel]

This is a very accurate review. I bought it and after 2 months i must say, very happy with the grinder. My previous grinder was a little cheaper, but so much better coffee for the extra money. Thanks, great video

[@PositivelyNice]

I am a fan of German and Japanese made machinery. I never would have known Mahlkonig has a home model if you didn't do this video. Great info and experiment as always. The difference in the shot made is visibly clear compared to when you use the same espresso machine in subsequent videos but with other grinders.

[@robertopics]

Unfortunately this is a Chinese made unit (not that there is anything wrong with that).

[@ecobluefarms223]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MINE I’ve had it only for a month it’s fierce 🎉

[@maximboe]

A little spritz of water helps reduce retention I've found with my X54

[@BaukeP]

Thanks for your extensive review! One of the best online in my opinion.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Glad you think so, I appreciate the feedback!

[@hkauprentang3847]

Nice video tom !

[@ErnstBolder]

Tom, enough about the mahlkoening, is that a Hamilton Kahki on your wrist?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Haha, thanks for noticing. It's actually a Wenger chronograph. I don't know the model name otherwise... Hamilton is sweet though!

[@theodoresmith7544]

Please can you do an in depth video on how to properly zero the burrs. I am struggling the same as you with getting the finest setting fine enough for espresso. I have tried the suggested pulling out the dial, changing 0 to about 15 - then attempting to turn and bring the burrs closer until they chirp - however it just doesn’t let me go any further!!!! It’s as though when I lift the ceiling - the floor comes up too. I can’t wind it any further. You mentioned you took it apart and did something else? The photos on the hood are clear but not sure what you did once you took apart the gear box?!?! Please help ! I want to love this grinder but I hate this grinder!!!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello, please check the Mahlkoenig website - they show how to do that, among other things with this grinder.

[@theodoresmith7544]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner Thanks! Can you send a link to the exact bit?!?

[@pedrochaconlopez]

Excelente, Muchas gracias, muy completo el video

[@cher128bx]

I looked at your blog to see how you readjusted the gear to a 1. It made no sense to me. Maybe you can do a short video on readjusting the calibrating gear to 1 for this machine for newbies like me considering purchasing this grinder. That would be so helpful. Thx.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sorry, I don't have this machine anymore. It is a little tricky, but you can pull the dial off, and put it back on, where the arrow lines up with where you want. A little trial and error may be required. Cheers!

[@d4rk_entityy]

Hi tom, whats the retention on the first grind after cleaning

[@bkik5]

You mention it briefly but how how did you find the grind adjustment in terms of robustness and precision? It looks like a beautifully made machine and I would like this essential part of the design to measure up to that standard of precision overall. Also, that shot had a huge amount of crema. Was this due to the type or freshness of the beans you're using? I'm using an ECM machine with Eureka grinder but don't get that much crema. Thanks.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The crema has mostly to do with fresher beans, yes. Also beans with more robusta will give you more crema. The grind adjustment is just OK, I would say. It feels like a little play in the planetary gear box. I'd stick with a Eureka myself.

[@sortedtales]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner - Thanks, I like that answer. ;)

[@easyhoo]

Thanks for good review!^^

[@janaccord]

can you make a video comparing the IMS basket you have to on Dedica to other baskets? if it makes much difference on the outcome. a basket like NEOUZA basket is much cheaper,

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I have had good luck with both IMS and Neouza baskets, to be honest. I usually use IMS, just because I like to support Italian made stuff.

[@erikverdugo1758]

Hi! Thank you so much for this video review. I would like to know if you recommend or if you test it for pour over coffee in demand? I have been looking videos about retention but with pour over grind size and I havent found one that talks about it.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Sure, you can use it for pour over. Retention will be the same though - pretty high.

[@noControl556]

Great video! I'm looking for a hopper-fed directly into portafilter grinder mainly for dark roast milk drinks for that first breakfast latte with minimal steps. Looking closely at the Libra for its GBW, but a consistant timed grinder would work as well, this one seems a bit too far off unfortunately since I'm seeing this on sale right now for $500 while the Libra is about $300 more

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

What about the Specialita?

[@noControl556]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner I considered that as well, I think for now I'm just going to keep using my facile for that purpose and use the timer on my scale, I have a DF 64 Gen 2 on order for the specialty beans

[@Blocoholi]

​@@noControl556how did you get on with the DF64? Currently using a Mignon Crono but planning to upgrade to either X54, DF64v2 or Niche Zero.

[@guest8102]

Great review, thank you. So, I'm just starting out & have realised the importance of the grinder vs the actual coffee machine. So I'm looking at the price point of this X54, across Eureka and any other quality brands (by which I mean, reliable, but fixable & candidate for passing down to my kids). On this basis, what grinder would you recommend for me? Many thanks.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

If you want to pass it down, then go for a Mignon, like the Specialita. Otherwise, I'd recommend the DF54, but who knows if that company will be around for spare parts in 20 years. Cheers!

[@AD.H.]

If you have to choose between the Mahlkonig X54 or Rancilio Stile, what would you choose?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I haven't tried the Stile, but I am thinking the Rancilio. It has 58mm burrs compared to 54mm and it has a 190 watt motor compared to 70w.

[@chrismccannIRL]

Thanks for the review. I’m trying to decide on a grinder at the minute. This is one of my top picks alongside the Ceada E5p and the Eureka Oro or Specialita. For someone who does only espresso twice to three times a day is the x54 the right choice or is there something else. It is a great brand. I saw quite a lot of static coffee near the end of the video. Is that a problem? Thanks

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Of those, I'd definately go for the Eureka Mignon line. It's quieter, has a much larger motor, and is even made in Italy. The X54 is made in China and has a small motor. I think Mahlkoenig is a great comopany, but even though this grinder has slick engineering, I feel you're getting a more solid product with the Eureka. I had a Ceado once, and it was pretty good, solid and quiet. But the adjustment wasn't easy, and it had a big footprint. You can't go wrong with an Oro.

[@chrismccannIRL]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner thanks for your help

[@philbaker2036]

I own a Mignon Specialita and I’m not happy with it. It often jams in the middle of a grind. The counter continues but the grinding stops. I checked a number of the reviews on the major retailer sites and others have the same issue. I’m experiencing this even though I am not a heavy user and try to clean it every couple of weeks.

[@bkik5]

@@philbaker2036 - Strange, I have the Eureka Silenzio (same grinder basically) and it's a workhorse - never any issues, certainly never any binding or jamming.

[@udyb]

​@@philbaker2036How thorough are you? Do you reach inside the chute? I only had that issue once. Since then I am carefully clean up the chute. And I never do RDT

[@weeksy79]

Is there a way to use a portafilter dosing funnel with this grinder?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

If you use the grinder without the PF holder, then yes. Cheers!

[@weeksy79]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner much appreciated! I ended up getting a Specialita, which JUST fits my dosing funnel so I’m very happy. LOVING your content by the way

[@adriannoferraz470]

Hi from Brazil!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Hello there!

[@andreylearns]

Does this grind by weight?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Nope.

[@dinokarakostas6407]

Do you get lots of static

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Actually, this grinder is pretty decent with static. It has a nice beefy declumper/anti static flap.

[@kungfutigerrob]

Good video as always. In my country the Mahlkonig is a similar price to the Rancilio Stile, a bit less than a Mazzer Mini and a bit more expensive than a Eureka Specialita. For it's engineering, materials , ease of use and quality of grind, I'd say that it's good value.

[@rballiett3275]

I purchased an X54 directly from Mahlkonig in late November of 2022. I was so excited when it arrived the day before my birthday. Unfortunately, that's where the happiness ended. I received a hunk of junk that could not be calibrated. I followed the videos and all available information to no avail. My machine spewed coffee like a broken fire hydrant on the finest setting from the X54. After removing the adjustment ring I found that the gears that provide the burr adjustment are PLASTIC and would not move. My X54 arrived with coffee grounds in it, so it had obviously been tested. How it passed is beyond me, unless the test consisted of "yep, it spins, and coffee grounds come out". It became apparent to me that in the rush to enter the home market, Mahlkonig created a budget grinder and kept their fingers crossed that the Chinese factory (Yes, the X54 is made in China) would have adequate quality control. As I later learned, my issue was a known and ongoing issue with a number of the X54s that left the factory in China. As it was the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, no one from Mahlkonig was available to help. To make matters even worse, when finally I was able to contact someone, it was obvious that they JUST DID NOT CARE. They talked a good game, "We'll do whatever it takes to make this right!" But the reality was that all they were really willing to do was to have me send back the grinder, "fix" it and then send me back the very same grinder. NO THANKS! No recompense of any sort for my time, effort, and frustration in dealing with the defective grinder that they sold me. In my opinion Mahlkonig just accepted that a certain number of these poorly made, low-cost Chinese grinders were going to have issues. I boxed mine up and sent it back. To add insult to injury, Mahlkonig made me pay to send it back. I then purchased a real grinder. A Mazzer Super Jolly V Pro and I could not be happier. I know some people love the X54, but I have serious doubts about its build quality and Mahlkonig customer service. CAVEAT EMPTOR.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I would look at it this way: it is a high priced grinder for 54mm burrs and made in China, but the engineering on it is quite nice. The motor is on the weak side at 120 W, but that didn't have an issue for me. What I do think is, you can get an italian built grinder like the Specialita for the same or less money. Super Jolly should also be nice. I have a Mazzer Mini that is quite a workhorse. Sorry to hear your frustration. Cheers!

[@philbaker2036]

Very helpful information and makes me hesitant to purchase. I guess I’ll stick with my Specialita in spite of it’s frequent jamming.

[@bkik5]

"Spewed espresso like a broken fire hydrant' 🤣🤣

[@destructoooo]

The kings of grinders, but you have to adjust the gears yourself? Oh my...how do you know/measure it's not fine enough?

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Yes, I had to adjust the calibration point, as it wasn't grinding fine enough from the factory.

[@destructoooo]

@@TomsCoffeeCorner if I don't hit the 25 seconds/35ml mark, and dialed to "0" setting already, it means I have to adjust the gears also?

[@Maybaby1959]

Baratza has had that for 10 years sette

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

The Sette is a 40mm conical grinder, while this is a 54mm flat.

[@1234loci]

Looks good and definitely a great quality grinder however I was shocked by the consistency. Those are absolutely unreliable numbers, 1-2g swings with the same time setting. if someone wants to use it with the hopper filled up its a no-no. Otherwise its nice machine.

[@chielichiel]

As his test has shown , many of these numbers were caused by retention of a previous test and by changing grindsize. I did the test myself at home with a filled hopper. In 10 rounds the differential was max 0.4 gram

[@Maybaby1959]

These reviews. These grinders are not made for single dose unless you have bellows. They work best for one recipe at a time.

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

I know, you're right. I honestly prefer to use a hoppered grinder anyway, but lots of people want to know the retention. Cheers!

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Thank you for watching, comments welcome! Product links in the description above 👆🏻 📖 tomscoffeecorner.com/mahlkoenig-x54-home-coffee-grinder-review/ Check out my Amazon storefront for tips and suggestions: www.amazon.com/shop/tomscoffeecorner

[@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

[@TomsCoffeeCorner]

Well, I wouldn't call it cheap...

[@toddd7444]

if it's mostly plastic gearing It is better suited for drip coffee. It's easy to use and to buy. EK43 has higher extraction, and is better for Espresso coffees time will tell if i am right a FOOL AND HIS MONEY wheelchair larry

[@freightdawg6762]

Static mess