WORLD'S FIRST OF ITS KIND: Wug2 83A Grinder Review

[@aellope3849]

It looks like gaggia classic, but grinder.

[@andrewnicola2003]

put a logo and knob, thats it 😂🤣

[@aaronboothe283]

Grindia Classic…

[@chookchack]

Just like the gaggia, it has minimal clearance. 😂😂😂

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Insider information so keep this between us. But if you pour water into the back of it, it'll make great espresso

[@chookchack]

@@veganpotterthevegan no need for an opv spring upgrade?

[@irsantenggara8132]

I think this grinder deserves revisiting from you Lance, now that the new version has new display and dial control. And could you help me choose which four burr I should get when purchasing. I enjoy wide array of coffee, from traditional espresso to funky one, from flowery filter to black tea like. So what four burr conbination that you think will do the most complete set and not overlapping each others. And thanks for the great review as always.

[@isocle]

Lance, I just wanted to say that this has been one of my favorite videos you've released in a while, and your baritone is fabulous!

[@cade5400]

I really appreciate how you go through taking grinders apart in your reviews. It’s been really helpful to me in the past taking apart grinders you’ve reviewed

[@joshjanes1]

Cool prototype, but really needs a new version to be mature: 1) A physical switch rather than button with clearly marked cone vs flat indications (maybe even color coded lights) for motor direction. 2) A knob rather than buttons for RPM control. 3) A feed system that is not an afterthought. Magnetic anti-popcorning cover pieces is pretty weak. 4) More clearance below the burrs (for funnel, portafilter, and catch cup manipulation). Possibly more clearance above the burrs for feeding. 5) Better magnets for the funnels/catch cup.

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Looks much better now for their latest version I think they implemented some of these ideas.

[@0whitestone]

This is a very interesting grinder, can definitely see the engineering over UX focus. That button for reversing the direction just seems like an accident waiting to happen. It should have some clear indication, a safety switch that won't let it run if it's not set for the correct mode, or even easier is to just switch direction when you change the the other mode. and get rid of the manual button all together. The versatility is very cool, though.

[@dumelisdumelis]

Agreed.

[@isocle]

Yeah, there are some obvious ways that the UX could be improved. A rotary encoder instead of the RPM increase/decrease buttons, stronger magnets, nicer display, better way to add coffee (though he does talk about the side feeder chute in the video), less finicky anti-pop-corning lid. Maybe most important would be a safer mechanism to ensure that the user has intentionally selected the direction for their burrs. If there was a way to ensure that the grind direction could only be not set by the user but set with the burrs, that would be more ideal. Something like resetting the direction state when the burrs are opened up and forcing them to set it once? That way it can't be messed up by someone hitting the wrong button.

[@pieeetr]

Totally agree! However very interesting first attempt. But I’ll wait for the version 2 where all these UX shortcomings will be addressed.

[@limpio94]

One of the very first things we learned in engineering school is that you must make things idiot proof. You design them in such a way that no one can fuck it up.

[@Dane-ish]

I’m imagining fumbling the buttons, first thing in the morning, when still half asleep.

[@bruceharlick3322]

I didn't think I needed any other grinding, but this one makes a compelling case. Thank you for the excellent review.

[@TylerH266]

As we head into the fall season, the Burrrrr man is not disappointing. Thanks Lance

[@AnikiAtRamRanch]

7:49 that's a vernier, not a micrometer. The very best vernier can only measure up to half a thou, a micrometer measures up to a tenth.

[@philhughes765]

Thank heavens you broke into song! I wasn't sure that was you for a while there. Awesome product awesome review. Thank you again sir!

[@PeterGtze]

Great video. Wonderful singing voice, quality slurps a perfect start to the weekend❤

[@crossen0]

I've been waiting for so long for this review! Was a contender when I was looking to upgrade my setup. Still could be...

[@kevinhay2267]

Thanks Lance, super super interesting review. Quality stuff.

[@JamieAlexanderr]

Looks interesting! Looking forward to this! Thanks, Lance

[@avgjoe646]

glad i found your channel! really great content :)

[@MrMartyn1212]

Thanks Lance,love the variety of this machine And burr options Kinda Game over grinder••

[@gro967]

This sounds very interesting, will probably get this as an addition to my Acaia Orbit for experimenting.

[@TheGroundedCoffee]

Great review once again. Thanks!

[@TheMartinChnnl]

It's great!! I have some critics to say, but will keep them to myself...

[@LanceHedrick]

You can share them!

[@nv1573]

It can swap the oscillations, the way that it spins. So the motor can turn in both directions? which is actually easy to do with motors, you just swap 2 poles and bam it turns in the other direction nothing to do with oscillation by the way :) I have some problems with this machine, why did they choose push buttons without any visual representation of direction written on the machine. Use a flip switch, doesn´t break as fast and you can easily write left or right or burr type next to it. The same with the speed, why did they not use a turning knob to adjust the speed? just a simple potentiometer to adjust speed. They really wanted to put buttons that connect with a pcb and a microchip to adjust the speed? Honestly they should have gone with 1 big knob that you could turn to finetune the speed. so much easier than press, press, press, press, press, press. and hearing beep beep beep beep beep beep all the time. Seems like a high end fancy machine that could potentially break easily because of the electronics instead of using simple electric (not electronic) components.

[@imjooboy]

I agree with all your points. Especially regarding oscillations. I would think the grinder should have been designed to detect the type of burr carrier (assuming different carriers for flat vs conical) and automatically change the direction of spin instead of leaving it up to the user.

[@LanceHedrick]

Good points here! And ones I'm sure will be taken into consideration. For a paragdigmagic shift to occur, a first step is needed. I think this is a laudable first step and one that is executed well, imo. 18 months in and no issues

[@Cenot4ph]

​@imjooboy yea I was thinking the same. Could have a knob in the carrier that presses a specific part as a fairly easy implementation

[@isocle]

15:20 You weren't kidding that the magnets aren't strong enough on the funnel!

[@TomJones-tx7pb]

That funnel is my favorite shape, with the lip that goes into the portafilter. I WDT and tap once with the funnel in place, remove the funnel and then tamp.

[@justinbouchard]

immediately love the engineering concept

[@justinbouchard]

you could tape a piece of black construction paper to the side and create a feeding chute until you get yours :)

[@Cenot4ph]

that button to switch rotation at the top is a big design flaw, it should be placed where it can only be accessed once you replace the burrs to avoid accidental press and messing up your burrs

[@tonybologna1252]

What's the static like when grinding at different sizes/rpm? Is RDT necessary? I assume that you're unable to use bellows to assist with retention.

[@petervansan1054]

Lance: Best value Me: Oh? Lance: End game grinder Me: lol no ain't got money for that

[@edclevel402]

Probably overkill, but it would be cool if there was some kind of registration chip or physical sensor on each burr carrier that automatically switched the drive rotation based upon whether you're running flat or cone burrs. Reduced the risk of operator error potentially damaging a set of expensive burrs.

[@JamesDeCelleJr]

Hi Lance, appreciate the review! I've been torn between pairing the Zerno Z1 with my Niche Zero, or selling the Niche Zero and going with the Wug (starting out with the 71mm cones and a flat option, tbd). Given the limited reviews (at least that I've been able to find) on the Wug, I'm curious as to whether you'd recommend its versatility and 80mm size flat burr size, or if you'd recommend the build quality of the Zerno at the 64mm size + pre-breaker/auger system (knowing I'll just keep the NZ if I have the desire to brew some syrupy, thicker espresso shots). The all-in-one grinder aspect of the Wug is a nice feature, but I also wonder whether the 64mm - 80mm burr size will truly make that much of a difference; and therefore, would just prefer to get the grinder with the better build quality (from the video, I can't quite tell if it's just a plasticky feel, or if the build seems more likely to run into issues [primarily thinking about those rpm adjustment buttons] over time).

[@danielmerka4883]

I have the exact same question regarding the Zerno and Wug2. I find some opinions on 64mm (mostly from end game grinder owners) to be so diminishing that I find hard to believe they are as bad as some of them state. On the other hand I find really difficult to find reviews or opinions on 80mm (most threads I found are about naming confusion). I'm leaning towards Wug2 right now, as the Zerno is so hard to get and US import will cost me more where I live

[@Bemoderso]

The Grinder game must be in overtime, this is like the tenth endgame grinder recently

[@LanceHedrick]

Hmmmm. I don't think anyone ever referred to one end game grinder. That's mythical. There is a spectrum based off one's wants/desires. This happens to have the best value out of them, meaning it brings more to the table than anything anywhere near its price point.

[@midnight_teddy]

With the 80mm core burrs, is it pretty much the same as the EG-1 w/ core burrs?

[@brentroman]

13:59 “you get the drift”. Burr drift Lance! I should hope not!!! 😅

[@jggimi]

Watching you fumble with all the pins, knurled setting screws, and hex bolts to switch burrs, I thought "Lance! Make your life easier, and just flip that grinder upside down!" I wonder if that's possible, and if so, would it actually help. Or maybe using a couple of your shot mirrors down there? :)

[@Schmino]

Same thought! Except shot mirror, clever.

[@youremostwelcome]

If this grinder is anything like the farce that is the Weber Key, that side funnel will not solve the issue of dosing, as if you're RDTing (which is essential if you want to reduce static to a level that you have usable grinds), beans will stick on the way through the funnel.

[@mikni4069]

Static issue depends on location with any given grinder, I don’t RDT my current espresso grinder as I have limited static issues, I know others who lived in far drier climates had their issues with same grinder.

[@DavidNolet83]

I have the funnel and for me it solves the dosing issue. And BTW I don't need to rdt at all. No static issue. All the grinds fall straight into the cup.

[@youremostwelcome]

Glad to hear it's not for all users. Mine is so bad that if I don't RDT, not only do the walls of the magic tumbler receive a thick coating of them such that they don't fall to the bottom at all, quite a large amount of them stick to the bottom of the burrs, so they're effectively retained by the grinder.@@DavidNolet83

[@Cenot4ph]

​@@DavidNolet83thanks, good to know. Any issues noted thus far?

[@DavidNolet83]

@@Cenot4ph No issues yet. It's a workhorse and I don't feel it will break anytime soon. Just like Lance I really like it for what it is. Not being able to grind straight into the pf doesn't bother me at all. In fact I like that the magnetic cup sticks straight below the carrier. That makes my grinding space always clean since there is no way for grinds to fly around.

[@Arrowsmith86]

That is a huge claim, very interested now, thanks Lance

[@tedchiles8282]

Great video. If you were going to purchase this grinder for espresso, what 4 burrs would you recommend.

[@ChrisAllen-z8u]

You should do a video like the best coffee machine under 1k, 2k etc. but combos eg. best coffee machine and grinder for 5k just starting from scratch and would love to know what’s best combo for my budget.

[@jennifermarchlewski1607]

Thank you for the video. Something to consider when I decide to upgrade my Niche Zero.😁☕☕ Did you look into the grind distribution for both the flat and conical burrs? I am curious how it compares to other grinders.

[@atavax311]

Very cool grinder. One thing I'm not sure when getting a new grinder is if you should do any precautions to not over work the motor when seasoning.

[@LanceHedrick]

You definitely shouldn't. I usually do seasoning evenings where I do like 6 at once and rotate to give them breaks

[@cichlisuite2]

@@LanceHedrick I think Lance means "you definitely shouldn't" over work the motor rather than you shouldn't take any precautions - so you should be cautious, yes.

[@nicfab1]

The button switching between cone and flat being on top is kinda iffy, that's what you'd expect on a prototype, not a commercial product. All it takes is a guest or child or something being a bit too curious and pressing that button and your grinder potentially destroying itself. Should really be a switch inside or on the underside, that optimally you can only access when disassembling the burrs

[@LanceHedrick]

To be fair, it won't destroy it. You'll notice quickly. Just don't run it in that mode in perpetuity. You'll know because the beans won't grind spinning opposite direction ha!

[@mdfrick]

Came to make a similar comment. But in addition... this totally seems backwards in terms of button position. With it "out" the button is flat. With it depressed, it makes a cone. An easy mnemonic was right there!

[@williamhites6759]

Has anyone received an updated version? We ordered back in mid October, received a link to shaft alignment (no way of knowing if it was our order) after emailing an inquiry into progress and it should have shipped after a long 40+ days now last week.

[@ferologics]

the varia vs6 can also swap between flat/conical, no?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Yeah that's newer, I don't think anyone knew about it when this video was made. It doesn't fit the same big 80/83mm burrs though.

[@DH-bf9xb]

I'd love to know the sales on grinders like this and the niche duo. I only know a few coffee nerds but none of us would ever want to switch burrs like this.

[@LanceHedrick]

Enough to make them successful lol!

[@sporefan33]

Lance, I’d love to hear your thoughts on how some of the conical options for this or similar grinders compare specifically to Kafatek’s Shurikones. I’ve heard those heralded as a completely different (and superior) breed compared to other cones, but would love your “down to earth” perspective.

[@bmyvettjr]

i like what he said.... the futures is a machine where you can swap out instead of buying a machine where you can only get one kind of burr.

[@WTFA54]

THE TIME HAS COME

[@BarAlexC]

A small, offtopic, remark on 7:43 Did you mean "caliper" (that measures in the range of .1mm)? A micrometer is a special kind of caliper(sually) using a screw system that measure micrometers, down to 1µm (.001mm), or even 0.5µm (.0005mm).

[@LanceHedrick]

You're right. Blunder.

[@JusBThankful]

What it a way a cone burr geometry/grinder could increase uniformity in the grind, and is it worth trying and what would be the result relative to a flat burr with a similar level of uniformity?

[@paulhampton814]

I love the burr flexibility and relatively easy swapability. No, it's not much to look at. Now I am agonizing over what burrs to buy. I figure I could get some good, informed opinions. I know I want a pair of the 80mm HUs (same as the Weber ultra) for filter. For espresso I want clarity while retaining some body. Not traditional espresso body and not SSP MP level clarity/acid. I am leaning toward the Weber core burrs. Any opinions based on what is offered by Wug?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

From what I hear the 83mm SSP Lab Sweet style burr might be a good balance for both Espresso and pourover. More clarity and acidity than the original 80mm lab sweet burrs.

[@mikni4069]

Interesting but I lost my interest when I was looking at it few months ago, as the burr swap cleaning looked fiddly and bit of a faff. But there probably isn’t an easy solution that won’t have that effect with such large variety of burr.

[@pierat7]

The Wug2 or the Zerno Z1?

[@sultanalghafli8747]

Hello Lance Can you please review the Sanremo You espresso machine

[@inuitviking]

Probably fits well with the gaggia new classic.

[@moon12349100]

Potential def here But too many things that don't seem polished product yet

[@ProjectileGrommet]

I believe people would traditionally call what he called a micrometer a set of calipers

[@LanceHedrick]

Haha yes. I normally call them calipers. The thread I referenced referred to them as micrometers, which was freshest on my mind lol

[@ProjectileGrommet]

@@LanceHedrick Lance you are a prince and I am honored to be met with your response. Thank you for your dedication to rich and educational content

[@jschim_]

lol potato patato

[@LurkinOnThis]

I love this thing but i dont know if i can trust myself to switch the rotation when i switch burrs haha.

[@LanceHedrick]

Just have to make it an integral part of the burr switch process.

[@kaxior]

Londinium Vectis in the background! When's the review? :)

[@Scott-yu7bv]

What’s the reason flat and cone burrs do not spin in the same direction?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

That's just how they happen to spin. Some flat burr grinders like the Kafatek ones DO spin in the opposite direction for flats. Also the Baratza Vario I believe spins in the opposite direction. But most grinders tend to spin in one way and have burrs designed to accommodate the way it's spinning.

[@MaakBow]

Does it accept blind burrs. Seems and end game requirement?

[@LanceHedrick]

Yes. I say this in the video a few times. Cheers!

[@joshjanes1]

No mention of retention?

[@amourb7133]

When are you reviewing the niche Duo?

[@LanceHedrick]

Soon! Within the next two weeks.

[@cally3763]

@@LanceHedrickawesome, we have one on pre order. I didn’t get the zero purely based on your feedback about lighter roast flavours so very excited to see how you feel about the Duo

[@MichaelLeung-c9l]

How difficult is it to switch from flat to flat, compared to flat to conical?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Should be similar to what he showed, just the other way lol

[@ulikunkel9891]

What brand is the lever coffee machine he used?

[@LanceHedrick]

Londinium vectis.

[@ulikunkel9891]

@@LanceHedrick thank! I‘ve been looking for a compact lever machine for quite some time, but somehow never took a closer look at the Londinium

[@9385dee7]

Review the compak pk100

[@LanceHedrick]

Send me the funds for one!

[@9385dee7]

@@LanceHedrick maybe they can send out a review unit, they're localed in Italy :)

[@DamianSheesh]

Sounds like it needed a few more prototypes.

[@ShahienStones-lc9rk]

Isn't the angle of grinding an issue?

[@BensCoffeeRants]

Angle of grinding? You mean it's not leaning over like some other single dose grinders?

[@Cl0UD0RPHAN]

Can’t wait till I’m high enough level for an end game grinder

[@7Miralas]

Is that a Monolith at the back of you? 😮

[@thoughtsforthemind]

There’s apparently a V2 coming according to their Insta

[@Cenot4ph]

83 cone mazzer has my interest for that thick espresso syrup. This has a price thats within reach

[@davidrogala7597]

Super cool

[@alexwilson27]

I know aesthetics shouldn’t be important, but it would be nice if they had a little more creative industrial design so that it didn’t look like a giant battery backup for your PC

[@MaakBow]

Well ...I love big chunky brutalist forms.....so each to his or her own I guess.

[@wardy89]

Not that I will ever own one, but I think the method for changing rotation direction should be different and more clearly marked. The way it’s set up on your unit it would be way too easy to make a mistake with it.

[@unknownentity222]

"Attached to the shaft with a big screw" Aaaaaand clipped...

[@dumelisdumelis]

Cool grinder, definitely a great idea to have a grinder that is capable of using both flat and conical burrs of different sizes. The only thing is, the UX is definitely very lacking. I am really surprised they went so far with engineering but did not make the burr replacement process toolless - having to use an allen wrench would have me quite annoyed by itself, but the fact that burr replacement is done upside down so you basically only have one free hand doesn't seem like a process you'd enjoy either.

[@jpjay1584]

awesome tattoos

[@LanceHedrick]

Thank you!

[@max1000000ify]

"Way too nerdy to get into" does Lance even know us at all?!?

[@Oxilorix]

Oh no, I haven’t even gotten my Timemore grinder and already having regrets 😢

[@garnettbrown]

How come you dont review Ceado grinders?

[@LanceHedrick]

I don't see the benefit. I have to pay for all my grinders. From my limited experience with them and the lack of fanfare, it wouldn't make financial sense for me to pay such extreme amounts for something like that. If they grew in popularity or showcased some sort of interesting innovation, I'd buy one. I've always got my eye on them and check them out at each expo

[@garnettbrown]

@@LanceHedrick That is a shame. From what I know Ceado grinders is known and respected in the coffee world. There E37z Hero was one of the first high end grinder that had a 83mm flat burr, variable speed from 750 to 1700 rpm, and single dose.

[@vikp6115]

Question I have is ..... did you got that shirt from ur drier 1 min prior to ur video recording ? Lol 😆

[@LanceHedrick]

I plead the 5th

[@Gk2003m]

0:37: he wheels out a different grinder for his morning coffee each day of the week

[@tcl7563]

How many end game grinders are out there! 😂

[@LanceHedrick]

Lots. All different categories. End game is subjective to the consumer.

[@rukiddingme7]

Niche Duo allows you to switch burrs

[@LanceHedrick]

Not between cone and flat. Lol

[@adrianmichaelsmith]

Im orobably missing something but dont get it. It seems ridiculously tedius to use. I get the idea but not the body design thst is just far too short to pair with a relatively good idea. Start by raising the height from the bottom burr to the bottom of the body, then redesign the body shape and make room to easily feed beans in to the top burrs. Why would you at this price point make it so tediously difficult to use and then actually market it. Surely the mk2 should be much better designed. Sorry in advance if i totally missed the main selling point. Well, no, i get the main selling point to switch out burrs but if it were easier to feed beans in to it , that would help given some people will want it in a gap between a coffee machine and a wall.

[@juanguillermogonzalez2764]

I am not buying that grinder with that $4 Arduino LCD screen

[@timr.7087]

Without the funnel this grinder would be so flawed by its design to fall out of competition immediatly and the funnel helps but its still not as easy to use. I would rather prefer a better feeding system than swapbable burrs so this grinder just doesnt tik my boxes but I can see the mega enthusiast angle of view who get super hyped about this grinder an all the possible settings they can use with it.

[@Julumon.]

M6 and M8 Hex Tool doesn't make sense. So you can have a M6 or M8 Screw with differnt head diameters. So you probally need 4mm and 5mm Allen Key.

[@LanceHedrick]

Sure. You know what I mean

[@PedroJohnston1]

oh my god the pokemon yellow tat.

[@unknownentity222]

Would have loved to see you actually do an actual workflow with the grinder before discussing it so we could also judge the grinder that way.

[@nguyenhatronghieu7455]

I have an irrelevant question. I already installed an ims shower screen to my machine, is a puck screen redundant at this point?

[@LanceHedrick]

No it isn't

[@blingbling2001]

1600 for a machine that feels like a prototype.. that never was shown to a focus group or a real day-to-day user. No thanks

[@LanceHedrick]

Eh. I enjoy it.

[@arpit5317]

RIP Zerno. Good for us ig, Zerno went from near $1000 to 1400 really quick.

[@greenwolf2299]

So this would better then the zerno1 you keep raving about? :P

[@LanceHedrick]

Not necessarily. I said best value. What this brings is more than the zerno. Zerno is better build no question.

[@onortosu]

The button to switch between flat/cone is mind-boggling bad design choice. Why would you put such an infrequently used button front and center and use a type of switch that is easy to miss as to what it's doing, especially when choosing the wrong mode can damage the product?? It should be a flip switch on the back of the unit or some other place that's not easily switched by accident. At the very least add a modal light to it, and match the color of the light to the range of the RPM or some other icon that shows what you'd using. Best solution would of course be to key it from the bur carrier and not even have a switch for the user to select incorrectly. Lance, I think you're mistaking how most people use grinders with how reviewers like to use coffee grinders. This grinder seems to have many usability issues for the price. It's optimizing for features most people won't use, and minimizing/ignoring usability issues for daily workflows. It's a cool product, but no way this has mass appeal for most coffee drinkers. Do a somewhat large (say 20 people) blind test study of coffee aficionados and see how many can tell the difference between cone and flat burs keeping all other variables the same. My guess is 70-80% do no better than a coin flip.

[@Na015110]

Wug2 owner here. Actually the flat/cone button is super useful, perfectly safe for either flat or cone and can act as a reverse gear to drop the last bits of ground (think like purging) at the end of every grind

[@gubbin909]

The end of grinder tech tree mayhaps? Of course ignoring those wild multi roller industrial-type things. Cheers for covering!

[@Hammi4Real]

I am somewhat intimidated by this grinder. The curve is real.

[@wakeawaken430]

Finally something new in the market!!!! As for the direct portafilter feeding, i think that the 3rd wave home barista must forget Dosing cup helps a lot for various problems, just like homogenic grind distribution

[@JordyValentine]

These high end grinders using mazzer burrs gives me pause, they're fine, but I don't really want to spend thousands on a grinder that uses the same burrs as the cheap mazzer I already own

[@klaasmans7822]

Bought a ceado e37s with ssp for 400 dollar. Guess it is a better investment then this one

[@ardeleanalex6918]

Looks awesome on paper. But man is it ugly

[@tobiasbouma4071]

For the first of its kind this is definitely not a bad grinder. Some of the assembly and burr switching seems like a massive faff, also slow grinding speed IMO. (I would've finished puck prep and pressed the button on my machine already before the minute was up.) The biggest omission from the discussion is that this supports the opposite spinning kafatek flat burrs which would be interesting to see how they would fare in an "alien enclosure". ;)

[@LanceHedrick]

So the slow speed was because it was on 80 rpm. That's slower than hand grinding lol