Zerno Z1 Grinder - How It Changed Home Espresso

What review or video do YOU want to see next on my channel?
The Zerno Z1 changed.... a lot... for home espresso hobbyists. Let's do a deep dive review into what makes this coffee grinder so special.
0:00 - Zerno Z1
1:23 - Doing Things Differently
2:21 - First Impressions
3:06 - Using it!
3:43 - Accuracy Aficionado
4:35 - Enthusiasts, Gather ‘Round
5:30 - Alignment - WHAT
6:57 - Stress, Sound and Retention Tests
8:09 - Zerno’s Secret Sauce
10:09 - Z1 V2 Updates
12:20 - Burr Business
13:46 - Yes, There Is A Downside
14:16 - Who Is It For?

[@MadScientist7]

A burr comparison video would be awesome…would be so helpful for a lot of people I believe

[@alexwilson27]

The Zerno is endgame for me, not because I wouldn’t enjoy something with larger burrs or variable RPM, etc. but because of the build quality, the community, and the ability to continually upgrade to different 64mm burrs. I feel like those features are worth more than $1200.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

You are absolutely not alone in this. Not that great value can’t be found in other grinders at lower price points, but these points stand.

[@iwouldpayattention]

What configuration do you get for $1200?

[@Guenounovitch]

@@iwouldpayattentiona 7 months wait 😅

[@JeepBigE]

Or maybe longer.

[@philindeblanc]

Does anyone know if there are any Chinese copies or similar models of this?

[@lubenzz]

The Zerno and the Ascaso look like they are made for each other ❤

[@JonFairhurst]

Like some others, I’d love to see a comparison video between the Zerno and the Philos. Throw in the DF64V and a Timemore for a complete vertical burr home grinder comparison. One thing I’d like to see is a review of the basic and deep cleaning processes. In the basic process, we just need to clean the burrs and loose grounds when switching to a different bean. For a deep clean, we get into the nooks and crannies to remove the coffee that doesn’t circulate and can get rancid. Every grinder will take time for a deep clean, but the Philos seems especially handy for a basic cleaning. Having the adjustment at the back means that I don’t need to recalibrate it and there are no adjustment threads near the chamber. I had an old Mazzer Mini with the clunk-clunk-clunk doser. Deep cleaning was nearly impossible! The Niche isn’t bad, but there is only a deep cleaning. The Philos seems like it would be a breeze for a quick clean between roasts.

[@JMWexperience]

Great review - I really enjoy when equipment is taken apart to see the inner workings. Thanks!

[@labalo5]

You just helped me pick my new grinder. Thx

[@DKMarik]

Loving it! Great review and advices! Honestly I also like very much this new approach with lots of b-roll and music. Keep up these great reviews and yeah I’d love a detailed 64mm comparison

[@fillflashdetailer8838]

Excellent review. To me, this is the single best-looking grinder I've ever seen. It's stunning, and from everything I've seen, performs as well as or better than any 64mm grinder on the market today. I'm currently on the waitlist, but it will likely be several months before my ship date hits.

[@JeepBigE]

Great review Justin. Well done!

[@feraligatrs]

This was such a great review!

[@jamesorr1200]

I loved this video. It’s the first comprehensive review video of the Zerno I’ve seen (and after a LOT of searching. I just ordered a Lucca 75 bc I was ready for an upgrade and had absolutely no idea when my waitlist spot would come, but absolutely still want to have my hands on a Zerno eventually. I’d love to see some content comparing the HU to the Cast/Lab Sweet burrs.

[@iaJENKA]

This is so beautiful the perfection of the build makes me want to cry.

[@johnwimer4891]

Good review with good advice!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Thank you!

[@kaim4535]

Good luck getting your hands on one !

[@KC-ge9wq]

I have the same setup, including HU burrs, as the white one in the video. The black chute on the earlier versions drove me nuts to look at when it wasn’t on a color-matched body. I bothered poor Vel every time I saw an Instagram pic of the white units with the black chute. It just cheapened the overall appearance and stuck out like a sore thumb. I was thrilled when he confirmed my batch would have a properly matched chute. The Z1 looks really nice paired with a white Linea Micra. Very pleased with the combo.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Killer combo! And yes, I like the color match!

[@cade5400]

I’ve absolutely loved my Lagom Mini - I’m a filter first brewer (with the occasional espresso using a 9Barista), but I really wanted to get into flat burrs to up the clarity in my brews. I’ve got a Zerno being delivered this summer (batch 5) with MP and Brew burrs, absolutely cannot wait. Chose the Zerno primarily because it seemed to offer the most versatility and was competitive with the P64. Couldn’t help myself from throwing on a second burr set 😅

[@slothsarecool]

I absolutely don’t need it, but it’s beautifully designed! Might grab one some day

[@michaelcibula9552]

Have a Zerno and for those considering it, one thing to make sure of is you have the counter depth. While it is very sleek and narrow, it’s also deeper than a p64 or others without the tilt. It’s a lovely lice of kit and been very impressed by their customer service.

[@NativeNewYorker66]

Great video. Thanks. I have a Niche Zero and love it. I don’t know much about flat espresso burrs, so I would look forward for a follow up Zerno video discussing different burr choices.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Awesome! Thanks for this. The Niche Zero is a great grinder. Flat burr grinders are a whole other world to get into!

[@NoZenith]

I have the Niche Zero and while I haven't really branched out from espresso since I've gotten it, I have needed to do batch brew a couple times and one friend really just wanted drip from a pour over, so I'm back looking into cleaning up my grind profile..... Lance Hedrick and Wired Gourmet... and I believe James Hoffman ( it's tickling my memory but it would have been something I watched a long time ago before I actually invested, so the video would probably be 2 years old at this point, all have videos related to microdosing or feeding the beans in extremely slowly so they grind at the same rate, and having fewer beans within the Burrs bouncing around and regrinding and mashing against each other trying to get out of the machine means you end up with less fines and a more uniform grind even from the Zero! Just saying you might find a success in an experiment with the grinder you have before investing in a new one 😉

[@NativeNewYorker66]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Actually the Zerno website provides excellent information about the different types of burrs and why you would choose one over the other.

[@NativeNewYorker66]

@@NoZenith I love my Niche Zero and I'm not looking to purchase another grinder. I just enjoyed this Zerno review and think the Zerno looks cool, and is a very good grinder. I saw Lance's recent video about slow feeding the beans, but I have not tried doing it. I did see on Reddit where someone placed a piece of clear tape on the NFC disk to make the hole slightly smaller-thus causing the beans to feed slower. I might try that next time I clean my grinder : )

[@NoZenith]

@NativeNewYorker66 yeah I was actually going to buy a new NFC disc so I can cut extra holes out to make it feed faster before I saw The Wired Gourmet video about Niche Zero Pourover microdosing. They even have a three-hole NFC disc on Etsy but I'm fine with the way it is now 😆

[@user-ge9uz9nn6j]

Zerno is on my wish list. Recent vids say that if you want to use regular 64mm burrs, with screw holes, they will work here, too. You are not limited to blind burrs. Looking to see more of their innovations migrate into the new generation of grinders.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Yup! Standard burrs work too. Should have mentioned that more clearly!

[@bolerkai]

Great review. I just replaced my Niche Zero with Sculptor 78, because I do filter only. The Zerno is appealing for its build quality and burr choices and blind burr configuration. I haven't fully seasoned my new grinder yet and am already thinking about the next one. I'll be at the Specialty Coffee Exo next month, so you never know what I may see there!

[@tzetv]

I have done the same - the 078 is superior in so many ways over the Niche for filter. Can’t imagine a Zerno is going to be much better with a smaller 64mm burr tbh

[@user-yr2mx9mn1j]

Nice review. I am going for the df83v standard burrs (espresso;)❤

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Absolutely a solid choice! I have one on the test bench!

[@user-yr2mx9mn1j]

@@DaddyGotCoffeethat was quick 😅😌

[@homecafecharlie]

Aww man you got 2 of them! I want one but the waitlist is long and I keep missing the cutoff.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Just borrowed from a friend! Sadly now returned and no longer with me!

[@carlosroldan8910]

someone needs to explain the science of how coffee can taste different depending on the type of burr its ground with

[@LasVegasGolden]

Have mine on order. I was fortunate to get one on the 4th production run. I have the black with HU burrs. Plus have the MP burrs and cast V2 burrs for experimentation. I have a DF83 V2 with HU burrs and want to compare the difference. I wanted a grinder that was made with care and Vel seems like the he cares. i also heard he might be making a 80mm version.

[@robertebob]

Any tips on the seasoning you did would be greatly appreciated. I will be ordering one soon and I'm wondering how many kg of beans i'll need. Rest periods?

[@cmys001]

whats the coffe machine in the background in the back pleasE? ascaso? i cannot find it on their website

[@danfisher6154]

awesome review! what does your tattoo say?

[@choppersplace]

Any plans on doing a time more 078 (pour over version) review, especially against the zerno and a few others?

[@raelsarembock6553]

Would love to see a video comparing the SSP MP v Cast burrs across filter and espresso (and while you’re at it why not throw in the HU’s)… there’s very little good high quality empirical data out there - I personally got the z1 with cast (same burrs that Vel uses) and was a little underwhelmed with the filter I got out of it. Research suggests they need a lot of seasoning but I haven’t managed to do that yet (my z1 is currently out of action pending repair). Cheers!

[@L4mTr4n]

Was considering the Weber EG-1 grinder and wonder how this Zerno compares to it.

[@davidfrankel9267]

Did they make it quieter since the first release?

[@LHJC292]

How much is the shipping for the zerno in the US? Do they charge tax?

[@SurvivorStory]

I would love to know where people are selling their gear, assuming they don’t have the room or want multiple grinders in their possession. I’ve been looking for a lightly used Lagom mini and can’t find any used or trading gear sites.

[@tightcutz624]

Nice review… it reminds me of an airbrush… Also this is a high end of what kitchenaid grinder could have been 🤭

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hahahahahaha

[@SA-jo7ky]

can you pls review the good conical burr grinder around 1500$ or less?

[@markdavid7758]

Would you reccomend this over the p64?

[@davidhunternyc1]

Is the silver grinder on the right in the review, the same metal as the stand and the hopper? Or is the silver a painted coating on the metal, like the paint on the white grinder? If the silver grinder were raw brushed metal, like the stand, that would be my preference. No paint to flake off over time.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s a powder coat silver paint finish with a clear coat! It’s no longer available but a comeback at some point has been rumoured…

[@michaelcibula9552]

Would be great see a burr comparison of their blind burrs

[@chuckbreece]

Looks like this will be close to $1500 at time of order. No way to know for sure, the website isn’t accepting orders. But your video had a $1215 shown, I’m guessing another $200 for burrs, and shipping. Scary part is, they could raise the price after they’ve collected our $10 to join the waitlist. It’s what I’d do if demand is so much higher than supply. So, guessing $1500; is this better/worse/the same as a Lagom 64? (Which also offers burr selections and is back ordered 😂). I think most are weighing this versus the Weber key, which wouldn’t be comparable in cost when it was touted at $1,000, but if pricing is increased, is it worth grabbing a key today in lieu of waiting months for an opportunity to buy a zerno?

[@gpapa31]

I do want this now as my end game grinder. But still don’t know whether I should go for flat or conical burrs. I’ve been using conicals all along (get good results) so don’t know if I jump into the flat burr territory is a mistake or not. And also don’t know anyone with flat burrs to try. Note: I only drink espresso.

[@KC-ge9wq]

I’m a relative newbie to espresso (cappuccino, really). Used a 1Zpresso K (or whatever it’s called) while waiting for the Zerno to arrive. Despite having unrefined tastebuds, I was really shocked, pleasantly, by the difference once the Zerno arrived. Can’t describe it other than to say it tasted “clearer” and more pronounced. Haven’t looked back.

[@gpapa31]

@@KC-ge9wq thanks for the feedback man. I have a BPlus Apollo hand grinder (and Robot Espresso machine). I am not experienced enough with other conical grinders only a few, a certainly zero experience on Flats, so I have no idea what to expect. Hence I don’t know whether to invest on a conical or a flat for my endgame grinder. Your feedback gives me some idea what to expect though. And also loving the capability of Zerno to replace burrs so easily, in hope that will open new tasting palette horizons.

[@wrxzboost]

From an aesthetics point of view, it's amazing. It's only fault is the white power cord.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

The nice thing here is you can change it. As someone with a white setup and kitchen I would prefer a white cable if I was buying!

[@HaveAGoodHeart]

Hi may i know how it compare to df83v ?

[@RasenRambo23]

Unfavorably.

[@madskongensgaard1066]

Compared to the Philos? Particularly the auger performance - how do they compare?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

They are VERY different approaches to pre breaking and managing feed rates, but they are both very effective. When I first saw the Philos auger I thought it would feed super aggressively and maybe not prebreak very much - neither are true. It has a very large volume pre breaking chamber and the beans spin around in there a lot more than they do on the zerno before being delivered to the burrs. It seems to me to be accomplishing a pseudo slow feed and it still absolutely demolishes the beans. Zerno will offer multiple auger options, I don’t ever see mazzer offering this. Mazzers approach is unique and innovative. Very nice to see a fresh take here, especially one that works so well. Once I get my production run-philos I will absolutely be doing a deep dive here

[@deathbert]

@@DaddyGotCoffeeI'm trying to decide between the Zerno and Philos so I'd really appreciate a comparison review, or even just a full review of the Phiolos if that's possible. Thank you!

[@madskongensgaard1066]

@DaddyGotCoffee Thank you for the reply. Looking forward to you getting in the deep end, with the final production unit of the philos. 👍👍

[@Justin-yx4bq]

Didn't they add an ion generator to the new version of the Zerno? I don't think you mentioned one and I see it buried in the FAQ but not on their main webpage.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

They did. Short answer here - The other changes to the chute etc have a bigger impact on static/retention than the ion generator. I would not be shocked to see this removed at some point.

[@TheFlyAmerica]

As of the most recent batch, the ionizer has been removed

[@Justin-yx4bq]

Thanks to both. I just asked because it looked like more buildup around the exit nozzle (see 9:50) than I would expect for RDT and an ionizer although it does look like a very fine grind.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

@@Justin-yx4bq this clip was taken without using RDT to show the buildup ☺️ it’s for this reason I recommend using RDT with this grinder. It’s PRETTY good as is, but even with the changes to the chute and ionizer on this unit it still warrants Rdt (IMO)

[@Justin-yx4bq]

@@DaddyGotCoffeeah got it. thanks for the clarification.

[@robbob1492]

This or a P64 for espresso?

[@hoostineFL]

Wait … what machine do you use on vacation when you take your grinder?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hahahahaha believe it or not I’ll often take an Ascaso Duo! Sometimes a Newton

[@heyitsyeh]

Team HU!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Great burr!

[@Matthew-ir1ed]

I wish the zero came out a year earlier. I would have waited if I knew about it

[@Jomaxp]

i really do like the design language of vour viedeos and i do enjoy them in gnerall that being said i would love to ahve it in a hoigher quality of resolution bedces for me personaly 1080p looks pretty unsharp 4k would be lovely

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Saving for this ☕️ But wow it’s a jump. Mostly because I do slo mo and crop in to get several compositions from the same clip. Currently shooting on an FX30!

[@Jomaxp]

@@DaddyGotCoffee Thaths great keep up teh good work i just discovered you today and already watched about half of your videos

[@philindeblanc]

Which Chinese makers make a similar setup grinder?

[@NoZenith]

Nice! I'd go for this if the price came down a little bit. I still can't budget over $1,000 for a setup cuz I do not want to get into the finicky rabbit holes of the espresso Perfection Hobby.... I'm throwing that money into heading to Italy and getting espresso on a street corner LOL

[@Stan_sprinkle]

It looks like a pepper grinder glued to an iMac stand

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s looks aren’t for everyone (as with any grinder). I was more mixed initially. It really grew on me over the course of my testing.

[@fillflashdetailer8838]

I couldn't possibly disagree more. Unlike the China-made tin cans with a bellows on top, this Zerno has the aesthetics and style to truly match the performance and flexibility it offers.

[@JeepBigE]

​@@fillflashdetailer8838 Well said! 👍

[@xhynetuseinovski]

Lmao dude spot on about the apple stand. Or a white compact fire extinguisher.

[@fillflashdetailer8838]

@@xhynetuseinovski Compare it to those ridiculous tin cans with bellows on top coming out of China... This Zerno is a beauty in comparison.

[@philindeblanc]

I like it, but the style is so bad, I would avoid it, and all I mean by that is the MAC style stand. It doesn't look hard to engineer a new style more robust stand style that doesnt look like a cheap mac monitor stand.

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s not for everyone - I will say, it grew on me!

[@RasenRambo23]

DF83V with variable RPM at half the price ... no reason to get Zerno.

[@earlycheese6083]

Would be like comparing a swatch and a Lange and sohne watch

[@RasenRambo23]

@@earlycheese6083 Spot on! The Lange also makes worse coffee because it has less features ... Uhm, what?

[@JeepBigE]

LOL Rasen, what are you smoking. The Zerno build quality and customer service are light years ahead of DF/Turin. That's like comparing a Ford Focus to a Porsche.

[@RasenRambo23]

@@JeepBigE The former is a soft criterion. Coffee's worse with static RPM, fact. Also - you won't need the customer service if the build quality is that amazing in the first place.

[@angelaslaney1514]

That is not a review it is a sales pitch. And I'm sorry to say you have the Richard Nixon aura about ... I wouldn't buy a used car from you either!

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Never been compared to Nixon before. If you disagree with anything specific I’ve said feel free to drop a counterpoint. I stand by my comments.

[@NoZenith]

​I was raised with everyone demonizing Nixon but the more I learn about the man God damn he was intelligent, articulate and persuasive with a seemingly very peace biased foreign policy coming out of World War II and then being heavily exposed to the then Korean "Conflict" and the Vietnam War. I would take the compliment and run with it ​@DaddyGotCoffee

[@barskuleli8612]

That power chord looks very pathetic and makes this grinder very ugly designed grinder…

[@danchan5620]

this is just a chinese white label product, designed in china for mass branding

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

Hahahaha - I have reviewed PLENTY of those. This is not that. These are designed, machined and manufactured by hand in the US. This is not a white label grinder.

[@ahpadt]

Its made in chicago

[@DKMarik]

Dude, what are you even talking about??

[@greysuit17]

😂😂😂 this comment is hilarious, maybe Chinese has tried to copy this but no, you are incorrect.

[@JeepBigE]

@danchan5620, educate yourself before making such a stupid comment.

[@kulkulan223]

6:43 What burr was that with no screw holes?

[@DaddyGotCoffee]

It’s a 64mm SSP HU (blind configuration)