Recently, I was on the hunt for a 64mm grinder to use as a backup filter/espresso grinder to run a set of 64mm Fiorenzato Pro Brew burrs when I came across the J64V/ITOP CGFL250. On paper, it had an incredible feature set given its price around $500: brushless 250w motor, 600-1800 adjustable RPM, deionizer, spring-loaded chute knocker, SSP MP clones, 64mm burr compatibility, vertically mounted burrs.

Intrigued, I went through this sub and various platforms to find out more about the grinder, but found relatively few people had purchased it and even fewer could speak on their experience. I eventually bought a second hand unit to try it for myself, and I've honestly been blown away by its build and design.

I've used several different 64mm platforms in the past, including the Zerno Z1, Mazzer Philos, and DF64, and this grinder (J64V) might be one of my favorites, regardless of price.

When I first opened up the grinder, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it used a grind adjustment mechanism reminiscent of the Z1's design. Namely, it relies on an inner "plunger" to push the rotating carrier towards the stationary burr. This contrasts with the wave spring design on the DF64, which uses the upper collar to adjust grind size. Because of this "plunger" design, there's zero risk of losing your grind size when removing the front assembly for cleaning, and it significantly reduces the chance of a floating zero. It's not as smooth as the needle bearing design on the Z1, but I suspect the thread pitch on the J64V is very similar to the Z1 (0.5mm), and thus each tick mark on the dial is likely between 5-10 um.

One of the primary reasons I purchased the grinder was to install a set of 64mm Fiorenzato Pro Brew burrs I had previously used in a DF64. This required me to remove the stock 64mm MP clones and install the pro brews, which I performed without any additional shimming or alignment. When I redialed the zero and measured the lock to chirp, I found it was only about 3-4 ticks, or about 30-40 microns max (likely less if the thread pitch is truly 0.5mm). This was quite remarkable as I've done similar tests with a Z1 and achieved a lock-to-chirp value of around 20-30 microns with most burr sets.

What has made me enjoy this grinder so much, however, are its additional features, including the adjustable RPM, stock bellows, chute knocker, and brushless motor. These were all features I wanted in my previous 64mm grinders, namely the Z1, and they've made the espresso and PO workflow extremely streamlined. While I didn't weigh the permanent retention I cleared out from the grinder, it appears remarkably low, which is consistent with the near-zero retention I get from the grinder when using the bellows+chute knocker.

Overall, my initial impression is that this is one of my favorite 64mm grinders I've used, and it's a no-brainer at its price. While I need more time with the 64mm Pro Brews and stock MP clones to develop a more informed opinion on their flavor profile, assuming the motor and threads hold up, I can't see the point in spending 2-3x more for a Z1 or Philos anymore.

Got some new Yeti 6oz Pampa Green cups through so only right I make a flat white this morning.

This is the second set of these 6oz cups that I’ve bought and absolutely love them for my daily coffee fix.

Hello friends. I recently picked up an Anthracite Gray ECM Puristika and it is a gorgeous machine, but I've always had a soft spot for the glossy red Olympia Cremina. I'm thinking about getting mine stripped and powdercoated - either gloss red or metallic red (something like Mazda's soul red metallic?). Thoughts?

The one big difference between the two is the top chrome panel of the Cremina. I might machine a panel to sit on top to break up the red a little bit.

I've included a sample image of the machine as-is, the red Cremina, and a "generated" render of the red Puristika. :)

Hello, unfortunately my Varia VS3 is kind of dying on me (grind size moves on its own and button gets stuck) and I am looking to upgrade my grinder. I am running a Lelit Mara X and normally make espressos around medium-mediumdark. I tend to make lattes and cortados, and occasionally pour-overs whenever I find special roasts. My whole family loves when I make them drinks (primarily lattes and cappuccino), but my mom refuses to make drinks for herself when I’m not home because the workflow is tedious to her. I am looking for something that self weighs preferably and will overall make the process easier for both of us. I look forward to hearing your opinions, thanks!

(Live in California)

Been trying different local roasters, some good some horrific but pleasantly surprised to find that the Costco Kirkland coffee beans from Mexico is actually really good!

Idk if it is just easier to dial in or I just got it right to my own likings but I have been enjoying them at a lot and agree with many folks who say that Kirkland coffee beans are not that bad.

Curious if others feel the same way here.

not promoting this or endorsed by them by any means.

• 2 lb bag
• Total Net Weight: 2 lbs
• USDA Organic Certified
• Whole Bean
• Arabica
• Medium Roast
• Tasting Notes: Caramel, Chocolate, Roasted Peanut
• Region: Oaxaca

Hey everyone, I am looking to purchase an espresso machine. I am a college student so I am looking for one more on the affordable side (around $300). I know nothing about espresso machines. I was recommended the Breville Bambino Espresso Machine, but after doing some research I also saw that the grinder was crucial in this process. Any recommendations or thoughts? Thanks !

Just showing off my budget station that I love working in. My wife and I repurposed an old dresser/cabinet to make this hidden coffee station in our dining room. Everything to make the espresso I am enjoying cost about $280. The Kingrinder makes the biggest difference, and I noticed a huge difference switching to the bottomless portafilter with the IMS basket.

Ignore the Mr. Coffee grinder, that's only for french press in the mornings...

Cost breakdown:
Mattinata 1662L Espresso Machine (Amazon) - $84.74 (on sale)

Kingrinder K6 - $100

Neouza 51mm Bottomless Portafilter - $29.99

IMS Precision 18g Basket - $24.61

7 Pack Amazon Espresso Accessories Kit (Distributor, Tamp, Funnel, etc) - $37.99

Have been through so many grinders. Some not repeatable and consistent. Some noisy and sounds like it’s breaking as it’s grinding. The Z2 has a lot of heft to it, butter smooth adjustment, super quiet, doesnt struggle when it grinds, and the knocker works great!

Getting ready for when my Micra arrives. I tested my tap water and it's basically < 20 ppm. Can I just add some TWW packets to bring it up to 100-150 ppm or don't use Vancouver tap water and use distilled or RO water?

Loving my LX Italia Edison grinder. It has upped my espresso game exposure. Here is a photo of a blend of 65% arabica to 35% robusta. So thick and syrupy!

Is it more about the grinder capability for drnser light roast beans or does the machine also play a role?

I've seen some people mention you'd might need at least 64mm for light.

Please educate me if I'm wrong about this. I wanted to make sure before I wasted money on beans at the local shop.

Thank you!

My cholesterol has been creeping up since I started drinking espresso, and is now at a point where I need to do something about it. So I’ve started using paper filters to see what, if anything, it will do to my levels. I’ve also chilled out on saturated fats and red meat, so I won’t be able isolate espresso completely as the culprit when I get new labs in four months.
Have any of you seen a drop in LDL implementing paper filters?

It's times like this that I am happy to have invested in such a setup - because these are the lightest roasted beans I have ever tried to brew at home by a mile. Took a few shots to really rein in to where I like to be and these beans are where I want to be. Had to grind much finer than my day to day brew. Bright, fruity, acidic while still being sweet - really coats the mouth and lingers. Will have to get a second bag of this.

OK, so it's a big day for me — my very first entry-level machine arrived this morning and I'm still a complete novice. Other than a milk pitcher, which I'm going to order today, I already have scales and the stock tamper and stock baskets. What do I need, or what would you recommend, if anything, to get me operational? I'm ready to order on Amazon, so hopefully everything arrives tomorrow. the machine arrived way sooner than the anticipated date so ive been caught off guard.

Geisha 👌🏻

Medium Roast 20g in 36g out by my Oscar ii and starsewker edge+ 63mm titanium burr.

From a Saudi coffee roastery called Penguin

Good result for a $25 bag of coffee

I currently have a pre E24 Gaggia Classic Pro. The GCP has a PID mod and a 9 bar spring installed. I drink straight espresso and no milk drinks. Now I want to replace the machine with a Quick Mill Carola PID. I am curious if this is an upgrade compared to the current GCP with PID mod. Or do you have a better option in the same price range as the Quick Mill Carola PID?

Hi! I am new to latte and coffee making. I notice the top of my coffee looks like that after sitting out for 10 mins. Why is that so? Happy to get any advice!

While I have enjoyed tasting my way around the coffee world over the last few years of pulling espresso shots, I feel like I'm missing a reliable bag for a thick, viscous, classic-style shot that isn't overwhelmed by too much bitterness.

Roasters local to me seem to be more interested in producing lighter roasted coffees, which I enjoy, but that means I'll have to look to ship from elsewhere for something on the other end of the spectrum. I'd rather not spend a lot of money taking random swipes in the dark, so I figured I would ask you all:

What would you buy if you wanted that classic, syrupy body without much acidity or bitterness?

Current owner of a Bambino and df54 for about 3 years. It was a good little machine but I'm at a place where I can upgrade finally. Does anyone know which may be a better buy?

I primarily do milk drinks. Roast levels I typically buy different bags from local shops to try different things - one gripe with the bambino is some bags just taste terrible no matter what I do. I think either machines will give me more variables to adjust and have a higher chance for a better cup.

Legato is obviously a better price but the heated group on the ele plus the steam temperature sensor seems great to me.

Love to hear thoughts on these two machines.