u/prphilip

I have a theory, partly conceived because I wish to season as little as possible.

I got both burrs and my theory is: seasoning the M-Modal burrs is more important than the B-Modal because the whole point of the M-Modal is low fines, and seasoning directly helps reduce them.
The B-Modal has fines as an intentional part of its profile anyway, so seasoning might be less important—or what do you think?

Is an unseasoned M-Modal longer away from its potential out of the box then the B? Am I underestimating how much those extra “factory fines” impact the B-Modal?

I’ve been drinking quite a lot of coffee over the past few days, probably more than the recommended amount. Partly because I got a new grinder and have been experimenting with it, and partly because I’m preparing for a trip where I’ll be brewing coffee for other people.

Something strange happened this morning, though, and I think I’ve experienced it before, just never this noticeably.
I opened a new bag of coffee and it tasted really hollow and flat. So I tried another bag that I already had open and normally enjoy — same thing. Hollow.
Then I tried a different grinder, but everything tasted more or less the same. Hardly any meaningful difference between the coffees or grinders.
So I’m giving my palate a break now. Better late than never I guess…
Has anyone else experienced this? I’m wondering if it’s a fairly classic thing in coffee, wine, beer tasting etc. — that after tasting too much, your palate just becomes fatigued or temporarily “goes numb.”?

Hey everyone,

I’m considering picking up the Pietro hand grinder with the B-modal (Multipurpose) burrs for modern espresso, but I’m wondering if it will give me a noticeable upgrade in the cup given my current setup.

Brewer: Flair Pro 2
Current Grinders: 1Zpresso K-series (for clarity/modern) and 1Zpresso J-Max (for blended/traditional shots)
(Also an ZP6 for washed pour overs and I have been thinking about the Pietro + M burrs for that, but thats another story.)

Does the 58mm flat burr set on the Pietro (B-modal) offer a distinct step up in flavor and texture over the conical burrs of the K or J series for manual espresso? I do different roast levels from traditional to modern but the Pietro would mainly be for more modern espresso (instead of the K) as the J seems very valid for more traditional?

And does the M modal brew burrs have a place in espresso?

Would love to hear thoughts from anyone who has used the Pietro alongside 1Zpresso grinders.

I’m looking to add my first electric grinder to the lineup, partly to be able to change up my workflow, but mostly to explore new flavor profiles and expand my coffee understanding.

My brewing split:

80% Light roast pour over (various drippers)
10% All roasts manual espresso (Flair Pro)
10% Medium roast machine espresso with steamed milk (Sage/Breville Barista Express)

Current setup:

1Zpresso Q Air: Travel setup
1Zpresso ZP6: Washed light roasts / high-clarity pour over
1Zpresso K-Ultra: Processed pour overs, higher-body brews for guests with traditional taste, and bright/acidic manual espresso shots
1Zpresso J-Ultra: Traditional, full-bodied manual espresso shots
Built-in Barista Express grinder: Quick milk drinks

Since my current hand grinders are all conical, I'm strongly considering a flat burr grinder to get something genuinely different in the cup—though I'm open to input.

Budget: ($290 USD / ~€270 EUR)

Currently considering:
Flat:
Wilfa Uniform Evo
Fellow Ode Gen 2
Conical:
Fellow Opus Gen 2
Baratza Encore ESP Pro

Given what I already own, which option would give me the most value, be the most fun, and deliver the most satisfying upgrade in flavor and workflow?