Max

La Marzocco GS3MP, Kafatek conical and Kafatek Max.

Your grinder is the most important piece in your espresso system. The brewer is the least important. That is, if you are going for the taste and experience. Decide if you want a grinder with a hopper or if you want single dose. The Zerno Z1 or Z2 ($1,500 to $2,500), Kafatek M6 ($2,500), Lagom P80 ($1,800) are just a few very good single dose grinders to consider.

Kafatek Monolith Max with Shuriken burrs are the ultimate end game

I’ve owned the Key MK2, Kafatek, and Niche Zero (and many more flat burr grinders). I’m sticking with the Niche Zero. For me personally, it’s the best grinder for medium to dark roasts. You won’t get the most complex flavor notes, but you’ll enjoy a rich, chocolatey, nutty, and syrupy-thick espresso. It’s honestly the best and easiest conical burr grinder to use even for other people in the household. Also, this grinder is truly high-quality. With the Key and Kafatek, you must shake, because they produce a lot of fines in the grind and I don’t like to shake my grinds.

Believe me, you won’t experience a big change in flavors if you switch to the Key of Kafatek.

Espresso machines and grinders still have significant manufacturing in Italy and other western countries. None of my equipment is made in China. Mazzer, Kafatek, LA Marzocco, Elektra.