KafaTek - Monolith Flat MAX 2

Niche Zero for med/dark (£549 back in 2020). Kafatek Monolith Max 2 w SSW burrs for med/light ($3,934)

So I was in your situation and this is what I recommend. Machine: Machine Slayer single group. Hands down. Haven't pulled a bad shot yet, looks amazing in stock form. I considered LMLM but it doesn't look as good as the slayer on the sides. If you're stuffing it in a corner with the grinder hiding it, cool. Sanremo You has just as many features as the Slayer, a couple more actually, but you have to decide between the style of your kitchen or coffee area. That is the only reason I did not buy this machine. Water: Do not buy any of these machines without a proper water setup. Needs depend on region and kitchen design so I won't recommend a specific setup. However, you'll need reverse osmosis with remineralization or you'll be rebuilding your machine sooner than later. Budget about 2.5k USD. Also, keep in mind that if you are only hooking up to your machine for two coffees a day and not using it for day-to-day water use you may have sediment issues from highly infrequent use. Consider adding a water spigot and enjoy the benefits of filtered water in your home to push the volume needed to have the system operate within spec. Grinder: Two key considerations ease and convenience of grind by weight (GBW) vs single dosing. Downside of GBW is when I have the occasional guest request decaf, I either have had to have pre-ground an entire bag and packaged and frozen each dose in between grinding. There's about 2 to 3 doses worth of beans in the chute of my grinder. That being said, if you have a favorite roast it's no problem. Single dose doesn't have this downside, but it's more tinkering and more time. GBW: -Mahlkönig E80s -Fiorenzato all ground sense Single Dose -Kafatek monolith flat max if you're espresso only -Titus nautilus if you're pour over or drip Kafatek has specialized burrs that edged out the Titus for me. I'm espresso only. Nautilus has amazing customization options that go with Slayer, so check their Instagram. Remote power brick is manageable with Bluetooth controller since you'll have a plumbed in machine, but that's the big miss on this high end machine. -Weber eg-1 gets honorable mention but I don't think the build tolerance and quality matches either other option. Best of luck, let us know what you pick.

Grinder is a hard ask, perfect grinder technically would be a Sanremo X-One, but it is huge and financially only good sense for a shop (it replaces 3 grinders so at about 8000€ not too bad), coupled with a Sanremo espresso machine and a RO with remineralizing filter for water. Told my misses about this one and she was a little concerned I was contemplating it. Keeping home aesthetics and size in mind and if I would only want one grinder I’d probably get an EG-1 or Monolith flat Max. Currently have two grinders though, one with hopper (83mm burr) and one single dose for my decaf/specialty drinks. Which I would be unlikely to drop as single dosing I won’t do for groups or in the morning, a large burr gbw grinder would be my choice. For the espresso machine, a Sanremo you or LM GS3 would offer everything I would want, but honestly a simple flat profile machine with good pid and dual boiler like a LM Mini R or a Micra is good enough for me already. Micra does come with some short comings, the reduced height is a little annoying at times. Mini r was too big for my counter though.

KafaTek Monolith Max is incredible.

We have an EG1 and both the core and ultra burrs. The burr changing is easy but annoying when you want to drink different coffees during the day (I WFH). So right now it’s got the core burrs in for espresso and I use a C40 for pour over. However, we placed a deposit for a Flat Max so that it becomes our dedicated espresso grinder and the EG1 for pour over with ULF.

Monolith Flat - at the time, it was the only "end game" flat grinder I could find (or was aware of). I spent an absurd amount of money on it (like $2,500+), but it's been rock solid for 5 years now. It also cured my "upgraditis" so no regrets. I've used it for everything from Turkish to French Press without issue, and for espresso, it does a great job with lighter roasts.

It is very consistent.

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.