Niche Coffee Ltd - Niche Zero

It’s a common thought that the Niche does not do well for pour over, but better for espresso. If you’re looking into getting a consumer grade grinder for pour over like an Ode or Sculptor, then a 2nd one makes sense, just to simplify workflow and not either mixing grinds or wasting beans purging between them. If you’re looking more into prosumer/professional grinders, I’d lean to having it to replace both, since it’s better and hella expensive (unless that’s not an issue).

A lot of the cost of an electric grinder is due to the motor. The motor also has to be controlled and driven by power electronics. This results in a larger grinder with more material and weight. More expensive and longer design cycles, more shipping and packaging costs. In reality I’d bet grinder manufacturers usually buy the motors from third parties who need to make a margin. Same is probably true for many burrs. They may also have to pay for certifications. Manual grinders are ridiculously simple, just a housing with a burr and maybe a few bearings. As a simple comparison people largely say that an 1Zpresso J ultra (which I have) grinds nearly identically to a Niche Zero which is 3-4x the price

Honestly, if you’re brewing medium and dark roasts for espresso, it’s hard to beat the Niche Zero for UX. If you want a flavor upgrade from your Ode for filter, I absolutely love my 078. The two of those together would still be well within your price range, especially if you can find a 078 secondhand ($600-650 is reasonable). A secondhand niche can be found for $500 or less very easily these days. You could probably find a nice 83 mm grinder and put some lab sweet SSP burrs in there and get a pretty good compromise, but if you’re changing grind sizes between espresso and filter constantly, it’s not going to be the most delightful experience. I have two grinders myself now, and I think it’s the way to go.

Yes, depending on how “light” and “medium” the actual specific roasters you’re buying from are - I drink very very light roasts for filter, and I think the 078 is amazing. Whether you’ll like the Niche or another espresso grinder best is more of a preference question; there are so many options these days (Lagom Casa, DF54/64/83, Eureka Mignon series…) that are all pretty good that you can kinda pick your favorite based on price, workflow, and aesthetics. My espresso grinder is a DF83 with SSP HU burrs, and if I were buying today at the $1000-and-under price point, I’d probably stick with that, except upgrade to the DF83V for a quieter motor and better feeding mechanism. Love the HUs though.

I also have the 078 and have zero complaints. I was using the Niche Zero before (for pourover and espresso) and this is a clear improvement. I haven't tested other grinders. I purchased it via the kickstarter.

I use the Niche zero for this application. Workflow still can’t be beat.

I love my Niche, but it’s not great for pourovers. Would love a Hoffmann AMA, I’d grill him on how he thought otherwise. Must be a superior technique… I have a Comandante hand grinder for pourovers, and as an extra benefit, I now get great pourovers when travelling too.

Niche is Chinese made.

1. Unless you're grinding for loads of people at the same time, the extra time to grind barely is barely an issue. It's only 10-13 seconds more than grinders like the DF64. That time flies by when you're prepping for the coffee. 2. The chute issue is overstated. All you do is once a week stick a brush up the chute and give a bit of a wiggle. That's it. Especially when considering the price you're paying, that is not a big drawback. 3. The stock burrs on the DF54 are great. Personally I prefer them over grinders like the Niche Zero. For the price you're paying, I don't think not being able to upgrade the burrs (at the moment) is that much of an issue. 4. The pricing between the df64 and df54 differs depending where you are. In the UK, it's a £160 difference which is not a small amount and is definitely a big enough jump in price to make someone consider whether it's worth paying that much more for just for a little quicker grind time. It seems even less worth it if you're not looking to upgrade the burrs.

This is the way. Not $1000 but my overpriced niche zero is 10x better than what I was using before lol

A Niche or a Niche Duo? The original Niche is a conical, I'd pick any of the DF over it. The Duo is interesting. The Niche was a game changer when it first arrived but grinders have come a long way. Could you get a Timemore 64s for that money?

# **Without philosophizing in the answer, you have two options: a handgrinder, or electric grinder.** — ## **🔹 Hand Grinders** ### **High-End Options:** - **1Zpresso K-Ultra** – External adjustment, versatile for both pourover & espresso. - **1Zpresso J-Max** – 8.8-micron steps, optimized for espresso but handles pourover. - **Kinu M47 Phoenix / Classic** – Precise & durable, great for both. - **Comandante C40 MK4** – Ideal for pourover; needs *Red Clix* for better espresso dialing. - **Timemore Chestnut S3** – Stepless adjustment, more suited for pourover. - **1Zpresso ZP6** – Produces ultra-clean grinds, excelling in filter brews. ### **Mid-Range Options:** - **1Zpresso JX-Pro** – Espresso-friendly with finer adjustments than JX. - **Timemore Chestnut C3 ESP** – Budget option with espresso-compatible burrs, decent for pourover. - **1Zpresso X-Pro** – Compact, external adjustment, slower but espresso-capable. — ## **⚡ Electric Grinders** ### **High-End Options:** - **Mahlkönig EK43** – The gold standard in specialty coffee shops. - **Weber EG-1** – Premium single-dose grinder for all brew methods. - **Lagom P100** – High-performance, SSP burr options for precision grinding. ### **Mid-Range / Prosumer Options:** - **DF64 Gen 2 / DF64P / DF64E** – Affordable single-dose grinders, great for both. - **Niche Zero** – Top-tier single-dose grinder for espresso & pourover. - **Eureka Mignon Specialita** – Stepless adjustment, solid for espresso & can handle pourover. - **Fellow Opus** – Budget-friendly, designed for both espresso & filter brewing. - **Baratza Vario+ / Sette 270** – Great entry-level grinders with micro-adjustments for espresso. - **Timemore Sculptor 078 / 064S** – New contenders with solid grind consistency. ### **Budget-Friendly Options:** - **Fellow Ode Gen 2** (Needs *SSP burrs* for espresso) – Excellent for pourover, but needs mods for espresso. - **Baratza Encore ESP** – Beginner-friendly with stepped adjustments. - **Eureka Mignon Crono** – Simple & effective for both espresso & filter. — 🔎 **Check reviews before buying**—grind quality & user experience vary. Preferences are subjective!

If you truly truly want this for life, then the only options are high end hand grinders. Something with a motor will always fail eventually and while commercial grade machines are designed to be workhorses, many of those are unsuitable in a domestic setting. Something like the niche zero would be your best bet for a domestic grinder with a motor, but for a truly bifl grinder it would need to be something like the Weber hg2

Thank you chatGPT but the Niche Zero is terrible at pour over. I’d say not even really capable of it. The brews stall 8/10 times and the taste is awful.

TL;DR I do a minimum of 70% of my grinding by hand with an OK hand grinder. The rest of the time, I have a Niche Zero. I don't make espresso. I'm thinking about selling the Niche and buying the best hand grinder I can afford. Should I? Longer version: I make one or two cups of coffee every day, and 5 days a week that means an Aeropress at work. On days when I'm not at work I mostly brew V60, but I might also brew using a syphon or French press. When at home I have a Niche Zero grinder and I love the workflow. I very rarely grind more than 18g of coffee at a time. However, whilst the Niche isn't a very loud grinder I have kids who sleep lightly and it often wakes them up. Beyond that, it takes up a reasonable amount of space on the kitchen counter. Again, it's not massive, but it's not tiny either. To the point - for the past 6 months I have been toying with the idea of selling the Niche and replacing it with a hand grinder. It's one of those ideas which you think you've put to bed and then in a couple of weeks it comes back again... I don't know which hand grinder (feel free to recommend the 'best' ones) but I'd really love to hear experiences from others that might have done the same thing. Has it worked for you? Do you regret it, or miss having an electric grinder? Am I mad for considering this?

At least do enough research to decide between your preferences for conical vs. flat burrs. Niches (both zero and duo) along with the rest of the conical burrs make more fines in their particle size distributions. That gives more body but may make the espresso more “muddy”. Flat burr grinders like DF64/83, Timemore 64/78, Zerno Z1, Acacia Orbit, Lagom Option-O, and of course the Weber EG-1 (roughly in order of increasing price) will yield fewer fines and a thinner cup but with more clarity. Generally people who like lighter roasts tend to like flat burrs. People who like medium and darker may either not have a preference or even prefer the body you get from conical.

Surprising that no one has recommended a niche zero. Goes well with Bambino, just upgraded from baratza encore esp which is not bad either. The niche zero might be more expensive than 500$ with shipping. On my research, it is a tried and long lasting machine. I drink predominantly milk based drinks so the difference between a flat burr and conical burr, IMHO did not matter much. Niche zero has a great workflow, looks solidly built, and I expect a good customer service too but haven’t needed that. The thing with df64 in my mind is that I might go into a bigger rabbit hole with trying to change the burrs.

why dont you like DF grinders? Form factor? Honestly I dont know if you will ever need something more than a Niche Zero or a Mignon specialita. I think you need to upgrade your table first though

\> I would prefer a single dose as I use 3 types of coffee beans I use here and there. Agreed, go with a single-dosing grinder. \> I am thinking of getting the DF54 My strong recommendation is to get one via a retailer who can support you if there are issues and not direct. My own experience of buying directly from Turin is woeful; their customer service was non-existent. If you buy from an in-country retailer, they are responsible for sorting any issues. \> Would you recommend a DF64 instead or try and get a DF54? I had a v1 DF64 previously - IMO, it is probably the best value grinder on the market today, given its price and its ability to have different burrs. Given you say you don't mind loud noise (and it is, IMO a very loud grinder), this seems like a good option for you (but buy via an in-country retailer). \> Off topic, but it seems like the DF series is way more favoured than the Niche. I am not so sure. There is a lot of talk and recommendations for them, but when you see pics of people's setups, there are an awful lot of niche zeros out there (inc. with me - I have one alongside an Option-O P64 and some hand-grinders). The Zero is not favored so strongly as the flat grinders for pour-over, it tends to get used primarily for espresso, which IMO is is very good for. Plus, has the best workflow and sound (quietness) of any grinder I have used. \> On another note, I am thinking of getting a Lagom Casa A superbly well-built and capable grinder. Option-O are legendary in the business.

If you like the Niche Zero, then get the Niche Zero. The moment you start chasing the fomo, then everything will have its flaws, and nothing is good enough.

Yes. A god grinder back when competition wasn’t so hot, is still a good grinder now. Reviews and YouTubers are splitting hairs over minute details that I’d bet most common folk like me won’t really notice, and even if I did, isn’t going to be night and day at the same price point. Kinda like a Shun knife vs a Wushtof knife. You can argue the benefits of Japanese steel and cutting angles vs German, but in the end, if you happen to own either and know what you’re doing in the kitchen, it’s not going to matter that much.

I would get a niche zero and option o 01 with SSP HU. The mizen does good with dark espresso (see if she likes it) and is great for pour over but is less acidity than ssp hu. Or go all out and get kafatek mc6 and 01.

Former niche owner here. Moment I changed to a zp6 it was miles different and a lot better for filter overall. The good thing with niche despite the market of grinders out there, it retains good resell value even now with how old it is. If you drink mainly filter then I'd just make the move to a hand grinder and spend the rest on more coffee...or whatever.

Just seen your username. You'll definitely fetch around 400£ for the niche rn sometimes even more. I managed to sell mine for 420 a few months back after having it for almost 3 years.

Eagerly awaiting my Casa. I have the Ode 2 w/ Gen 2 and SSP MP burrs, but I get far more enjoyable coffee out of my Kingrinder K6. Richer fruit notes, more rounded sweetness. I experienced the same with pourover from a friend’s Niche Zero, so my current theory is that my palate just likes the profile of coffee from conical burr grinders better. Worst case, the Casa will do espresso duty and I’ll just hand-grind for filter.

I have a niche that I got 3 years ago when (to my knowledge back then) it was the only game in town concerning singlemdosing and I knew nothing about burr profiles. I am happy with the niche and I drink mainly light roasts. The coffee I get at home is en par with what I get at many specialty places in town. Of course I am curious how a flat burr profile would taste in comparison but I won't shell out for it when I have a perfectly good grinder at home. (I am considering trying out the flat burr conversion kit for the niche though)

I love my Niche Zero. Simple, easy to clean and has been a workhorse since day 1. Had a Baratza Encore (not as good a grind and very plastic-y) and a Mazzer Mini (hated the dosing) before the Niche

I can’t stand the DF64 high pitch noise either. Decent grinder but shrill as hell. Take a look at the Niche Zero if you are ok with conical burrs. It’s worked wonders for me since I like darker, fuller body drinks. If not, the Oro or Specialita might be good options. Good luck.

I got my niche and then immediately had gear fear that I had gotten the wrong one. A year and a half later, I love my niche and it makes delicious coffee when I get everything dialed in.

Even with light roasts. It’s never bound when grinding and I can always dial it in to make tasty coffee. I haven’t had lots of other grinders to compare it with but I have done side by side shots with my k4 kingrinder and the differences were marginal at best. So if you like the design and work flow, you can use this grinder to make delicious coffee.

Niche Zero if you can slightly increase your budget. DF64 otherwise.

Other than price, Niche Zero is perfect for your use case.

The ones who don't like it are often looking for a flat burr profile.

Eureka Mignon grinders, while flat burr, have more of a conical burr flavor profile. I own a Niche Zero, and I used to own a Eureka Specialita, and the espresso produced by both of them tasted nearly identical. It was only after I traded the Specialita for a Timemore 078s that I understood what espresso from flat burrs could taste like. Since you are interested in SD, check out Eureka Mignon Zero.

I only use the Niche for milk drinks. For me, it doesn't work well enough for straight espresso or filter.

I pull shots with light roasts all the time w/ my Niche Zero. It doesn’t have the sparkling clarity of uniform flat burrs, and it has more body - all of which I actually love.

Hand grinder makes the most sense. I was using a niche and zp6. Recently got the Zerno with 2 sets of burrs and sold my niche. I’m lucky in the sense I work from home so I can spend a bit of time to change burrs during working time but I do find myself leaving the more traditional higher fines burrs in the Zerno and making pour overs with the zp6. This is a hobby I am very interested in though so it’s good now I can experiment a bit more when I learn new techniques

Niche zero- I have it as a dedicated espresso grinder but only because I bought it after I got the fellow ode gen2.

People also give it bad reviews for espresso- especially after Lance posted a video about it… I think it does a good job at making both- jack of all trades, master of none probably sums it up. I’m happy with it and I would be happy as a single grinder- perhaps you could also just get a hand grinder for pour over if you wish for more every now and then.

Niche Zero is the best at this, but as you know, out of your price range. Maybe the answer is saving up a little while longer, or buying used. Any eureka mignon grinder you can find in your price range/preferred workflow would be next best. Check espressocoffeeshop.com/en/ for deals. Despite what you heard, that they have flat burrs has no bearing on this. I just brought back some beans some Palermo and they taste pretty much the same as they did in the caffe with a Eureka mignon zero. It'll take a while to switch back and forth for pourover though. You'll find this on a lot of espresso grinders though - small dials and worm drives are slow, but steady, for making small adjustments when dialing in espresso. Also important is that you buy dark roast coffee, preferably with some robusto mixed in. You won't be able to make Italian style espresso with med-light roast beans...

It isn't a flat or conical thing...You can have flat burr grinders that have a profile that has less clarity than a conical. I think it is best just to not think of it in terms of that. What I can definitely tell you though is the Niche is fantastic for espresso but not so much for pour over. Of course this depends on the type of pour over you want but unless you're looking for that extra body, I think you would prefer a grinder with a different profile.

I would say it really depends on the style of each you like to drink....If you like that more traditional espresso profile but want a lighter more tea like pour over, you're not going to find that in any single grinder (without changing burrs between each). But lets assume you can find a grinder that will do the profile you want for both. Switching settings between the two, will generally also involve some level of purging, etc. You will also need to remember to change settings. No doubt you will sometimes forget to do both. If I don't have any grinders or I don't have any grinders I'm happy with, I may consider the one grinder route... If I already have something like a Niche and I'm happy with it for espresso...I'm probably looking for a dedicated pour over grinder if I have the space. It opens up your options, it makes life easier...

Yeah...I don't think I'd get a grinder with the intention of changing burrs..it just won't make sense to do after awhile. You're either going to find a burr that can do both that you enjoy and live with the little things to use the same grinder...or you use two grinders. Hand grinding pour over, to me, is fine. While I no longer use one for my main, I think the results are really good and it is pretty easy to do....

There are many grinders just as good and some better than the niche at the same or less money, in both flat and cones. Niche was a game changer but the way it has reacted to increased competition and quality in the market is to increase their price by 50 quid more than it was when it was the last word in home barista grinding which vexes me. I think you can get a just as good or maybe better grinder for the same price or less, so bare that in mind. Can personally recommend the eureka oro single dose. 65mm flats, can be hot started and slow fed easily, one of the most powerful brushless motors in its price range so will not stall on light roasts, very quiet and excellent retention, can be delivered in 2 days for less than £445

I had the Niche Zero and now have the DF64 Gen 2. Both are great grinders with their pluses and minuses. The Niche does have better workflow and is easier to clean. Cleaning the chute out on the 64 is a bit of a pain. I drink med/light roast coffee in long blacks. I like the results slightly better with the 64; however the difference is not as large as I thought it would be. The Niche also does fine with med/light. The 64 is louder, slightly messier and more of a chore to clean out. Ended up giving Niche to my brother in law who DR nks darker roasts in lattes. The 64 just slightly won out with the better cup result less the slight downgrade in workflow.

If you are mainly med-dark go Niche for sure!