Sculptor 064S

I picked up the 064S a couple months back when they were running this deal, pretty good grinder! I find the alignment to be much better than my Ode G1, much more consistent particle size leading to more flavor clarity.

Take a look at Timemore Sculptor 064S if you decide on single dosing - it's in that price range.

You cannot go wrong with either. I went with 064s for the greater choice of third party burrs. BTW, there is huge discount on Amazon right now: https://www.amazon.com/TIMEMORE-Sculptor-Electric-Coarseness-Adjustment/dp/B0DNYWJV2Z?sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl - 064s for $479 and the 078s for 639

- You need 064s if you want to grind for espresso, 064 is different burr that cannot grind fine enough but is good for pour-overs - If you decide on DF64, do not get the gen1, get gen2

Search for reviews of the X64 SD. If you see the reviews I've seen, you may want to remove it from your short list. I have a 064s and I love it! It's super quiet when running empty, but it makes a fair bit of noise when grinding beans. Check out some of the video reviews of it, listen to the noise, and decide for yourself. Zero 65AP is also a good choice and might be quieter.

If you can increase your budget, you could get a Timemore 064s. If you are in the US, it is on sale on Amazon for 20% discount = $480. I don't know how long the sale will last - it seems alternate between sale and full price a couple of times per week. 064s uses similar burrs to DF64, but has better build quality and alignment. It's good for all roast levels and all brew methods. If you need to stick to your budget, go for DF64.

I've only used mine for modern espresso from medium to light roasts. But my understanding is that both DF64 and 064s will do traditional espresso as well as any other grinder in the $400 price range. With either grinder you have the option of swapping the burrs to Mazzer 233M which are intended for trad espresso. If you go upscale to a Niche Zero or MC6, those will be better for trad espresso.

I have a 064s and I love it! The cleaning diffiuclty is real, but the grinder has virtually zero space in the grind chamber for retention, and the rotary knocker makes short work of any grinds stuck in the exit chute, so cleaning is seldom needed. I was able to visit Option-O's brew lab in Melbourne, and [got a demo of the Casa](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1o68n9v/sightseeing_in_melbourne/). I was very impressed.

As long as you didn't damage your JX-Pro when dropping it, you are pretty much at the top of the hand grinder game. The latest 1ZPresso espresso grinder is the J-Ultra, but the JX-Pro is very close, and I don't think it's worth an upgrade. If you insist on spending more money, check out the Pietro hand grinder, or Weber HG-2. For electric, Timemore 064s would be a good option. It has virtually zero retention. There isn't any extra room in the burr chamber for retained grinds to stick, and the knocker gets out any that were stuck in the exit chute.

I have Timemore 064s and also 078s. Both work well with beans [from light to dark and oily](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1o0xp8k/i_went_back_to_the_dark_side/). I've never had any clogs. The rotary knocker keeps the chute clean without any need for RDT. With either grinder, you need an aftermarket [magnetic dial pointer](https://aroespresso.com/products/magnetic-dial-pointer-for-timemore-sculptor-078-078s) in order to make adjustments repeatable.

064s is the only one I have experience with, and I love mine! Do your own research on your other candidates.

I used to own a Niche Zero. It's a fantastic grinder for traditional, full-bodied espresso brewed from medium to dark roasts. In order to significantly beat it, you need to spend tons more for something like a Kafatek MC6. However, it leaves a lot to be desired for modern espresso that emphasises clarity of flavors over body, brewed from lighter roasts, and also for pour over. As my tastes changed to prefer this type of espresso, I found that Timemore 064s, which when on sale costs much less than a Niche, does a much better job for me, and I sold my Niche.

I love my Timemore 064s for light (as well as all other) roast levels. It's biggest downside is its difficulty in swapping burrs. If you will be experimenting with aftermarket burrs, one of the DF grinders might be a better option. But 064s stock burrs are great!

As a former barista I think you will be most comfortable with a Gaggia Classic E24. It will feel closest to the commercial machines you've used in the past. Don't forget to budget for a good grinder. When brewing espresso, the grinder is much more important than the espresso machine. lf you really have a budget for $1K, an E24 for $450 will leave you $550 for a grinder. Spend as much of that as you can stand. If you want to single dose, Timemore 064s would be a great choice. Get it at one of Amazon's frequent 20% discount sales. If you want to grind-on-demand with a hopper, then one of the Eureka Mignons.

I used to own both a Specialita and a Niche Zero (I have 2 setups in different locations). Both made fantastic traditional espresso from medium to dark roasts. I was also happy with the espresso they made from light roasts. As I got deeper into light roasts, I decided to try a more appropriate grinder. I replaced the Specialita with a Timemore 078s. I found the 078s noticeably better with light roasts. So much so, that I sold the Niche and got a 064s for my 2nd setup. My advice is: if you are experimenting with light roasts, your Specialita will be fine, but if you get serious about them, and your financial situation allows it, you will appreciate the improved clarity from a better grinder.

Lagom Casa is conical burr but has the flavor profile of a flat burr grinder. If you insist on real flat burrs, then Timemore 064s or 078s, currently at 20% off Black Friday discount. All 3 of these grinders perform well with their stock burrs.

Definitely **not** Timemore 078 since it's for filter only. 078**s** is for espresso. I love my 078s and I'll cast my vote for it. Stock burrs work amazingly well for all roast levels. Only downside to it is there are very few aftermarket burrs available for it, and the ones I'm aware of (SSP MP and LeBrew Filter) got meh reviews. If you want to play with alternate burrs, get the 064s or DF64.

First, decide if you want to single dose (DF) or grind-on-demand with a hopper (Specialita). If you go through a bag of beans at a time for espresso only, a hopper grinder may be better. If you like to mix up different beans (including regular with decaf) or use the grinder for multiple brew methods, single dose is better. With stock burrs, DF54 and 64 have similar grind quality. Advantage of the 64 is faster grinding, but more importantly being able to use aftermarket burrs should you get more serious about espresso. You might also want to consider Timemore 064s, especially if you can catch it at one of the frequent 20% discount sales on Amazon or Timemore's website. I love mine. Eureka Oro SD Pro is another option. For a hopper grinder, Specialita is a good choice at your budget.

[I have 064s and 078s](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1mokxfs/timemore_064s_vs_078s/) and I love them both. Their stock burrs are great for all brew methods and roast levels. But if you intend to experiment with multiple burr sets, you would be better off with a DF or other grinder, since burr swapping on Timemore grinders is much more difficult.

I would add Timemore 064s to your list if you can get it during one of Amazon's frequent 20% off sales. It's great for all brew methods and all roast levels. If you go for the Eureka Zero, get the 65AP version. The original 55mm version is better for darker roast espresso. The 65AP will be be better for all roast levels and also for drip. https://preview.redd.it/cumdgxdk75lg1.jpeg?width=664&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d9468a0033cf5b4401b363c6ee402a11700efbe

For espresso milk drinks, you have arguably one of the best grinders for that purpose, and an upgrade isn't going to make much a difference. If you upgrade, I suggest you choose a grinder that uses standard size flat burrs, so you can choose burrs that best match your taste preferences. If you are into straight shots with high clarity from lighter roasts, then you will benefit from a grinder upgrade. I recently sold my Niche Zero and got a Timemore 064s and found it to be a huge improvement with the light roasts I prefer. At your budget, you should also look at Mazzer Philos, Zerno Z1, or Lagom P80.

The main issue with 064s is difficulty of swapping burrs. I use mine with stock burrs, and I love the espresso it produces from all roast levels.

DF64/83V and Timemore 064s/078s come with stock burrs that do a good job for all espresso styles. DF grinders are easier to disassemble for cleaning. Timemore grinders are harder to disassemble and reassemble, but they have so little retention, they hardly ever need to be cleaned. However, at least [one Redditor prefers Casa to Niche Zero for traditional espresso](https://www.reddit.com/r/espresso/comments/1ievgpk/lagom_casa_65cl_review_niche_zero_comparison/).

You can also fix that with a pen by marking the side of the dial but in the end a quick etsy order is probably the easiest. It's unbelievable how everything in these 2 grinders is really well done and then you have this small stupid design flaw.

Yeah I was very confused by that because I am currently in the research phase of purchase and the was one huge pro pretty much everyone agreed on. Side note, if you'll indulge me- I got a 064s and unboxed it and it has a terribly high pitched resonance. I can't tell if maybe I'm sensitive to it or got two defective units in a row. Anything you've noticed?

I was hearing it running completely dry. Immediately gave me a headache. I have mine boxed up to return so might be hard to get back out. My wife cant hear it but my sister in law could.

I just got the 064s. Have not had issues with popcorning at all, nor with getting beans stuck in the tray (two most common complaints online), but the retention is a little frustrating. I have to turn the knocker ring like 5-6 times *while* grinding every time, otherwise my dosing is f’d. Curious if anyone else has had that problem? I didn’t see many ppl mention it online prior to purchase

timemore sculptor 064s. £450 new from ebay. Why? on looks and cost. I like the design and the cost was good discount.

I would say spend a few extra quid and go for a timemore o64s. My personal experience with it has been very positive.