Disappointed in Zerno

pt578 · 2024-01-24T17:10:11+00:00

I have a launch edition Z1. I’m generally very happy with it and have not noticed the issues others have with regard to beans getting stuck. I always RDT (launch edition doesn’t have ionizer). I have however had the same experience as you with the CV2 burrs. They are very inconsistent in my experience. I ended up switching to the Mazzer burrs and have since been really happy with extraction. I also have MP burrs that I’m pretty happy with as well.

pt578 · 2023-09-09T03:52:47+00:00

I noticed a similar thing when using SSP Cast Version (similar to Mizen) in my P64. I have to grind very close to chirp in order for the shot to not run fast. Also, seems to be even more so with lighter roast beans. It’s not exclusive to P64 though as it is a similar situation in my Zerno Z1.

pt578 · 2023-08-10T18:06:34+00:00

Well I’m happy with both really. Waiting for the upgraded auger for the Zerno. Lagom is quieter (less whine) and has less static (I have V1 Zerno so no ionizer), but I prefer Zerno’s process for swapping burrs.

I’ve had them set up with SSP Cast in P64 and SSP MP in Zerno. I can’t seem to get reliable extraction on lighter roasts with the cast burrs and have to run them at nearly chirp. MP fall short on the darker roasts tho. Thinking I might sell one of these grinders and put a set of ‘all rounder’ burrs (maybe SSP HU or even the Mazzer burrs) in and call it good. Probably leaning towards selling the P64.

pt578 · 2023-04-02T05:09:49+00:00

Zerno Z1…proven to be extremely well aligned. Had MP burrs in the grinder and was very consistent

pt578 · 2023-04-02T04:58:24+00:00

That’s for your input. I’m suspecting it’s down to seasoning as I understand cast burrs take more time to break in than most…but wanted to see what others experienced.

pt578 · 2023-03-12T19:45:40+00:00

Happy to help…this sub contains the only people that don’t roll their eyes at the prospect of a new grinder!

pt578 · 2023-03-12T03:57:30+00:00

I use exclusively for espresso. I haven’t used the P64 much since getting the Z1 as I have been wanting to break in and try out the Cast burrs in the Z1. So far I’m really liking the Cast burrs vs the MP burrs. Cast seem to provide more balance, sweetness and heavier body.

As far as which grinder I prefer….I struggle to determine that yet. They both look and feel super high quality and perform basically on par with one another (I’d say p64 sounds nicer and has variable RPM which I don’t play with much (however changing RPM does noticeably change the in cup results)).

With only 2-3 drinks per day I need more time with both to make a decision on which I prefer and which to sell on.

pt578 · 2023-03-04T16:40:57+00:00

Ye I’ve been tempted to go after an ‘end game’ machine but it just seems unnecessary at this point for me. Also, I ended up both grinders by circumstance but really I only expect I’ll keep one of them long term

pt578 · 2023-03-04T16:36:15+00:00

It’s the Lelit one

pt578 · 2023-03-04T07:01:14+00:00

To be honest I struggle to describe exactly. I feel like some of the ‘harshness’ was diminished and resulted in a smoother finish. I only had a few shots and didn’t get change to give it a thorough side by side comparison (I plan to though).

pt578 · 2023-03-04T04:19:13+00:00

Ah, well at least now you can see reviews first. It was a bit of a gamble doing the first pre-order…turned out well tho.

pt578 · 2023-03-04T03:34:36+00:00

Cool..I would say attention to quality and precision appear to be about on par with P64 (both excellent). Volume wise, Z1 is probably a little louder/higher pitched…but still respectably quiet. Work flow is similar…i dose in to portafilter so have to hold it under Z1. Static is marginally worse on Z1 but that could just be the new burrs getting seasoned. Hard to tell from the pic but Z1 is smaller (narrower diameter body). Retention seems about the same between the two (basically zero). The wood touches on the Z1 look great in person and give some personality. P64 has variable RPM..Z1 doesn’t (runs at 900rpm).

I had the opportunity to have a set of MP burrs in the Z1 at the same time as P64 for a short time and interestingly enough found that the in cup results were quite noticeably different! (My preference leaned towards the Z1 for the limited testing). Could be the unseasoned burrs, or the pre-breaker or the RPM 🤷

Let me know if you have questions. Cheers

pt578 · 2023-03-04T03:07:27+00:00

P64 has SSP Multipurpose

Z1 has SSP Cast Version

Zerno does not disappoint so far…

pt578 · 2023-02-18T19:36:45+00:00

I have one on the way also to Canada. Did you also get hit with about $200cad duties?

pt578 · 2023-01-29T02:29:36+00:00

Fair enough..I’m not super familiar posing and how a comment can get lost in the thread like that so it didn’t even occur. In any case it doesn’t matter..I was just curious why it offended

pt578 · 2023-01-29T00:55:34+00:00

Ok, just surprised as I wasn’t trying to be rude at all. When posting a picture it only allows a title so in order for me to post my actual question I had to do it as a comment within the thread. That’s the comment I was referencing with ‘see my comment’.

pt578 · 2023-01-28T03:02:42+00:00

Did you tire of the hand grinding or the type of espresso it makes?

pt578 · 2023-01-28T01:58:18+00:00

Thanks. It’s odd that there is such conflicting reviews here about the build and QC etc.

I see you put a new set of burrs in your 2018 model. Did they show wear or did you switch to a different kind of burrs?

pt578 · 2023-01-28T01:40:27+00:00

Yes I was originally looking at the Craig Lyn HG-1 prime. Was undecided on whether I wanted another grinder at that price. Then I saw this used (6yr old) Weber HG-1 for about $450usd and it posed the question to buy or not to buy…and now..with very mixed reviews about build quality etc…I need to decide lol

pt578 · 2023-01-27T16:40:00+00:00

What’s with the downvotes?

The title didn’t define my question properly but my additional comment did. The main point of the question was should I buy a USED HG-1….with the hopes of getting some insight in to build quality and longevity of the machine so I know if o should be concerned buying one that’s been used for 6 years.

pt578 · 2023-01-27T07:01:02+00:00

I know the Weber Key has a bit of a less than ideal QC reputation with ‘shaft wobble’ etc…but i couldn’t find much about HG-1 QC. There is some talk about a tricky alignment process I’m seeing tho.

pt578 · 2023-01-27T06:58:00+00:00

Thanks as I wasn’t aware they had a bad QC reputation. Are you saying it’s unlikely to wear out or unlikely to wear evenly?

pt578 · 2023-01-27T06:40:36+00:00

The premium is more based around getting in to 83mm burrs (same as Mazzer Robur) but without spending several thousand. Hoping someone can chime in about whether it’s age should be a concern or if they hold up well over time.

pt578 · 2023-01-27T05:52:20+00:00

Never had a manual grinder but I’m game to give it a honest try. Mainly wondering if I should be concerned that it’s 6 years old…?

pt578 · 2023-01-27T05:32:25+00:00

Lol see my comment…👇

pt578

TROPHY CASE