Pietro Grinder Review - SO CLOSE to Awesome...
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- Опубліковано 27 тра 2024
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0:00 - Intro
0:50 - Disclosure
1:57 - Why Pietro is a Big Deal
3:02 - First Impressions
4:20 - 2 Burr Sets
5:56 - The Bad and the Ugly
10:19 - Grinding with the Pietro
11:56 - Cup Quality
13:21 - Is it Right for You?
14:51 - Conclusion
Is the Pietro handgrinder the industries biggest flop, or a triumph? Don't miss my conprehensive review of the Pietro Grinder, including unimodal and bimodal pro brew burrs, pietro stand/base and more.
I’ve had this grinder for a couple of months and use it everyday, to be honest the challenges with the grinder has been very minimal. I have both the B modal and the M modal burrs and the only issue I had was some jamming when I was grinding some light roast for espresso which was easily remedied by reversing and starting again. The top is snug but not really hard to get off and pouring into my time more flat pour over, which is small has never been an issue. Having a base would eliminate the unsteadiness. One thing that one should note is that it uses blind burrs, many electric grinders do not even use blind burrs. To be honest to me the grinds that come out and the drinks it provides really outweighs any negatives in my case.
Red dot award means nothing to me now
When I looked into it this was a wake up call for me too. All of the submissions are self managed
I am so floored as well 😅
I have used this grinder 2+ times a day for over 3 months now. This review is spot on.
I've owned and used numerous grinders with various SSP burr sets, including Sette 270, Niche Zero, DF64, DF83, Kinu M47, etc. For quality in the cup, this grinder is absolutely fantastic. I prefer the pro burrs to my 64mm SSP MP v2 burrs for both espresso and filter. The bi-modal burrs are also great and outperform the Kinu M47 and Niche for my taste preferences. The quality is 100% there, and it really comes down to preference and nuanced differences between burr sets. It doesn't feel like a compromise in the cup which is what I love about this hand grinder.
That being said, the ergonomics and user experience are quite poor. It's an odd contrast to the mostly exceptional build quality (lid being the outlier) and aesthetics. My experience lines up exactly with this review. I keep using it because the coffee is great, but I kind of dread the process of interacting with the grinder. For filter, I actually don't mind too much, but espresso really exacerbates the wobbly base issue and time spent grinding. The fishing rod method does help some, though. The lid issue is actually my number one annoyance at this point. I cannot fathom why the lid is not magnetic. I have to use my nails to pry the lid off, which is genuinely a bit painful. Sometimes I fling it across the counter or onto the floor. If I really work for it, I can sometimes get it off by squeezing and shimmying the lid slowly until it releases. If my nails are trimmed, that is the only way I can get it off without a tool. It's actually easier to open up the burr chamber by far (which I love!). Also, a ton of the paint on the bottom of the lid has now chipped off from my fingernails alone on my 3-month-old $500 grinder. I expect to lose most of it and have paint chips coming up the side of the lid within a few months. That is totally unacceptable for a product this expensive. The lid feels wildly out of place.
I think the sports car analogy is perfect. Performance at the cost of comfort. I don't think I can let it go, but I hope that with a base and lid fix of some kind, I can actually enjoy using it some day.
Thank you for your thoughts on this one! I am totally with you!
I sell Pietro in the EU, so I'm very biased. But I've also been using it daily for 4 months now, so here are some thoughts on the topics raised in the video. Almost all the units we sold had the pro-brew burrs, so I guess it's mostly being used for pour-over.
- One customer prefers his Pietro over his EK43 because it has superior clarity.
- I asked Pietro about the lid, and they're using less tight O-rings now.
- I pour grounds from the round hole on the side of the catch cup, and it works well that way, even on small portafilters or drippers.
- Many customers asked about the stand before buying, but none have asked again since they bought it...
- I'm comfortable using it for a while now and have learned that you don't need to press hard on the lid, just lay your hand on top and focus your attention on the grinding action. Especially with filter grind settings, the wobbles aren't that bad. For espresso the stand will be nice.
- I hold the crank arm between my thumb and side of my index finger, and can grind on any surface that way.
- if you spread your feet 30cm or so, your body is much more stable and grinding becomes easier too.
- I love how easy it's to clean, especially for a flat burr grinder.
- swapping burrs is also straight-forward, and they radically change the character of the cups you're getting.
My take on the Pietro is that people who buy a hand grinder aren't looking for convenience first, there are many electric grinders that fill that need. Manual grinder people want the best possible results and don't mind the effort, maybe even love the hands-on ritual (I know I do).
I much prefer grinding espresso with some wobbles to e.g. a comandante (short arm, wide slippery body) and those 58mm blind burrs make fantastic coffee indeed.
I have many electric grinders at my disposal, but still use the Pietro daily because of the amazing cups. The unimodal burrs are fantastic thanks to Lance, but the multi-purpose ones are a bit more forgiving and less analytical, which is great if you want a more "easy" cup.
My other passion are guitars, and although there have been many innovations regarding playability, comfort, tuning stability, etc many players still prefer the 50's designs that aren't super comfortable to play, but the extra effort will reward you with great sounds and vibe every time. And I think that's why I (and Daddy Coffee) keep using the Pietro; nothing beats a superb cup of coffee and knowing you got the very best out of those precious beans you bought.
“Hi” @DaddyGotCoffee & “hi” @danymeeuwissen5973 (I recognize you from Flair. 👋) I am right in the middle of deciding whether to get the Pietro for a flat-burr espresso experience. I have used conical grinders but never flat burrs, and think this flat-burr hand grinder might be my road in. My priority is the cup results, not the ergonomics. Have you by any chance compared the cup results from the Pietro to the Lagom P64? That is my other (& more expensive) option. My priority is the cup results though, so I am eager to know if taste results merit one over the other. What’s your take on this aspect?
@@deidresmith7042 I don't have a p64, but a kopi deva with SSP MP burrs. The 58mm pietro burrs are blind, so the total surface area is similar to 64mm burrs with screw holes. I like the pietro better but they're both great options. Big price difference of course! 😉
@@danymeeuwissen5973 Thanks for that insight on the blind burr! I haven’t seen much said about Pietro specifically with espresso, most users do seem to be filter brewers, but I am nevertheless hopeful for some espresso taste surprises in this purchase.🙂
@@deidresmith7042 not many people choose a manual grinder for espresso as it does take some serious effort compared to pour-over. 😉
@@danymeeuwissen5973 Too true!😂
Thank you for the review! Most of what you experienced was my initial experience other than the top lid (i believe has a notch for our fingers to push up) and the dosing of grounds as I use the edge of the cup.
My first experience was slightly regretting on the workflow of this grinder. But when it comes to drinking the coffee (had the M burrs), oh man! One of the best filter i drank. Very clean and clear. The separation of flavour really wowed me.
This lead me to improve the workflow which i had bad experiences with initially. Now my way of holding and grinding is totally different than how you are doing in the video. I place the grinder on a bench, and the way I hold the knob, is as if im using a conical hand grinder instead of the fishing rod style 😅 it improves the stability of the grinder as i am able to hold the top better (more clearance due to holding knob like conical grinder) and clearance with knob and bench.
I recently got this grinder after a bunch of reviews that the coffee that comes out of this is really good, clean and has nice separation of flavors - and I mentally prepared myself to get ready with the bad sides of the grinder.
But after using it for a week now, I actually did not have a hard time at all with the problems that you pointed out - the lid comes off as easy as cake (even tightly sealed), I don't have to use my nails at all - i just press my fingers at the side and pop it out without any problem.
I also use really light roasted competition coffee, and the "stalling" is no different than what I would experience in a C40, just wind back and continue. The rocking back and forth was a problem in the first grind, but mid-way I could already adjust the grip strength to stop it rocking back and forth.
The only real gripe I have is with what you pointed out in the video as well - which is the clearance of the handle, so you are forced to grind it at the side of the table - but I don't really see that as a con as I like to think of the Pietro as a "home grinder" rather than hand grinder.
Some context though I've been using hand grinders (C40 12-18 clicks, 2-3 times a day for 2 years) and initially I was having the same problems with "stalling" and "having to find better angles to grind", but as time progressed I found an angle and grip strength where it doesn't bother me anymore - so maybe this contributed to having a better first experience as well.
Not discrediting anything you pointed out in the video, but that's just my experience!
Really appreciate the honest review Justin! To continue the sports-car analogy…it seems to me, in a market where many hand-grinders are Buick’s, this one’s a Bugatti. I’d honestly prefer the comfort, dependability, and ease of a Timemore or Comandante over this. Sports Cars are fun, but just too impractical for my every-day use.
Thanks man! Agreed, the cups are great, but the ergonomics def take the hit, not to mention price. But.. it’s the only flat burr grinder out there 🤷♂️ def a polarizing one
You can get a Volvo with 1ZPresso, a tank that produces.good flavour 🤓
I've had a Pietro for almost a month now using it solely for pour over usually grinding about 36g of usually light roast beans a day and my thoughts would near mirror your review. One thing i have found really helps with it's use is sitting while grinding proping the grinder on my knee, My previous grinder was a Normcore v2 and although it was much faster and generally had a better work flow the quality difference is so great that even when im really worn out i will reach for the Pietro.
TLDR-It's a PITA to use but the cup it produces is absolutely top notch.
Great review. I used to be in the camp that would overlook these flaws in favor of the cup quality. (HG-1 owner previously). But I’ve become a bit lazy, and also expect better from manufacturers who make big claims.
Excellent review! To me good ergonomics are a must. I currently own 1zpresso K-max and I think I won't be upgrading for a long time for filter. It is excellent for the medium roast coffee I drink.
I really understand what you're saying. I don't have any issues grinding with my Pietro with the ProBrew burrs but it's definitely not for everyone. If you don't like handgrinding don't get it. If you're used to grind by hand with a C40 ocr 1zpresso you likely don't have any issues grinding with the Pietro as soon as you got a good routine. Try to get more of your bodyweight above the grinder by leaning over a bit and it will not move on the table when grinding. The actual grinding doesn't take that much effort and you kan hold the crank only with two or three fingers so that there is no risk damaging your knuckles. And yes it's really high clarity and I especially like the smoothness on the cups.
Totally, I love the cups too and this is exactly why I keep using it. But.. agreed (obviously!) it’s not for everyone.
Excellent review. From the look of it, the extra-large size--and the price--I was sure that great ergononomics were its chief feature. If I'm going to get rid of my electric grinder and switich to a manual, it has to be one with great ergnonomics that's easy to spin. Hopefully, they'll fix all the defects with Ver. 2, whenever that comes out.
Nice review! Can't wait to see you compare the cup quality (especially filter) with other high-end hand grinders, like Comandante or 1Zpresso ZP6. Blind test them would be lovely.
Yes, please make that video!
I have a great conical burr grinder for filter, so the Pietro interests me because it offers something great and truly different. I think I could manage the ergonomics. Tbh, I might also wait for a special or a v2.
I’m agreed here and this is what makes it so conflicting. If you have the desire and the budget and ergonomic tradeoffs are worthwhile to you.. the cups are really really great
Great vid. You summed up all there is to this grinder, it’s like an Italian sports car. It’s designed like one, priced like one, and has its own raging horses under the hood - and they are wild so taming them is not for everyone.
It’s not - like a 1Zpresso or C40 - a cheapest alternative to a decent electric grinder. It’s not to be someone’s first grinder (and certainly not the only one).
I enjoy manual grinding, despite having great electric grinders at hand. The Pietro has been used regularly since I bought it. First cup with it was memorable.
Sure, grinding on my electrics is more convinient. Sure, the Comandante is more portable and easier to tame. The cup I get out of this Pietro is still worth the efforts for me, when I have time to enjoy my morning coffee ritual !
Yup totally of the same mindset here. Thanks for commenting!
Just bought the cafesing orca as my first hand grinder and it’s so pleasant to use. I’ve seen people rave about the Pietro but, that looks miserable to use and for $200 more I’m that much more pleased with my purchase. I’m sure the cups are incredible but I’ve been living with a sette 270 so the cafesing is much better already. If my experience is any indication it’ll be a matter of time until a new set of burrs are made for the orca that will be as good or better than pietro.
Great review man! Seems like the cons outweigh the pros for this one. Seems like a great, innovative idea that's better in theory than practice. I have a new flat burr handgrinder I'm getting ready to do a review on that has swappable burrs, produces great cups, and is just as easy to use as any other handgrinder!
The pros outweigh the cons in this review
I think most acc i would like is long handle would be great. Its a first ever flat burr hand grinder but not that portable. Thank you for honest review.
it's not bad that the top is hard, in time it will be easier to open. it's good against wear and tear...
loved the sport car parallelization, so true!
Have you reviewed the varia vs3, it’s been my main espresso grinder for a while now !
Bought it, then returned it the next day. I’ve not been able to do a proper espresso with the MP burr. I tried multiple times with setting between 0 to 5, and always end up with shots pulled in 13-15 sec. It feels solid AF, it’s beautiful, and awful to use.
I was able to do espresso on the pro brew burrs but adjustability was really rough. I could see how with some beans you could end up with 15 second shots. I was in between 2-0. Agreed on your points!
I just do the fishing reel method, placing it on the upper belly, and have found that I have zero problems with using it that way. It is very true that the cap where you put the beans in on top is ridiculously tight...not sure why they made that so hermetically sealed, but the catch cup not. I haven't had the catch cup fall off, but once it nearly did. Overall, I find the grinder easy enough to use, and worth it for the cup quality, and think that it's comparable in frustration to any other hand grinder if you do the fishing reel method.
I had the catch bin fall off twice when using this method, I can’t recommend it for this reason. I’m sure it works for some, but I think if the grinder requires this technique to use my ergonomics points still stand. I think I would argue that it’s comparable in frustration to any other hand grinder, in my opinion and I think most others, it’s definitely worse.
Fishing rod method would be a great way to get coffee dust or other counter stains on your shirt. Need to remember a lot of people are dressed up for work in the morning when they make coffee.
@@Mandragara nah, I've never gotten coffee dust on my shirt from doing it. The thing is sealed. Of course, if the catch bin fell off then that would be another story.
@@niccoloaurelius1587 oh my counter is always a bit dirty
We need a version two!
This feels like a product that was designed with the burr chamber in mind first, then when they realised the design that 'grew out' of it didn't quite work - they decided not to do a major redesign. The grinder needs a flaired base to stabilise it, in addition to being circular at the top so you can dose directly into a portafilter from it. It could perhaps also do with a telescopic handle, and certainly a redesigned top lid. All the design around the burrs and burr chamber seem excellent though, so I'd be very interested in a 'Gen. 2' of this grinder.
Great review! It was articulate and very honest! Refreshing! Thank you! BTW for that kind of money I want a better user experience.... I make great coffee now without the hassle and seeking my house to purchase it... ✌️
Thank you! I think a lot of people are in this position!
Love the car analogy. Don’t want to drive the Ferrari everyday but it’s sure nice to have one in the garage! Not that I’d know but I’d sure like to.
Using the Pro Brew for a few month now.
1-My first advice would be the to grind sideways. its a lot better that way and no issues with light roast at filter setting 6-8
2- dosing is not perfect but i use the open side of the grindcup to funnel it in the filter.
The biggest cons for me is the grindtime and the retention.
The lid is also bad, i used some silicone grease to loosen it up a little.
How about the retention?
What do you mean by sideways?
How does this compare to clarity with 1zpresso zp6?
How about just having 1 unit and both burrs? Is it a pain to constantly swap burrs?
I've found it easiest to slow feed the beans. I break down 18g into about 5 sessions. The weight of the full dose causes the grinder to jam more often and much harder. Plus the reward of the crank spinning unrestricted at the end of the grind is nice to receive a few times instead of just once.
I preordered a base, but who knows when that will be sent out.
I bought 2 units, one for home and another for home.
I'm facing the same issue, knocking my knuckles, dropping the dosing cup.
The pour over tastes good though, but the ergonomics are very annoying.
The 1Zpresso ZP6 Special is a lot easier to grind and to me, tastes almost as good.
The 1Zpresso came with a blower, brush, and a bag for taking the grinder everywhere with you.
Grinding pour over takes a minute. I cannot imagine myself using it for espresso.
I want to return it, but we don't have a return policy here in Malaysia, and it's very sad.
I'd say avoid it till v2 is released.
I wish they'd release a more proper stand/mounting to help me having to hold it so difficult angle.
You really nailed my personal opinion 😅 on this grinder.
Hi,thank you for the review..can help to guide me,i bought the pro brew version..try making v60 at grind setting of 7,got hollow brew with drying sensation..light roast ethiopian..may i know what grind setting u usually use?
What was your total brew time and dose? Based on your taste descriptors I might try a little coarser
@@DaddyGotCoffee thank you..i use 15g to 230ml total..bloom 1min+total brewtime around 3:30..
@@harzritz438 yeah I’d try and tighten up the brew time slightly with a coarser grind and see if you get any improvement. You shouldn’t need to go too far
I designed and 3d printed a base (very simple design for now) - and it improved the user exercise 500%
As a person with a sprinkle of ocd half of the ergonomic issues are non issues to me (i have an open walk in shower and never wet the floor 😂) and i only make filter at home so im sure i can use not prob, being used to manual grinders. BUT I'm a bit irked by the fact that they didn't think this through enough. Im ok with difficulties of use, but only if unavoidable. I'm in italy so i pay about 100$ less for it and i love clarity so im gonna buy it, but I'll email them and tell them to start working on a v2.
Outstanding review! I'm super interested in hearing your opinion on espresso with Pro Brew! Don't you like it or do you just find that they are not suitable for espresso?
I think this depends on the type of espresso you like. If you like SSP style with that almost clinical clarity they deliver similar profile. They are a pain to dial in though. The b modal are more forgiving to dial in, slightly more complex, additional body but still syrupy sweet. For daily espresso Id choose the Bi modal burr hands down but the M Modal makes a great weekender.
@@DaddyGotCoffee Very interesting. Is it possible that sometimes the Pro Brews can't grind fine enough? I've read that some can't get 25s shots or more
@@FraDex95 I’m assuming this is possible, however I had great shots on 2 at 25s using decaf which requires a finer grind than most. This left plenty of room to go finer. But especially with espresso results will vary dependent upon many factors. I will say dialing I was a PAIN with the pro brew burrs and it was way more prone to channeling and fast flow. Not smooth thick and syrupy like the B modal. I’d be happy to test again, I only did it a handful of times
@@DaddyGotCoffee You have been extremely helpful! I'm trying to figure out which burr to choose using both filter and espresso. Apparently the best is to have both burrs 😂
Are the accessories actually available? I haven't seen them anywhere. I have the Pietro and love it tbh despite it's flaws.
I get this because I mean, I’m still using it too 🤷♂️ The accessories are not quite available yet
They said September to me. greetings
@@Julumon. thanks, good to know!
If I ever get into espresso, I'll probably get one of these. But then I might need to install a vice in my kitchen...
I use this grinder daily for a couple of months and I'm surprised with a number of issues people have with it in terms of its usability. I never had any of them, except grinding is much harder physically then with conical burr grinders.
" except grinding is much harder physically then with conical burr grinders." Well, that's good to know.
That's a deal-breaker for the Pietro, as far as I'm concerned. I'm not looking for a workout or a delay with my manual grinder. It if doesn't work easily and quickly, I'm not going to use it. A decade ago, I bought a Hario manual burr grinder at Williams Sonoma. (That was the only manual one available then.) I tried it once, it took seemingly forever for to grind coffe for a single serving pour-over. I washed the grinder out, put it right back in the box and returned it. I finally ordered a modern mechanical grinder a couple of weeks ago after seeing all the buzz on UA-cam about these things. After reading the reviews, I bought the 1ZP K-Ultra. First time I used it, it took me about a minute to grind my coffee. Now, it takes me about 30 seconds. I'm fine with that. I can't see using my electric grinder again unless I'll be making coffee for half-a -dozen people or more.
"it's absolutely huge!"....that's what sh.....
On a more serious note, I appreciatie the review and the honesty about the design flaws (I think it should come with a more stable food included in the box, not as separate accessory).
Also, you made your point quite clear about the reddot award.... makes you wonder, is there any award we can still trust these days?
Concerning your review, I would prefer it to be without background music.
I have 0 doubts about your honesty from this! For coffee enthusiasts, grinding coffee should be a sensory experience. I don’t love coffee cause it’s easy, I enjoy it cause I love the prep and the effort that goes into it and getting a coffee dialled in just so. This is an immediate no from what you’ve showed, early in the morning I’m tired and I think I would end up throwing this in the bin if my beans went everywhere cause it fell over or the catch cup fell off. It’s a bit ridiculous as you say that you have to buy accessories just to make it stand up properly 😂
Right?? Red Dot Design Award winner, and oh by the way here’s some accessories to improve the design 🙄
If we have to weight in percentage, I would aim for the resulting coffee to weigh 60% and convenience 40%. This grinder does not fit that model in my opinion, but I can see potential in it regardless
Agreed, it’s got potential. This is a great matrix for weighing and evaluating!
They should have included the stand which I think would have made sense because the market for this doesn't really care about their hand grinder not being super portable, a "home" hand grinder is what they want, kind of like how a flair 58 is manual but it makes the most sense in a stationary set up. As it stands this is a good proof of concept but it also demonstrates why manual > conical burr, electric > flat butt is probably a good rule of thumb.
The flair 58 comparison is a good one. I think the issue with the stand was it was a late decision in the overall development and is not yet quite ready to ship. Definitely an oversight
Agree. Great cups but a pain in the ass to use.
Idk if I want an even less comfortable hand grinder than I already have. Hand grinding six shots a day is already tedious. That price tag doesn't make it appealing either. It is a good-looking grinder though.
Thank you for the review! It was honest, straightforward, and really nice 😻
I just ordered the pro model. The weight and and size is irrelevant cause the final product is the main goal. I think modern society is looking for everything to cater to their lives. It's like using the M1 Garand, that's a rifle, yiu can get Garand thumb.. the design could bite you, but people loved the rifle. It saved their lives. They got used to using the thing. I say Harden the Fuck up. Lance Hedrick has the perfect technique for it.. wind on your stomach like a fisherman using a rod.. The rod holder is situated on the stomach/chest and you wind with one hand, the other hand on top of the grinder.. Easy Peasy.. The goal is the grind, so no matter what it takes to have the ultimate grind is no problem.
Great review.
Did anyone in this company actually use this f king thing?
I’ve wondered the same thing. And wondered if they got a little blind spot in their pursuit of the best burr set. Either that or it’s a question of priorities. The cup quality is incredible, and it seems like everything else comes after 🤷♂️
I'm wondering if your wife has tried using it and how it fits in her hands.
After seeing all the design flaws and less than optimal user experience...how did it win a design award?
3.5lbs?! Holy moly.
Yeah dude
Actually not THAT much for a solid hand grinder and of course is easily manageable by bracing it on a countertop. My Helor 106 is definitely a bit more in weight in that, but still feels a bit dainty to me even cranking away holding it unsupported as in mid air.
Looks ridiculously difficult to use
I am confused besides the poor ergonomics - can easily be spotted - which of the two grinders should someone buy, that drinks espresso, moka pot and filter. I didn't really understand the difference between the two grinders. Thanks, nice video.
If you will be doing espresso I would go with the B-Modal burr set for sure
@@DaddyGotCoffee I want one not two grinders...so I will look for another grinder. Thx for the reply.
@@christoslefkimiotis9889 the B-modal can do your entire range, espresso, moka and filter. The M-Modal can do moka and filter but doesn’t do espresso as well.
That being said, accounting for price and ergonomics, there are certainly a few reasons to go in another direction
@@DaddyGotCoffee I agree
I wonder how such unergonomic design wins a Red Dot Award???
ouch... that is a DOA from design point of view.... sorry pietro.
What a horrible experience and def wouldn't buy that grinder
I think a lot of people are in the same position!
Pietro is one of the worst hand grinder right now. The using experience is completely disastrous . The output is ok, but it’s not distinctive. The cleaning is also very difficult and time consuming. Highly recommend not to buy this grinder .
I am, after much testing, a conical guy
There is no benefit to flat burrs if the conical design made for less fines
Plus, with conical you can have a very low rpm, just like 60rpms, and for electric grinders, a low power motor
If you get the right conical, you can have some bangin cups! Totally agreed here
How on earth has this won a design award, it may make a super cup, but it's a poor tool in so many ways.