1Zpresso is a Taiwanese company that specializes in manual coffee grinders.
I first encountered the brand when I attended the big annual coffee expo in Taipei in 2017 and quickly had a feeling that this brand could become the next big thing in coffee equipment.
That prophecy turned out correct.
Today 1Zpresso has a reputation as one of the top players in the growing market of manual grinders.
Manual coffee grinders are becoming more and more popular as people realize that they offer fantastic value for the money. And 1Zpresso is definitely one of the main brands pushing this trend forward.
However, the company also has a reputation for having a wide range of models.
In fact, the lineup is so immense that some people can find it overwhelming. I get DM’s and emails almost daily from people who want my advice about, which 1Zpresso grinder they should get.
So to make life a bit easier (for both you & me), I have created this post along with several videos to provide an overview.
I’ll start from cheaper to more expensive and even cover a few models that either have been or are currently being phased out of the brand’s 2022 lineup.
β οΈ Caveat: This is meant as a quick & non-scientific overview!
It’s a subjective rating of the grinders in relation to each other β not an absolute/objective scale.
Please note that “Value” is assessed on my view of the relationship of price/attributes.
| ΞΌm per click | Capacity | Speed | Drip | Espresso | Ux | Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q2 | 25 | 20 g | 3.5 | 4.5 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Jx | 25 | 30 g | 5 | 4 | 3.5 | 4 | 5 |
| Jx Pro | 12.5 | 35 g | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.3 |
| Je | 25 | 30 g | 4 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Je Plus | 12.5 | 35 g | 3.5 | 4 | 5 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
| Js | 25 | 30 g | — | — | — | — | — |
| J-Max | 8.8 | 40 g | 5 | 3.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
| K Pro | 22 | 35 g | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 3 | 4.5 |
| K Plus | 22 | 35 g | 4.5 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 4.5 |
| K Max | 22 | 35 g | 5 | 4.5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| E | 41 | 20 g | 3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 2.5 | 3.5 |
| E Pro | 33 | 30 g | 3 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4 |
| X-Pro | 12.5 | 25 g | 4 | 4.5 | 4 | 4.5 | 5 |
| ZP-6 | 22 | 35 g | 3 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 |
1Zpresso grinder overview – top models
1Zpresso Q2
The 1Zpresso Q2 is a compact, lightweight grinder that is perfect for travel. It has a slim design and can fit inside an AeroPress, which is an attribute that many people appreciate.
It is made from top-grade aluminum, which makes it both light and durable.
It’s easy to disassemble completely for in-depth cleaning.
The Q2 has a burr size of 40mm and uses the same adjustment mechanism as the basic Jx grinder. The geometry of the burr is suitable for most coffee, except Turkish and espresso.
β οΈ Pro tip: The Q2 previously came with a 5-sided burr that provided a slightly more “muddled” flavor profile.
Recently, the Q2 was upgraded with a new 40mm heptagonal burr set.
This is the same burr set that is used in the X-Pro grinder. It offers superb clarity in the cup, grinds faster, and is also more suitable for grinding fine. With this upgrade, the Q2 is suddenly extremely great value for the money!
Who is it for?
I would suggest the Q2 for people
- Who are looking for a travel grinder
- Or for people with smaller hands/less grip strength
Since the burrs are less aggressive than the Jx grinder, it will be slower but also easier to turn the handle.
β‘οΈ Check out my full review here.
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1zpresso Jx
The Jx grinder is probably the most popular grinder from 1Zpresso.
Why? Well, it offers SO MUCH value for the money.
It’s big, fast, sturdy, and provides a flavor profile, which is suitable for both espresso and pour over.
π‘ Pro tip: There is a rumor that Jx is not suitable for grinding for espresso. This was partially correct when the Jx first came out – it had 24 clicks per rotation and a different axle.
However, since the 2nd generation, the Jx has had 30 clicks per rotation calibrated to grind finer. In practice, this makes it possible to dial in a shot.
When I was testing the Jx against the Comandante C40, I could notice a big difference between the two.
With the C40 a single click could move the shot time siginificantly, from 7-10 seconds, hence the need for the “red clix” add-on. With the Jx it was much more common to see fluctuations of around 4-5 seconds with one click. IMHO that’s acceptable.
Who is it for?
The Jx grinder is for people who love value for the money. It’s the most affordable way to get into “specialty coffee”.
It beats typical entry-level grinders such as the Baratza Encore or Virtuoso comfortably when it comes to pour over or regular brewing.
It’s excellent for most brewing methods, and is probably the most affordable grinder that is suitable for espresso.
The Jx offers a workflow that makes it a joy to transition to hand grinding.
β‘οΈ Check out my 1Zpresso Jx review here.
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1zpresso Jx Pro
The pro-model of the Jx grinder is super popular, just like its younger sibling.
The main difference between the two grinders is the adjustment mechanism.
On the Jx Pro, you get finer increments, and you can adjust it externally. The external adjustment makes life a little bit easier if you’re dialing in an espresso shot.
However, in my humble opinion, the standard Jx is already quite suitable for espresso and offers enough of a range to be able to dial in comfortably.
Who is it for?
The Jx Pro is created for the value-conscious espresso lover.
It was a force to be reckoned with when it first came out. However, I feel that it’s a less attractive option than it used to be since you now have the espresso-focused J-Max, which is only a bit more expensive.
At the same time, the basic Jx has a redesigned axle and adjustment wheel, giving it sufficient granularity to be decent for espresso.
β‘οΈ Check out my 1Zpresso Jx Pro review.
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J-Max
The new top model in the J-series is only slightly more expensive than the Jx Pro while offering some desirable features, for example:
- Better external adjustment mechanism with visible numbers
- More granularity per click (8.8 um vs 12.5 um)
- A magnetic catch cup
- Longer and nicer handle
- Coated burrs
Tastewise J-Max and Jx Pro have a lot of things in common.
J-Max is probably offering a bit more mouthfeel when it comes to espresso and slightly more blended flavors for pour over. But overall, they both work well enough as all-around grinders that can grind for any brew method.
Who is it for?
The J-Max is primarily an espresso grinder. The flavor profile is more suitable for a medium-dark roast. I would recommend it for the budget-conscious espresso drinker.
The ultra-fine granularity of the adjustment is very useful for dialing in a shot, but it also makes it a bit more cumbersome to go from, say, pour over to espresso.
β‘οΈ Check out my 1Zpresso J-Max review.
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K Max
Released in 2021, K-Max is a newer model from 1Zpresso.
In many ways, it’s similar to the K-Plus, but there are some small but important differences.
The most important one is that the K-Max has a slightly different burr design compared to the K-Plus I tested more than a year ago.
In my opinion, this is a crucial update. It makes it very suitable for espresso and excellent for pour over.
You can grind an 18g dose in about 35 seconds, and it’s very easy to go back and forth between different settings.
Both espresso and pour over are about as good as it gets for conical burr. Which basically translates to “extremely good.”
Yes, even better than some flat burr grinders (for example, Wilfa Uniform and DF64 with stock burrs).
To my knowledge, the 2022 version of the K Plus has the same burr design, making it very similar.
Who is it for?
If you’re a true modern coffee snob, who likes both pour over and espresso, this is the grinder for you.
At the moment, I can’t think of any grinder under $500 at this level when it comes to pour over and espresso. Not just taste-wise but also when it comes to user experience. It’s that good.
β‘οΈ Check out my 1Zpresso K-Max review.
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K Plus
K Plus should be more or less identical to the K-Max except for the catch cup and the bigger carry case. It’s also available in other colors.
The catch cup on the “Plus” model is modular, meaning you can either use the built-in blind shaker or screw in a standard bottom.
The bottom is also rather wide. This gives the grinder a slightly more secure placement on the table, but it also looks less flattering.
The K-Plus has been on the market for a couple of years now, and there have been small, incremental upgrades implemented during this time. For that reason, I suspect that some vendors still have slightly outdated models on their shelves. If you want to be completely certain to get the newest version, you should get it in the matte black colorway or go for the K Max, which will have the newest (and best) design.
Who is it for?
The K-Plus should appeal to the same people who prefer the K-Max.
β‘οΈ Check out my 1Zpresso K-Plus review.
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K Pro
The K Pro grinder is the cheapest model in the K series and, in many ways, similar to the other models.
However, you do miss out on the magnetic catch cup.
I’m not a big fan of the K Pro since the combination of a slim catch cup and a pretty long crank handle makes it very easy to bring out of balance and knock over by accident.
However, I have seen people online praising it for having a screw-on catch cup instead of the magnetic version employed on the K-Plus and K-Max.
Personally, I have never had any accidents with any of the magnetic catch cups falling off while grinding, but I can see how this could be a problem if you have poor technique or little grip strength. In that case, your tendency might be to hold the grinder very close to your body.
This shows how grinders can be very personal and have to match your workflow.
Who is it for?
If you, for some reason, don’t want to get a grinder from the K-series with a magnetic catch cup, you have this option.
Or maybe you just want to save a bit of money?
While it’s a capable grinder, I’m not enthused about it in the same manner as the other grinders.
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1Zpresso JE
The JE is a dedicated espresso grinder.
On the surface, it has a lot in common with the basic Jx-model. And that’s meant as a compliment. This entails a no-nonsense design that works great in daily life.
The big difference is that JE uses coated espresso-focused burrs produced by the Italian brand Italmill. These burrs are similar to the ones used in the Kinu grinders and the new Kickstarter-darling, Arco.
I must admit that I rate the burrs in the JE models higher than the new J-Max burrs.
If espresso is your primary brewing method, these are the best burrs from 1Zpresso along with the K burrs. However, JE has a slightly more traditional espresso geometry.
They produce sweet and creamy shots with a more prominent mouthfeel. However, the company is currently phasing the JE grinders out of its lineup, so you have to move fast if you want one.
Who is it for?
The JE grinder is for people who value simplicity and thick, delicious espresso shots.
It’s excellent value for the money. It shares a lot of positive attributes with the standard Jx grinder. It offers better espresso shots but slightly more muddled pour over flavors.
π AliExpress (Out of stock on Amazon/Official store)
1Zpresso JE PLUS
The JE Plus offers the same Italmill burrs as the JE. However, this model incorporates design elements from the Jx Pro (adjustment mechanism and axle) and the K Plus (blind shaker).
This creates a very interesting hybrid that is extremely suitable for espresso. You can dial in shots to perfection with the smaller steps, and you have great distribution with the built-in blind shaker.
The downside is that the JE PLUS has a less aggressive feeding of the beans to its burrs than its smaller sibling, the basic Jx. So it means that you need more handle crank rotations to grind the same amount of coffee. Some people might prefer this, but I value speed. There’s something nice about grinding a shot in 35 seconds instead of 55.
(By the way, this conundrum is similar in the case of the Jx and Jx Pro as well, although a bit less pronounced).
Who is it for?
The JE Plus is for the dedicated espresso aficionado. Since it grinds a bit slower than other 1Zpresso models, it might also be suitable for people with less grip strength.
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1Zpresso Js
1Zpresso JS is a filter coffee-centric grinder that has only been sold on the Taiwanese market.
It uses a burr set that shares many similarities with the Etzinger burrs employed in the Lido 3. These burrs are slower and less espresso-capable compared to the well-known Jx burrs.
The JS is said to be one of 1Zpresso’s most consistent grinders.
The same burr set is also used in the brand-new ZP6 Special model, which should be a lot easier to get your hands on if you’re not living in Taiwan or China.
Who is it for?
The JS grinder is mainly for coffee forum bros who want to impress their peers. As far as I know, it’s almost impossible to buy it anywhere at the time of writing. You probably have to be lucky or look at the 2nd hand market to get your hands on it.
π AliExpress (Out of stock on Amazon/Official store)
1Zpresso E & E Pro
The E-series was an early top model from 1Zpresso that has now been phased out.
It utilized the same 38 mm heptagonal burrs found in the “old” Taiwan version of the 1Zpresso Q2. These burrs are very consistent and excellent for pour over. To be honest, they are almost identical to the burrs found in the Comandante C40.
The standard E model used an adjustment system that has been (understandably) abandoned by the brand.
Instead of having a fixed adjustment, you’d use a plate that also doubled as a lid for the grinder’s body. In daily use, this was cumbersome as it meant that you had to remove and install both a handle and a disk every time you loaded the grinder.
The E Pro model used an early version of the external adjustment mechanism that is available on the grinders in the K series.
Both grinders had a shorter and less efficient handle than what is used on 1Zpresso’s current offerings.
Who are they for?
The E and E Pro grinders are still capable models with excellent burrs, well-built tolerances, and innovative ideas.
However, the current models in the company’s lineup are more sophisticated and offer a better user experience.
If you do encounter a grinder in the E series on the second-hand market, you shouldn’t be discouraged, though. These grinders are still superior compared to what many other brands offer.
π AliExpress (Out of stock on Amazon/Official store)
1zPresso Zp6 special
1Zpresso ZP6 Special was released in late 2022.
It’s a grinder aimed at pour over and manual brewing enthusiasts.
Despite its somewhat fancy name, it’s essentially a K Pro equipped with a different burr set.
This 6-sided burr was previously used in a range of “cult favorites”, Js, Ks, and Z Pro, hitherto only released in Taiwan and other select Asian countries.
Among coffee geeks, there has been a lot of speculation and excitement surrounding these models over the years. Now the anticipation is finally over after the ZP6 special has been released.
I got this grinder shortly after it was launched and have been testing it thoroughly since then. To me, it’s clear that this is an exceptional grinder for drip coffee.
In my blind tests, I consistently preferred the cups from the ZP6 Special over K-Max and X-Pro.
Even though the draw-down was slightly faster than the two other grinders, the TDS and extraction yield were higher. The likely explanation is that the grinder produces fewer fines and boulders and more particles in the middle of the distribution curve compared to the other two grinders.
And since the other two grinders are very, very good performers for pour over, the logical conclusion is that ZP6 is even better.
I have seen coffee forum users speculate online that this grinder can compete with premium flat burr grinders with SSP burrs; I still think that is a bit of a stretch.
But I’m confident that it’s the “cleanest” tasting out of all conical grinders, including both manual and electric grinders, and that it can compete and even beat some flat burr grinders; for instance, the stock DF64 and other grinders of that ilk.
The big downside to this grinder is that it can’t grind fine enough for espresso. You can, however, use it for fine AeroPress or Moka pot grinding.
Since the grinder’s body is essentially the same as the K-Pro, you can jump to the section above and see what I think of that grinder and the overall user experience.
It’s also worth mentioning that ZP6 grinds slower than the other top models from 1Zpresso.
This is a drawback if you’re in a hurry and want to grind as fast as possible. On the flip side, it’s ideal if you have less grip strength or problems with your wrists since the torque required to spin the handle with a fully loaded hopper is a lot more manageable.
Who is it for?
The ZP6 Special is a pour over grinder aimed at hardcore coffee snobs.
If you’re mostly drinking ultra-light third-wave coffee via the pour over method, then this grinder is probably the one you should go for.
There are other grinders in 1Zpresso’s lineup that are almost as “clean” tasting, but ZP6 Special is the overall winner when you taste the cups side-by-side
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1Zpresso X-Pro
The X Pro is another brand-new model, and itβs not even available in many countries.
It was originally planned to be released in Japan and Taiwan, but now you can get it in Canada and Australia. Itβs probably only a matter of time before it comes out in the US and other parts of the world.
It has an external adjustment wheel with 12.5-micron burr movement, which is super convenient and easy to use. It looks a bit different from the design used in the K series, but it’s just as easy to use.
Well, except for the fact that you can pull off the adjustment wheel quite easily. This makes it more straightforward to calibrate the grinder to zero compared to other 1zpresso models.
This grinder also comes with a new heptagonal burr. Itβs a smaller burr than the K-series, but itβs superficially similar. It also shares some of the same attributes. Itβs still relatively fast and works great for filter coffee and espresso.
The handle is a bit shorter than the K series, which I dislike, but some people might prefer this design.
It also has a screw-on catch cup instead of the more premium-feeling magnetic one used in some top models.
In the lineup, it should be seen as a sort of midrange. But a very good one, though.
It fits somewhere between the Q2 and the K-Max in terms of price, size, and performance.
The flavor profile is relatively clean and clear, emphasizing acidity.
In my opinion, this flavor profile is more suited for lighter coffees and pour over. For espresso, the cups can be a bit too acidic.
Who is it for?
The X-Pro is a coffee grinder for people who care about value. Itβs almost a top model in every single way, there are only a few compromises with this grinder.
If you think the K-Max is too big/gaudy/expensive, then this could fit the bill.
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Conclusion
Writing this article, I realized that there are truly a bunch of different models in 1Zpresso’s lineup. However, once you realize that many of them have either been phased out or are only available in Taiwan/China, things become a bit easier.
If I could only pick one of the grinders, I would take the K Max, but you can’t go wrong with any of the models if you just do a little bit of research beforehand and find the right one for your needs.
