Edward D.Does anyone have experience with the 1zpresso ZP6 grinder? I got it as an upgrade from my Timemore C3s because it was particularly recommended for pour over, but I’ve been very unhappy with the results. The recommended setting gives me way too short brew times (like sub 2.5 mins for a 30/480 ratio with a Chemex), which leads to under extraction, with harsh flavors and a cloudy resulting coffee.
I have recalibrated it and lowered the grind setting an entire number (10 clicks) and the brew time barely goes over 3 mins, which is still not enough. Am I doing something wrong? I was getting good and consistant results with the C3s. #Coffee #CoffeeGrinder
WoF@SadlyGoose It's might sound weird, but try actually increasing the grind size from the one before your recalibration. Are you using the "official" Chemex filters?
@WoF I am, Chemex brand paper filters. After posting, I did a grind size comparison between the recommended setting of the ZP6, the lower setting I was using, and the C3s set like before. Turns out, the recommended setting already gives noticeably finer grounds than the C3s, and the lower setting even more so obviously. So now my guess is that there might be some channeling happening? That could explain the time but I still don’t really understand why the coffee ends up cloudy with harsh flavors
@SadlyGoose There comes a breaking point for pourovers, at least in my experience, where a finer grind size lowers the brew time for different brewers. I'm guessing more clumping than channeling, since channeling almost requires multiples of atmospheric pressure. I've got a K-Max myself, and even when calibrating for a V60 with different, I have to go courser sometimes to get a longer brew time. I'm also shaking the grounds after grinding inside the catch cup.
@SadlyGoose The cloudiness could be from just more oils and particulates released because of the finer grind size, which more of go through the filter.
@WoF @SnyperWolf Thank both of you for your answers. I will do more experimenting with coarser grind sizes and using an espresso needle for declumping before starting to pour.
@SadlyGoose @SnyperWolf Oh right, are you doing a little spritz before grinding? (Just to make sure)
@WoF @SnyperWolf I havent been, no.
@SadlyGoose @SnyperWolf You should, especially with metal-based grinders, it'll massively reduce clumping and electrostatic energy when you grind. The 1Zspresso grinders are a bit more prone to that than other grinders because of the large burr and how it can store energy, apparently because of the materials (according to the guys I talked to who made the thing).
@WoF @SnyperWolf That’s valuable info, thanks