1Zpresso X-Ultra Manual Coffee Grinder-Space Gray, Well-built Sturdy Metal Body, Assembly Stainless Steel Burr, Numerical External Setting, Magnet Catch Cup, Faster Grind Efficiency Portable Mill

An elegant hand-held grinder, capable of a full variety of grinds. At the finest granularity, it is unsurprisingly a bit difficult to turn the handle, but at usual grinds there is no problem. While purchased as a backup (to an electric Barazza Virtuoso) to handle power outages, it would be also great for camping.

I bought this grinder specifically for travel. We drive to a vacation property for a week a few times each year. The kitchen is quite well-equipped, but a Mr. Coffee doesn’t cut it for me, so I bring and Aeropress or French Press instead. My travel grinder has been a Hario Skerton, but I had come to dread grinding with it. I’m 63 and have some early arthritis in my hands, so gripping that fat grinder and turning with a reasonable amount of effort for what seemed like an eternity, but was probably 3 minutes, was not how I wanted to start my morning on vacation. The grind was just OK. So recently, I had switched to a French Press simply because the coarser grind was quicker and less painful. I have been eying better manual grinders for a few years and decided that it was time for the Skerton to get out of my cabinet and head off to Goodwill. I landed on the X-Pro Ultra due to its comfortable diameter, reported superiority for pourovers, the magnetic grounds bin, and the case. Also, I’m not in love with any vinyl, silicone, or rubber material on the exterior, such as is found on the X-Pro. I think the X-Pro is quite handsome, but those materials don’t always age very well. By the way, there is a fairly narrow (1”?) and thin black silicone ring which comes with the grinder if you need a little extra diameter or grip. I left mine off. Well, I am just astounded at the difference in speed and effort required to grind with this buttery-smooth grinder. The large knob and comfortable diameter for gripping makes just holding this grinder just about ideal. It chews through medium roast beans in no time. The suggested setting for a pourover results in a grind which is appropriate for the James Hoffman V60 recipe or the Onyx Coffee Labs standard recipe, both of which are quite fine. 24g takes me less than a minute with little effort. It’s probably closer to 40 seconds. The resulting grind is shockingly even. I have a Baratza Virtuoso with upgraded burrs and this grinder produces a MUCH more consistent grind. With my Virtuoso, I will often use a grinds sifter to eliminate powder, but I see no reason at all when using the X-Pro Ultra. The build quality is stellar. With no beans loaded inside, the burrs spin with virtually no effort. The finish is excellent. Even the case is really nicely made semi-rigid model with an easy-to-use zipper. It holds the grinder with its folded handle, a surprisingly useful bulb blower, and a dual-ended brush. Static has not been much of a problem at all, but by experience, that will likely vary, depending upon the coffee that’s being ground. So, now I’m looking at that fine Baratza Virtuoso sitting on my counter and thinking that maybe I should retire it to the basement shelves next to my Moccamaster that I use only when having a gathering at my house. The X-Pro Ultra is so satisfying to use, produces a superior grind, and is so compact. My wife would definitely approve!

I’m rather pleased with the build quality, function and results. Easy to see and adjust grind setting. The magnet catch basin hasn’t fallen off but can if your grip is low enough to contact - and if grip is too high the top grind adjustment ring can get turned. I have medium/large hands so I keep an eye on my grip placement. I’ve had it for a few months and use it everyday. Easy to take apart and clean and zero the adjustment ring after reassembly though I keep mine brushed clean daily without taking apart and maybe once a month or so do a deeper take apart clean - NO WATER!! I bought this as a travel grinder but it’s my only grinder now and I couldn’t be happier.

Have it for less than a month. Seems like a pretty good grinder. Not cheap but it does the job. I am not sure if I am setting the grind correctly. The grinder is a little heavy but that is ok. Glad to not have an electric grinder. I am one person and I do not need that. I also get some exercise every day by using the manual grinder. One other element of exercise put into my life. The coffee I am getting from this grinder seems "cleaner" than the coffee I was drinking before. I still need to get better at the use of the grind settings because I would like a setting that produces a slightly stronger coffee. Overall, I am happy with this grinder.

Yes it's expensive, but it is extremely well made, works flawlessly and looks amazing. After purchasing someone asked me "you have to pay how much and then grind by hand?" But this grinder is unquestionably worth the money. You have a huge variety in adjustment to the grind size, and once you get used to how to hold the grinder it'll be extremely fast to use. Cannot recommend enough.