1Zpresso has built a reputation for producing some of the best hand coffee grinders on the market. We’ve tested many of their products, and are yet to be disappointed. Now, the company has released another excellent model – the X-Pro S.
The 1Zpresso X-Pro S is the most comprehensive grinder capable of grinding for both filter coffee and espresso. Not only that, but it does each with aplomb.
In this hands-on review, we will test the grinder, focusing on aspects including the grind adjustment, the burrs, and the grinding performance. By the end, you should know what sets this new grinder apart from other 1Zpresso grinders so that you can make the right decision.
What Sets 1ZPresso X-Pro Apart From Other Manual Coffee Grinders?
Pros:
- Excellent grind consistency for drip coffee and plenty of scope for dialing in for espresso
- External grind size adjustment – easy to target any grind size
- 12 microns adjustment for each click
- Easy to maintain and calibrate
- Quick grinder
- Lightweight and portable
Cons:
- No reference for rotations – if you forget what rotation you are on, you need to go back to zero and adjust again
Here is our 1Zpresso X-Pro unboxing video
1Zpresso X-Pro Manual Coffee Grinder Review
Design And Build Quality
The immediate impression of the 1Zpresso X-Pro is that it resembles a larger version of the 1Zpresso Q2, notwithstanding the external adjustment mechanism on top.
The 1Zpresso X-Pro has a capacity of approximately 25g – ample for a cup of pour-over or a double shot of espresso. However, if you require a larger batch, you will need to grind a few more times.
In keeping with the brand’s other grinders, a leather-like grip features the 1Zpresso logo. One difference this time is it has a softer feel than the rubber of the JX-Pro and Q2 making it tactile and easy to grip.
1Zpresso also upgraded the handle design on their new grinders. When you see an ‘S’ behind the product name, you’ll know it’s a new version with a foldable handle. I don’t see anything change in the grinding experience, but the new foldable design is very handy and saves some storage space. It’s also a lightweight hand grinder, which is only 611 g. In comparison, JX Pro weighs 800 g. This makes a big difference as a hand grinder that you use daily.
Previously, we have reviewed the 1Zpresso K-series, and, like that, the X-Pro has a frosted lid. The lid has a higher-end aesthetic than the flimsy plastic of other grinders and appears less likely to scratch. In addition, the X-Pro grip pad on the base ensures that neither the grinder base nor the table it sits on will be damaged.
Dimensions-wise, the machine is a little taller than the Q2 and slimmer than the JX-Pro and K-Max.
Overall, it is a more portable grinder and ideal for traveling with.
The Burrs Design And Quality
The company uses different burr sizes and geometrical designs in its line-up to accommodate different uses. For example, the larger 48mm burr set is used in its J and K Series, whereas the smaller 38mm burr set is in the more portable Q2.
The X-Pro has a 40mm steel conical burr. It is heptagonal with seven core blades rather than the five of the 38mm steel burrs. That ensures a smoother grinding experience and more rapid speed while the diameter of the grinder remains compact. The blade is ideal for filter coffee and espresso, which gives the machine its all-around ability.
Grind Adjustment
If you’ve ever used a manual grinder with an external adjustment mechanism, you’re unlikely to return to the more antiquated internal adjustment knob. The reason? It’s far more convenient, satisfying, and straightforward – particularly if you tend to alternate between different brew methods.
1Zpresso first used the innovative external adjustment in its K-Series, and its popularity ensured that it is now in all its new products.
When the knob is calibrated to the zero point, it lines up with the 0 number on the collar. From there, you have 60 grind settings per rotation of the dial, with four full rotations in total. That leaves nearly 240 grind settings – a more impressive number than most manual grinders and even electric grinders.
Like the larger JX-Pro, the adjustment between each click is only 12.5 microns, which is smaller than Q2’s 25 microns and 22 microns of the K-Series. Any quality espresso grinder ought to grind finally enough but also have room to dial in. The incremental adjustments the X-Pro offers ensure you can reliably fine-tune your shot. If you want to go even further, the 1Zpresso J-Max hand grinder offers eight microns per click.
However, 12.5 microns will be sufficient for most espresso drinkers.
Grind Settings
Because of the external grind adjustment and intuitive numbering, you can easily find the exact grind size you need. Here is an easy chart for selecting any grind size recommended by 1Zpresso.
If you’re grinding for Moka pot, according to the guide, the ideal setting is around 80 clicks. That equates to one full rotation from the zero-point turn of the dial to the number two position. For a more coarse grind of two more clicks, mark down the grind size with three numbers – 1, 2, 2.
The first number in the sequence represents the rotations. The second number references the numbers on the grind dial. The third number relates to the individual clicks, and there are 10 clicks between each number. The method makes it easy to find any grind size.
For reference, here is a grind setting for several brew methods:
- Turkish Coffee: 0, 2, 0 (No rotation, point to number 2)
- Espresso: 0, 5, 0
- Moka pot: 1, 2, 0
- AeroPress: 1, 3, 5 (1 rotation, number 3 and 5 more clicks)
- V60 and other pour-overs: 2, 0, 0 (two rotations)
- Drip coffee: 2, 3, 5
- French press: 3, 0, 0
- Cold Brew: 3, 5, 0
The numbers listed above are for reference only. You can adjust them according to your taste preferences. Nevertheless, they offer a good starting point.
Grinding Speed
The 40mm burr set doesn’t grind as rapidly as the 48mm burrs housed in the JX-Pro or K-Series. However, that doesn’t mean it is slow. Indeed, it will take only around one minute and a half to grind 20g of espresso beans at an espresso setting (0, 5, 0) in my testing, and about 45 seconds for drip coffee.
The diameter of the X-Pro is just 5.2cm and slimmer than the 5.7cm of the JX Pro. That may seem an almost inconsequential difference. However, it makes the X-Pro far easier to grip. Meanwhile, the smoothness of the heptagonal burrs ensures beans won’t get caught.
Overall, we can’t fault the grinding experience of the X-Pro. However, if you mainly grind for espresso daily, JX-Pro, J Max may be more efficient.
Grind Quality
One of the most impressive aspects of any 1Zpresso manual grinder is its consistency. You will have extremely consistent grounds for pour-over. We have performed a sifting test, and the percentage in the optimal range is far higher than rival manual grinders. This machine continues that tradition.
If you’re grinding for espresso, it will produce a very satisfying, creamy and sweet shot with a beautiful texture. The quality of the shot is better than those produced by many more expensive electric espresso grinders. Also, the external adjustment and 12 microns adjustment ensure you can easily dial in.
Overall, it is an excellent grinder for filter coffee and espresso lovers.
Cleaning And Maintenance
Cleaning the 1Zpresso X-Pro could barely be more straightforward.
- Adjust the dial from zero
- Remove the grind adjustment collar and catch cup
- Press up against the burrs and rotate the thumb nut either way until it slides off. Then, the inner burrs and the drive shaft will drop out from below
- Clean the grinder thoroughly
- After cleaning, put everything back in reverse order
It’s worth noting that when putting the thumb nut back in place, the drive shaft has a hexagonal shape on top. You need to press the burrs up, then move the thumb screw down the shaft. Your aim is to line the dot on the thumbscrew with a corner of the hexagonal shape of the drive shaft. Then slowly release the burrs down to lock the drive shaft into place.
How To Calibrate 1Zpresso X-Pro
Calibrating 1Zpresso X-Pro is equally straightforward. If you often visit our website, you know we tested many hand grinders if you often visit our website. Actually, calibrating the X-Pro is the easiest of all. You don’t have to keep twisting the knob to guess where the zero point is.
You just need do three more simple steps to calibrate X-Pro:
- After cleaning and reassembly, place the adjustment collar back on
- Turn the ring and dial it as fine as it can
- Remove the collar, and realign it from zero to zero with the marker on the body
- Install the collar back.
It’s worth noting that the collar is attached to the grinder with three slim metal pins. I’m not sure if they are durable enough if you remove and reinstall the collar very frequently. Also, if you drop it on the ground, they may break off easily.
1Zpresso X-Pro vs JX-Pro
The design and features offered by the X-Pro immediately reminded us of the JX-Pro. Here’s a comparison.
Compared to the JX Pro, the X-Pro is slightly smaller in stature and diameter. However, it is also 200g lighter, making it the best option for portability.
Both grinders are excellent for either drip coffee or espresso. Each offers 12.5 microns per click with plenty of scope for dialing in. Still, the 48mm burr set makes the JX-Pro more efficient. Nevertheless, the small diameter of the X-Pro leads to a more satisfying grinding experience.
The main difference is the grind adjustment. We’re confident you’ll love the external adjustment system in the X-Pro. In contrast, finding the right grind size with the small knob sitting beneath the burrs in JX-Pro is a hassle.
Overall, we prefer the X-Pro for user experience and portability.
Our Verdict
1Zpresso has done it again with the X-Pro, offering a convenient manual grinder that does its job efficiently every time.
We have yet to be disappointed by any 1Zpresso product. If anything, the X-Pro is even better than its older grinders thanks to elements including the softer grip, grip base and, of course, the all-important external adjustment knob.
Keeping track of the rotations can be somewhat inconvenient. However, if you can overcome that small issue, this is a manual hand grinder that is easy to use, a pleasure to experience, and grinds beautifully, whether for filter coffee or espresso.
