best low/zero retention coffee grinder

Zero retention coffee grinders are becoming increasingly popular among coffee enthusiasts, as they offer a number of advantages over traditional grinders. One of the primary benefits is that these grinders minimize the amount of coffee grounds left inside the machine, ensuring a consistent and fresh-tasting cup of coffee every time.

In this article, we will explore the features and benefits of the best zero retention coffee grinders, giving you all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing your next grinder. By understanding the mechanics and design aspects of these innovative machines, you'll be able to make the most of your coffee brewing experience.

Top Zero Retention Coffee Grinders

Eztinger etzMax Filter W GBW Filter Coffee Grinder

Etzinger etzMax Filter W GBW Filter Coffee Grinder

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Introducing the etzMAX Filter W, a game-changing commercial-grade filter coffee grind-by-weight grinder exclusively available in the USA. Packed with innovative features, this powerhouse grinder is perfect for coffee shops, restaurants, homes, and any setting where great brewed coffee is a must.

Experience lightning-fast grinding speeds of 5g-7g per second and a recommended max output of 25lb per day. Keep your grinder running smoothly during busy rush hours with the built-in cooling feature, while the internal scale tares up to 100s of times per second for extreme accuracy.

Designed to save time, money, and increase efficiency, the etzMAX Filter W guarantees the best-tasting pour-over and brewed coffee every time. Enjoy a 1-year parts and labor warranty, phone support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for complete peace of mind.

Invest in the etzMAX Filter W and elevate your coffee brewing experience with its unparalleled accuracy and efficiency. With its sleek design and premium materials, this grinder is a must-have addition to any commercial establishment or home coffee setup.

Eureka Mignon Zero

eureka mignon zero

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The Eureka Mignon Zero is a compact and efficient grinder offering zero retention to ensure no coffee grounds are left behind. Its unique design promises consistent grind quality and minimal waste, ensuring optimal extraction and balanced flavors.

Ceado E37SD Single-dose Grinder CEADO-E37SD

Ceado E37SD Single-dose Grinder CEADO-E37SD
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The Ceado E37SD Single-dose Grinder delivers a precise, accurate and uniform grind thanks to its innovative SD locking system. This grinder combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional build quality, making it a popular choice among coffee enthusiasts.

Ceado E5SD Single Dosing Espresso Grinder E5SD

Ceado E5SD Single Dosing Espresso Grinder E5SD
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Another contender from Ceado, the E5SD Single Dosing Espresso Grinder boasts a powerful motor and efficient grinding mechanics. Designed to eliminate retention, the E5SD ensures that users get maximum flavor and aroma extraction with every shot of espresso.

Mazzer Major V Electronic Coffee Grinder

Mazzer Major V Electronic Coffee Grinder
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The Mazzer Major V Electronic Coffee Grinder features an impressive combination of consistent performance and zero retention design. With its intuitive electronic controls and grind adjustments, this grinder guarantees precise and fresh grinding for excellent coffee quality.

Ditting 807 Lab Sweet Coffee Grinder

Ditting 807 Lab Sweet Coffee Grinder
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Engineered for precision and consistency, the Ditting 807 Lab Sweet Coffee Grinder is a reliable choice for specialty coffee professionals. This grinder's zero retention design ensures minimal ground coffee residue, contributing to the delivery of the best possible flavor profile for each brew.

What is Zero Retention

Zero retention refers to a coffee grinder's capability of dispensing the exact amount of coffee grounds as the initial coffee beans put into the grinder. In simpler terms, if you add 18 grams of coffee beans to a zero retention grinder, it should release 18 grams of coffee grounds without retaining any excess grounds inside the grinder. This feature is essential for achieving accurate and consistent coffee dosing, a vital aspect of brewing that impacts the flavor and quality of the coffee.

Low retention grinders operate with minimal retention, ensuring that the brewing process is not affected by leftover grounds from previous batches. These grinders are designed with specialized mechanisms and components that help reduce the amount of coffee retained within the grinder. Some common features of low retention grinders include specialized burr designs, blowers to remove excess grounds, and grinding pathways that minimize static clinging.

A few advantages of using zero retention grinders are:

  • Consistency in coffee dosing, which leads to better-tasting brews.
  • Efficient usage of coffee beans, ensuring minimal waste.
  • Easy single-dosing, allowing the user to grind just the right amount of coffee for each brew.
  • Reduced cross-contamination of flavors, as there are no leftover grounds mixing with the freshly-ground coffee.

Choosing a zero retention coffee grinder can significantly improve your coffee-making experience and ensure that each cup is as fresh and flavorful as possible. It's essential to select a grinder that provides low or zero retention to get the most out of your coffee beans.

Benefits of Zero Retention Coffee Grinders

One significant advantage of zero retention coffee grinders is their ability to deliver consistent and accurate doses of coffee grounds. Since little to no grounds are retained in the grinder between uses, you can expect a precise amount of coffee each time you grind. This level of consistency is essential for brewing high-quality coffee, as it ensures that you are using the correct coffee-to-water ratio every time.

Another benefit of zero retention coffee grinders is the reduction of waste. Traditional grinders can retain a certain amount of coffee grounds inside the grinding chamber, which means that some coffee goes unused and is eventually thrown away. With a zero retention grinder, all the coffee you put into the grinder is dispensed, leading to less waste and a more efficient use of your coffee beans.

Moreover, zero retention grinders help maintain the freshness of your coffee by preventing the buildup of stale coffee grounds. In grinders with retention, old grounds can mix with freshly ground coffee, affecting the flavor and quality of your brew. A zero retention grinder eliminates this issue by ensuring that only fresh coffee grounds are used.

Finally, these grinders require less cleaning and maintenance due to their unique design. Since there is minimal coffee ground buildup, there is less need for frequent cleaning. This not only saves time but also helps maintain the grinder's performance over its lifetime.

Features to Look for in a Zero Retention Coffee Grinder

Grind Quality

One of the essential factors to consider when searching for a zero retention coffee grinder is the grind quality. The grinder should produce uniformly sized particles, so the coffee brews evenly, resulting in a better-tasting beverage.

Ease of Cleaning

Another feature to look for is the ease of cleaning. A grinder that is easy to clean will minimize the chances of old coffee grounds affecting the taste of your brew. Ideally, opt for a grinder with a removable burr or grinding chamber to simplify the cleaning process.

Price

Price is an important consideration when choosing a zero retention coffee grinder. While high-end models offer impressive performance, there are also more affordable options that still deliver quality results. Compare prices and customer reviews to find a grinder within your budget that still offers low or zero retention capabilities.

Durability

Durability should not be overlooked when shopping for a zero retention coffee grinder. It is advisable to invest in a grinder made from sturdy materials, like stainless steel, to ensure it lasts for years to come. A durable grinder will provide consistent performance over time, adding to the overall value of your purchase.

How to Minimize Retention in Any Coffee Grinder

Retention is often seen as a drawback in coffee grinders, but there are ways to minimize it. The following tips will help you keep your grinder as close to zero retention as possible.

First, ensure that you are cleaning your grinder regularly. A buildup of old coffee grounds can lead to retention, which can ultimately affect the flavor of your coffee. We recommend clearing the chute after each use and performing a more thorough cleaning at least once a month.

One way to remove stale grounds is by purging your grinder daily. To purge, simply use a few grams of coffee beans and grind for a few seconds to flush out any remaining particles from the previous grind.

Another effective method to minimize retention is using the right grind size for your specific brewing method. By doing so, you will reduce the chances of grounds getting trapped inside the grinder, resulting in less retention.

  • Fine grind: Espresso, AeroPress, Moka pot
  • Medium-fine grind: Pour-over, siphon coffee
  • Medium grind: Drip coffee, most single-cup coffee makers
  • Coarse grind: French press, cold brew, percolators

Lastly, consider investing in a low-retention grinder that is designed to minimize this issue. There are several low-retention coffee grinders available on the market, with features such as flat burrs, conical burrs, and optimized grinding chambers that effectively reduce grind retention.

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Tony Barlow

Tony Barlow

Majesty Coffee Technical Sales Expert - Meet the Team

Tony Barlow, with over a decade of experience in the coffee industry, is the go-to technical sales expert at Majesty Coffee. He's passionate about helping businesses find the right espresso equipment for their needs.