MAHLKÖNIG X54 | My thoughts - Can it single dose?

Summary

The video script reviews the X54 Allround Home Grinder by Malonic, highlighting its ability to grind for various coffee brewing methods. Featuring a 54mm steel flat burr, stepless adjustment, and a 120W motor, the grinder offers a classic Malonic design with a robust build. The reviewer shares their experience after a year of use, discussing the grinder's performance in espresso and filter brewing, noting its balanced output and ease of workflow. Minor drawbacks include the plasticky control knob and friction when switching between brewing methods.

Takeaways

• 😀 The X54 Allround Home Grinder by Malonic is designed to cater to a range of brewing methods from French Press to Espresso.
• 🔧 It features a stepless grind adjustment controlled by a knob, allowing for precise settings from 1 to 35.
• ⚙️ The grinder is equipped with 54 mm steel flat burs and a 120 W motor spinning at 150 RPM.
• 📦 It comes with Porta filter forks for direct grinding into a filter and removable dosing cup attachments.
• 🕒 The grinder has four preset timing doses that can be customized and edited via the control knob.
• 🔄 The X54 has a magnetic grind catch tray and an adjustable angle to ensure precise grind distribution.
• 🛠️ The bur chamber is easily accessible for maintenance or bur replacement, though options for different burs are limited.
• 📏 The stock alignment of the burs is good right out of the box, indicating high-quality manufacturing standards.
• ☕ The grinder's performance in making espresso is balanced, favoring a slight acidity over body.
• 🌐 For filter coffee, the X54 produces a balanced cup, though it may not offer the highest clarity or sweetness.
• 🏗️ The X54 has a classic Malonic aesthetic, resembling a smaller version of commercial grinders, and is available in black, white, and shiny aluminum.
• 📈 The grinder's workflow is efficient, especially for multiple espresso shots, thanks to the hopper's capacity and direct dosing options.

Q & A

What is the X54 Allround Home Grinder designed to do?

The X54 Allround Home Grinder is designed to cater to a range of coffee brewing methods, from French Press to Espresso, featuring a stepless grind adjustment and 54 mm steel flat burrs.

What type of motor does the X54 grinder have and what is its RPM?

The X54 grinder is equipped with a 120 W motor that spins the burrs at 150 RPM.

What is the aesthetic of the X54 grinder like?

The X54 grinder has a classic Malconic aesthetic, resembling a smaller version of what you might see in a local cafe.

What are the grinder's features that facilitate grinding directly into a Porta filter or dosing cup?

The grinder comes with Porta filter Forks and a removable feature that allows grinding directly into a dosing cup. It also has a magnetic grind catch tray and an adjustable angle to hit the center of the Porta filter or dosing cup.

How does the stepless grind adjustment work on the X54 grinder?

The stepless grind adjustment is controlled via a knob on the right-hand side of the grinder, with a scale ranging from numbers 1 to 35.

What is the process for editing the time presets on the X54 grinder?

To edit the time presets, you scroll to the slot you want to edit, hold in the control knob to enter editing mode, and then move the control knob from left to right to adjust the time, holding it in to save the setting.

What is the issue with the dosing cup attachment's neck in relation to the Porta filter?

The neck of the dosing cup is not 58 mm, so it will not fit into a Porta filter.

How easy is it to access the bur chamber and the burs on the X54 grinder?

Accessing the bur chamber and the burs is quite easy by removing the hopper and then the top plate to which the hopper attaches.

What are the limitations of the X54 grinder when it comes to swapping burs?

The X54 is not a platform for those looking to swap around and try out different burs, as there are limited options available, with only one other set of 54 mm Burrs encountered, the Diding Steels.

How does the X54 grinder perform in terms of espresso and filter coffee taste?

The X54 grinder provides a balanced taste in both espresso and filter coffee, favoring a bit of acids over body, but overall delivering an enjoyable and balanced cup.

What are some of the user's concerns regarding the X54 grinder's control knob and workflow?

The user finds the control knob to be a bit plasticky and feels it slightly detracts from the overall build quality of the grinder. There is also some friction in changing between espresso and filter grind settings.

What are the advantages of the X54 grinder's workflow when making multiple shots for guests?

The X54 grinder's workflow is very easy when making espresso, especially for multiple shots, due to the hopper's capacity and the direct dosing to the Porta filter.