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.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to the X54 Allround Home Grinder

The video script introduces the X54 Allround Home Grinder from Malonic, highlighting its versatility for various brewing methods from French Press to Espresso. The grinder features a hopper-based and hopper-fed design with stepless adjustment and 54 mm steel flat burrs. Powered by a 120 W motor, it operates at 150 RPM. The reviewer has been using the grinder for a year and shares their experience, noting the grinder's classic Malonic aesthetic and its features like the removable porta filter forks, magnetic grind catch tray, and tiltable design for precise grinding. The grinder also includes preset timing doses and a user-friendly control knob for dose adjustments.

05:01

👌 Espresso and Filter Testing of the X54 Grinder

The script proceeds to test the X54 Grinder's performance for espresso and filter coffee. For espresso, the grinder is used in a single dose mode with a Colombian coffee from Prodigal, aiming for 37g of espresso in 27 seconds with a three-bar pre-infusion profile. The grinder delivers a consistent and balanced shot, favoring acids slightly over body. For the filter test, the grinder's ability to switch between coarse and fine settings is demonstrated, with a purge to clear the chamber of previous grinds. Using a Kenyan coffee from La Cabra, the script details a V60 brewing method with specific water and temperature settings, resulting in a balanced and enjoyable cup. The reviewer appreciates the grinder's build quality, ease of workflow, and performance but notes some friction when switching between espresso and filter settings and a slightly plasticky feel to the control knob.

Keywords

💡X54 Allround Home Grinder

The X54 Allround Home Grinder is the central subject of the video, a coffee grinder designed for home use that can handle a range of grind sizes suitable for different brewing methods, from French Press to Espresso. It is a product from the brand Malconic and is characterized by its 54 mm steel flat burrs and stepless adjustment, which allows users to fine-tune the grind to their preference. The video discusses its features, performance, and the reviewer's personal experience with the grinder.

💡Malconic

Malconic is the brand that manufactures the X54 Allround Home Grinder. Known for producing high-quality coffee equipment, Malconic's grinders are often associated with a classic aesthetic and robust build, as mentioned in the script. The video script describes the grinder's design and performance, positioning Malconic as a reliable and stylish choice for home coffee enthusiasts.

💡Flat Burrs

Flat burrs are a type of grinding mechanism used in coffee grinders, consisting of two flat surfaces that crush the coffee beans. The X54 Allround Home Grinder features 54 mm steel flat burrs, which are designed to provide a consistent and even grind. The script highlights the importance of these burrs in achieving a balanced extraction for both espresso and filter coffee.

💡Stepless Adjustment

Stepless adjustment refers to the ability to make continuous and precise adjustments to the grinder's settings without being limited to a set number of steps or increments. In the context of the X54 Allround Home Grinder, this feature allows for a wide range of grind sizes, accommodating various brewing methods and personal preferences. The script mentions that the adjustment is controlled via a knob, with a scale from 1 to 35.

💡120 W Motor

The 120 W Motor is the power source of the X54 Allround Home Grinder, responsible for spinning the burrs at a specific speed. The script specifies that the motor spins the burrs at 150 RPM, which is an important factor in the grinder's performance and the quality of the grind. A higher wattage motor typically indicates more power and efficiency in grinding coffee beans.

💡Portafilter

A portafilter is a device used in espresso machines to hold and distribute the coffee grounds evenly during the brewing process. The X54 Allround Home Grinder comes with portafilter forks, allowing users to grind directly into the portafilter. The script also mentions the grinder's ability to tilt, ensuring the grinds hit the center of the portafilter or dosing cup, which is crucial for a consistent espresso shot.

💡Dosing Cup

A dosing cup is a container used to hold coffee grounds after they have been ground by the grinder. The X54 Allround Home Grinder features a dosing cup attachment, which is easily swappable with the portafilter forks. The script notes that the dosing cup's neck is not 58 mm, meaning it won't fit into a portafilter, but it is useful for grinding directly into the cup for other brewing methods.

💡Pre-set Timing Doses

The X54 Allround Home Grinder offers pre-set timing doses, which are preset grind durations that can be customized by the user. The script explains that these are adjusted using a control knob on the grinder, allowing users to edit the time presets for convenience and consistency in their coffee preparation. This feature is particularly useful for making multiple shots of espresso in quick succession.

💡Espresso Test

An espresso test is a method of evaluating the performance of a coffee grinder by using it to prepare an espresso shot. The script describes the process of using the X54 Allround Home Grinder for an espresso test, including the coffee used (a Colombian coffee from Prodigal), the dosing process, and the resulting espresso shot's weight and extraction time. The test results are used to assess the grinder's ability to produce a balanced and enjoyable espresso.

💡Filter Test

A filter test is another method of evaluating a coffee grinder's performance, this time by using it to prepare coffee through a filter method, such as a V60. The script details the filter test using a Kenyan coffee from La Cabra, the dosing process, and the brewing parameters, including water temperature and pouring technique. The test results are used to assess the grinder's ability to produce a balanced and enjoyable filter coffee.

💡Static

Static refers to the buildup of electric charge on the surface of an object, which can cause the object to attract small, lightweight particles. In the context of the X54 Allround Home Grinder, the script mentions that the grinder kicks up quite a bit of static when grinding at coarser settings, which can lead to a messy experience and potentially affect the quality of the grind.

Highlights

The X54 Allround Home Grinder from Malonic is a versatile machine, capable of grinding for a range of brew methods from French Press to Espresso.

It features a hopper-based and hopper-fed grinder design with stepless adjustment and 54 mm steel flat burs.

Powered by a 120 W motor, the burs spin at 150 RPM, ensuring consistent grinding.

The grinder has a classic Malonic aesthetic, resembling a smaller version of commercial grinders.

Comes with portafilter forks for grinding directly into a portafilter, and these forks are removable for direct dosing into a cup.

Stepless grind adjustment is controlled via a knob, with a scale ranging from 1 to 35.

The grinder includes a magnetic grind catch tray and an adjustable angle for precise dosing.

One control knob cycles through and adjusts four preset timing doses.

The dosing cup attachment and cup are included but the cup's neck is not 58 mm, making it incompatible with portafilters.

The 54 mm steel burs are designed in-house by Malonic and have good stock alignment right out of the box.

The grinder is not designed for swapping burs, with limited options available.

The grinder has a 500 G hopper, also available in a 250 G version for a shorter height.

In an espresso test, the grinder delivers a fluffy grind with minimal clumping.

The grinder requires a slightly higher dose for single dosing due to some friction in the system.

The grinder performed well in taste tests, offering balanced shots with a slight favor towards acids over body.

For filter tests, the grinder can adjust settings to purge retained grinds from previous settings.

The grinder is capable of producing a balanced filter coffee, though it may not offer super high clarity or sweetness.

The X54's workflow is praised for its ease, especially when making multiple shots for guests.

The grinder's build quality is robust, but the control knob feels slightly plasticky and out of place.

Despite its ability to grind for both espresso and filter, changing between the two can be a bit frictional.

Overall, the X54 is appreciated for its performance, build quality, and classic Malonic design.

Transcripts

today we're going to have a look at the

x54 allround home Grinder from

malonic some of the key features of the

x54 this is an allr home grinder which

claims to be able to take us from French

Press right the way down to Espresso it

has a hober based and hober fed grinder

design it features stepless adjustment

and it has 54 mm steel flat burs the

grinder has a 120 W Motor which spins

the burs at 150

[Music]

RPM I bought this grinder and I've had

it for about a year now so I thought I'd

share some of my thoughts on

[Music]

it the grinder has a very classic

malonic aesthetic it's very very much

like a small version of what you would

see in your local

cafe the grinder comes with Porta filter

Forks which allows us to grind directly

to Porta filter these are also removable

and you can grind directly into a dosing

cup the grinder features stepless grind

adjustment and is controlled via the

knob on the right hand side of the

grinder the scale goes from numbers 1 to

35 a neat magnetic grind catch tray and

the angle of the is able to be

tilted slightly allowing you to hit the

center of your Porta filter or dosing

Cup every single time on the front of

the grind there is one control knob

which is used to cycle through and

adjust the four preset timing doses

which the grinder

offers to edit the time presets on the

grinder you simply scroll along to the

slot you like to edit hold in the

control knob which enters editing mode

and then simply move the control knob

from left to right to adjust the time

holding the control knob in to sa of the

setting here's the dosing cup attachment

for the front of the

grinder and of course the dosing cup Cup

itself it's worth noting that the neck

of the dosing cup is not 58 mm so it

will not fit into your Porta

filter it's very easy to swap the Porta

filter Forks to the dosing cup

attachment the Porta filter Forks are

very sturdy and they are adjustable so

they can fit just about any size of

Porta filter that you might

have anyway let's have a look at the bur

chamber and the

Burrs these are accessed quite easily

actually by taking off the hobber and

then removing the sort of top plate

which the hobber attaches

[Music]

to and there is the 54 mm steel bur this

is designed inh house by malc conic and

the stock alignment out of the box was

actually really good this probably isn't

a platform for those who are looking to

swap around and try out different burs

there really aren't very many options

and I've only come across one other set

of 54 mm Burrs which are the diding

Steels the little Clump Crusher tongue

is also housed within the bur chamber

just under the top bur

carrier and it's time to get the grinder

onto the bench and as mentioned before

the grinder really does have that

classic malonic look it really is just

like a shrunken version of their

commercial

range I have the grinder here in Black

although it's also available in white

and a shiny aluminium as

well my grinder also has the 500 G

hobber although they also offer a 250 g

hobber which makes the grinder a little

shorter in height time for the business

end of things and we're going to kick

off with an espresso test first I'm

using a Colombian coffee today from

prodigal now although the grinder is a

hobber based design I'm going to be

using it in a single dose fashion

today and it's only from experience in

using the grinder that I know that I

need to dose slightly more than what I

want when I'm using the grinder in a

single dose fashion today we're going to

be using 17 G of coffee and I've dosed

17.2 G of coffee

here and the way that I like to initiate

the single dosing with the x54 I like to

hold the hob door closed and start the

grinder in a hot start fashion before

releasing the hopper door and dropping

the beans down into the

burs and I have to commend the x54 here

it delivers a lovely stream of fluffy

grinds into the Porta filter clumping

really is at a minimum and as you can

see here the grinder does come up a

little bit short in terms of what we

dosed although a quick trip back to the

grinder and a little bit of manual

manipulation from me and we do manage to

get back out what we put in in it can be

done although there's just a little bit

of friction in the system to single dose

and I suppose really after all it's not

a single doer grinder so I probably

should give it some

[Music]

slack I'm using 17 G of coffee here

today and I'm hoping for 37 G of

espresso in the cup it's quite a

standard profile which I'm using it's a

three bar pre-infusion for 6 seconds

before ramping up to 9 bar for the rest

of the shot and I'm hoping to see that

37 G of espresso in about 27 seconds the

machine is also running at

[Music]

95° and yeah things ran nicely here

giving us our 37 G of espresso in 28

seconds so it's on to a taste test my

feelings when tasting shots from the x54

are that it always has felt very

balanced in the cup it's kind of like

you've got all of the aspects and just

lined them up at a 5 out of 10 if I was

to be more specific than that I would

say that the grinder maybe favors a

little bit of acids over body but for

the most part the grinder is very

balanced and I find the shots to be very

enjoyable

[Music]

so it's time for a filter test now and

of course the x54 being an allround home

grinder claims that it can go from

French press to Espresso there is some

retained grinds from the previous grind

setting which are held within the

chamber so what I like to do first of

all is to dose a little bit into the

grinder and grind it the new setting in

order to purge and for this purge you

can see that I've dosed 3.3 G of beans

we've got 4.2 G returned back out I do

find that the coarser gr setting does

act a bit like a brush in the chamber

and blows out the retained

grinds anyway it's on to the actual dose

now and I've just overshot by2 of a gram

here from the 13 G dose I'm going to be

running in V60 as you can see the

grinder does kick up quite a bit of

static it is a bit messy and I've always

find this to be the case when grinding

at the corser settings you can see here

we've got 13.3 G returned back out we've

picked up another .1 from

somewhere and I'm moving the grinder

setting to a 33 out of

35 this coffee is a lovely Kenyon from

La Cabra and today I'm going to be

running 13 G of coffee to 210 G of water

at 94° and I'll be splitting the pores

into a 30C Bloom at 30 G of water then

I'll be pouring up to 110 G of water

before then completing the total Brew

weight this particular Brew ran in a

time of 3 minutes and 10

seconds and in The Taste Department the

feelings are very similar to the

espresso generally very balanced overall

I think if you were looking for super

high Clarity bruise or a lot of

sweetness I think you might be

disappointed but I think for the most

part they present a very balanced filter

coffee so yeah in closing some things

that I really like about the

x54 I really like the aesthetic of the

grinder with that classic malcon

look the grinder is super well built it

feels sturdy it feels solid feels like

it's going to last a long

time the workflow is really easy when

making espresso dosing directly to the

Porta filter and indeed if you are

hosting a number of guests and you're

going to be making multiple shots back

to back the hopper is really useful in

this and I think if you're someone that

loads up their hober with beans and let

them remain there until you use them

down over several days I think you'll

find the workflow of the x54 really

enjoyable I think that the grinder

performs very well in the cup and I

think it's commendable to malonic that

they've managed to design a set of Burrs

that can provide the general catchment

that they do some of the things that I'm

not so keen on with the x54 I feel like

while the grinder can operate for

espresso and it can operate for filter

the journey and changing between these

two has a little bit of friction and the

feel of the control knob it's just a

little bit plasticky for my liking in

actual fact I feel like it sits just

slightly outside of the rest of the

build quality of the grinder so yeah

please let me know your thoughts on this

grinder in the comments and of course if

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