E55 vs E55 Pro | Grinder Showdown

Summary

In this detailed comparison, the video reviews and contrasts the E55 and E55 Pro grinders from Starseeker. It explores key differences, including motor power, grind quality, burrs, chute materials, and design features. The E55 Pro introduces notable upgrades such as a titanium-coated burr for better grind consistency, a quieter motor, and an improved chute to reduce mess and static. The video also highlights performance in terms of sound, weight, stability, and coffee extraction. Overall, the review offers a thorough breakdown to help users decide if the Pro version truly justifies its 'Pro' title.

Takeaways

• 😀 The E55 and E55 Pro grinders both have 55mm conical burrs and a stepless grind adjustment, but the E55 Pro comes with a titanium-coated burr for better longevity and grind consistency.
• 😀 The E55 Pro is quieter than the original E55, with a sound difference of about 6 decibels during operation, making it a more pleasant experience for users.
• 😀 The E55 Pro features a redesigned chute made of plastic and equipped with a plasma generator, helping to reduce static and prevent clogging during grinding.
• 😀 Both grinders have similar performance in terms of grind quality, but the E55 Pro’s titanium burr provides slightly better consistency and longevity, allowing for finer adjustments.
• 😀 The E55 comes with a metal chute, while the E55 Pro has a plastic chute with a more sophisticated design, including a rubber insert for smoother coffee flow and reduced mess.
• 😀 The E55 Pro is about 350g lighter than the original E55, but this difference in weight doesn’t significantly affect the grinder’s stability on the counter.
• 😀 The E55 Pro has an improved cup design that fits a 58mm portafilter, whereas the original E55 has a smaller cup that might cause overflow with larger portafilters.
• 😀 The E55 Pro features an upgraded power adapter, which is smaller and more compact than the two-piece adapter that comes with the E55, offering better space efficiency.
• 😀 The grinders were tested using Nicaragua natural anaerobic beans, and both produced good espresso shots, with the E55 Pro yielding a slightly faster extraction time due to finer grinds.
• 😀 The E55 Pro’s chute design and integrated plasma generator prevent coffee grounds from sticking, making cleanup easier compared to the original E55, where some coffee tends to cling to the cup.

Q & A

What are the main differences between the E55 and the E55 Pro grinders?

The E55 and E55 Pro grinders differ in several key areas: the E55 has a stainless steel burr, while the E55 Pro has a titanium-coated burr for better grind consistency and longevity. The E55 features a metal chute, while the Pro has a clear acrylic chute with a plasma generator to reduce static and prevent clogging. Additionally, the E55 Pro is quieter and has a more stable design with a slightly lighter weight.

How does the titanium coating on the E55 Pro's burr benefit the user?

The titanium coating on the E55 Pro's burr enhances grind consistency and helps the burr stay sharper for a longer period. This results in more precise grinds, a longer lifespan for the burr, and ultimately a better and more consistent cup of coffee over time.

What role does the plasma generator play in the E55 Pro?

The plasma generator in the E55 Pro helps reduce static buildup during grinding, which results in a cleaner and more efficient grind. It also prevents coffee particles from sticking to the grinder, reducing mess and making the grinder easier to clean.

Is there a difference in the weight of the E55 and E55 Pro? How does it affect stability?

Yes, the E55 weighs 3.5 kg, while the E55 Pro is slightly lighter at 3.15 kg. Despite the weight difference, both grinders are stable on the countertop due to their solid design and flat bottoms, which help prevent them from easily being moved or shaken during use.

What is the impact of the clear acrylic chute on the E55 Pro?

The clear acrylic chute on the E55 Pro offers several benefits: it reduces static, prevents clogging, and allows users to visually monitor the coffee flow. It also helps with better performance and a more aesthetically pleasing look. For those who prefer a more uniform appearance, the Pro also comes with a black plastic chute as an alternative.

How does the coffee fall differently from the E55 compared to the E55 Pro?

In the E55, coffee sometimes sticks to the chute and causes clogging, which requires knocking and puffing to clear. In contrast, the E55 Pro’s chute is designed to prevent this issue with the internal plasma generator and rubber piece, allowing the coffee to flow more easily into the cup with less mess and static.

Does the E55 Pro produce quieter operation compared to the E55?

Yes, the E55 Pro is quieter than the E55. The sound level while grinding on the E55 is around 56 dB, whereas the E55 Pro is about 50 dB, which makes it a more suitable option for users who want a quieter coffee grinding experience.

How does the grind quality of the E55 and E55 Pro compare?

Both the E55 and E55 Pro produce consistent grinds, but the E55 Pro, with its titanium-coated burr, provides slightly better consistency and performance. The Pro’s burr improves over time with use, offering better results for espresso and filter coffee. The E55 is still a solid grinder, but the Pro's titanium burr offers superior performance, especially in the long run.

What kind of maintenance or adjustments might be needed for each grinder?

The E55 may require more frequent knocking and cleaning of the chute to prevent clogging and to ensure consistent coffee flow. The E55 Pro, with its plasma generator and improved chute design, requires less maintenance and is more self-sufficient in reducing static and coffee retention. However, both grinders will benefit from regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

Does the E55 Pro come with any design improvements in terms of the power adapter?

Yes, the E55 Pro comes with a single-piece adapter, unlike the E55 which has a two-piece adapter. The single-piece adapter is more compact and easier to store, making the Pro more convenient for users with limited space for their coffee equipment.