If you’ve been grinding your teeth over inconsistent grinds and flimsy build quality in hand grinders, you’re not alone. We’ve all been down that road — wondering if the premium we paid was worth it, questioning the longevity of our gear, and grappling with performance that doesn’t meet our high standards.
In steps the Kingrinder K6. This grinder promises to tackle these very issues, offering a blend of durability, precision, and value that many of us have been searching for. But does it live up to the hype and, more importantly, can it meet our exacting standards?
I’ve tested the K6 grinder for several months now and this Kingrinder K6 review reveals my results.
Summary: Kingrinder K6 Coffee Grinder
- External adjustment with 60 clicks for granular control
- 48mm heptagonal conical burr set for consistent grinding
- Grind chamber holds 30-35 grams for larger brews
- Versatile design excels at both espresso and pour-over brewing
- Priced at $129.00, offers high-end features without breaking the bank
Design and Build Quality
When I first picked up the K6, its 630-gram weight immediately conveyed a sense of durability and quality. The stainless steel 48mm heptagonal burrs are clearly built for longevity and precision, while the rubber grip adds a thoughtful touch for user comfort during grinding.
The grinder comes equipped with a removable handle and a thread-on catch cup, providing all the essentials in a no-nonsense package. Although color options are limited, the existing design exudes a premium feel that doesn’t rely on aesthetics alone.
With a grind chamber that holds between 30-35 grams, the K6 has been versatile enough to accommodate all my brewing methods, from espresso to pour-over. In hand and in use, this grinder feels like it was engineered with serious coffee drinkers in mind.
In short, the K6 is extremely well-built and feels premium when used. It’s a well-thought-out piece of engineering that looks as good as it grinds.
K6 Grind Adjustment and Ease of Use
The K6 features an external adjustment mechanism, a feature that is common in all the best 1zpresso hand grinders. With 60 clicks per full revolution, dialing in the grind size is an easy and intuitive process. Each click corresponds to a 16-micron change, allowing for granular control that’s especially useful when you’re aiming for a specific extraction yield.
Speed of grinding is another strong suit. While I didn’t time it to the second, it’s noticeably quick, even when grinding finer for espresso. Speaking of espresso, the K6 handles it well. I’ve set it to around 35 clicks, which falls within its fine range of 25 to 60 clicks, and the results were impressive.
The external adjustment mechanism makes it easy to switch from a coarser pour-over setting to a finer espresso grind without breaking a sweat. The three bearings ensure that even at finer settings, the grind remains consistent, without any noticeable wobble in the burrs.
Burrs and Grind Performance
The heart of the K6 is its 48mm heptagonal conical burr set, a design choice that I like a lot. In my experience, these burrs deliver. When I sifted the grinds to check for uniformity, the particle sizes were impressively even, especially at medium to fine settings.
Grinding very fine for espresso, the K6 holds its own. The burrs produce a grind that’s not just fine but also consistent, a crucial factor for achieving that syrupy body and clarity in flavors. There’s no noticeable sludging during extraction, a sign that the fines are kept to a minimum. It’s far superior for espresso compared to another budget hand grinder – the Hario Skerton Pro.
When it comes to coarser grinds for French press or cold brew, the K6 performs admirably. While it’s common for grinders to struggle with consistency at coarser settings, the K6 maintains a relatively even particle distribution. I didn’t notice any significant amount of fines that could over-extract and make the brew bitter.
While many hand grinders struggle with light roasts, the K6 performed surprisingly well, with very little slow down in grind time when compared to darker roasts I tried.
Kingrinder K6 Recommended Grind Settings
| Brewing Method | Grind Size | Clicks |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Coffee | Extra Fine | 15-25 clicks |
| Espresso Machine | Fine | 30-60 clicks |
| Moka Pot | Medium Fine | 60-90 clicks |
| AeroPress | Medium Fine | 60-90 clicks |
| Pourover | Medium | 90-120 clicks |
| Siphon | Medium | 90-120 clicks |
| French Press | Coarse | 150 clicks |
| Cold Brew | Extra Coarse | 160 clicks |
Tasting Coffee Made With The Kingrinder K6
The first thing that struck me about the coffee brewed with the K6 was its body. Whether I was pulling an espresso or making a pour-over, the coffee had a substantial mouthfeel without being overly heavy. It’s a balance that’s hard to achieve but speaks volumes about the grinder’s performance.
As for complexity, the K6 delivers. In my espresso shots, I could discern multiple layers of flavor—bright citrus notes complemented by deeper, chocolatey undertones. In pour-over, the coffee exhibited a range of flavors from floral to fruity, indicating that the grinder does a good job of fully extracting the coffee’s potential.
Tasting notes were vivid and well-defined. When I brewed a light roast with prominent peach and honeysuckle notes, the K6 managed to capture those flavors beautifully. The peach was upfront, and the honeysuckle added a sweet, floral finish.
Clarity is another area where the K6 excels. While it may not match the laser-like precision of some high-end grinders, the flavors in the cup were distinct and easily identifiable. There was no muddling of flavors, allowing for a clean, enjoyable cup. It wasn’t as good as the Kinu M47 classic or the Comandante C40, but I don’t think it was a million miles off either.
Last but not least, the K6 managed well with acidity too. The bright notes were present but not overpowering, adding a pleasant sparkle to the cup without turning it sour.
Is The Kingrinder K6 Any Good?
In the world of coffee grinders, where high-end features often come with equally high price tags, the Kingrinder K6 stands out as an exception. Priced at just $129.00, it offers a blend of versatility, build quality, and grind consistency that you’d typically find in more expensive models.
It’s a grinder that delivers on multiple fronts without breaking the bank, making it an excellent value proposition for those who are serious about their coffee but mindful of their budget.
So, if you’re in the market for an entry-level grinder that can adeptly handle both espresso and pour-over, or if you’re on a tight budget, the K6 is tailor-made for you.
Coffee expert and industry insider, I’ve dedicated years to mastering the art and science of coffee making. From scrutinizing particle fineness to evaluating burr shapes, I delve into the minutiae that elevate coffee from good to exceptional. Whether it’s a complex pour-over or a robust espresso, my insights cater to those who don’t just drink coffee, but experience it.
