TECHNOLOGY PROFILE
A new spin on grinding The high-precision etzMax grinder introduces grind-by-weight technology among a host of new features for conical burr grinders.
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onical versus flat burrs is an age-old argument when it comes to coffee grinding. Until recently, however, only those on ‘team flat’ have had access to grind-byweight technology, bringing a new level of consistency to coffee grinding. Liechtenstein manufacturer Etzinger is looking to rebalance the debate with its etzMax conical burr grinders, available exclusively in Australia and New Zealand through Barista Group. “This is not your average grinder. It really is different to any other model, from the high-precision conical burrs to how it is built,” says Joe Chalhoub, General Manager of Barista Group. “It has a modular system, so if there’s any type of issue, within five minutes you can open it up, replace the part, and get
back to work. Cleaning is super simple and easy too because there aren’t six or seven components you have to unscrew and reattach. It only takes seconds to take it apart by the rotation burr mount and run the brush through to clean it.” The etzMax was designed by Christian Etzinger, who has applied his background as an aeronautical engineer to develop the high-precision burrs used in several well-known grinders. “It’s also unique how Etzinger manufactures its own burrs, which it has been doing for a long time,” Joe says. “The conical high-precision burrs are all about grinding while assuring maximum quality without wasting time or beans through low retention.” Etzinger’s etzJet grinding mechanism puts a new spin on the classic conical burr setup. The cone burr remains static
in the centre while the motor-powered ring burrs rotate around it, rather than the other way around, ensuring coffee grounds fall axially out of the grinder and into the portafilter. The cone burr connects directly to two adjustment rings, providing a fine degree of control over grind size. The macro ring features 16 steps of 0.1-millimetre tuning increments, while a second micro ring offers 10 additional demarcations of 0.01 millimetres for stepless fine tuning. Joe says etzJet is fast, precise, easily adjustable, and requires less cool down time than with typical AC motors. “The temperature inside the grinder affects the beans and the quality and consistency coming out. With etzJet, that’s just one less thing the barista has to worry about while
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