Espresso grinder

The espresso needs a fine and very precise milling: a small adjustment change moves the extraction time several seconds. Therefore the espresso mills have continuous adjustment or with very small steps, powerful engines and large teeth.

It's the most visible piece in the cup. With a good mill, a modest machine gives excellent espresses; with a bad one, neither the best machine saves them. If the espresso comes out of acid, it grabs more thin; if it comes out bitter, thicker.

• In favour: total control over extraction.
• In favour: constant results from one coffee to another.
• Against: expensive and bulky.
• Against: Tolva's retain some old ground coffee; purge a little before you start.

They cost €150-700. It values the adjustment without steps or with very fine steps, the low retention, a good size teeth and a support for the filter holder. The single-dose DF64 or Niche type are very popular at home.

Cheapest alternative: some high-end hand mills, such as the 1Zpresso J, reach the end of the espresso for less money.