I’m looking to replace my Braun blender type grinder with a burr grinder that can properly grind coffee without leaving powder or large chunks in the mix. Sozen was recommended on r/coffee but I’m not sure whether I should get their brass canister model or the wooden box with a cup on top.
Does anyone hve any experience they can share?
Do not get the Sozen. While it is better than a blade grinder it still sucks. Don’t get anything worse than a Timemore C2. They C2 can be found for around $60 most places.
Wht issues does the Sozen have?
Poor stability for consistent grind size. Poor adjustability. Really only good for super fine grind sizes. Not a good grinder if you want to do moka pot, pour over, or french press (or aero press).
I mainly want a grinder so I can make a coarse blend for my Moka pot that doesn’t have any fines. I bring it with me to make coffee on lunchbreaks. It sounds like the Sozen isn’t the one.
What other options are there?
The Timemore C2 original is comparably priced to some of the Sozen at around $55. There are other C2 with folding handles that are a bit more money. It is perfectly acceptable for most coffee other than espresso or ultra fine Turkish. For about $80 the Timemore C3 and at $100 the Timemore C3S noticeable improvements. At around $120 you get into the 1Zpresso brand grinders which are also good.
The Timemore C2 is a good travel size grinder.
Is the adjustability issue of the Sozen that it requires tools? I’m a tradesperson so I always have wrenches and other tools on me and use them often. I’ll also only need to adjust it once.
Is the adjustability problem that it simply doesn’t work well with most grind settings?
My understanding is that it cannot be adjusted to grind above super fine and fine (basically Turkish and espresso) levels. Is there some reason that you prefer this over the newer more modern choices?