For decades now, Fiorenzato has been the name in commercial, automatic coffee grinders.
This Venetian powerhouse has been cranking out these grinders since 1936. But they’re not just any grinders. They’re literal workhorses, the unsung heroes behind competition-winning, rockstar baristas and discerning coffee programs.
So, when Fiorenzato announced that they were entering the manual coffee grinder space? Yeah, the specialty coffee world perked up and took notice!
In this Fiorenzato Pietro review, I want to focus on the manufacturer’s first manual coffee grinder. Here’s a quick look at what I’ll be covering today:
Design & ergonomics: An exploration into the Pietro’s build quality, materials and design and whether its premium construction stands up to daily use.
Burr technology: A deep-dive into this grinder’s 58mm flat burrs, the engineering behind them and what sets them apart.
Grinding performance: How this grinder stacks up across brew methods and competitors.
Cleaning & maintenance: The nitty-gritty of keeping this beauty clean and running smoothly.
Final verdict: Who should get the Pietro, who should skip it and whether it’s worth the investment for your coffee setup.
A superb hand grinder
Fiorenzato Pietro Manual Coffee Grinder
A manual grinder for professional results
Flat burr design for exceptional clarity
Innovative and robust design
Low grind retention
Suitable for all brew methods
Rather expensive
Unconventional grinding mechanism
On the heavy side
| Fiorenzato Pietro Manual Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
Table of Contents
What Is the Fiorenzato Pietro Grinder? An Overview
Fiorenzato has done something rare with this grinder. While many of the best manual coffee grinders employ compact conical burrs, the Fiorenzato Pietro takes a different approach. It boasts a unique design, with larger 58mm flat burrs encased vertically in an aluminium body.
This stepped grinder (with micro-stepped settings between each click) stands tall at 8.7 inches (21centimeters). Its 58mm stainless steel flat burrs promise exceptional grind quality and minimal retention across both espresso and filter brew methods.
The Pietro also boasts a convenient snap-out grind lever, generous magnetic catch bin and, for easy cleaning, tool-free burr access. For Fiorenzato to cram all this functionality more common in larger units like the Compak K-3? That takes some serious engineering chops!
So, who’s this gear for? Short answer: The style-savvy home coffee enthusiast who’s serious – like, really serious – about their coffee. You qualify if you’ve already gone down the rabbit hole of coffee-to-water ratios, extraction yields and TDS percentages. Or if you miss the vibe of manual grinding but insist on peak performance.
So, if that’s you, then the Fiorenzato Pietro will bridge the gap between the romance of manual grinding and the performance of the best burr grinders. If you don’t mind dropping anywhere from $400 to $500, that is.
| Fiorenzato Pietro | |
|---|---|
| Burr size | 58mm |
| Burr type | Stainless steel flat burrs |
| Adjustment mechanism | Stepped dial |
| Capacity | 60 g |
| Materials | Aluminium body, stainless steel components, BPA-free plastics |
| Dimensions | 8.3 x 4.5 x 3.2 in / 21.0 x 11.5 x 8.0 cm |
| Weight | 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg |
| Color options | Arctic White, Deep Black, Dusty Plue, Forest Green, Oyster Grey, Pastel Blue |
What Does Pietro Mean? The Story Behind the Name
“Pietro” is the Italian for Peter, and traces back to the Greek petros, meaning “stone” or “rock.” In Italian culture, Pietro is a classic, timeless name that carries the weight of tradition. For a Venetian company with roots stretching back to 1936, naming their first manual coffee grinder Pietro feels intentional. The name fits perfectly and portrays a sturdy, built-to-last coffee grinder.
Fiorenzato Pietro’s Design, Build Quality and Ergonomics
The Pietro boasts a robust build with premium aluminium and stainless steel components and durable, BPA-free plastics; enough to tell you that this thing costs real money.
Atop is a removable, rather generous 60-gram bean hopper. Just below are the burrs, whose cover attaches to the cranking lever, easily removable by the press of a button.
Below, you’ll find the magnetic catch cup, and within, the burrs and burr chamber, hermetically sealed from upper to catch cup to prevent flavor loss and corrosion.
Notably, the machining is precise for superior grinding, and the snap-out grind lever is seamless and easy to use. Incidentally, the catch bin is large enough for one or two doses of espresso or filter coffee servings.
The good news is, this grinder’s heft guarantees zero wobble. But to many, the unique vertical design, which enables the cranking of those large flat burrs is polarizing.
Unlike traditional hand grinders (which you can easily grip with one hand) the Pietro’s design demands a two-handed approach. You’ll need one hand to stabilize the non-skid base on your counter, as the other cranks and grinds. You either love it or hate it – there’s no middle ground.
Still, most users report that, with time, this motion becomes natural and almost meditative. In the end, it’s not a gimmick; it’s just different.
Fiorenzato Pietro Design & Ergonomics: Pros & Cons
PROS
- Premium materials and attractive finishes
- Unique vertical design
- Precise machining with tight tolerances for superior grind quality
- Large catch cup capacity for convenient grinding and cleaning
CONS
- Heavier than typical hand-held grinders
- Unconventional two-handed grip (may not suit all users)
- Relatively expensive
Handle & Cranking Features
Fiorenzato pulled off a thoughtful piece of engineering with the Pietro’s sturdy retractable handle. It folds flush with the body of the grinder when not in use for easy storage. But when deployed, it locks and cranks solidly with zero wobble.
Here’s where things get interesting. Unlike hand grinders like these in the 1Zpresso range, where you crank by spinning a top knob, with the Pietro, you crank using a vertically circular motion.
This may seem weird at first, but provides killer leverage especially when you hit high resistance when grinding for light roasts or espresso. This design also limits hand fatigue, the bane of manual coffee grinding.
Does the Magnetic Catch Cup Work?
In my opinion, and from numerous user reviews, the Pietro’s magnetic catch-cup system nails it. The magnets are strong enough to avoid accidental drops mid- or post-grind. What’s more, the cup easily pops off, reportedly without much wrestling.
And the potential for making a mess? Surprisingly low. A quick tap on the counter should settle errant grounds nicely. Furthermore, the catch bin holds enough for one or two espresso doses or full pour-over amounts without the risk of overflow.
Transferring grounds to your portafilter or Hario V60 is smooth as the cup’s opening is wide enough to avoid the dreaded funnel-and-spill dance.
Occasionally, you’ll get clingers inside the cup walls, but a quick brush should handle this. I also suggest spraying your beans with a slight mist of water before grinding to reduce this static.
Overall, the Pietro’s catch cup is genuinely practical for both espresso and filter workflows. It has no fiddly threads to cross and no weak magnets, just a simple catch bin that works.
Pietro’s Signature Element: Vertical Flat Burrs Review
Here’s where the Fiorenzato Pietro manual coffee grinder differs most from the majority of hand grinders.
Most manual grinders boast conical burrs (get the lowdown on conical v flat burr grinders here). They’re compact, efficient, easy to hold and get the job done.
But Fiorenzato opted to go flat and bigger, cramming 58mm stainless steel flat burrs into a relatively compact package. What’s even more impressive is that burrs like these are usually found in bulkier, commercial-level grinders. Even the price-comparable Eureka Mignon Zero doesn’t have these!
Additionally, flat-burr grinders create unimodal grind distribution. That’s coffee lingo for grounds with a more uniform particle size. The result? Espresso with more clarity, sweetness and complexity of flavor, and pour-over with no muddiness, bitter hotspot or sour patches.
Now, I’m not denigrating hand-held conical burr grinders at all – they do have their place. For starters, they’re easier to hold and travel with than the Pietro. Plus, the espresso they produce is delicious and full of body.
Still, flat burrs bring precision and cup clarity to your brews. And the Pietro puts this cafe-quality grinding right in your hands.
Flat Burrs vs Conical Burrs at a Glance
| Flat Burrs | Conical Burrs | |
|---|---|---|
| Grind distribution | Unimodal: Narrower distribution, with more uniform particle sizes | Bimodal: Wider distribution, with more variation in particle sizes |
| Flavor profile | Emphasizes brightness, clarity and flavor complexity (highlighting individual flavor notes) | Emphasizes body, balance and sweetness (a more integrated flavor profile) |
| Fines production | Produces fewer fines (this enhances cup clarity) | Produces more fines (this increases extraction) |
| Body | Lighter, cleaner body with more texture definition | Fuller, heavier body with more mouthfeel |
Are There Different Burr Sets for the Fiorenzato Pietro?
Yes. The Fiorenzato Pietro offers two main 58mm flat burr sets:
Standard, all-purpose B-modal burrs
Optional, filter-coffee-optimized, M-modal burrs
B-modal burrs are versatile, handling grinding for both espresso and filter coffee well. This set creates a balanced distribution of sweetness, body and cup clarity across the board.
M-modal burrs are more for filter coffee specialists. Their geometry produces even more uniformly sized particles pushing separation and flavor clarity to the max. The result is ultra-clean coffee with a tea-like body, distinct tasting notes and noticeable acidity.
What Is the Grinding Experience and Performance Like?
Grinding with the Pietro is smooth and relatively fast. Users report 18 grams of espresso taking 45-60 seconds with steady, moderate cranking.
The workflow is dead simple: beans in, crank, grounds out.
To start, simply load your beans into a top-situated, 60-gram bean hopper and replace the lid.
Then, unlock the retractable grind lever, and crank away. Use a vertical, circular motion and crank until you no longer hear beans grinding in the chamber. The grounds will drop cleanly into the catch-cup below.
Minimal retention means that what goes in comes out, with very little volume (typically a negligible 0.1 grams) ending up in the burr chamber. I’d still recommend gently tapping the grinder on your countertop to release any stuck grounds.
Grind consistency is exceptional across brew methods. Dialing in espresso? Use the stepped adjustment collar to seamlessly grind finer (lower number). Opting for French press or filter coffee? Again, this grinder allows you to make micro-adjustments that let you go coarser (higher number).
As you crank, the vertical burr alignment and non-skid bottom keep things stable, so there’s barely any risk of an accident or mess.
Key Performance Takeaways:
Grind speed: The Pietro’s flat burrs deliver faster grinding speeds than conical burrs. Move through your workflow quickly without sacrificing grind quality.
Grind effort: The engineered vertical flat burrs reduce resistance, resulting in relatively smooth cranking without too much fatigue.
Quality & consistency: The Pietro’s flat burrs produce less fines than conical burrs. This translates to better flavor extraction and cleaner cups.
Workflow integration: The combination of speed, ease of cranking and consistency across brew methods makes the Pietro a versatile grinder for general morning routines and deliberate espresso or filter brew sessions.
How Easy Is It to Adjust the Grind and Dial In?
This grinder uses a side-facing, easy-access stepped adjustment collar that covers the burr chamber. It boasts a precise, numbered scale with clear markings (0-10) for intuitive, real-world tweaking. As such, you get the best of both worlds: the freedom of near infinite adjustment with the convenience of repeatable settings.
For espresso enthusiasts, this is especially awesome. Whether you’re dialing in an unconventional 28-second shot or looking to lock in the ultimate god shot, all you need to do is nudge the mechanism finer.
Each single click, numbered 0-10, and corresponding to 15 microns in burr movement, has four steps in between. You can make quarter and half-step adjustments for even finer control, with each quarter and half-click equaling about 3.75 and 7.5 microns, respectively. Seriously, it’s that flexible.
The Pietro also makes it easy to switch between brew methods. First dial in and jot down the relevant grind setting for your brew, e.g., 2 for espresso, 6 for V60 or 10 for French press.
Then, simply jump between these settings as and when you need to. The dial should turn smoothly while giving you tactile feedback at each click, so you’ll always know where you are.
Recommended Initial Grind Settings
| Brew Method | Suggested Setting Range |
|---|---|
| Turkish | 0.5-1 |
| Espresso | 1-2 |
| Moka pot | 2-3 |
| AeroPress | 4-5 |
| Pour over | 6-7 |
| Batch brew | 7-8 |
| French press | 8-9 |
| Cold brew | 10 |
How Does the Pietro Compare to Fiorenzato’s Electric Grinders?
Fiorenzato’s best burr coffee grinders, like the F64 Evo and the F83 E Pro, are famous for their robust construction, consistent particle distribution and super-fast grinding. I mean, they have to be to keep up with the busy workflow in the cafes they serve!
It goes without saying that they cost a pretty penny, too. Expect to part with anything from $1,600 to just over $2000. But given their build quality, superior grinding and durability, these prices make sense.
The Pietro, built for the retail market, borrows from the same engineering philosophy. It boasts large, commercial-level 58mm flat burrs, a sturdy aluminium body, precise machining and durable, food-safe plastics. However, it does so while giving you a measure of portability, zero-noise operation, affordability and the hands-on ritual that manual coffee brewing enthusiasts prize.
Think of it this way: Fiorenzato’s electric coffee grinders are your espresso bar or coffee shop workhorses. In contrast, the Pietro is your quiet home brewing companion. It aims to give you quality with every grind, albeit in smaller doses.
Fiorenzato Pietro vs Fiorenzato Electric Grinders Comparison Chart
| Fiorenzato Pietro | Fiorenzato F64 Evo | Fiorenzato F83E Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | Manual | Electric (350 W) | Electric (380 W) |
| Burr type / size | 58mm flat burrs (stainless steel) | 64mm flat burrs (M340 stainless steel coated with an amalgam of black titanium, aluminum, nitrogen and carbon) | 83mm flat burrs (M340 stainless steel coated with an amalgam of black titanium, aluminium, nitrogen and carbon) |
| Workflow | Hand-powered (70-80 RPM) | Motor-driven (1350-1550 RPM) | Motor-driven (1350-1550 RPM) |
| Portability | Portable, despite being on the heavy side | Stationary; requires a power outlet | Stationary; requires adequate counter space and a power outlet |
| Intended use | Premium manual grinder for espresso, pour-over, French press and cold brew | Prosumer medium-capacity commercial grinder primarily for espresso, but also suitable for pour over | High-capacity commercial espresso grinder |
| Price | $400-$500 | $1,600-$1,800 | $2,000-$2,300 |
How Do You Clean and Maintain the Pietro Grinder?
Cleaning the Fiorenzato Pietro manual coffee grinder is a straightforward affair.
On the daily, purge a few beans between coffees and give the catch bin a quick wipe using a dry, microfiber cloth. After every 11 pounds (5 kilograms) of beans or so (this is, on average, 2-3 weeks of grinding), I recommend a deeper clean (detailed below).
Fiorenzato clearly went with a no-hassle approach to cleaning. The burrs pop out cleanly and there aren’t a million tiny parts to lose. A word of caution, though: To keep your unit working well, avoid getting water on the burrs. Stick to brushing and if you’ve got it, compressed air.
Oh, and I wouldn’t clean this grinder with raw rice. It’s harder and denser than roasted coffee, and besides leaving a starchy residue, it may damage the burr components.
However, I do recommend using grinder cleaning tablets at least once a month to remove coffee oils and stubborn residue.
Let’s take a look at the basic steps for cleaning your grinder:
Empty the bean hopper.
Unscrew the side adjustment collar and push the button to release the retractable handle.
The burr carrier and upper burr assembly, attached, will come out with the handle. The beauty is, you’ll need absolutely no tools to do this.
Using a small brush or air blow gun, clear away old grounds clinging to the burrs, chamber walls burr chute and the inside of the bean hopper. Brush or blow until you clear all the residue.
Reassemble in reverse order, carefully aligning all the components.
Ensure you position the feeding funnel, bean hopper, magnetic catch cup and crank handle properly to avoid future jamming.
Pietro Grind Quality In-Depth: Consistency, Fines and Retention
Let’s talk particle size distribution or PSD.
Thanks to its large, 58mm flat burrs, the Pietro creates a tight unimodal curve (most of the particles cluster around your target grind size with few outliers). This uniformity makes for even, cleaner extractions and excellent flavor follow through. Contrast that with conical burrs, which result in bimodal distribution (which means your grounds contain both fines and boulders).
As such, uneven distribution is notably low with the Pietro grinder. All this translates to a reduced risk of channeling in espresso and less muddy, sediment-filled cups in filter coffees.
As for retention, it’s at nearly zero. The simple grind path and vertical burr design ensures beans go straight through, reducing waste.
For single-dosing enthusiasts, this grinder is a golden goose. What you put in is what you get out, reducing the chances of stale, ghost grounds ruining your brew.
Fiorenzato Pietro Alternatives: How It Compares to Other Grinders
The Fiorenzato Pietro manual coffee grinder competes in the premium market. But how does it stack up against its competitors? Here’s the lowdown:
Like the Pietro, the Orphan Espresso Pharos, also a flat-burr grinder, boasts serious build quality and functionality. However, the latter is more compact, making it arguably better for travel. Notably, the Pietro’s smoother grinding action and superior ergonomics edge out the Pharos for daily workflow. These grinders even out, so it’s no surprise that, pricewise, both play around the $400-$500 range.
It’s with manual conical grinders, however, that we see real differences, both in style and function.
Take for example, two of my favorites – the Comandante C40 and the 1Zpresso K-Max. These portable champs deliver coffee with a rich, textured body, which espresso lovers prize.
But here’s where the Pietro beats them both: its flat burrs, despite being more awkward to crank, guarantee noticeably cleaner separation and clarity. So, if you’re after cafe-level precision (for both espresso and filter brews) over back-pack-friendly convenience, the Pietro wins hands down.
Lastly, how does this manual grinder stack up against electric giants like the Niche Zero and DF64? As you’d expect, there’s no comparison when it comes to speed. But the Pietro is worth noting for its comparable grind quality.
Single-dose electrics like Niche Zero and DF64 can grind 18 grams of espresso in less than five seconds, making them more suited for busy mornings. Of course, you’ll need a power source to operate them both. Oh, and expect to part with more money for one of these.
The Pietro, on the other hand, takes about a minute of cranking for a single espresso dose. However, it runs silent and needs no power outlet.
Incidentally, the Pietro has more in common with the DF64 (with its 64mm flat burrs) than the Niche Zero, which has 63mm conical burrs.
Here, the trade-off is obvious: speed and convenience vs portability and affordability. Both types of grinders are excellent, they’re just made for different lifestyles.
Fiorenzato Pietro vs the Competition Comparison Chart
| Fiorenzato Pietro | Comandante C40 | Niche Zero | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burr Type / Size | 58mm flat burrs (stainless steel) | 40mm conical burrs (nitro steel) | 63mm conical burrs (hardened steel) |
| Workflow | Manual | Manual | Electric |
| Portability | Semi-portable | Fully portable | Stationary countertop grinder |
| Best for | Espresso, filter brews, French press, cold brew | Pour over, filter coffee, AeroPress | Espresso, AeroPress, pour over |
| Intended use | At-home, manual single-dose grinding for cafe-quality results with low retention | On-the-move, manual single-dose grinding while traveling, camping | Speedy, high-quality single-dose grinding with low retention |
| Price | $400-$500 | $270-$300 | $620-$650 |
Is the Fiorenzato Pietro Worth It? Pros, Cons and Final Verdict
A superb hand grinder
Fiorenzato Pietro Manual Coffee Grinder
A manual grinder for professional results
Flat burr design for exceptional clarity
Innovative and robust design
Low grind retention
Suitable for all brew methods
Rather expensive
Unconventional grinding mechanism
On the heavy side
| Fiorenzato Pietro Manual Coffee Grinder | |
| Current price on Amazon | |
|---|---|
| All specifications | |
In conclusion, I must say that the Fiorenzato Pietro punches way above its weight class. Granted, it’s not the fastest, most portable grinder, and does have a learning curve. But it just might be the best manual coffee grinder if grind quality is your north star.
Best of all? It’s super-versatile. V60 and other filter-brewing devotees chasing cup clarity, as well as espresso perfectionists can all count on the Pietro’s burrs to deliver.
My recommendations?
If you can’t get over the vertical burr design and are looking for something a bit more affordable and portable, this grinder may not be a keeper. But if you dig the hand-cranking ritual, want a single-dose grinder with consistency and high performance and don’t mind the sizable investment, this thing’s totally worth it!
Fiorenzato Pietro Review FAQ
The Fiorenzato Poetro boasts larger, 58mm flat burrs rather than the more compact conical burrs found in hand-held coffee grinders. As such, it delivers coffee-shop-grade grind quality with unimodal particle distribution for better flavor complexity and cup clarity.
Yes. The micro-stepped adjustment collar and large flat burrs excel at delivering precise, flavorful espresso dial-ins as well as the cup clarity needed for filter coffees.
The Pietro delivers the full range: from Turkish coffee and fine espresso to coarse French press and everything in between. This includes V60, drip, Aeropress, pour over and cold brew. It’s genuinely versatile.