Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Review: Performance, Features and Insights

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

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German-engineered anything is usually a win. In this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review, I aim to put that statement to the test.

German-engineered anything is usually a win. In this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review, I aim to put that statement to the test.

This commercial espresso grinder has garnered acclaim for being fast, powerful and quiet. It does have a formidable presence in many cafés and coffee shops, so Mahlkonig must be doing something right.

But does it live up to its designation as the “King of Grinders”? Let’s discover if it does and more importantly, if it’s one of the best coffee grinders for espresso.

Sophisticated commercial espresso grinder

Mahlkonig E65S Commercial Espresso Grinder

German engineering at its best

High-quality build

65mm flat burrs

Incredible grind consistency

Very quiet

Long lifespan

Very expensive

Overview: Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Review

The Mahlkonig E65S commercial espresso grinder looks like a masterpiece of precision engineering. Cloaked in polished stainless steel and powder-coated aluminum, it houses premium hardened steel 65-millimeter flat burrs for exceptional flavor retention.

Driven by a powerful 580-watt, high-torque motor, this grinder delivers a decent 3.5-4 grams-per-second output. The intuitive interface features an easy-to-use digital touch screen display. This display allows users to save and recall up to six unique grind profiles. Furthermore, the stepless, micrometric adjustment system provides exceptional grinding precision.

Practical features abound: 

  • A sound-insulated casing for noise cancellation and quiet operation.

  • An adjustable, ergonomic portafilter holder. A generous espresso bean hopper with integrated bag clip.

  • An accessible chute and magnetic grounds tray that make maintenance a breeze.

All in all, this is an easy-to-use, durable and stylish commercial grinder.

Mahlkonig Coffee Grinder Price

Retailing at $2,300, the Mahlkonig E65S is a significant investment for small coffee shop owners (serious home baristas, too). Still, its durability and professional-level features more than justify the investment.

Compared to the Eureka Atom 75 ($1,599) and the Nuova Simonelli Mythos Basic ($2,925), I think the E65S offers excellent value. Besides, Mahlkonig has included a 1-year parts and labor warranty that gives owners added peace of mind.

Mahlkonig E65S Espresso Grinder Features

We’ve now arrived at the heart of this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review. What makes this precision coffee grinder tick? Let’s take a closer look at its features to find out: 

Size and Design

This professional-grade coffee grinder sure is sleek. At 16.5 inches tall, 7.6 inches wide and 11.14 inches deep (23.0 x 19.5 x 28.3 centimeters), it’s perfect for small spaces. Cloaked in polished stainless steel and aluminum, it’s also incredibly sturdy.

Its crowning glory, a 2.6-pound (1.2-kilogram) capacity bean hopper, sits atop the grinding mechanism as a masterpiece of thoughtful design. This hopper also features an integrated bag clip so you don’t forget which coffee you’re grinding, and a back-locking mechanism that prevents accidental grind adjustments while grinding!

I also love the minimalist color options: black with white or black side panels. Very demure, very mindful and perfect for commercial setups.

This precision-engineered grinder also includes an intuitive digital interface. Beside it is a tactile push-and-turn dial, and below, an adjustable stainless steel chute and ergonomic portafilter holder. A magnetic coffee grounds tray and integrated plastic cooling fan complete this innovative design.

At 24.7 pounds (11.2 kilograms), the Mahlkonig E65S has a substantial presence. Yet, the design isn’t overwhelming. It seems to offer baristas most of what they need for convenient workflow: durability, ease of use and a compact footprint.

User Interface

Mahlkonig Grinder E65S User Interface

One of the standout features for this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review, is its brilliantly intuitive user interface. A high-contrast digital display and responsive steel push-and-turn button provides seamless navigation. In my opinion, it elevates espresso coffee grinding to G.O.A.T levels.

Baristas can effortlessly program their way through personalized espresso preparation profiles. And while it’s not a single-dose coffee grinder, it still makes for a more streamlined workflow. Some baristas say it can grind for pour-over, too, but I’m yet to test out these claims.

I particularly appreciate the straightforward icon menu. It makes the user interface accessible to home enthusiasts as well as professionals. In addition, it gives real-time feedback, software updates and service and machine info; a feature I’m sure many baristas will appreciate.

E65 Grinder Burrs

At the heart of the Mahlkonig E65S are exceptional 65-millimeter flat burrs. Precision-engineered from hardened steel, they maintain sharp cutting edges for a long time, while easily handling heavy workloads.

Powered by a robust 580-watt, 1400-rpm motor, with a 1700-rpm burr speed, this powerhouse can grind coffee for a double shot in under four seconds.

The efficient flat-burr design is another plus for this grinder. I’m talking about Fargo-wood-chipper-scene efficiency levels. Forgive the imagery – super-gross, I know – but you get what I mean!

I won’t go much into the conical burr vs flat burr debate, but the flat burr certainly shines in this case. It produces a more consistent grind size, yielding a cleaner, more balanced extraction. Plus, operating within a sound-insulated case, this grinder maintains cafe-friendly noise levels.

These burrs aren’t just powerful – they’re built to last. With a reported lifespan of 10 years and over 1,700 pounds (800 kilograms) of coffee, they’re perfect for high-octane commercial environments.

Mahlkonig Grind Adjustment

The Mahlkonig E65S’s stepless micrometric system nails grinding precision. Unlike traditional stepped grinders, this system enables infinite adjustments. How? Via the smooth, tactile push-and-turn dial and super-accurate grind adjustment mechanism.

Each subtle turn creates microscopic changes in burr positioning. As a result, it allows baristas to achieve extraordinary accuracy, crucial for nuanced espresso extraction. This interaction almost feels like operating a manual coffee bean grinder, enriching the process for hands-on baristas. 

Espresso Programming

The E65S’s espresso programming function sets new standards for brewing precision. It does so thanks to its sophisticated digital interface. Baristas can use it to program and recall dosing profiles for different origins, roast levels and brewing methods.

This intelligent memory system also stores specific grind times for single and double shots with remarkable accuracy. All this eliminates guesswork across different preparations, making it a best espresso grinder contender in my book. 

What also stands out is this grinder’s microadjustment capability. It allows for dosing control down to a tenth of a second. This transforms the E65S from a standard coffee grinder into a personalized brewing system. In other words, it’s a must-have for seasoned baristas.

Mahlkonig Grinder: How to Use

Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Use

A crucial part of this first-look Mahlkonig grinder E65S review is learning how to use it. To begin, position your grinder on a stable surface, away from extreme temperatures or humidity. Fill the hopper with fresh-roasted, whole coffee beans – never pre-ground.

Then:

  • Power up the grinder.

  • Using the steel dial, navigate the intuitive touchscreen interface.

  • First, adjust the grind size. Turn the stepless micrometric adjustment dial clockwise for finer grinds and counterclockwise for coarser ones.

  • Make tiny adjustments and test the output between each turn to dial in your perfect grind.

  • Next, choose your dose settings, selecting for timed single or double shots, timed single or double-spout brews, manual continuous runs and more. The touch screen display’s easy-to-understand icons should guide you.

  • Position your portafilter or brewing device under the grinding chute.

  • With a simple touch of the dial, watch as the E65S delivers a precisely measured dose of ground coffee. Weigh your coffee grounds for accuracy before tamping. 

  • You’re now ready to make espresso!

Pro Tip:

  • Maintain a duty cycle of 4 seconds on and 26 seconds on, which equates to a workflow of 2 double shots per minute. This’ll keep the machine cool and operating at the optimal temperature. 

Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Cleaning

Maintaining your Mahlkonig E65S is crucial for extending its lifespan. Think of it as coffee machine self-care.

Dust your grinder daily to remove excess coffee grounds. Weekly, empty the bean hopper and wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth. Also wipe clean coffee residue from the bean chute, grounds tray and other exterior surfaces.

Monthly, you’ll want to do a deeper clean. Invest in specialized coffee grinder cleaning tablets to remove oils and fine coffee particles trapped in the burrs. Run these through the grinder according to the instructions in the Mahlkonig grinder E65S manual.

Every 6-12 months, consider professional burr cleaning or replacement. This way, your grinder should give you years of excellent service. 

Pro Tips:

  • Store your grinder in a cool, dry, dust-free place.

  • Always unplug the grinder before cleaning.

  • Never use water or liquid cleaners inside the grinding mechanism.

  • Use only fresh, moisture-free whole beans with this grinder.

Mahlkonig E65S Coffee Grinder Specifications

Mahlkonig E65S
ManufacturerMahlkonig
NameE65S Commercial Espresso Grinder
TypeElectric coffee grinder
Grinder65 mm stainless steel flat burrs
Grind levelsStepless
Power580 watt
Voltage120 volt
Weight27.0 lb / 12.2 kg
Dimensions23.0 x 7.8 x 12.2 in / 58.4 x 19.8 x 31.0 cm
Suitable forEspresso
AccessoriesUser manual, cleaning brush

Mahlkonig Coffee Grinder vs Other Coffee Grinders

Mahlkonig E65S vs E80

While the Mahlkonig E65S and E80 look like siblings, a closer inspection reveals significant differences.

The E80, slightly larger and more industrial, features 80-millimeter flat burrs with a grind speed of 6-7 grams per second. In contrast, the E65S’s 65-millimeter burrs achieve slightly less: 3.5-4 grams per second.

The E80 also has a larger 4-pound (1.8-kilogram) bean hopper, faster duty cycle (3 seconds on, 3 seconds off) and dual fan cooling system.

However, both grinders offer sophisticated touch screens and stepless grind adjustment. Both also have adjustable illuminated spouts and Disc Distance Detection (DDD). This technology calculates and shows the distance between burrs. For baristas, this means more accurate and replicable grind settings.

Price-wise, the E65S is more accessible at around $2,300. You’ll need to dig deeper for the E80, which sits in the $3,000 range. When choosing, I would say this: Opt for the E65S for home and light commercial use and the E80 if you own or run a busy cafe.

Mahlkonig E65S vs E65S GBW

Unique for this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review, both the E65S and E65S GBW share identical external construction. But while the both grinders share exterior features, the GBW adds game-changing precision. It does so thanks to its integrated grind-by-weight (GBW) system.

Unlike the E65S’s time-based dosing (which requires you to use a separate scale before brewing), the GBW excels at weight-based dosing. It includes a built-in scale that provides baristas with real-time ground coffee weight measurements.

As a result, it delivers exceptional precision for weight-focused espresso brewing. Due to this added functionality, it commands a $300-$500 premium over the standard E65S.

Verdict: Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Review

Sophisticated commercial espresso grinder

Mahlkonig E65S Commercial Espresso Grinder

German engineering at its best

High-quality build

65mm flat burrs

Incredible grind consistency

Very quiet

Long lifespan

Very expensive

As this Mahlkonig grinder E65S review shows, this isn’t any old coffee grinder. It’s a pillar of espresso coffee grinding tech. This coffee grinder blends precision engineering with user-friendly design for both commercial and home environments.

Having had a first-look at its capabilities, I can see why baristas consider it an investment. I hope to give it a test run soon for deeper insights.

I know that all the E65S does is grind coffee. But it seems to do so with exceptional precision and ease – a prerequisite for good espresso. Despite the steep price, that’s a definite win in my book. 

Have you used the Mahlkonig E65S before? If not, do you think it’s worth adding to your coffee setup? Drop a comment below and share your experiences or questions. Your insights could help fellow readers make their next brewing decision.

Mahlkonig Grinder E65S Review FAQ

Mahlkonig grinders are made in Hamburg, Germany.

First adjust the burr settings using the calibration dial. Then, grind test batches to check for uniformity. Lastly, fine-tune your burr using the grind adjustment mechanism until you achieve the grind uniformity you need for your brewing method.

Locate the adjustment dial and turn it clockwise to make the grind finer or counterclockwise to make the grind coarser. Make small, incremental adjustments, testing the grinds between each adjustment to achieve the desired particle size.

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Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

Hi! My name is Arne. Having spent years working as a barista I'm now on a mission to bring more good coffee to the people. To that end, my team and I provide you with a broad knowledge base on the subject of coffee.

More about Arne Preuss

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