Hey there Joshua and AB Team! Thanks for another fantastic summary/review and for your support of Comandante! All the best, Joe all the team at Comandante HQ in Munich ✌️☕️❤️
Bought my comandante mk3 at the start of the year and its been the most amazing purchase. Brilliant for my daily v60, and pretty straightforward to dial in and grind for espresso too.
Amazing product. Best investment I've made in my life. Never will I go back to electric grinder. And the best part is that I bought the Red Sonja finish that was handed over to me by Sonja Björk Grant herself that was on the cover of oct/nov 2022 issue of Barista Magazine.
I love how simple it looks to clean up, while my JX Pro seem to have hundreds of tiny washers and bearings with springs and intricately cnc'd parts that if you put it wrong it'll mess up the assembly and you have to start over. I love my JX pro but I really want a c40 mk4 now for my filter brew.
Had my mk3 for around a year. Used every day since, and it's the best coffee purchase I've made. I can't attest to espresso but it's great for filter. Glad they "fixed" the problem of beans jumping out, but as you show, the grounds catcher jar slots into the top anyway so it's not been an issue for me. Good idea to include a plastic jar for travel, although the glass probably feels a bit more premium.
Just tried mine for the first time this morning! It’s much slower to grind than my 1zPresso K-Ultra. However, on the recommended grind size for the Onyx coffee I used, I have to admit I loved the taste! Thought it was all hype. It certainly isn’t from my perspective. If you’re just starting out and can’t quite nail discernible differences/ subtleties from bee to brew, maybe hold off on this and get any of the timemores (I worked my way up).
@@AlternativeBrewing I’m thinking about buying the Lelit Victoria. Right now I’m using a Gadgelux portable espresso maker. It actually makes delicious shots everyday.
Josh, I ordered the C40 MK4 with nitro blade. I can not reach anyone at customer service. I have sent 5 e-mail with one on your site. Also LiveChat (not alway available although the site claims 24/7 support).
hi there, I'm so sorry you're unable to reach someone. I won't ask for details here - but could you please send an email through to orders@alternativebrewing.com.au, and cc: josh@alternativebrewing.com.au and I'll be able to flag this for a prompt reply. I take it, that it's a product issue. Adding an image or video in the email of the issue will help speed the process up. If there's anything more I can help with, let me know please
Excellent overview - thanks! Subbed. You provided more useful details than on several other videos on this model out there. But I’m wondering: For only espresso and AeroPress, this grinder or perhaps the 1Zpresso J-Max, which is reported to be very good for espresso, and faster than the Comandante? Your experience, please?
@@AlternativeBrewing Fantastic! 😀 Please make it soon; I’m getting thirsty for great espresso with my new Picopresso, and my Graef CM 800 grinder isn’t up for the job. 😉
How would you say The C40 performs in regards to filter brewing compared to something like the K-plus? I heard a lot of people say that they are comparable when it comes to grind quality, but the K-plus is far faster and a "better value" considering the accessories you get with it. Great review as always, and thank you for your hard work!
@@AlternativeBrewing That'll be amazing I'm definitely waiting for that. Could we maybe expect it this week or maybe the next week? I don't want to get tempted by a black Friday sale and squeeze the trigger too early.
I have both, and I can’t taste the difference or see the difference in the grinded (ground?) coffee. What I can say is a big difference is the adjustment mechanism, where the c40 don’t even come close to the k plus. Adjusting the c40 requires remembering and counting clicks, having a cloth nearby to clean your fingers after adjusting because the adjustment ring is always dirty. A bonus for the k plus is the grind speed. It’s a bigger grinder though.
@@elmtube1 The k-plus is far worse than the comandante as you have 5 rotations to work with. If you're at say the pour-over setting and want to do espresso, you'll likely have to go back to zero again. The difference between pour over and espresso on the Comandante is like 12 clicks AND the coffee reportedly tastes better too.
Loving my Mk3 - only gripe is coffee grinds getting stuck between the plastic threads of the grinder (where it screws into the glass catchment jar). I take it most hand grinders with threaded catchment containers will have this minor issue though
How do you find your Zero-Point uf the Comandante? Do you start by turning the knob all the way down, till it stopped or till the point the handle can't move on its own?
Are you going to review the new comandante trail master x25? Would be great if you compare it to the new 1zpresso x-pro. Looks like they use very similar burrs.
How do you find this compares to TimeMore Chestnut X Lite? I’ve been hearing very good things about the brand but online reviews like yours are few and far between
Would the Comandante C40 pair well with a Cafelat Robot? I just noticed your website, which is great as I can buy both of them when I land in Australia from the UK! I am emigrating (again hehe) this time to Perth. Hopefully I settle this time and don't have a breakdown again and fly home to UK :)
Yes, absolutely it will work well. I would suggest getting the Red Clix Upgrade for it too though - this will just make dialling in the perfect espresso so much better. Welcome back to Aus 😀 I trust this time will be much better 🫶 and if you ever need someone to talk to - reach out
@@AlternativeBrewing that’s very kind. I really struggled the first time around in Hobart. Now asking alot more questions than before. Plus I already have a friend in Perth from university days so I think I have more chance of settling im Oz this time
Having just procured a IZpresso J-max, the Commandante would unfortunately be a tough sell for me. Admittedly they just ooze class, but having to purchase an upgrade for the sake of expanding grind settings when it could be included as a part of the update... not great. Also I'm pretty sure I could kill a person with the J-max. It's built like a brick.
That's why the commandante still isn't on my radar for purchase. They went to the trouble to fix a minor issue when they should've focused on the main issue. I guess they didn't want to lose out on those red clix sales. Given the price of their products this is unacceptable when there are many products on the market that are just as reliable and offer much more adjustability in grind setting for less than half the price. They've had years to fix this.
Not everyone want additional grind setting especially for people who only want to use it for filter brew, to have to go through 50 clicks to get to filter range.
@@clashwithkeen What's the 'main issue' you're referring to? I'm assuming it's the lack of adjustability for espresso? It was never intended for espresso, dude. It's a travel grinder, not a budget espresso grinder for the cheapskate coffee drinker.
Some good sales on your website, I was close to buying a 1Zpresso K-Plus but now see that the Comandante C40 MK3 is only $50 more now. Is the C40 MK3 a significantly better grinder and worth the extra $50?
I haven't quite got to the comparison yet -but I would say they are very close. The K-plus comes with a few more accessories which is a bonus - but the Comandante is one of those grinders you'll fall in love with
You can't go wrong with either. But it also depends on what you're planning to do with the grinder, which methods do you use more. If doing mostly pour overs either grinder will do just fine. But if you're into espresso too, there's no comparison: the Kplus wins by a mile Kplus/Kpro/Jmax/JX-pro any of these beat comandante as a better value. You get more for the money BUT comandante is an outstanding grinder, with unique burrs that would last a lifetime and stay sharp forever, amazing customer support and lots of world class baristas using it and sharing recipes. That's a huge plus for comandante and should be also considered
Jake - The 1zpresso grinders are budget espresso grinders for folks who don't want to fork over $600 for a proper electric espresso grinder. The C40 is a travel grinder for filter coffee. You can easily brew espresso with it too but that shouldn't be why you're buying it.
Kplus and Kpro are NOT budget grinders. These are the flagship models from a very serious company that's gaining popularity for their superb quality. If a dedicated espresso grinder costs 2X or 3X is because you have to put a lot of fine pieces together, a motor, electric components and so on. No doubt there are amazing electric options for espresso that do (slightly) better than these hand grinders, but certainly not by much in terms of quality. In other words, slight improvements at almost 4X the price. Worth it or not depends on what you're looking for.
Will Comandante produce more American Cherry models soon? You AB guys don't ship to Israel, and the local authorized dealer has been out of stock a long time.
@@AlternativeBrewing I emailed Comandante to ask. They do plan to, but are having issues receiving large batches of the Am. cherry veneer. maybe the supply chain issues in the US these many months. :-( the Liquid Amber ones look great though. that's the name of a tree.
That's a great question that I'm unable to answer sorry! I've flown with them in the past and had to explain what it is when they inspect hand luggage,. .. but that was 5+yrs ago ... things change often too ... I would make sure to have the product manual with you ... and perhaps a bag of beans so you can demonstrate how it works ... I've done this before and the security were satisfied it wasn't a pipe bomb / knife or other weapon ...
you can just bring them as hand carry. i travel with them for 4 years now (average 35 flights a year from Europe to USA to Asia) and never even stopped for it .
Have you noticed any quality or grind difference compared to the MK3? I read a comment somewhere saying the same grind settings on the MK4 produced difference sized grinds vs the MK3. Do you prefer the MK4 over the MK3?
@@josealqueres I just returned a jmax, I preferred my kplus, I am a pour over guy and did not find a real improvement versus the kplus. Instead a new C40 is arriving tomorrow. The jmax has a real issue, setting it to 0 is very inconsistent sometimes you will end up -x clicks or +clicks and that will move your grind settings. Kplus is easier to get a more consistent "0" calibration.
@@daydriper Hi Miguel. Please let us know how you find KPlus vs C40! I've got a KPlus and I was wondering if there is any noticeable difference between the two. Thanks!
Will you withdraw your support and endorsement of comadante grinders because of the recent allegations against the company that they are threatening legal action against people who sell other hand grinders in the EU
It’s unacceptable with an internal adjustment mechanism at that price point. It’s even inside the catch bin so it always dirty as well! Counting clicks is also unacceptable
@Ambrosios3 in Norway I bought them for the same price. And uneven burr touching at the finest grind setting occurs on my comandante as well, not that it matters unless you can taste the difference. I can’t taste the difference for either pour over or espresso, maybe you can. But I 100% dislike adjusting the comandante, every time. Especially counting clicks in the morning
@@elmtube1 🤣 Если боишься испачкать свои руки. Купи Kinu 47 или Knock 47, у них регулировка помола сверху и больше жернова - 47мм. Эти две кофемолки будут молоть зерна кофе, быстрее чем Comandante C40, жернова - 39мм.
Hey there Joshua and AB Team! Thanks for another fantastic summary/review and for your support of Comandante!
All the best,
Joe all the team at Comandante HQ in Munich ✌️☕️❤️
Our pleasure!
@@MrNEMILI Try this :)... th-cam.com/video/UN1X4ELC3-o/w-d-xo.html
Bought my comandante mk3 at the start of the year and its been the most amazing purchase. Brilliant for my daily v60, and pretty straightforward to dial in and grind for espresso too.
So good to hear!
I upgraded my MK3 with Red Clix about a year ago and for espresso it's a big improvement.
@@Assenayo I’ve purchased a cafelat robot, would this grinder be good to make espresso for the cafelat me robot?
Amazing product. Best investment I've made in my life. Never will I go back to electric grinder. And the best part is that I bought the Red Sonja finish that was handed over to me by Sonja Björk Grant herself that was on the cover of oct/nov 2022 issue of Barista Magazine.
I love how simple it looks to clean up, while my JX Pro seem to have hundreds of tiny washers and bearings with springs and intricately cnc'd parts that if you put it wrong it'll mess up the assembly and you have to start over. I love my JX pro but I really want a c40 mk4 now for my filter brew.
Had my mk3 for around a year. Used every day since, and it's the best coffee purchase I've made. I can't attest to espresso but it's great for filter. Glad they "fixed" the problem of beans jumping out, but as you show, the grounds catcher jar slots into the top anyway so it's not been an issue for me. Good idea to include a plastic jar for travel, although the glass probably feels a bit more premium.
Couldn't agree more!
best coffee tool purchase i've done. a bit excessive but why not from time to time. so happy just looking at it :3
Totally agree!
Great video! I just got an MK4 and still learned a lot from watching this.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Just tried mine for the first time this morning! It’s much slower to grind than my 1zPresso K-Ultra. However, on the recommended grind size for the Onyx coffee I used, I have to admit I loved the taste! Thought it was all hype. It certainly isn’t from my perspective. If you’re just starting out and can’t quite nail discernible differences/ subtleties from bee to brew, maybe hold off on this and get any of the timemores (I worked my way up).
Great tip!
Informative, entertaining and to the point. Great stuff! ❤
I prefer darker roasts for espresso. Would you recommend this grinder and what setting should I use?
Yes absolutely for more robust bolder flavours this grinder shines! what brew method are you using?
@@AlternativeBrewing I’m thinking about buying the Lelit Victoria. Right now I’m using a Gadgelux portable espresso maker. It actually makes delicious shots everyday.
I purchased the Cafelat Robot.@@AlternativeBrewing
Hes right about the sound it makes. Vert different from any other hand grinder, and Ive had 'em all.
Only the Commandante remains on my coffee shelf.
Josh, I ordered the C40 MK4 with nitro blade. I can not reach anyone at customer service. I have sent 5 e-mail with one on your site. Also LiveChat (not alway available although the site claims 24/7 support).
hi there, I'm so sorry you're unable to reach someone. I won't ask for details here - but could you please send an email through to orders@alternativebrewing.com.au, and cc: josh@alternativebrewing.com.au and I'll be able to flag this for a prompt reply.
I take it, that it's a product issue. Adding an image or video in the email of the issue will help speed the process up. If there's anything more I can help with, let me know please
This is one of the best demonstrations I saw for the C40 MK4. Thanks!
Does the plastic lid rotate with the handle when grinding?
No it doesn't 👌
@@AlternativeBrewing many thanks.
Excellent overview - thanks! Subbed. You provided more useful details than on several other videos on this model out there. But I’m wondering: For only espresso and AeroPress, this grinder or perhaps the 1Zpresso J-Max, which is reported to be very good for espresso, and faster than the Comandante? Your experience, please?
There's a comparison on it way! 😀
@@AlternativeBrewing Fantastic! 😀 Please make it soon; I’m getting thirsty for great espresso with my new Picopresso, and my Graef CM 800 grinder isn’t up for the job. 😉
Was going to pick this up for mostly filter coffee, but I went for the K-Max instead. I'm very happy with it so far!
Dang that's a good looking coffee grinder.
How would you say The C40 performs in regards to filter brewing compared to something like the K-plus?
I heard a lot of people say that they are comparable when it comes to grind quality, but the K-plus is far faster and a "better value" considering the accessories you get with it. Great review as always, and thank you for your hard work!
Comparison is coming 👍
@@AlternativeBrewing That'll be amazing I'm definitely waiting for that. Could we maybe expect it this week or maybe the next week? I don't want to get tempted by a black Friday sale and squeeze the trigger too early.
@@AlternativeBrewing do it with de JMAX too!
I have both, and I can’t taste the difference or see the difference in the grinded (ground?) coffee. What I can say is a big difference is the adjustment mechanism, where the c40 don’t even come close to the k plus. Adjusting the c40 requires remembering and counting clicks, having a cloth nearby to clean your fingers after adjusting because the adjustment ring is always dirty. A bonus for the k plus is the grind speed. It’s a bigger grinder though.
@@elmtube1 The k-plus is far worse than the comandante as you have 5 rotations to work with. If you're at say the pour-over setting and want to do espresso, you'll likely have to go back to zero again. The difference between pour over and espresso on the Comandante is like 12 clicks AND the coffee reportedly tastes better too.
Loving my Mk3 - only gripe is coffee grinds getting stuck between the plastic threads of the grinder (where it screws into the glass catchment jar). I take it most hand grinders with threaded catchment containers will have this minor issue though
Correct they do.
My jx does this, its a natural problem screwing into the area coffee grounds come from
How do you find your Zero-Point uf the Comandante? Do you start by turning the knob all the way down, till it stopped or till the point the handle can't move on its own?
Check this video we did up. - it uses the Comandante as an example for finding the zero point 😀 th-cam.com/video/45fpPUQ-5TU/w-d-xo.html
Are you going to review the new comandante trail master x25? Would be great if you compare it to the new 1zpresso x-pro.
Looks like they use very similar burrs.
I will be reviewing the trailmaster yes 👌 stay tuned - Have the X-pro making its way to me as well - Ill check them out side by side
How do you find this compares to TimeMore Chestnut X Lite? I’ve been hearing very good things about the brand but online reviews like yours are few and far between
How does it compare to the helor 101? Would it be considered an upgrade? Worth buying?
Yes it would imho
Thank you for the video, very informative one! I noticed that you used the grinder for Picopresso. May I ask how many clicks that you used?
Sure - I found around the 11 - 13 worked well using an 18g dose 👍 and a slow steady pumping
@@AlternativeBrewing many thanks!
Would the Comandante C40 pair well with a Cafelat Robot? I just noticed your website, which is great as I can buy both of them when I land in Australia from the UK! I am emigrating (again hehe) this time to Perth. Hopefully I settle this time and don't have a breakdown again and fly home to UK :)
Yes, absolutely it will work well. I would suggest getting the Red Clix Upgrade for it too though - this will just make dialling in the perfect espresso so much better. Welcome back to Aus 😀 I trust this time will be much better 🫶 and if you ever need someone to talk to - reach out
@@AlternativeBrewing that’s very kind. I really struggled the first time around in Hobart. Now asking alot more questions than before. Plus I already have a friend in Perth from university days so I think I have more chance of settling im Oz this time
How is it compared to 1zpresso G2. G2 is half the price in my country
How would the c40 compare to the Jmax. Can the Jmax do filter coffee well as well?
Comandante C40 Mk vs 1Zpresso JMax vs 1Zpresso K-Plus coming real soon 👍
Having just procured a IZpresso J-max, the Commandante would unfortunately be a tough sell for me. Admittedly they just ooze class, but having to purchase an upgrade for the sake of expanding grind settings when it could be included as a part of the update... not great. Also I'm pretty sure I could kill a person with the J-max. It's built like a brick.
That's why the commandante still isn't on my radar for purchase. They went to the trouble to fix a minor issue when they should've focused on the main issue. I guess they didn't want to lose out on those red clix sales. Given the price of their products this is unacceptable when there are many products on the market that are just as reliable and offer much more adjustability in grind setting for less than half the price. They've had years to fix this.
If you want the best tasting coffee, buy the Commandante.
Second this
Not everyone want additional grind setting especially for people who only want to use it for filter brew, to have to go through 50 clicks to get to filter range.
@@clashwithkeen What's the 'main issue' you're referring to? I'm assuming it's the lack of adjustability for espresso? It was never intended for espresso, dude. It's a travel grinder, not a budget espresso grinder for the cheapskate coffee drinker.
Some good sales on your website, I was close to buying a 1Zpresso K-Plus but now see that the Comandante C40 MK3 is only $50 more now. Is the C40 MK3 a significantly better grinder and worth the extra $50?
I haven't quite got to the comparison yet -but I would say they are very close. The K-plus comes with a few more accessories which is a bonus - but the Comandante is one of those grinders you'll fall in love with
You can't go wrong with either. But it also depends on what you're planning to do with the grinder, which methods do you use more. If doing mostly pour overs either grinder will do just fine. But if you're into espresso too, there's no comparison: the Kplus wins by a mile
Kplus/Kpro/Jmax/JX-pro any of these beat comandante as a better value. You get more for the money BUT comandante is an outstanding grinder, with unique burrs that would last a lifetime and stay sharp forever, amazing customer support and lots of world class baristas using it and sharing recipes. That's a huge plus for comandante and should be also considered
Jake - The 1zpresso grinders are budget espresso grinders for folks who don't want to fork over $600 for a proper electric espresso grinder. The C40 is a travel grinder for filter coffee. You can easily brew espresso with it too but that shouldn't be why you're buying it.
No. The Kplus is a better grinder overall
Kplus and Kpro are NOT budget grinders. These are the flagship models from a very serious company that's gaining popularity for their superb quality. If a dedicated espresso grinder costs 2X or 3X is because you have to put a lot of fine pieces together, a motor, electric components and so on. No doubt there are amazing electric options for espresso that do (slightly) better than these hand grinders, but certainly not by much in terms of quality. In other words, slight improvements at almost 4X the price.
Worth it or not depends on what you're looking for.
can you do a review for my manual coffee grinder?
What is that?
Please review the Kingrinder K6
I love my mk3!
Will Comandante produce more American Cherry models soon? You AB guys don't ship to Israel, and the local authorized dealer has been out of stock a long time.
I do not believe so, no. This was one of the MK3 models. They now have 4x Wood veneer finishes in the MK4.
@@AlternativeBrewing I emailed Comandante to ask. They do plan to, but are having issues receiving large batches of the Am. cherry veneer. maybe the supply chain issues in the US these many months. :-(
the Liquid Amber ones look great though. that's the name of a tree.
very helpful . thank you very much !
Glad it helped!
I want to ask how this performs with grinding finer for light roast espresso
ahhh superbly ! no issues whatsoever
It’s a work of art, but I’ll stick with my MK3 for now!
Good choice 👍
Hi guys! Do you know if we can carry the grinder to our hand luggage around US and European flights? 🙄🤔
That's a great question that I'm unable to answer sorry! I've flown with them in the past and had to explain what it is when they inspect hand luggage,. .. but that was 5+yrs ago ... things change often too ... I would make sure to have the product manual with you ... and perhaps a bag of beans so you can demonstrate how it works ... I've done this before and the security were satisfied it wasn't a pipe bomb / knife or other weapon ...
you can just bring them as hand carry. i travel with them for 4 years now (average 35 flights a year from Europe to USA to Asia) and never even stopped for it .
About 100 rotations for 20g beans.
Have you noticed any quality or grind difference compared to the MK3? I read a comment somewhere saying the same grind settings on the MK4 produced difference sized grinds vs the MK3. Do you prefer the MK4 over the MK3?
NO I haven't they seem very similar
Comandante vs DF64?
Hmm, Yeah - it would have to be the Comandante with Red Clix
@@AlternativeBrewingcould you please explain also why df64 gen2 is worse option, if we consider that df64 ships with dlc burrs
Great review !!
Thanks!
How do you compare it to the KPlus?
Keep an eye out - we'll have that video up soon 😀
@@AlternativeBrewing compare it with the JMAX too please!
@@josealqueres I just returned a jmax, I preferred my kplus, I am a pour over guy and did not find a real improvement versus the kplus. Instead a new C40 is arriving tomorrow.
The jmax has a real issue, setting it to 0 is very inconsistent sometimes you will end up -x clicks or +clicks and that will move your grind settings. Kplus is easier to get a more consistent "0" calibration.
@@AlternativeBrewing If possible, please compare against the Timemore Chestnut X. Thx! P.S. I really enjoy your well done reviews!!!!
@@daydriper Hi Miguel. Please let us know how you find KPlus vs C40! I've got a KPlus and I was wondering if there is any noticeable difference between the two. Thanks!
Aguinaldo a review! What do you recommend as the grind setting for Moccamaster?
Thanks. I'd recommend a grind setting of around 15-20 on the MK4 👍
Glad the mk4 use the same burr as mk3 😂
Excellent josh excellent 👍👍👍👍
Thanks 😀
Will you withdraw your support and endorsement of comadante grinders because of the recent allegations against the company that they are threatening legal action against people who sell other hand grinders in the EU
It’s unacceptable with an internal adjustment mechanism at that price point. It’s even inside the catch bin so it always dirty as well! Counting clicks is also unacceptable
@Ambrosios3 in Norway I bought them for the same price. And uneven burr touching at the finest grind setting occurs on my comandante as well, not that it matters unless you can taste the difference. I can’t taste the difference for either pour over or espresso, maybe you can. But I 100% dislike adjusting the comandante, every time. Especially counting clicks in the morning
@@elmtube1 🤣 Если боишься испачкать свои руки.
Купи Kinu 47 или Knock 47,
у них регулировка помола сверху
и больше жернова - 47мм.
Эти две кофемолки
будут молоть зерна кофе, быстрее чем Comandante C40, жернова - 39мм.