The Kafatek Monolith Flat Max (Episode #5)

Other episodes in the series will appear here as they are released:

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[KafaTek]

Thank you for the great set of entertaining reviews James. I appreciate your measured and sensitive approach without drama.

I wanted to add that Monolith is the only one in this series that is completely made and assembled in USA. Pretty much everything but the motor itself is made in my shop in Seattle and that includes the burrs which are ground to less than 2 microns in flatness and parallelism. We test every single critical part that we make. I also test every single grinder before it gets shipped.

The selection of motor/RPM controller was driven by desire to future proof the grinder. I decided to use industrial stock DC motor and DC driver in standard industry size from large Japanese manufacturer with world-wide presence to future proof grinder. I did not use custom components for these parts since design goal is that grinder will work for more than 50 years from now and electric parts that can fail must be standard and available world-wide. Pretty much if motor or controller fails you can order replacement anywhere in the world from the local distributor. Also, every single Monolith Flat or MAX ever shipped includes “RPM profiling” which is a stock feature of most of DC motor controllers.

We settled on slower grinding speed since over the years most people with Monolith ended up at low RPMs based on better taste. Everyone kind of naturally gravitated to lower speeds so that’s why MAX runs at 400 RPMs maximum.

If you like to follow our journey, you can follow us on Instagram @kafatek

[MangoTheRetriever]

The real MVP in these series is the dosing cup from a Niche Zero grinder.

[caleblatreille]

You could have easily spread this out over 6 weeks and I would have waited for each video and not thought twice. The fact that you're making it a bit of an event for every morning of a slow week in January is a real gift. Thanks, James!

[joepearson]

Well, I get a McDonald’s coffee advert prior to this video... glad they’re reminding me of my place.

[coffeewithcarl]

Can't wait for the showdown! Would gladly sit through 1 hour of that.

[anaa]

‘I get to complain about everything because that’s just who I am.’ Can we print this on a merch or something.

[DancingSpacePotato]

I enjoy how it’s called the Monolith when it’s designed to present itself as two units held together by two legs

[ashfanman]

Would LOVE to see this replicated for high-end dual boiler espresso machines.

[Seventysieben]

In a week, we’ve gone from slightly nitpicky James to ‘I get to complain about everything because that’s just who I am’ James, and I’m loving it.

[vicbarbu]

Was looking for this review in particular because this is the grinder I liked most. After the review, I’m not so sure anymore. Can’t wait for tomorrow! Great week.

[a]

What a great week, waking up to a James Hoffmann video everyday. Watch it while drinking my pour over, such an enjoyment.

[macchiathoR]

@jimseven I believe I am loving this 6-day Grinder event way too much. The content is so impressive, and I can't take it anymore and go for your Patreon.
Thank you, James.

[manol-t]

On the fifth day of grinder reviews, my preferred coffee guy got me five tiny spray bottles, four 58.5mm tampers, three vst baskets, two naked portafilters and a bag of light roast.

[giveitthebeans]

“Lower or higher... as you desire” 🤣 Something about the way you said that killed me!

[danieljoas]

Perfect for when you want espresso at 8, but need to study microbiology at 8:30.

[Timothius]

I'm really excited for the showdown. This has been a fantastic series, and what excellent machines!

[YoYoD]

I have seen a lot of people with this grinder and all of them are very happy with it. I also think that in terms of manufacturing, KafaTec has the highest standards of quality from all the others as it is all made in their Seattle machine shop. I don't think that any other small manufacturer excluding Mahlkonig, is making their own burrs with such low tolerances. This grinder has proven itself throughout the years and I am sure it will also keep its value if anyone will sell it second hand. Cheers!

[silverjackaI]

I’ve been really enjoying this weeks videos. I don’t even plan on ever being able to ever afford one of these, but still, such quality content.

[frydogea]

This is the one I have been waiting for!!!

Also, the spray bottle spritz has been a great addition to my routine.

[Krmpfpks]

OMG the suspense for the final video is too hard to bear. You got really really good at the YouTube game.