The Macap Leo 55 Essential presents itself as a solid espresso grinder in the mid-price segment. With its stepless grinding mechanism and robust construction, it promises to be a reliable companion for espresso lovers. In our review, we compare it with similar grinders and highlight its features in detail.
External Facts about the Macap Leo 55 Essential
With a height of 38 cm, a depth of 18 cm, and a width of 12 cm, the Macap Leo 55 Essential takes up little space next to the espresso machine and impresses with its compact design. The burrs have a diameter of 55 mm. A great feature and a real plus compared to Eureka grinders in the same price range are the burrs screwed in from the back. This is also reflected in the homogeneous particle distribution, which we will discuss later.
Performance in Detail
The noise level of the Macap Leo 55 Essential, at 75.7 dB, is pleasantly below the limit we classify as quiet. It is thus one of the quieter models in comparison. In terms of retention, i.e., the coffee remaining in the grinder after grinding, it also performs well with 2.4 grams.
The speed, at 16.9 grams per 10 seconds, is not the fastest, but absolutely within limits for home use. It is, for example, faster than an x54 (13.7 g) or Rocket Faustino (11.5 g).
With a constant grinding temperature of 36.5° Celsius and a low temperature increase of 3.4 degrees over 6 grindings at 30-second intervals, the Macap Leo remains in a range that has no negative effect on the taste of the espresso.
A major drawback, however, is the consistency of the grinder. Here, we measure a standard deviation of 0.48 g over 10 shots. For a target of 18 grams of coffee, we sometimes got more or less grams of coffee (17.7 - 18.0 - 17.1 - 16.9 - 17.0 - 17.9 - 18.0 - 17.9 - 17.9 - 18.1).
Usability and Espresso Quality
The usability of the grinder, however, is simple and intuitive.
Grind size replicability is not easy to achieve when adjusting and readjusting the grinder. For this purpose, in our test, we extract an espresso with a precise setting. From this shot, we take a grind sample from which we measure the particle distribution. We precisely note the position of the grind size dial and then adjust the grinder for ristretto, café crème, and then try to return to the exact same grind size. In the case of the Macap Leo 55, returning the grinder to the exact same grind size is difficult.
There are no precise detents on the dial, and since the grinder is stepless, this reference point for setting the grind size is also missing. We therefore did not succeed in precisely re-setting the recipe. However, if you stay on one grind size and only gently adjust the grinder, it is accurate and delivers concrete results again.
The espresso quality we achieved with precisely weighed coffee quantities using the Macap Leo 55 Essential is sensational. Many very delicious, creamy, and sweet espressos captivated us. The relatively narrow main peak of the particle distribution certainly contributes to this. The rather higher fine content supports the body of the espresso shots.
Single Dosing and Recipes
The Macap is not intended as a single dosing grinder and cannot convince in this discipline. Even if we grind for a long time, there is still coffee residue left in the grinder, which we weigh on average at 0.48 grams. This is too much for a single dosing grinder. And since adjusting and readjusting recipes is not easy and precise, we would not recommend the Macap Leo for this discipline.
Price and Availability
The Macap Leo 55 Essential is available for a price of around 500 Euros (see, for example, here*) or just under 500 Swiss Francs, placing it in the affordable range for a high-quality espresso grinder.
Conclusion
The Macap Leo 55 Essential proves to be an espresso grinder with overall good performance, although the consistency of the ground coffee output and grind size replicability are among its weaknesses. The retention is rather low at 2.4 grams, and the grinder is genuinely quiet. However, the most important thing for an espresso grinder is coffee quality, and the Macap Leo 55 truly convinced us in that regard. Anyone who learns to estimate the grind quantities or briefly checks with a scale will enjoy the Macap grinder.
*Affiliate link: if you order via this link, we receive a small commission, and the grinder does not become more expensive for you.
