The Macap Leo 55 Essential is a solid espresso grinder in the mid-price segment. With its stepless grinder and robust construction, it promises to be a reliable companion for espresso lovers. In our review, we compare it with similar grinders and examine 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 your espresso machine and impresses with its compact design. The burrs have a diameter of 55 mm. The rear-mounted burrs are a real plus compared to Eureka's travails in the same price range. This is also reflected in the even particle distribution, which we'll come to later.
Performance in detail
At 75.7 dB, the Macap Leo 55 Essential's noise level is comfortably below the threshold we consider quiet. This makes it one of the quieter models in our comparison. It also has a good dead space, the coffee that remains in the grinder after grinding, at just 2.4 grams.
At 16.9 grams per 10 seconds, the speed isn't the fastest, but it's absolutely within the range for home use. It's faster than, for example, an x54 (13.7 g) or Rocket Faustino (11.5 g).
With a constant grinding temperature of 36.5° Celsius and a slight temperature increase of 3.4 degrees over 6 grindings at 30-second intervals, the Macap Leo stays within a range that has no negative impact on the taste of the espresso.
A major drawback, however, is the grinder's consistency . We measured a standard deviation of 0.48 g over 10 extractions. While aiming for 18 grams of coffee, we were sometimes ground more or less (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 operation of the mill, however, is simple and intuitive.
Reproducing the grind size is not easy when adjusting and resetting the grinder. In our test, we draw an espresso at a precise setting. From this draw, we take a sample grind and measure the particle distribution. We note the exact position of the grind dial and then adjust the grinder to Ristretto, Café Crème, and then try to return to the same grind size. In the case of the Macap Leo 55, resetting the grinder to the exact grind size is difficult.
There are no precise grids on the wheel, and since the mill is infinitely variable, this also lacks a reference point for adjusting the grind. Therefore, we were unable to reset the recipe to the exact setting. However, if you stay on one grind and adjust the mill gently, it is accurate and delivers the exact results again.
The espresso quality we achieved with the Macap Leo 55 Essential, using precisely measured coffee quantities, is sensational. We've enjoyed many delicious, creamy, and sweet espressos. The relatively narrow main peak of the particle distribution certainly contributes to this. The relatively high proportion of fines enhances the body of the espresso shots.
Single Dosing and Recipes
The Macap isn't designed as a single-dosage grinder, and it doesn't excel in this regard. Even after grinding for a long time, a coffee residue remains in the grinder, weighing an average of 0.48 grams. This is too much for a single-dosage grinder. And since adjusting and resetting recipes isn't easy or precise, we wouldn't recommend the Macap Leo for this purpose.
Price and availability
The Macap Leo 55 Essential is available for a price of around 500 euros (see e.g. here *) or just under 500 francs , making it an affordable choice for a high-quality espresso grinder.
Conclusion
The Macap Leo 55 Essential proves to be an espresso grinder with good overall performance, although the consistency of the grind output and the repeatability of the grind size are among its weaknesses. The dead space is rather small at 2.4 grams, and the grinder is extremely quiet. However, the most important thing for an espresso grinder is the coffee quality, and the Macap Leo 55 truly impressed us in this regard. Anyone who learns to estimate grind sizes or quickly checks them with a scale will find the Macap grinder a favorite.
*Commission link: if you order through this link, we receive a small commission, but the mill will not cost you more.
