Niche Zero in our espresso grinder test – a coherent package

The Niche Zero aims to be a small, compact machine that plays at a high level. In March 2020, we purchased the machine for 617 CHF/580 € via crowdfunding and compared it with 24 espresso grinders in our comprehensive test.

Technical data for the Niche Zero:

• Burrs: Conical burrs, 63 mm diameter made of hardened steel
• Width: 120 mm
• Height: 310 mm
• Depth: 210 mm
• Hopper: 30 gram capacity, plastic

The Niche Zero is designed to grind single doses. The advantage here is that you only take as much coffee from the package as you need. The coffee stays fresh and is not stored in the hopper for a long time. The grinding process begins as soon as the lid is closed. This is a clever safety concept.

Grinding works as follows: Weigh the beans (see our scales) in the included stainless steel cup. Pour in the beans. Close the lid and hold the stainless steel cup under the chute. The cup fits a 58mm portafilter, allowing the ground coffee to be transferred easily.

The “Zero” of the Niche Zero – retention measurement

The term “retention” refers to areas of the grinder where coffee powder remains after the grinding process. While this is ejected during the next grind, if the next coffee is not brewed until hours later or even the next day, the ground coffee sits exposed to “air” for a long time. Ground coffee loses aroma and flavor within minutes, it extracts differently, and it tastes rancid. In short: the smaller the retention, the fresher the coffee.

And this is the great advantage of the Niche Zero: According to our extensive measurements (complete disassembly of the grinder, weighing every coffee bean, etc.), the retention is only 0.47 grams. This is extremely low and almost lives up to the name “Zero”.

Handling the Niche Zero

As described above, the workflow is smooth and fast. The grind setting can be adjusted steplessly. You can achieve both excellent espresso results and delicious filter coffee. This is also a major advantage of the Niche Zero. You often need multiple grinders for different coffee drinks. During the grinding process, it is pleasantly quiet, but a bit slow. It takes a good 16 seconds for 18 grams.

Consistency and precision when adjusting the Niche Zero

The grinder works extremely consistently and we were able to enjoy many delicious espressos. Across 10 espressos, there were only fluctuations of about 0.2g in the output of ground coffee. The particle distribution of the grinder has its coarse peak between the grinders with flat burrs (M2D, Eureka Mignon) and the two grinders with conical burrs (Graef, Sette). The curve is similar to the particle distribution of the Sage Smart Grinder Pro, but it is more consistent across brews. In terms of taste, this meant a balanced and, above all, sweet taste experience.

Since it is particularly important with single-dose machines to be able to return to the last setting of your favorite drink, we also measured the accuracy of adjusting settings back and forth. In our test, this works very well and reliably, even compared to similarly priced machines.

We were able to drink a perfect espresso, then adjust the grind size for a ristretto, reset it, and enjoy a perfect espresso again. Class.

Removing the burrs and cleaning

A coffee grinder also needs regular cleaning to maintain its taste and longevity. With the Niche Zero, the outer burrs can be removed without tools. This way, coffee residues can be easily removed with a fine brush. Although a wrench is required for the inner burr, cleaning is overall uncomplicated. We use Clean Grind for regular cleaning of our Niche grinders and all other grinders in our academies.

Conclusion on the Niche Zero

The Niche Zero has the potential to become our absolute favorite. It grinds consistently, is easy to adjust, and you can switch between beans and drinks as you like and always get a great result. So if you want to enjoy an espresso in the morning, a filter coffee in the afternoon, and a decaffeinated drink in the evening in perfect quality, this is the right choice for you. Only the design of the grinder might take some getting used to for some. In addition, the grinder is not the fastest.

By the way, we do not sell the Niche Zero ourselves. We therefore have no financial ties to this grinder. Our conclusion is so positive because we simply think the grinder is very good!

You can find more background information in a detailed blog article.