We subjected Zuriga's espresso grinder, the Zuriga G2, to a comprehensive test. It is the counterpart to the Zuriga E2 Gen 2 espresso machine, which is reflected in its design language and materials. The Zuriga E2 recently received a thorough overhaul, and in our review, we called it "perhaps the best espresso machine in its price range." Of course, we also tested the Zuriga G2 in conjunction with its espresso machine partner.
Since 2024, there's also the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight. Zuriga has added a weighing function to the classic G2. The grinder no longer stops based on time, but when the set amount of coffee has been ground into the portafilter. For this purpose, the portafilter holder has been significantly improved and equipped with the weighing function. Most features are shared between the G2 and G2 GbW. Therefore, this article begins with the general characteristics of the G2. Further down the page, we describe the new Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight with weighing function.
New: Video about the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight.
Workmanship and Test of the Zuriga G2
The grinder costs 980 Swiss francs in Switzerland and is also manufactured there. The Zuriga G2 weighs 6 kilograms, is 119 mm wide, 345 mm high, and 200 mm deep.
As with the espresso machine, the good workmanship and design are very positively striking. We tested the grinder according to the test criteria of our large grinder test series for home use. The Zuriga G2 impressed with its low retention of only 1.5 grams, very good consistency, and also with its single-dosing performance.
The Zuriga espresso grinder can be precisely adjusted. It features an innovative ramp for adjustment, which allows for more precise selection of grind settings in the fine range, while the coarser grind range is adjusted in larger steps.
The particle distribution of the grinder is also good. The main peak is narrow and can be precisely re-approached even after adjusting the grinder. With around 23.7% or 23.1%, the fine particle content is in the middle range. However, this did not manifest as pronounced bitterness when we brewed our espressos.
The noise level of the Zuriga G2 is relatively in the middle range and rather pleasant. Usability is good, and dosing accuracy is very good.
We prepared many good and very good espressos with the Zuriga G2.
Weaknesses of the Zuriga G2
Unfortunately, Zuriga's espresso grinder also has some weaknesses, some of which affect the espresso taste and performance. Compared to other espresso grinders in the same and even lower price ranges, the Zuriga is one of the slowest grinders. The bean hopper cannot be closed, making it impractical to remove.
While these two problems are manageable, the temperature development during regular use of the grinder is a difficulty. After only two grindings, the temperature of the ground coffee rises sharply. We measured average temperatures of 40.2 degrees Celsius over six shots at 30-second intervals.
The grind adjustment area becomes noticeably warm, indicating heat development within the grinder. These higher temperatures of the ground coffee affect the taste of the espresso. This is less of a problem for a single espresso, as heat development only occurs during grinding. However, if several espressos are prepared consecutively during a party or coffee break, the quality of subsequent espresso shots suffers. This makes the Zuriga G2 less suitable for larger households, shared flats, or offices with a high espresso frequency.
Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight with Weighing Function
What we found for the version without a scale also applies to the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight. Overall, it is a very good espresso grinder for home use. What we really like, besides the general weighing performance, is the new holder.
While the holder of the basic version acts more as a aiming device than a proper holder, this one in the new version lives up to its name. Portafilters from many manufacturers hold stably in the holder.
The weighing function is truly remarkable and among the best on the market. The load cell is fast and accurate. And above all, it is robust. It is hardly thrown off balance by vibrations. And even if grinding is interrupted, the grinder remembers the weight status and continues grinding after the interruption.
We used the grinder in a shaky circus wagon last autumn and had no problems whatsoever. The grinder tares quickly and precisely. Deviations between grindings are in the range of 0.1 grams.
We measured a slightly lower noise level for the GbW, which is why we corrected the noise level in our conclusion from 81 to 79 decibels.
The details on the GbW will be supplemented. Until then, we recommend watching our video about the grinder.
The Zuriga G2 compared with all other Grind-by-Weight grinders: To the GbW comparison →
