Comparing Our Two most Popular Commercial Grinders
Choosing the right coffee grinder can make or break the coffee experience at your cafe. It’s not just about grinding beans; it’s about consistency, flavor, and efficiency. Today, we’re putting the Anfim Luna and the Mahlkonig E65S under the spotlight. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly reliability or high-volume precision, this showdown will help you find the perfect grinder for your business.
Key Things to Note
Before diving into the specifics, two things to keep in mind for this comparison:
E65S Versions: The Mahlkonig E65S comes in two set-ups: the standard E65S and the E65S GBW (Grind by Weight). The GBW version features a smart weighing system that measures out the beans for you, compared to the grind-by-time dosing system on the Luna. For the sake of this comparison we’re just going to talk about the standard E65S version, which comes in a little cheaper and has a comparable dosing system to the Luna.
Burr Upgrades for the Anfim Luna: The Anfim Luna comes equipped with standard burrs that are slower and have a shorter lifespan compared to the E65S. However, thanks to their industry standard 65mm geometry, our engineers are able to upgrade the standard Luna burrs to the E65S burrs upon installation. This upgrade significantly boosts the grinder’s speed and longevity, aligning it more closely with the performance of the E65S.
Daily Capacity
For cafes with a moderate coffee output, the Anfim Luna handles up to 5 kilos per day with ease and can stretch to 10 kilos during those busy rush hours. It’s a robust choice for smaller operations that don’t need the industrial capacity but still want reliability.
In contrast, the Mahlkonig E65S shines in medium to high-volume environments. It performs best with up to 20 kilos a day and is recommended for up to 35 kilos a week. If you’ve got a bustling cafe where speed and efficiency are paramount, the E65S is up for the task. Anything higher than this volume, we recommend looking at the Mahlkonig E80.
Build Quality and Longevity
The Anfim Luna is built to last. Regular maintenance keeps it in top shape, although the standard burrs have lower volumes and therefore need more frequent burr replacements than its competitor. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to consider if you’re looking for minimal upkeep. Build quality is lower than that of the E65S with mainly plastic parts, but this aids in reducing the price compared to the e65s.
The Mahlkonig E65S boasts an impressive burr lifespan of 700 to 1,000 kilos, translating to fewer replacements and lower maintenance costs. With its robust construction, this grinder is a long-term player for cafes that prioritize durability.
Grinding Speed
When it comes to speed, the Anfim Luna is slightly slower, clocking in at about 5.5 seconds for 18 grams of coffee. However, the burr upgrade significantly improves its pace, closing the gap with higher-end models. The Mahlkonig E65S is faster, grinding 18 grams of coffee in approximately 4 seconds. This speed boost can make a noticeable difference in high-volume settings, reducing wait times and enhancing customer satisfaction.
Grind Adjustment
The two grinders feature differing grind adjusment mechanisms, each with their positives and negatives. The Anfim Luna features a worm-drive knob style adjustment mechanism,with a dial that is connected directly to the burrs and allows them to be adjusted by turning it clockwise or anticlockwise.
Taste Profile
Thanks to the burr upgrade, the Anfim Luna delivers coffee with a taste quality that rivals the E65S. It’s a solid choice for cafes where flavor is king but volume isn’t as demanding.
Meanwhile, the Mahlkonig E65S is renowned for its consistent and superior taste. Its advanced burr design and motor coordination ensure optimal particle distribution, enhancing flavor extraction and delivering exceptional coffee quality.
Price and Value for Money
If budget is a major consideration, the Anfim Luna is your best bet, priced at a wallet-friendly £985. It offers solid performance without the hefty price tag, especially with the burr upgrade, which takes it up a notch. For smaller cafes or those just starting, Luna provides quality and efficiency without breaking the bank.
On the flip side, the Mahlkonig E65S is priced at £2,075, and while that’s a steeper investment, you get advanced features and superior build quality. This grinder is all about precision and efficiency, offering long-term savings by minimizing coffee waste. If you’re running a high-volume operation, this might just be the grinder that pays for itself over time.
Which is Right for You?
So, which grinder should you choose? Here’s the rundown:
Pick the Anfim Luna if you run a smaller cafe with moderate volume needs and want a cost-effective grinder that punches above its weight with a burr upgrade. It’s ideal for those who prioritize quality and reliability without the highest demands for speed and capacity.
Go for the Mahlkonig E65S if your business demands high-volume efficiency, advanced features, and minimal downtime. It’s the grinder for cafes where consistency, speed, and long-term durability are at the top of the wish list, and where the initial investment can be offset by long-term savings and performance benefits.
Want our opinion? Based on the fact that the Luna is around half the price of the standard E65S, and there is the option of upgrading the Luna’ burrs to have the exact same grind quality and speed as the Mahlkonig grinder, we’re going to recommending the Luna as standard for the majority of coffee outlets. The E65s has two selling points, being a higher daily cup capacity and providing the option for the Grind by weight dosing system. If neither of these points are important to you, consider the Anfim Luna as your dedicated espresso grinder.
Both the Anfim Luna and Mahlkonig E65S are excellent options and we recommend both, but consider your budget, daily coffee output, and specific operational requirements to find the best fit for your cafe’s success.
Learn More about Each Grinder
