Mahlkonig Grind-by-Sync First Impressions

Transcript

I'm Ryan from Prima, and this is the Mahlkönig E80W GbS.

The Mahlkönig E80W Grind by Sync represents a significant leap forward in espresso grinding technology, integrating precision grind-by-weight capability with intelligent synchronization and automated grind adjustment. What you get is a combination of near-perfect dose accuracy from Mahlkönig’s grind-by-weight technology, along with cloud connectivity between the grinder and select La Marzocco espresso machines—like the Linea S behind me—allowing you to program and automatically maintain a set yield and brew time.

Before we get deeper into this, I want to talk about why this is important. Grind by Sync technology virtually eliminates the need for manual intervention by baristas, particularly during peak hours when traditional espresso grinders require frequent adjustments. This allows baristas to focus on crafting each drink, confident that the grinder is consistently hitting the programmed dose weight within a tenth of a gram while continuously optimizing grind size to achieve the desired yield and brew time.

All right, so let's talk a bit about how this works. The E80W GbS is equipped with Mahlkönig’s disc distance detection system, which uses two sensors and a small electric motor. One sensor detects the position of the adjustment gear that drives the axial movement of the main shaft, which is connected to the rotating burr. The second sensor is on the electric motor itself, which drives the adjustment gear.

These two sensors allow the distance between the burrs to be set precisely, with an accuracy range of only 1/1000 of a millimeter. So, we've established that the GbS is grinding coffee by weight into the portafilter, hitting your target dose every time—no matter the grind size—within a tenth of a gram. It can also adjust its own grind size automatically via sensors and a dedicated motor.

Now, the other half of this equation is the La Marzocco espresso machine, which takes on the work of brewing to a specific weight-based or volumetric yield, depending on your machine, while simultaneously tracking brew time. So, let’s say I've dialed in a shot the way I like it. I can then input the yield into the espresso machine and the total brew time into the programming menu of the grinder. The Sync system acts as a bridge between the separate data clouds of La Marzocco and the GbS, allowing them to share data. As you begin brewing espresso, an algorithm within the GbS monitors the total brew time compared to your programmed brew time, making small grind-size adjustments to match the two together. While you’ll get the most out of the Grind by Sync system when pairing your grinder with a La Marzocco espresso machine, this grinder is still very useful for cafes using other models or brands of espresso machines.

For one, you can manually program burr distance in the menu of the E80W GbS, which is an extremely precise way of replicating grind size between multiple grinders at different locations. Additionally, zero calibration can be done directly from the menu—no tools or disassembly required. Both of these features make this grinder a strong contender compared to a standard grind-by-weight version. Even if you're not using the Sync feature, this grinder functions just like a standard E80 grind-by-weight model while giving you the flexibility to enable Sync capability for another espresso machine in the future. The E80W GbS is compatible with AV and ABR versions of the Linea Classic S, Linea PB, GB5 S, KB90, and Strada S. If you have an older version of one of these machines without IoT, La Marzocco offers an IoT upgrade kit to get you connected.

I've had the chance to pull quite a few shots with this system in the office, and I want to share some of my first impressions. Here are my top considerations before committing to a Grind by Sync system.

First, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections aren’t always the most reliable. If and when they fail, the GbS can still operate in grind-by-weight or grind-by-time modes. However, adjusting the grind size manually requires navigating through two submenus, as there is no adjustment collar for quick, on-the-fly grind changes.

Second, always dial in your shot outside of GbS mode first. If you don't start close to the right grind size, the machine can “chase its tail” because it lacks an auto-purge function. If the grinder makes a significant change to grind size, you should manually purge it.

Third, using a puck press or another method of perfectly consistent tamping is highly recommended with this system. Inconsistent tamping can lead to channeling, which may cause the GbS to misinterpret the flow rate and overcompensate grind adjustments. Since the human element is a weak point in the GbS system, ensuring tamping precision—just like your yield, dose, and grind-size adjustments—will help maintain shot consistency.

Fourth and finally, when dialing in espresso, you typically adjust dose, yield, and grind size. With the GbS, however, none of these can be adjusted in complete isolation because the system relies entirely on brew time for its data. Any change to dose, yield, or grind size will trigger the machine to readjust the grind to maintain the programmed brew time. For example, to lock in a new setting, make your adjustments, pull a shot, evaluate the result, and then reprogram the grinder with the new brew time. For small midday tweaks, I recommend skipping this process and using time as your primary dynamic variable instead. This way, the GbS will automatically adjust the grind size to hit your desired brew time, indirectly controlling grind size through time adjustments and streamlining the dialing-in process.

That’s been an overview of the E80W Grind by Sync and some of our first impressions using the system. In the future, we hope to get this grinder into a local café to gather real-world feedback from baristas on how the system performs in a commercial setting. But for today, thank you so much for watching, and happy brewing.