The Pietro is made by Fiorenzato, a renowned Italian manufacturer known for its range of home and commercial grinders, this 58 mm flat burr grinder represents their first entry into the manual grinder. It's a hand grinder that I wanted to try for a long time and, after aquiring it, I hesitated to publish this review.
Pietro Overview
As I just said, the Pietro grinder is an aluminum 58mm flat burr hand grinder. They come in two configurations: the B model Burr, suitable for both espresso and filter coffee, and the M model Pro Burr, specifically designed for filter coffee. Both models having a DLC burr coating, a type of carbon coating, to reduce friction.
What’s in the Box?
The unboxing was underwhelming, containing only the grinder itself with no accessories such as a case, brush, or funnel, which I initially believed was included. This was disappointing compared to other great grinders on the market like the Kinu, which comes with a travel case.
Aesthetic and Physical Design
Holding the grinder, you can feel the sturdy build. The design is very different from what we usually see. The top and bottom parts are narrow with a bulging midsection, this is because of the flat burrs. The vertical flat burrs also move the handle to the side, a design I had never seen before. The adjustment dial is on the other side of the handle with a nice burr pattern.
User Experience
Although I have several complaints about this grinder, I appreciate Fiorenzato for their innovative approach to creating a unique hand grinder configuration. Here are the issues I have encountered with the grinder.
Weighty & Bulky
This grinder, weighing roughly three and a half pounds, is not intended for portable use but rather for stationary, at-home use. When compared to a Kinu, the Pietro is noticeably larger and heavier. While this substantial weight adds stability, the grinder's top-heavy structure may lead to tipping during operation.
Handling & Operation
Using this grinder is, let's say, a unique experience. It features a cool flip-out handle which is satisfying to use and clips in place nicely. Where it gets more difficult is the handle that only fits part of your hand, at most just two fingers and a thumb.
The clearances are very low, it often causes the left hand's knuckles to bump against the handle. There aren't any good ways of holding it in your hands, forcing you to grind with the grinder on a counter. Clearances there are also very low and the fingers on the handle rub on the counter which forces you to go at the edge of the counter to avoid discomfort.
Grinding
When grinding, the grinder often binds and twists, creating a rough grinding experience. It is mostly noticeable with super light roasts, which make the grinder behave erratically, unlike its performance with smoother conical hand grinders. However, this issue is not as present when grinding medium to dark roasts.
Putting too much pressure on the handle causes the burr carrier to flex slightly and changes the burr alignment. I could hear it when grinding for espresso, if I pressed to hard inward, the burrs would start chirping.
The grinder is quite slow, requiring over a minute to process a 12g dose at the filter setting, twice the time of my Kinu.
Cleaning
Disassembling it is straightforward, and it is one of the features I really like about the grinder. With a simple twist, the handle and burr carrier come apart, allowing you to clean inside. Reassembly does demand some attention, everything must align perfectly to avoid jamming. Carefully align the feeding funnel and ensure the button is pressed in when putting it back together.
Cap & Catch Cup
Removing the grinder's top cover is difficult, there is only a small indent with minimal leverage for your fingers. In contrast, the catch cup detaches easily thanks to its magnetic attachment, which keeps it securely in place, despite some claims of it being loose.
Performance
My initial grinding experience wasn't a great one with the Pietro but the first cup I brewed was strikingly good. With the ProBrew version, the sweetness and clarity of the Pietro’s brews seem superior to all the other hand grinders I have used and on part with my Ode with SSP MP burrs.
I could get a very fine grind and push extrraction before astringency became noticeable. When properly set, the grinder performs exceptionally well. If you're seeking clarity in your coffee, this grinder delivers it reliably.
Stand Needed
Fiorenzato recently introduced a stand designed to stabilize their new grinder, suggesting the initial design may have had stability issues. I did get a chance to use it at the Chicago SCA Expo and the improvement with the stand was significant. It ideally should be included with the grinder, not be sold separately. Should I consider making a 3D-printed version?
Final Thoughts
Is this grinder worthwhile? It depends on your preferences, I think the Pietro grinder excels in looks and performance but not in practicality. It's one of the most expensive hand grinders I have used and the flavor profile is there to prove it. The user experience wasn't quite there and I think this grinder would fit those who value uniqueness and quality over convenience. I would consider it one of the best hand grinder for filter coffee.
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