【Alvin - A Coffee E-commerce Founder Passionate About Sharing】
The speaker in the video is Alvin, founder of the coffee e-commerce brand Caffeine Stone.
He is also active on YouTube and Instagram, where he shares coffee knowledge, brewing techniques, and equipment insights. He has earned a strong following among coffee enthusiasts.
Drawing from his professional understanding of coffee, Alvin helps users learn how to operate a wide range of coffee equipment.
Through real testing and personal experience, he provides buying advice to help people find the tools that best suit their needs.
【Tool-Free Disassembly for Easy and Intuitive Maintenance】
Alvin points out that the A68 electric grinder features a magnetic design that allows for effortless disassembly and cleaning without any tools.
Compared to other grinders, the A68 offers a simpler zero-point calibration process. You only need to lift the adjustment dial ring to perform zero calibration, which makes the operation smoother and more intuitive.
The burr set is also designed with a solid structure. Even during grinding, the machine remains stable without vibrating[1]. Below the burr set, the grind chute contains both long and short built-in brushes.
These help sweep the grounds off the burrs during grinding, allowing the coffee to drop smoothly into the grind cup. This reduces grind retention and makes cleaning easier.
Regarding the bean slide chute, Alvin acknowledges that some users have different opinions.
However, he believes this design slows down the speed at which beans enter the burrs[2]. This helps reduce the proportion of fine particles generated during grinding.
He also explains why the A68 has a relatively large power adapter[3]. It provides stronger and more stable torque, which ensures consistent performance when grinding for light-roasted beans or espresso. This improves grind consistency and enhances the brewing experience.
Frank
Femobook's Editor
2. In addition to slowing bean flow, it also helps reduce the issue of bean popcorning during grinding.
3. The power adapter was designed to handle torque demands and also includes an extended power cord, which makes storage more convenient.
【Low RPM Grinding for Cleaner Flavor Profiles】
Alvin highlights that the A68 uses a low-RPM motor paired with large 68mm burrs. This design helps reduce heat buildup during grinding, allowing delicate aroma compounds to be preserved and resulting in a purer, clearer flavor.
In a comparison test between the A68 and another grinder during espresso grinding[1], Alvin found that the other grinder often experienced a significant drop in RPM, which affected consistency.
In contrast, the A68 maintained not only stable speed and demonstrated higher grinding efficiency, but the operation sound also remained solid and robust.
In response to online discussions about the A68’s motor noise, Alvin performed a sound comparison between the A68 and another electric grinder.
While the A68 produces a higher-pitched sound, the sound quality is richer and more refined than expected. He also felt that the torque was strong and the machine performed with better consistency and durability.
Frank
Femobook's Editor
【Alvin’s Review: A Grinder He Reaches For Whenever He Has Time】
After testing, Alvin mentions that the A68 produces bright acidity in pour-over brewing. The aroma rises through the nose, creating a highly enjoyable experience.
For espresso, he finds the A68 delivers a complex and refined aroma. He describes the aroma as something that "radiates from the inside out," making the espresso taste profile especially impressive.
He specifically emphasizes that even without using WDT or RDT, the resulting coffee grounds are nearly clump-free, fine, and even in texture.
Alvin strongly recommends trying this grinder for espresso grinding. Its stability and grind quality make it hard to believe that it is priced under USD 800.
Alvin also shares his preference for electric grinders over manual ones. Electric models offer more consistent grind results, which leads to more stable extraction.
This is why he personally prefers using electric grinders. He even describes the A68 as the grinder he always wants to use whenever he is free and says he has become completely hooked on using the A68.
Although Alvin believes the power adapter design still has room for improvement, he concludes that for anyone seeking an espresso-capable grinder in this price range, the A68 is a rare find that truly stands out.
Note: The content above is excerpted from the YouTube video by《Caffeine Stone》.
