This is our review of the Comandante C40 MK3 grinder.
If you haven’t heard of the Comandante C40 grinder yet, well, you’re about to fall in love.
I’m a full-time barista and coffee science lover based in Bucharest. For years, I’ve tried new coffee grinders that have hit the market full of promise and hype, only to have them fall apart on me or produce grinds as about as consistently as a cheap blade one. That is to say, they’ve deeply disappointed me.
Not the Comandante C40. This wondrous piece of engineering has been with me for years. It’s expensive, but 100% worth it. Here’s my official rating:
So, in this Comandante grinder review, I will share my experience with this super grinder. At the same time, I will explain how to use it, what are its components, the pros and cons—and why I gave the rating above.
Keep reading to get my expert analysis of the Comandante C40 grinder.
What is the Comandante C40 Grinder?
Comandante C40 is known as a brand of premium hand coffee grinders. The company is based in Germany and has gained a reputation among coffee enthusiasts for producing high-quality grinders that deliver precision and control over the process.
Now, if we are already familiar with what Comandante C40 is, we will talk about Comandante C40 MK3 Grinder.
First of all, my rating for their awesome grinder is 9.7/10, but now let’s see more about what makes it that SUPER and professional.
The first and most important aspect of the grinder is that it has exceptional build quality. It’s made with a lot of attention to detail. Even if you use it daily, the stainless steel body ensures long-lasting durability and performance.
Also, regarding the grinding process, the adjustment system provides precise control over the size. Even if you deserve a fine or a coarse grind, this grinder is constant in delivering satisfying results.
It is also a very good choice for travelers because of its compact size and removable parts and you will find it very easy to store it when traveling.
So if you are passionate about brewing exceptional coffee, you will undoubtedly love it. As I said, starting from its build quality, precise grind, and ending with its design which helps you take it everywhere you go, this grinder is a must.
Comandante C40 Grinder Review: Pros and Cons
Comandante C40 Pros
Excellent Grind Quality
The Comandante C40 grinder has a reputation for producing grind particles of a high standard that are consistent. It provides exact control over grind size for various brewing techniques.
Manual Operation
Because it’s a manual grinder, you can go hands-on and really feel the process of grinding coffee. Grinding by hand might provide you with a sense of control and satisfaction over the procedure.
Durable Construction
The grinder is built with high-quality materials like stainless steel or aluminum, making it sturdy and long-lasting. It can withstand regular use and is less prone to damage compared to some electric grinders.
Portability
The compact and sturdy design of the Comandante C40 grinder makes it highly portable. It is suitable for travel, camping, or any situation where you may not have access to electricity.
Easy to Clean
The grinder can be disassembled easily, allowing for thorough cleaning. This ensures that there is no build-up of coffee oils or residue, maintaining the quality and performance of the grinder.
Comandante C40 Cons
Manual Effort
Because it is a manual grinder, grinding the coffee beans takes exerting physical effort. When brewing for a large party, grinding a more considerable amount of coffee might be time-consuming and exhausting.
Limited Capacity
In comparison to electric grinders, the Comandante C40 ‘s bean hopper typically holds fewer beans. This implies that if you grind more coffee, you might need to refill the hopper more frequently.
Variable Speed
Depending on the user’s hand motion and power, the grinding speed can change. If you are new to manual grinding, this could lead to some fluctuation in the grind consistency.
Less Convenient for Some
While some coffee connoisseurs value the convenience and quickness of electric grinders, others might prefer the manual grinding procedure. Manual grinding can take more time and may not be appropriate for individuals who want a quick and effective grind.
Comandante C40 MK3 Grinder Components
The Comandante C40 grinder’s body is normally constructed of premium stainless steel. It offers a strong and long-lasting construction that houses the internal parts and guarantees stability while grinding.
Burrs
High-quality burrs made of steel or ceramic are used in the grinder. The coffee beans are ground by these burrs to the proper consistency.
Adjustment Dial
The Comandante C40’s step-less grind size adjustment method is controlled via a dial. Users can alter the grind size by rotating the adjustment dial, which is normally found at the bottom or side of the grinder. With this tool, you can pricelessly manage how to coarse or fine the coffee grounds to accommodate various brewing techniques.
Hopper
The bean hopper is a container at the top of the grinder. For the beans to stay protected and fresh, most containers have a lid or cover. You’ll fill this up with whole beans for grinding.
Collection Jar
The ground coffee is collected in a jar or other receptacle that is normally fastened to the grinder’s base. To store freshly ground coffee for brewing, this container is intended to be durable but small.
Lid
Some Comandante C40 grinder models include a lid that can be put on top of the bean hopper to secure the beans and stop any spillage from occurring while grinding.
How To Use Your Comandante C40
Get the Grinder Ready
After removing the cover, put the desired number of whole coffee beans into the bean hopper. To keep the beans safe, replace the lid.
Change the Grind Size
To choose the desired grind size, rotate the adjustment ring. For a finer grind, turn it clockwise, and for a rougher grind, turn it counterclockwise. Use the adjustment ring’s numerical or reference markings as a reference.
Stabilize the Grinder
Make sure the grinder is solid on a flat surface and hold the body firmly. Some variants include an attachable stabilizing bracket that can be used to add more stability.
Start Grinding
Hold the crank handle firmly and start rotating it in a clockwise direction. Apply consistent and even pressure as you turn the handle to ensure a uniform grind. Continue grinding until you have ground the desired amount of coffee.
Collect the Ground Coffee
The ground coffee will fall into the collection jar or container attached to the bottom of the grinder. Once you have finished grinding, detach the collection jar and remove the lid to access the freshly ground coffee.
Clean and Maintain
After each use, it is important to clean the grinder to remove any coffee residue. You can disassemble the grinder and use a brush or cloth to clean the burrs, adjustment ring, and other components. Avoid using water.
Comandante C40 MK3 vs MK4
The Comandante C40 is a manual coffee grinder that has two versions: the MK3 and the MK4. I own the MK3. Here’s a summary of the differences between the two versions:
Design: The MK4 features a slightly updated design compared to the MK3. It has a more refined and streamlined appearance.
Grind Adjustment: The MK4 introduces a new grind adjustment mechanism called “Red Clix” that allows for more precise and repeatable grind size settings. The MK3 uses a stepped grind adjustment system.
Materials: Both versions have similar high-quality construction, with stainless steel burrs. However, the MK4 uses an upgraded axle and ball bearings, which are said to improve stability and durability.
Price: Due to the improvements and updates in design and functionality, the MK4 is usually priced slightly higher than the MK3.
Overall, the MK4 offers some enhancements over the MK3, with the most notable being the Red Clix. But the MK3 still remains the best buy reliable and capable manual coffee grinder.
Alternatives to the Comandante C40 MK3 Grinder
If you’re like me and want to compare the finer details, I’ve included a few other grinders that compete with Comandante. These are generally the go-to best grinders outside of the C40 MK3, so I’ve also added why I think they could be considered superior or inferior than the Comandante C40 MK3. Just depends on what’s most important to ya!
Comandante C40 MK4
I guess it’s clear by now I am a big fan of the Comandante C40, so the MK4 is my first recommendation if you just don’t like the stepped MK3 grind size adjustment and have some extra cash to spare.
- Superior: Grind adjustment
- Inferior: More expensive
TIMEMORE Chestnut C2 Manual Coffee Grinder
The Timemore C2 is a great grinder. The Comandante C40 MK3 rocks a stainless steel body and stepped grind adjustment, so you can easily choose your grind size. Meanwhile, the Timemore C2’s aluminum alloy body is lighter with a stepless grind adjustment, and it’s super portable. Plus, the Timemore C2 won’t break the bank.
But it’s just not in the same league as the Comandante C40 in my opinion. Ultimately, your choice depends on what you’re after—personal preferences, budget, and specific needs.
- Superior: Cost. The Timemore is way cheaper than the Comandante C40.
- Inferior: Construction quality and performance.
1Zpresso JX-Pro S Manual Coffee Grinder
The 1Zpresso JX-Pro is a veritable legend in the coffee sphere because it’s so excellent to travel with. Its grind consistency, smooth operation, and precise adjustments are all equally as top-notch. And it’s cheaper than the Comandante C40 MK3.
But from my experience, the latter grinds coffee more consistently, so you get a uniform grind size for better flavor. It also has low grind retention, meaning you get fresh grounds every time.
- Superior: Cost. It’s more than the Timemore, but still below the Comandante C40’s price point.
- Inferior: Durability, consistency, and grind retention.
Our Verdict
I am thrilled to share my experience and offer a thorough evaluation as a proud owner of this great item.
In conclusion, the Comandante C40 grinder is unquestionably a high-end item, and its effectiveness justifies the cost. The grind quality and durability of this grinder are amazing. I fully recommend it!
