KINGrinder P2

What it does well

Flavor for the money is the headline. CoffeeGeek says the flavor is strong for the price, with taste quality "far beyond" its price point, and lists precise adjustment, durable metal components and light weight as pros. At about 330 g it suits a bag or a trip.

The burr is the highlight. CoffeeGeek describes seven-point stainless steel conical burrs in an ABS body with metal internal mounts, a metal handle and a double-bearing driveshaft.

It handles filter methods. CoffeeGeek gives approximate click ranges of 38 to 43 for V60 and Kalita, 50 to 57 for Chemex and 70 to 77 for French press, so it covers the filter range including coarse. With a coarse rating of 2 on the finder, it is credible for French press in a way a ceramic travel mill is not.

Capacity is modest. CoffeeGeek measured about 24.4 g maximum capacity, more than the 1Zpresso Q-Air's roughly 19.5 g, though it does not fit inside an AeroPress chamber.

CoffeeGeek compares it with the 1Zpresso Q-Air (a third more expensive, with better build, smoother action and fewer fines) and the Timemore C2, and finds the P2 strong for the price.

Where it falls short

Espresso is the weak point. CoffeeGeek says "single clicks create large jumps in espresso shot times." In its lab testing it earned a C- on the Espro Bloom test, and reaching the target 4 to 5 minute brew time needed a coarser grind of about 950 microns, which lowered extraction. It rates the P2 as not recommended for espresso.

Click size is not what the box says. KINGrinder claims about 33 microns per click, but CoffeeGeek's reviewers measured about 15 microns of effective change. It also found that finer clicks generated more fine dust, which can choke an espresso shot. For dialing in, expect large steps in practice.

The plastic cup is a static problem. CoffeeGeek says the plastic catch cup "creates serious static mess" and suggests a light water spritz. It also warns the plastic cup threads need careful handling and that the square-mount spindle cannot be driven by a standard cordless driver without a special bit.

It takes effort. Pub Palaver says the P2 is harder to grind than the P1, and that the P-series burrs are smaller than the K-series, so they take more work. CoffeeGeek adds that long-term durability is unproven.

KINGrinder's store listed all options as out of stock when checked.

Who should buy it, and who shouldn't

Buy it if you brew pour-over, AeroPress, drip or French press, want a light grinder, and care more about the cup than about build polish. CoffeeGeek recommends it for exactly those methods.

Skip it if espresso is the goal, if static will annoy you, or if you want a grinder with a tight dial. Pub Palaver praises the K2 for comfort and found it worth the step up.

How it compares

The KINGrinder P1 shares its body and dial on KINGrinder's pages. Pub Palaver says it is easier to grind, and Zelpio reports it makes more fines than a Hario Slim and a Comandante while still tasting better in a V60 test.

The KINGrinder K2 has a 48 mm burr, an offset handle and an aluminum body. The Timemore C2 is the all-metal rival CoffeeGeek names, with a heavier, chocolate-forward cup. CoffeeGeek calls the OXO Brew convenient but less precise, with a muddier cup.

Owning it

Manage static first. CoffeeGeek suggests a light water spritz (the Ross Droplet Technique) before grinding.

Clean it by hand, following our guide to cleaning a hand grinder. Note your starting point after reassembly; the calibration guide explains the zero point.