We test the Ousia Coffee Grinder, a hand-crafted device that combines precision, durability, and craftsmanship.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Cover photo courtesy of Vasileia Fanarioti
For coffee enthusiasts, a grinder is more than just a tool; it’s a key component in the pursuit of the perfect cup. Today, we’re diving into the Ousia Coffee Grinder, a premium, hand-crafted device that promises both precision and longevity.
With its stainless-steel construction and oak detailing, the Ousia stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but for its engineering prowess. Designed and crafted in Transylvania in small batches, this grinder is the result of a commitment to quality and precision.
According to the manufacturer’s website, it took 10 years of specialty-coffee education, from roasting to sensory evaluation and understanding the global market, along with four years of research and development, to create this grinder.
So how does it perform? Let’s explore.
First Impressions
Unboxing the Ousia Coffee Grinder feels like the beginning of a special experience. The packaging is minimal but thoughtful, with the grinder nestled securely inside. The first thing you’ll notice is its weight—at around 800 grams, it feels solid and well-balanced in the hand. The grinder comes in two finishes: the Contemporary Matte with its distinctive shark-skin texture for added grip, and the smooth, polished Vintage Glam that exudes a classic elegance.
Inside the package, you’ll find the grinder itself, the handle (which attaches seamlessly), and a lightweight EVA foam travel case. This case not only protects the grinder during travel but also serves as a durable storage solution when it’s not in use.
Build Quality and Design
The Ousia Coffee Grinder features a full-metal body, constructed from stainless steel, giving it a robust and durable feel. The oak handle knob, crafted from Transylvanian oak, adds a touch of natural beauty to the grinder without compromising its functionality.
One of the grinder’s standout features is its fluid, organic shape, which makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use. The low center of gravity and well-proportioned handle length ensure that grinding is not only efficient but also effortless. Unlike many other grinders that use plastic or ceramic components, the Ousia sticks to metal and wood, making it a durable, long-lasting tool.
Key Features and Specifications
At the heart of the Ousia Coffee Grinder is its set of 47mm conical burrs, crafted from a high-grade steel alloy with a hardness rating of 63 HRC. These burrs, designed with custom low-fines geometry, are specifically engineered to produce a consistent grind, regardless of the brewing method. What’s more, the burrs are not coated—an intentional choice, as the manufacturers believe coatings can reduce the burrs’ sharpness.
Grind adjustment is another area where the Ousia excels. The grinder offers over 300 distinct grind settings, from the ultra-fine 40-220 microns needed for ibrik coffee to the coarse 1,200-1,400 microns required for cold brew. Each micro-step in the adjustment bracket represents just 10 microns, giving coffee lovers an incredible level of control over their grind size. The axle’s solid 10mm diameter is paired with high-grade ball bearings, allowing for smooth and stable grinding.
Grinding Experience
Using the Ousia Coffee Grinder is a pleasure, whether you’re brewing a quick espresso or preparing a slow cold brew. To set it up, you simply attach the handle to the drive hub and adjust the grind size using the textured adjustment wheels. With their shark-skin texture, the wheels provide a satisfying grip and are easy to operate.
The grinding process itself is smooth and requires little effort, thanks to the well-balanced design and the ergonomic handle. Even when grinding for espresso or ibrik coffee, where a finer grind is required, the handle’s length and low resistance make the process comfortable. The grinder’s texture also enhances grip, preventing slips or discomfort during extended use.
I tested the grinder across several brewing methods, including espresso, V60, French press, and ibrik, following the manufacturer’s suggested settings on their website. In each case, the Ousia delivered a grind size that met expectations, translating into rich, well-extracted coffee. The burrs’ sharpness ensures that even when adjusting between grind sizes, the output remains uniform and predictable. Notably, the finer settings produced a low-fines grind, minimizing sediment in the cup.
Durability and Maintenance
One of the key selling points of the Ousia Coffee Grinder is its long-term durability. The burrs are expected to last around 12 years, based on an average use of 100 grams of coffee per day. This is a testament to the grinder’s build quality and the material choices made during production.
Maintaining the grinder is straightforward. There’s no need to disassemble it—simply remove the bottom coffee container and use a dry brush to clean the burrs. The manufacturer advises against using any wet cleaning methods to preserve the metal components. In terms of warranty, the Ousia comes with a generous five-year coverage, offering peace of mind for long-term owners.
Who Is It For?
The Ousia Coffee Grinder is a remarkable piece of equipment that combines craftsmanship, precision, and durability in one sleek package. Its stainless-steel construction, coupled with the oak handle knob, makes it not only beautiful but also incredibly functional. The burrs’ precision and the 300+ grind settings provide an unparalleled level of control.
The grinder is currently priced at 445 euros, and while its weight and price may be prohibitive for some, those who are serious about their coffee will find the Ousia to be an investment worth making. With a lifespan that stretches over a decade, this grinder is built to last.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
Subscribe and More!
Out now: It’s the August + September 2024 issue of Barista Magazine! Read it for free with our digital edition. And for more than three years’ worth of issues, visit our digital edition archives here.
You can order a hard copy of the magazine through our online store here, or start a subscription for one year or two.
