The Niche Zero is the single-dose grinder for people who know they love traditional espresso: medium-dark roasts, chocolatey shots, milk drinks that taste like dessert. It delivers near-zero retention, whisper-quiet operation, and years of reliable service, but the conical burrs that make darker beans sing will flatten fruity Ethiopians into something polite and forgettable. Enough owners have bought a second grinder specifically for light roasts that the pattern is clear. If you're committed to classic espresso profiles and want a grinder that just works, this is still a smart buy; if you're still exploring what you like or already deep into the light roast game, the burr geometry will fight you.
This Norwegian grinder nails the sweet spot between price and pour-over performance, delivering consistent grinds in a compact frame that actually looks good on the counter. The belt-driven motor will eventually slip or wear out after three to five years of daily use, leaving the burrs motionless while the motor hums, but the fix is cheap and simple if you're comfortable with a screwdriver. If you want clean filter coffee without spending Fellow money and can live with a stepped adjuster and an eventual belt swap, this is the entry grinder that earns its keep.