WAHL ‎ZX889 Electric Grinder - Review 🏆

The Wahl ZX889 James Martin ZX Series Coffee Grinder is an attractive and versatile electric coffee grinder that offers a premium grinding experience. With its sharp stainless steel blades, robust motor and adjustable grind settings, it can produce grounds ideal for various brew methods like drip coffee, pour over, French press and espresso.

This review will provide an in-depth look at the key features and performance of the Wahl ZX889 coffee grinder. It will cover the grinder's design, grind settings, ease of use, capacity, durability and value for money. Both the pros and cons of this grinder will be examined to help you determine if it's the right choice for your coffee grinding needs. By the end, you'll have a good understanding of how the ZX889 performs and whether it's worth the investment.

Design and Features

The Wahl ZX889 is an attractive and compact electric coffee grinder with a sleek brushed stainless steel finish. It has a small footprint, measuring approximately 4 inches wide, 4 inches deep, and 7 inches tall. The body is made of durable stainless steel which gives it a nice heft and quality feel.

Despite its compact size, the ZX889 has a large grinding capacity of up to 12 cups of coffee. It has a powerful 150 watt motor which provides fast grinding speed. The grinder comes with 15 different grind settings to choose from, allowing you to grind from super fine espresso to coarse French Press. There is a one touch control button on the top which makes operation very simple. Other convenient features include a removable grinding chamber for easy transfer of grounds and cleaning, and a transparent lid to monitor the grind.

If you're looking for an alternative electric coffee grinder with similar features and design, check out the Amazon Basics CG9403-GS-BS-B. This grinder also has a stainless steel body and lid for durability. The 160 watt motor provides quick grinding for up to 12 cups of coffee at a time. It includes 18 grind settings ranging from fine to coarse. The AmazonBasics grinder is very easy to use with its one-touch operation. The grinding chamber detaches for fast and simple transfer of grounds and cleaning.

Both the Wahl ZX889 and AmazonBasics CG9403-GS-BS-B offer fast grinding speeds and a wide range of grind settings in a compact stainless steel body. The AmazonBasics is a bit more powerful with its 160 watt motor versus 150 watts on the Wahl. It also includes 3 additional grind settings. However, the Wahl may have a slight edge in terms of brand reputation and quality. Wahl is a well known and trusted brand that has been making personal grooming appliances for decades. The AmazonBasics is likely a bit more affordable but may not have the same level of durability over time.

When choosing between the two grinders, you'll want to consider your budget, grinding needs, and any brand loyalty. The Wahl has a proven track record but comes at a higher price point. The AmazonBasics offers similar specifications and performance at a more budget-friendly cost. You can't go wrong with either option for quickly grinding fresh, aromatic coffee beans for your morning brew.

In addition to grind settings and capacity, also look at the size and dimensions of each grinder. Since countertop space is at a premium in most kitchens, a compact footprint is ideal. Make sure to check the warranty offered as well. The longer the warranty coverage the better. Grinders contain many small plastic and metal parts that can wear out over time. Opt for stainless steel construction for maximum durability and rust resistance.

Ease of use and cleaning are other key factors when selecting an electric coffee grinder. Look for removable grinding chambers or bowls that make transferring grounds and cleaning up simple. Transparent lids allow you to monitor the grind and help prevent over-grinding the beans. One-touch buttons simplify operation while cord storage keeps countertops safe and organized.

At the end of the day, both the Wahl ZX889 and the AmazonBasics CG9403-GS-BS-B represent quality electric coffee grinders with similar capabilities. Choose the one that best fits within your budget and kitchen space constraints. Enjoy fresher tasting coffee and expanded beverage options by grinding beans right before brewing. The aroma and flavors will be significantly richer compared to pre-ground coffee.

Performance

The WAHL ZX889 electric coffee grinder delivers excellent performance when it comes to grinding coffee beans. The conical burr grinder produces a very consistent grind, resulting in optimal coffee flavor extraction.

The grind consistency is superb, with the grinder producing an even particle size distribution for espresso, drip, or French press brewing methods. This allows you to truly customize the grind to your preferred brew style. The stainless steel conical burrs are sharp and durable, effortlessly grinding the beans without overheating them.

Operation of the grinder is quiet thanks to the low-speed grinding and brushed motor. You won't wake up the whole house when making your morning coffee! The grinder is also easy and comfortable to use, with an ergonomic design and push-button control.

Overall, the performance of the WAHL ZX889 coffee grinder is impressive. It delivers consistent, customizable grinds for great tasting coffee with minimal noise and fuss. The powerful motor and quality burrs make quick work of grinding beans for all brew methods. The WAHL ZX889 is comparable to other quality electric grinders like the MR. COFFEE BVMC-PBG77, which also offers consistent grinding and easy use. Both grinders have a sleek and compact design that won't take up much space on your countertop.

When shopping for an electric coffee grinder, you'll want to look for solid performance features like a powerful motor, sharp burrs, and consistent grind settings. The WAHL ZX889 hits all of these marks and also adds in low noise and user-friendly operation. If you're seeking customizable grinds, from super fine espresso powder to coarse French press grounds, the ZX889 won't disappoint. Its versatility works for all brew methods.

Ease of use is another hallmark of a quality coffee grinder. You don't want to struggle with difficult controls or cleaning. The WAHL ZX889 gets high marks in this category too. The intuitive push-button makes grinding simple. And the removable bean hopper and grounds catcher allow for swift cleanup. Just a quick brush out keeps the burrs clear.

In summary, the WAHL ZX889 electric coffee grinder is an excellent choice for anyone looking for customizable grinds, low noise, and easy operation. It performs on par with more expensive grinders but at a more affordable price point. If you want café-quality grinds at home for your favorite brewing methods, the WAHL ZX889 is definitely worth considering.

Grind Settings

The WAHL ZX889 coffee grinder comes with 18 different grind settings, allowing you to customize your grind for any brew method. The settings range from extra fine for espresso to coarse for French press.

The fine grind settings 1-5 are ideal for espresso machines. The ultra-fine particles extract well under pressure to produce a thick, rich crema. Settings 6-9 produce a fine grind good for drip coffee makers. The medium settings 10-12 are suited for pour over methods like Chemex. The medium-coarse settings 13-15 work well for automatic drip machines with cone filters. Finally, the coarse settings 16-18 are best for French press as the larger grind size helps control over-extraction.

Having such precise control over the grind allows you to brew the optimal cup of coffee for your preferred method. You can match the grind size to the recommended specification of your equipment. The wide range of settings also makes the ZX889 versatile for brewing different coffee drinks from espresso to cold brew.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The WAHL ZX889 coffee grinder is designed to be very easy to operate and clean, making it convenient for everyday use. The buttons for operation are straightforward - there is an on/off button, as well as buttons to adjust the grind settings from fine to coarse. The buttons have clear icons that make their functions obvious at a glance.

Cleaning the grinder is also simple. The grinding chamber and collection chamber can both be easily removed. The collection chamber just pulls off, while the grinding chamber detaches with the push of a button. Both parts are dishwasher safe for thorough cleaning. The stainless steel body can be wiped down as needed with a damp cloth. The simplicity of use and cleaning makes this an ideal grinder for busy households where multiple people may use it.

Capacity

The Wahl ZX889 coffee grinder has a generous hopper size that can hold up to 75g of whole coffee beans. This allows you to grind enough coffee for 8-12 cups per use. The 75g capacity reduces the need to refill small batches, making the grinder efficient for grinding coffee for a few people or a large family.

With its powerful motor, the ZX889 can grind through the full hopper of beans quickly. You'll be able to grind enough coffee for a full pot in under a minute. The large hopper capacity combined with fast grinding speeds makes morning coffee prep a breeze. No more struggling with tiny grinders that require multiple refills and grinding cycles.

Overall, the sizeable bean hopper and per-use capacity provides flexibility and convenience when grinding coffee. You can grind a small amount for a single cup or a large batch for entertaining guests. The ZX889 has the muscle to power through a full hopper of beans efficiently.

Durability

The WAHL ZX889 coffee grinder features a heavy duty brushed stainless steel housing that provides excellent durability and longevity. Many reviewers mention that this grinder feels very sturdy and solid in the hand.

The burrs are made from hardened steel which allows them to maintain a sharp cutting edge even after prolonged use. Hardened steel burrs generally last longer than ceramic burrs before needing replacement. Several customers report using this coffee grinder daily for over a year without any issues or decrease in performance.

Some users note that the container used to hold the ground coffee is made from plastic rather than metal. However, most reviewers find the plastic to be durable and haven't had any problems with cracking or damage over time. A few customers wish the container was made of stainless steel to match the overall build quality, but say the plastic performs well.

Overall, reviews indicate the WAHL ZX889 has excellent durability thanks to its brushed stainless steel housing and hardened steel burrs. The vast majority of customers state this coffee grinder has withstood daily use for over a year and continues grinding just as well as when new. While a metal ground coffee container would enhance the build, the plastic holds up well according to most users.

Price and Value

The WAHL ZX889 coffee grinder is priced at around £25-30, which puts it in the budget-friendly range as far as electric coffee grinders go. For the price, it delivers solid performance and versatility for grinding coffee beans.

The low price point makes it very accessible for anyone looking to upgrade from pre-ground coffee to grinding their own beans. You don't have to spend a lot of money to start experiencing fresher, better-tasting coffee by grinding right before brewing.

When compared to other entry-level electric grinders, the WAHL ZX889 is competitively priced. While you can certainly find more expensive grinders with more power and durability, this one gives you good bang for your buck if you're just getting into home coffee grinding.

Considering the useful features like the variety of grind settings, stainless steel accents, and removable grinding chamber, the WAHL ZX889 provides excellent value at its affordable price point. For those on a budget, it's a great option that outperforms other grinders at this price while still delivering fresh, flavorful coffee every morning.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Powerful 180W motor provides fast grinding
• Large capacity holds up to 100g of beans
• Durable stainless steel construction
• Easy to adjust grind settings
• Convenient cord storage in base
• Compact size good for small kitchens
• Reasonable price point

Cons

• Plastic catch cup feels a bit flimsy
• Noisy operation
• Lid doesn't seal tightly when grinding
• Only two grind settings (coarse and fine)
• Cleaning brush not included

Conclusion

The Wahl ZX889 coffee grinder is an excellent option for home use. It has a sleek and modern design that will look great on any kitchen counter. The stainless steel construction makes it durable and easy to keep clean. It offers a large 250g bean capacity and 120g ground coffee container to make coffee for several people at once.

The conical burr grinder inside allows you to choose from 18 different grind settings, from super fine espresso to coarse French press. It's easy to adjust between settings, so you can always get the right grind for your preferred brew method. The blades stay super sharp even after heavy use for consistent grinds every time.

Operation is very simple with just an on/off switch and clearly marked grind setting dial. Cleaning is also easy since the grounds container, hopper, and burr are all removable.

Overall, the performance, ease of use, and quality design make this an excellent electric coffee grinder for home use. It's a great option for people who want consistent grinds, flexible settings, and low-maintenance operation. The price is very reasonable for the features offered. If you're looking for an electric grinder with professional-level performance for home brewing, the Wahl ZX889 is highly recommended.