We have conducted a comprehensive test of the Zuriga espresso grinder, the Zuriga G2. It is the counterpart to the Zuriga E2 Gen 2 espresso machine, which is reflected in its design language and materials. The Zuriga E2 recently underwent a thorough overhaul, and in our test we call it "perhaps the best espresso machine in its price range". Of course, we also test the Zuriga G2 in combination with its espresso machine partner.
Since 2024, there is also the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight. Zuriga has given the classic G2 a weighing function. The grinder no longer stops based on time, but rather when the set amount of coffee has been ground into the portafilter. The portafilter suspension was significantly improved for this purpose and equipped with the weighing function. Most features are shared between the G2 and G2 GbW. Therefore, this article begins with the general characteristics of the G2. Further down the page, we describe the new Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight with weighing function.
New: Video of the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight.
Construction and Test of the Zuriga G2
The grinder costs 980 Swiss francs in Switzerland and is also manufactured in Switzerland. The Zuriga G2 weighs 6 kilograms, is 119 mm wide, 345 mm high, and 200 mm deep.
As with the espresso grinder, the excellent build quality and design stand out very positively. We tested the grinder according to the test criteria of our large home grinder test series. The Zuriga G2 impressed with its low retention of only 1.5 grams, very good consistency, and also with single dosing performance.
The Zuriga espresso grinder can be adjusted precisely and easily. It has an innovative ramp during adjustment that allows for more precise selection of grind settings in the fine range, while the coarser grind range is adjusted in larger increments.
The particle distribution of the grinder is also good. The main peak is narrow and can be precisely dialed in again even after adjusting the grinder. At around 23.7 or 23.1%, the fine particle content is in the mid-range. However, this did not result in pronounced bitterness when pulling our espressos.
The noise level of the Zuriga G2 is relatively mid-range and rather pleasant. The handling is good and the dosing accuracy is very good.
We prepared many good and very good espressos with the Zuriga G2.
Weaknesses of the Zuriga G2
Unfortunately, the Zuriga espresso grinder also has some weaknesses that partly affect espresso taste and performance. Compared to other espresso grinders in the same and even lower price ranges, the Zuriga is among the slowest grinders. The bean hopper cannot be closed and therefore cannot be removed practically.
While these two mentioned problems are manageable, temperature development during regular grinder use is a difficulty. After just two grinding cycles, the temperature of the ground coffee rises significantly. Over six pulls at 30-second intervals, we measured temperatures averaging 40.2 degrees Celsius.
The grind adjustment range becomes noticeably warm and thus also shows the heat development in the grinder. These higher temperatures of the ground coffee affect the taste of the espresso. With a single espresso, this is less of a problem because heat develops during grinding. However, when multiple espressos are pulled in succession during a party or coffee break, the quality of the later espresso shots suffers. This makes the Zuriga G2 less suitable for larger households, shared apartments, or offices with high espresso frequency.
Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight with Weighing Function
For the Zuriga G2 Grind by Weight, what we found also applies to the version without a scale. Overall, it is a very good espresso grinder for home use. What we really like, in addition to the overall weighing performance, is the new suspension.
While the suspension of the base model is more of a sight mechanism than a suspension, this version truly deserves its name. Portafilters from many manufacturers hold stably in the suspension.
What is truly impressive is the weighing function, which ranks among the best on the market. The load cell is fast and accurate. And most importantly, it is robust. It is barely thrown off by vibrations. And even if grinding is interrupted, the grinder remembers the weight and continues grinding after the interruption.
We used the grinder in the fall on a wobbly circus scale and had no problems at all. The grinder tares quickly and precisely. Deviations between grindings are in the range of 0.1 grams.
With the GbW, we measured a slightly lower noise level, which is why we corrected the noise level in our conclusion from 81 to 79 decibels.
The information about the GbW will be supplemented. Until then, we recommend watching our video about the grinder.
