Comandante C60 vs C40 - Coffee Grinder Comparison

I have been a long time Comandante grinder user and when the C60 Baracuda was announced I was very excited as it had been some time since Comandante released the Comandante C40 MK4 iteration. As a longtime user and enthusiast of the Comandante brand, I've had extensive experience with their grinders and accessories. In this post, we'll explore the features, benefits, and differences of these two models to help you decide which one might be the best fit for your coffee grinding needs.

Comandante Grinder

Comandante has been a significant player in the coffee grinder market for years. Despite some controversies over patents, their products have consistently impressed coffee aficionados worldwide. Today, we'll focus on the grinders themselves, examining what they offer and how they stand in the current market.

First Impressions and Design Elements

Comandante C40:

The Comandante C40 has been a staple in my collection for a couple of years. We've used various models, including the MK3 and MK4, and several different colours. It's a gorgeous grinder with a solid reputation for reliability and performance. The wooden grain offers a timeless design that is completly unique to each grinder.

Comandante C60:

The Comandante C60 Baracuda is a newer addition, which I've had for a couple of months. The first noticeable difference is the larger crank and knob, specifically the upgraded Big Joe knob black crank. This design provides more leverage, making it easier and quicker to grind, especially for finer grind sizes like espresso or Turkish coffee.
The metallic body with CNC'd lines add a texture to grip and makes slipping a lot less prominent. 

Key Differences

Size and Weight:

One of the most significant differences between the two models is their size and weight. The C40 weighs just under 500g, while the C60 comes in at nearly 1kg, making it one of the heaviest hand grinders I've used. This weight gives the C60 a substantial, premium feel.

Materials and Build:

The C40 features a wooden veneer, adding a touch of classic elegance, whereas the C60 is constructed from a single block of stainless steel. This difference in materials not only affects the weight but also the durability and aesthetic appeal of each grinder.

Burrs and Grinding Mechanism:

Both grinders use a central axle design, but the burr sizes are different. The C60 has 60mm conical burrs, while the C40's burrs are around 38mm. This increases the surface area of the C60's burrs making it more efficient, grinding coffee faster and more consistently.

Adjustment Mechanism:

The C40 offers a 30-micron adjustment per click, while the C60 features a gold clicks adjustment system. Although the C60's adjustment system is made of brass and feels more premium, I find the C40's plastic adjustment piece more comfortable to use.
We made a full Grind Size Converter Chart of the Comandante C40, C60 and Red Clix adaptor.

Left is C60 Burrs & Right is C40 Burrs

Performance and User Experience

Grinding Speed:

In practical use, the C40 takes about 30 to 45 seconds to grind coffee for a pour over, while the C60 only takes around 20 seconds. The larger burrs of the C60 Baracuda Grinder have a bigger surface area that make grinding coffee easier and quicker. The included Big Joe Knob and Crank also help to make grinding even easier.

Ease of Use:

The C60's lack of plastic parts inside the grinder body means more room for coffee beans and easier cleaning. The clear design makes it simple to see if there are any retained beans, which is more challenging with the C40.

I should note that the Comandante C40's MK4 grinders can have the plastic centre piece removed for cleaning but this isn't the easiest to do and I fear that repeated removing over time might loosen it to a point where it may not sit as tight.

Aesthetic Appeal:

Design is subjective, but I appreciate both grinders' aesthetics. The C40's wooden veneer has a timeless appeal, while the C60's brutal, all-metal design is unique and stands out among other coffee grinders.

Coffee Quality

Both grinders produce a similar taste profile, characterised by high acidity and a clean body. They excel in extracting clarity and depth, making them ideal for various brewing methods, such as pour over, cupping, and even espresso.

Price and Value

The price is a significant factor when choosing between these grinders and it is quite common for coffee professionals to recommending investing majority of your coffee set up budget in to your coffee grinder, this is because your coffee grinder has the biggest impact on the quality of your coffee grounds and quality of your overall coffee. 

The Comandante C40 ranges from $400 to $500, while the C60 is priced just under $1000. Whether the higher price of the C60 is justified depends on your budget and how much you value the features and build quality of each grinder.

 

 

So, should you chose the C60 or C40?

Both the Comandante C40 and C60 are exceptional grinders, each with its strengths. The C40 offers a more traditional and affordable option, while the C60 provides a premium, heavy-duty experience. Your choice will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and of course your budget.

If you have any questions about these grinders, feel free to get in touch with us or drop a comment at the bottom of the page on your thoughts about these grinders.

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