At the 2024 Specialty Coffee Association Expo, Mahlkönig celebrated a tremendous milestone: one hundred years of designing and manufacturing some of the best coffee and espresso grinders to grace the market. The year before that, they announced the arrival of a new technology in the form of “Grind by Sync” at the HOST Milan trade show, and Mahlkönig promised that this functionality would build on the foundation laid by the incredibly popular “Grind by Weight” feature. But what services do these grinders provide, and how are they different from one another? That’s what we’re covering today– the differences between Mahlkönig’s Grind-by-Weight and Grind-by-Sync grinders and their respective operations.
Mahlkönig Grind-by-Weight System Features
Mahlkönig’s Grind-by-Weight (GbW) technology allows for more consistent espresso doses by automating the weighing process during grinding. Integrated digital controls and finely-tuned dosing mechanisms help streamline workflow in both commercial and specialty coffee settings. Mahlkönig’s GbW models use integrated load cells beneath the portafilter holder that measure coffee output in real time, adjusting grinding duration to meet the target weight accurately. Baristas can program exact dose weights directly, which eliminates the need for post-grind weighing, significantly reducing waste and improving workflow. The dynamic feedback loop ensures each dose matches the specified weight, even if grind size or bean density changes. Because the system reacts live to every grind, consistency between doses is maintained throughout the day, regardless of volume.
Dosing accuracy on Mahlkönig GbW machines routinely reaches within ±0.1 gram of the set target. This level of precision stems from the combination of the grinder’s digital scale, a responsive microprocessor, and advanced software algorithms. The calibration process accounts for grind retention and user variables to ensure reliable results. A feedback-controlled shutoff halts grinding instantly when the correct weight is dispensed, preventing over- or under-dosing. The system is designed to maintain repeatable, stable dosing performance through consecutive uses and is suitable for single, double, or triple shots of espresso, enhancing the extraction yield and flavor profile reliability.
The Grind-by-Weight feature decreases the cognitive load on baristas by automating both dosing and timing and offers vast workflow improvements. Baristas can transition between shots more quickly without weighing coffee before or after grinding, and due to the portafilter detection activation, fewer steps are required to begin the process of pulling a shot.
Mahlkönig Grind-by-Sync System Features
The Mahlkönig Grind-by-Sync (GbS) feature is a precision technology designed to optimize grinding consistency by synchronizing doses with the grinder's operation while wirelessly “talking" to the espresso machine. This feature ensures that every shot is tailored with exact measurements, promoting accuracy in espresso preparation and comes in both 65mm burr and 80mm burr options. Automating the balance between grind size and quantity simplifies complex adjustments for baristas while maintaining high-quality results. This system integrates seamlessly into professional settings, where efficiency and consistency are crucial. It reduces waste by delivering precise portions and minimizes human error in manual dosing. The Grind-by-Sync feature reflects Mahlkönig's commitment to advanced engineering, offering a reliable solution for cafes aiming to enhance workflow while maintaining excellent coffee standards.
When the espresso machine and GbS grinder are connected, they communicate to make automatic adjustments based on specified parameters. For example, you can set a shot to extract 20g of espresso, resulting in a 40g output within 30 seconds. As the shot is brewed, the espresso machine monitors the total output and duration, sending this data to the grinder to modify the grind size accordingly. Additionally, the grinder uses the last five shots to calculate an average, enabling it to refine future adjustments.
The Grind-by-Sync feature utilizes digital grind adjustment technology for precise control over grind size. This system is powered by state-of-the-art software, allowing users to fine-tune settings down to microns. The inclusion of real-time feedback mechanisms helps monitor and maintain optimal grinding performance. To enhance usability, the device features a large, digital interface. This screen simplifies navigation, enabling custom grind profiles to suit different brewing methods. Additionally, the machine's robust burrs are engineered for durability and consistent particle size distribution over time.
What you’re left with, in essence, is a super-automatic espresso machine that retains the aesthetic of a more traditional setup. However, GbS still allows baristas to make adjustments when necessary to provide the best-tasting espresso possible.
As of right now, the Mahlkönig Grind-by-Sync only works with any auto-volumetric espresso machine manufactured by La Marzocco. However, at the 2025 SCA Expo, Mahlkönig announced that they would begin integrating into other machines and brands, such as Sanremo. Mahlkönig will also introduce a hardwire option for the GbS system so businesses can still count on the reliability of their grinder should WiFi go down.
We’re incredibly pleased to be able to offer Mahlkönig’s Grind-by-Sync technology, and we can’t wait to see what new innovations they have in store for us. As always, if you have any questions about the Mahlkönig Grind-by-Weight or Grind-by-Sync machines, please contact us! We’re always thrilled to talk all things coffee and espresso and would love to help you find the equipment that you need to bring your vision for a coffee business to life.