Comandante C40 MK4 Nitro Blade – Hand Grinder with Conical Burr
The crank turns quietly, a soft crunch, and the grounds fall evenly into the jar – click by click, reproducible. A hand grinder that feels like it's built to last a lifetime.
The C40 MK4 Nitro Blade is one of the best-known hand grinders in the specialty coffee world: robust, precise and versatile from espresso to French press. Coffee Coaching Club is a partner of Comandante; the C40 is manufactured in Germany. Available in eleven finishes.
The Nitro-Blade burr set
Inside works a conical burr set with a 39-millimetre outer and 30-millimetre inner diameter, made from high-alloy, nitrogen-rich martensitic stainless steel. This steel is exceptionally wear-resistant and keeps its cutting edges sharp for a long time – that means a consistent grind for years. The steel is flavour-neutral, so the aromas of the bean stay unchanged. The grind range spans from fine for espresso to coarse for French press.
40 clicks, precisely repeatable
The grind setting is adjusted via a stepped click mechanism under the burr set – 40 clicks that engage with a solid feel and don't shift while grinding. Each click corresponds to roughly 25 to 30 micrometres. Because the scale is the same across the whole C40 range, you can share recipes as a click number with others. If you want it even finer, you upgrade with the Red Clix for roughly 15 micrometres per click.
Material and build
Depending on the finish, the body is matte-coated stainless steel or covered in wood veneer. The axle, the crank and two micro ball bearings are made of stainless steel, and the oak knob from Germany's Schwarzwald region sits comfortably in the hand. Included are two containers with a capacity of around 40 grams each: an amber glass jar and a polymer jar, both flavour-neutral.
At a glance
| Burr set |
Conical, Nitro Blade, 39 mm outer / 30 mm inner |
| Burr material |
high-alloy, nitrogen-rich martensitic stainless steel |
| Grind adjustment |
stepped click mechanism, 40 clicks (~25–30 µm) |
| Brew range |
Turkish to French press |
| Containers |
Amber glass + polymer glass, ~40 g each |
| Knob |
Oak (Schwarzwald, Germany) |
| Body |
Stainless steel, matte-coated or wood veneer |
| Bearings / axle |
Stainless steel, 2 micro ball bearings |
| Dimensions |
ca. 60 × 158 mm (Ø × H) |
| Weight |
ca. 0,7 kg |
| Finishes |
11 (including black, white, Racing Green, Virginia Walnut, Liquid Amber, Deep Purple) |
| Manufacturing |
Germany |
Who it's for
For everyone who grinds fresh by hand and wants a consistent, finely graduated setting – at home and on the go. It covers the whole range from espresso to French press and is built to last. If you prefer an electric grinder, you'll find alternatives in our coffee grinders.
Order directly online
Delivery throughout Switzerland and to Liechtenstein in 2 to 4 working days. Click and collect in Bern, Gerberngasse 44 or Zürich, Hagenholzstrasse 50b – there you can experience the grinder live. Questions about the grinder or the setup: office@coffeecoachingclub.ch or by phone during business hours.
What goes with it
For finer grind tuning, there's the Red Clix upgrade and further Comandante accessories. For brewing, a pour-over dripper from the Hario collection or the Aeropress. A scale rounds off the workflow – affordable and precise from the Normcore range, with app and flow-rate display from the Acaia collection. Add fresh beans like Cozy Chocolate, Nutty Delight or Very Nutty.
Frequently asked questions
How many clicks does the C40 MK4 have and what does the Red Clix do?
The C40 MK4 has 40 clicks at roughly 25 to 30 micrometres per click. The Red Clix upgrade refines the scale to about 15 micrometres per click – useful if you want to adjust very finely, for example for espresso.
Is it suitable for espresso?
Yes. The grind range spans from fine for espresso to coarse for French press. For especially fine espresso settings, the Red Clix is a useful addition.
What sets the MK4 apart from earlier versions?
The MK4 has a reworked burr suspension that prevents beans from getting stuck at the top, plus detail improvements to the workflow. Many parts remain compatible with earlier C40 models.
Can I see it before buying?
Of course. In Bern and Zürich Oerlikon you can experience the grinder live. Bringing your own beans is welcome.
Roastery tip
Ground by hand, a chocolatey, nutty profile unfolds a beautiful depth – try Cozy Chocolate or Nutty Delight, 1:2 as a starting point for espresso. If you like maximum body without any acidity, try Very Nutty; for a fruity pour-over Wild Peach. That's our recommendation, one of many.
