Markibar IZAGA W – Grind-by-Weight Espresso Grinder with Instant Dose, 64 mm

Markibar IZAGA W – Grind-by-Weight Espresso Grinder with Instant Dose, 64 mm

The portafilter clicks into place, and the dose is already weighed and waiting: the Markibar IZAGA W grinds by weight, without you waiting on the scale.

In the IZAGA W, Markibar combines a scale in the doser with its own Instant Dose system. While you pull an espresso, the grinder is already grinding and weighing the next dose. It comes from Markibar Innovación in Esquíroz (Navarra, Spain), founded in 2009; by its own account, the team brings more than 30 years of experience with espresso grinders.

How grind-by-weight with Instant Dose works

Many grind-by-weight grinders weigh in real time while grinding into the portafilter. The IZAGA W works differently: a scale in the doser controls the amount, the dose is pre-ground and weighed, and it is dispensed immediately when you insert the portafilter. Markibar states the accuracy as ±0.2 g.

Because weight determines the dose and not time, the amount stays the same according to Markibar when you change the grind setting, the burrs age, the roast changes or the humidity fluctuates. All you adjust is the grind setting, to steer the extraction. Up to three doses can be programmed independently of each other, for example for a single, a double and a larger shot.

For the cup, this means: a constant dose is the foundation for extracting by weight ratio, with 1:2 as a starting point and not a law. No shot is exactly repeatable, because bean, room climate and person change every day. A dose that is right takes one variable out of the equation, so you can concentrate on grind setting and taste.

Grinding mechanism, temperature and grind setting lock

The IZAGA W grinds with 64 mm flat burrs at 1,350 rpm (50 Hz). HQ Long Life burrs are fitted from the factory, which Markibar rates for around 1,500 kg of coffee. The Extreme burrs with TDC coating are available as an option, developed with the Swiss manufacturer Helfezi AG and rated for around 5,000 kg. Grinding mechanisms are like engines: each has its own character, and there is no objectively best grinding mechanism.

Heat in the ground coffee lets volatile aromas escape faster. Markibar therefore thermally separates the motor and the grinding chamber and, in the IZAGA family, also removes heat with a fan. You adjust the grind setting with a lever with a scale: one button releases the direction towards finer, the other the direction towards coarser, and without a button press the setting stays locked. This way the grind setting does not shift by accident during service.

Workflow during service

The grinder recognises which portafilter is inserted. For this, an identifier is attached to the double portafilter, and two identifiers are included. This way the IZAGA W dispenses the matching dose without a button press. You switch between the pre-ground dose (Pre Dose) for rush periods and On Demand for quieter phases directly on the control panel. In addition, the IZAGA W has the mode C2 Precise, designed for a very accurate double dose at a fast pace.

At a glance

Who the IZAGA W is made for

Markibar recommends the IZAGA family from a consumption of around 10 kg of coffee per week. The IZAGA W is built for cafés, bars and restaurants where several people work at the same grinder and every dose should be the same, regardless of who happens to be behind the counter. If you prefer to dose by time, you will find the same grinder base in the IZAGA KEY, and a slimmer design in the ORHI. All models are in our Markibar collection.

For comparison: the Mahlkönig E65W GbS weighs in real time while grinding and can synchronise with compatible La Marzocco machines, and the E80W GbS brings 80 mm burrs for high volumes. You can find both in our Mahlkönig collection, and more models under grind-by-weight coffee grinders. The IZAGA W relies on pre-weighed doses and therefore on speed. Our advisor tool for machines and grinders helps you work out which logic suits your business.

Nobody needs a grind-by-weight grinder. Many cafés work excellently with a time-controlled grinder and a scale next to it. Whoever chooses the IZAGA W is choosing a workflow in which the portafilter is inserted, the dose is dispensed and work carries straight on. That is a decision for a working rhythm, and it is just as legitimate as any other. Our opinion is one of many.

What goes with it

The IZAGA W calls for an espresso machine that keeps up with its pace, from our coffee machine selection or from La Marzocco. To check brew weights: for anyone who wants a scale that is affordable and precise, Normcore. For those who want an app and a flow rate display, Acaia. You will find grinder cleaner under machine and grinder cleaning, and burrs, portafilter holders and the Stepless kit in the Markibar collection.

Ordering and advice

Coffee Coaching Club is the official Swiss importer of Markibar. You order the IZAGA W directly online. Click and Collect is possible in Bern and Zurich, and so is financing. Markibar builds the IZAGA W with or without a fixed-mounted tamper; after your order we will clarify the version you want with you. If you would like to talk beforehand, you can book a free consultation appointment, an option and not a requirement. Our advisor tool gives you an overview of all grinders.