Mazzer Philos – Your premium single-dose grinder for espresso & filter coffee

Mazzer Philos – The legend becomes a single tin

Imagine: You have the build quality of a commercial-grade grinder, designed to handle one coffee after another every day. But it fits compactly in your kitchen. It grinds quietly. It grinds exactly 18.0g when you put in 17.9g. And it looks like a design object straight out of industrial Venice.

This is the Mazzer Philos .

We've been waiting a long time for the Italian giant Mazzer to deliver a real answer to the single-dose trend. The Philos is that answer – and it's a statement. 64mm flat burrs, precise stepless adjustment (6 micrometers per step), virtually zero retention, and a feel that says: "I'll last forever."

As specialist retailers in Bern and Zurich , we tested the Philos and are thrilled: It combines the Italian tradition (body, reliability) with the modern single-dose world (clarity, precision, freshness).

The chemist's perspective: The pre-breaker effect

Installed: The I189D grinding discs (The all-rounder)

We supply the Philos coffee machines with the legendary I189D burrs as standard. Why? Because they deliver the taste that 99% of our customers love.

• Maximum body: These burrs are optimized for texture. They produce just the right amount of fines to create a creamy, rich espresso.
• Deep sweetness: chocolate, nougat, caramel – these notes are intensified. The espresso tastes "round" and full.
• Versatility: They excel in classic to medium roasts, but also create light roasts with enough body so that they don't taste "empty".

Note: The I200D burrs (high clarity for lighter roasts and filter coffee) are available separately. However, the pre-installed I189D burrs are the perfect choice for most espresso drinkers.

Your ritual with the philosopher – 7:00 to 7:04 a.m.

The controls are a tactile dream. Everything is metal. Everything is solid. Imagine:

1. 7:00 AM – Setting:
   You turn the solid adjustment dial on the back. It clicks firmly (in stepped mode with 6-micrometer increments), but you can also convert it to stepless for infinitely fine adjustment. The grind setting indicator is clearly visible – no guesswork, just precision.
2. 7:01 a.m. – Preparation:
   You weigh out 18.0g of Nutty Delight . You place it into the feeder at the top (you can use the hopper or directly a single dose without a hopper – the Philos is flexible). You place the magnetic 58mm dosing cup under the dispensing spout – it clicks into place with a satisfying "click".
3. 7:02 AM – Grinding:
   You press the button. The motor hums deeply and quietly – no screeching, no high frequencies. Thanks to the pre-breaker (auger), the beans are gently drawn in, broken, and evenly fed into the grinding discs. You can hear exactly when the last bean has been ground. After 15 seconds: silence.
4. 7:03 AM – Finish:
   You activate the "Dose Finisher" (knocker/tapping mechanism) – a small tool that attaches magnetically to the housing. You guide it through the ejection chute. Click-clack. The last gram falls into the cup. Retention: less than 0.1g. This means: What you grind today is not contaminated with coffee ground yesterday.
5. 7:04 AM – The result:
   17.9g in the dosing cup. A fluffy mound of coffee grounds. No clumps, no static (the stainless steel burrs reduce static). You smell it – hazelnut, caramel, chocolate. This is fresh. This is precise. This is Mazzer.
   Roastery recommendation

   • With the I189D burrs installed: Try the Nutty Delight . You'll get a hazelnut bomb that flows from the portafilter like syrup. Maximum body, deep sweetness, zero bitterness.
   • Also brilliant: Our Cozy Chocolate . The I189D slices accentuate the chocolate so intensely that you don't need milk – but it's a dream in a cappuccino. Creamy like liquid milk chocolate.

Technical details – Built like a tank

Who is the Mazzer Philos right for?

You don't need the philosophers if you accept plastic. If you can live with retention. If "good enough" is sufficient for you.

But treat yourself to the philosophers, if:

• If you're looking for longevity , this grinder will be your heirloom. It weighs 12.5 kg and is rock solid. Mazzer has been building grinders for the world's toughest cafes for over 75 years – the Philos brings that quality home.
• You want single dosing but prefer the "flow" of flat burrs. Conical burrs (like the Varia VS4) have a different flavor – the Philos delivers the clarity and texture that only flats offer.
• You switch between espresso and filter coffee . Thanks to the low retention and easy adjustment (stepped or stepless), switching is a breeze. Espresso in the morning, V60 in the afternoon – no purging, no waste.
• You appreciate aesthetics . The retro-industrial design fits perfectly next to a Linea Micra or Arkel Coast . This isn't just a device – it's a statement.
• You want peace and quiet . The Philos is quiet (low-vibration design, damping system). You can grind at 6 a.m. without waking anyone.

The truth is: The Philos isn't the cheapest grinder. It isn't the most compact. But it is the most robust . It is the most precise . It is the most Italian . If you're ready to invest in quality—if you want a grinder that will last forever—then the Philos is the right choice.

What you get – Everything you need

• Mazzer Philos grinder (color selectable: black, silver)
• Pre-installed burrs: I189D (Espresso/Traditional, maximum body)
• 58mm Dosing Cup (stainless steel, magnetic, fits perfectly)
• Can Finisher (knocker tool for zero retention, magnetically attached to the casing)
• Removable stainless steel hopper (optionally usable)
• Power cable (Swiss plug, 220-240V)
• 2-year warranty & support from a Swiss specialist retailer

Frequently asked questions about the Mazzer Philos

How difficult is the Burr upgrade (I189D → I200D)?

Very simple. Remove the front panel (it's magnetic), loosen the two wing nuts (by hand, no tools required), pull out the burr carrier, replace the burrs, and put everything back together. Check the grounds and you're good to go.

Stepped or stepless – which is better?

The Philos comes in stepped mode (6-micrometer steps – extremely fine increments). This is perfect for repeatability (you'll always find your setting). If you want absolute freedom, you can switch to stepless mode without tools (infinitely fine adjustment). Stepped mode is ideal for most users.

How loud is the Philos?

Quiet. The 400W asynchronous motor runs at low frequencies (1400-1600 RPM), and the integrated damping system reduces vibrations. Compared to a Niche Zero or Eureka Mignon: noticeably quieter. You can grind at 6 a.m. without waking anyone.

Will the Philos fit my machine?

The Philos is compatible with any espresso machine. The included 58mm dosing cup fits directly into standard portafilters (La Marzocco, Arkel Coast, Rocket, Flair 58). Separate canisters are available for 53mm or 54mm portafilters (sold separately). The Philos grinds everything from espresso to batch brew – it's universally applicable.

Do I need the hopper?

No. The Philos is designed for single dosing. You can remove the hopper completely and use a single dose directly (up to 24g fits easily without the hopper). The hopper is optional – for people who want to pull multiple shots in a row.

Does perfect water improve the taste?

Absolutely. When you combine the Philos with our Apax Lab Box Set (water mineralization for maximum flavor), you get even more out of your beans. The Philos delivers precise grinding – the Apax Lab Set delivers perfect water. Together: Unbeatable.

The Coffee Coaching Club tip: Applied aroma chemistry

The Philos is extremely quiet. You can hear exactly when the last bean has been ground. Wait two seconds, press the dosing finisher (knocker) – and you have exactly 18.0g in the cup. This consistency is the key to reproducible flavor.

Combine the Philos with our Nutty Delight or Cozy Chocolate beans – the I189D Burrs bring out maximum body and sweetness. The result: espresso that tastes like liquid chocolate. Creamy, velvety, perfect.