Levercraft Ultra vs Mahlkönig EK43

Side-by-side grinder comparison

Specification	Levercraft Ultra	Mahlkönig EK43
Brand	Levercraft	Mahlkönig
Price (MSRP)	$3,500	$2,900
Category	Flat Burr	Flat Burr
Burr Size	98 mm	98 mm
Burr Material	Steel	Steel
Burr Type	98mm flat	98mm flat
Grind Speed	1200 RPM	1380 RPM
Retention	0.2 g	1.5 g
Single Dose	Yes	Yes
Stepless	Yes	Yes
Hopper	100 g	1500 g
Motor	500W	550W
Dimensions	180 x 280 x 450 mm	205 x 390 x 750 mm
Weight	20.0 kg (44.1 lbs)	25.0 kg (55.1 lbs)

Expert Analysis

The Mahlkoenig EK43 and Levercraft Ultra are 98mm flat burr grinders from different worlds. The EK43 at $2,900 changed specialty coffee with unprecedented uniformity. The Ultra at $3,500 is handcrafted with 98mm burrs optimized for home single-dose use. Both produce extraordinary uniformity. The EK43 was designed as a commercial grinder requiring mods for home single dosing. The Ultra is purpose-built for home workflow with minimal retention. The EK43 is very large and loud; the Ultra is more home-friendly. Choose the EK43 for the legendary commercial grinder with vast community support. Choose the Ultra for a home-optimized 98mm experience with artisan build.

Price: The Mahlkönig EK43 is priced at $2,900, which is $600 less than the Levercraft Ultra at $3,500. That's a 17% price gap.

Retention: The Levercraft Ultra retains only 0.2 g of grounds compared to 1.5 g for the Mahlkönig EK43. Lower retention means less waste and more consistent doses, which is especially important for single-dosing workflows.

Build & Weight: The Mahlkönig EK43 weighs 25.0 kg versus 20.0 kg for the Levercraft Ultra. A heavier grinder often indicates more robust build quality and better vibration dampening.

Our Verdict

The choice between the Levercraft Ultra and the Mahlkönig EK43 comes down to your priorities and budget. The Mahlkönig EK43 is the more affordable option and offers great value. The Levercraft Ultra, while pricier, may justify the investment with superior grind quality and features. Both grinders are capable of producing excellent espresso grinds when properly dialed in.

Pros & Cons

Levercraft Ultra

Pros:

Designed for single dosing
Stepless grind adjustment
Near-zero retention
Large 98mm burrs

Cons:

Premium pricing

Mahlkönig EK43

Pros:

Designed for single dosing
Stepless grind adjustment
Large 98mm burrs
Flat burrs for uniform grind

Cons:

Premium pricing

Levercraft Ultra Details Mahlkönig EK43 Details

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, the Levercraft Ultra or the Mahlkönig EK43?

The Mahlkönig EK43 at $2,900 is more affordable than the Levercraft Ultra at $3,500. With grinders, higher price generally correlates with better grind consistency, which directly impacts espresso quality.

How do the burrs compare between the Levercraft Ultra and Mahlkönig EK43?

The Levercraft Ultra has 98mm Steel burrs while the Mahlkönig EK43 has 98mm Steel burrs. Larger burrs generally grind faster with less heat. The burr material affects longevity and flavor profile.

Are both the Levercraft Ultra and Mahlkönig EK43 good for single dosing?

Yes, both grinders are designed for single-dose workflows. This means you weigh out each dose of beans, minimizing waste and ensuring maximum freshness. Both have low retention to support this workflow.

Should I buy the Levercraft Ultra or the Mahlkönig EK43 for espresso?

Both grinders can produce espresso-quality grinds. Choose the Levercraft Ultra if you value top-tier grind quality, single-dose workflow, infinite grind adjustment. Choose the Mahlkönig EK43 if you prefer top-tier grind quality, single-dose workflow, infinite grind adjustment. Remember, the grinder is arguably the most important piece of your espresso setup.