The Gawoody Motor Kit is a way to make your hand grinder electric. Currently Gawoody produces two models for two specific grinders that are prolific on the marketplace: Comandante C40 and 1zpresso K Series (Pro/Max/Plus).
There are plenty of motorizers for the C40, but I have only really seen two for the 1zpresso K series. I myself have the 1zpresso K Pro.
I was very hesitant due to the price. A 1zpresso K Pro/Max/Plus costs ~$209 / $240 / $260. If you buy a Gawoody Motor Kit, it would add ~$260, which would effectively double the price. For ~$500, you could get an actual electric grinder of all sorts. Like a DF64, Option-O Lagom Mini, Baratza Sette, Baratza Vario, some Eureka Mignon Series.
But I did the jump. Please do this only if you value (1) the 1zpresso K series taste profile (2) Having the 2-in-1 feature of handgrinding or electric.
Pro
- Same very low retention as a handgrinder (because it is a handgrinder) No exercise needed to grind light and ultralight roast coffee at espresso range ~3.0-3.5
- Much higher repeatability. The grinding speed is more consistent with an electric motor.
Cons
- Price. For the price of purchasing one of these, you could have gotten another hand grinder!
- Settings for electric and hand grinding are not the same. I have found that if I am using the electric motor, it is usually what my hand grinding setting is +0.2 to the adjustment dial of the K Pro.
- It doesn’t magically give a smaller step size for the 22 micron steps of the K Pro.
Watch the Gawoody rip through light roast espresso below.
Verdict
I do enjoy using the Gawoody with my 1zpresso K Pro. It looks a bit clunky, but it works. I think it also provides an interesting upgrade path for someone who is dipping their toes into the coffee world. If you order it piece by piece, it doesn’t seem like that big of a step. Buy grinder first (for filter and espresso), and if needed, buy motor later (for espresso).