Grinder Anfim: What You Need to Know About This Italian Coffee Grinder Brand

Anfim has been building coffee grinders in Florence, Italy since 1957, and they have earned a serious reputation in the specialty coffee world. If you have spent time in high-end cafes, you have probably seen their grinders behind the counter without even realizing it. They are the kind of brand that professionals trust but most home brewers have never heard of.

I have used several Anfim grinders at coffee events and in shops where I have worked, and I want to share what makes them different from the grinders most people know. Whether you are considering one for a cafe or a serious home setup, this breakdown covers their lineup, build quality, and whether the price tag is justified.

Anfim's History and Reputation

Anfim stands for "Anfim Narducci Firenze Industria Macchine," which tells you they are a Florence-based machine manufacturer. They have been at this for nearly 70 years, and that kind of institutional knowledge shows up in their engineering.

The company was acquired by Hemro Group in 2017, the same Swiss company that owns Mahlkonig. This means Anfim now shares some R&D resources with one of the biggest names in commercial grinding. The result has been a gradual modernization of their lineup while keeping the Italian design DNA intact.

In the specialty coffee community, Anfim sits in the upper tier alongside brands like Mahlkonig, Mazzer, and Mythos. They are not a household name like Baratza, but ask any barista who has worked with commercial equipment and they will know Anfim well.

The Anfim Grinder Lineup

Anfim Super Caimano

The Super Caimano is their flagship on-demand espresso grinder. It uses 75mm flat titanium-coated burrs that produce extremely consistent particle sizes. The dosing mechanism is timer-based, and once dialed in, it holds its settings well throughout a busy service shift.

What I appreciate about the Super Caimano is its low retention. It holds onto very little ground coffee between doses, which means less waste and more consistent shots. For a busy cafe pulling 200 or more shots per day, that consistency adds up.

Anfim SCODY II

The SCODY II is a stepless espresso grinder with a micrometric adjustment system. "Stepless" means there are no clicks between grind settings, so you can make infinitely small adjustments. This level of precision matters when you are dialing in espresso, where a tiny change in grind size can shift your extraction time by several seconds.

The SCODY II also features a clump-crushing system that breaks up any clumps before the grounds hit your portafilter. Clumps cause channeling during extraction, which leads to uneven flavor.

Anfim Best

The Anfim Best is their most popular model for small to medium cafes. It is a solid workhorse grinder with 65mm flat burrs and a simple, reliable design. It does not have all the bells and whistles of the Super Caimano, but it grinds well and holds up to daily commercial use.

For shops looking at the Anfim Best specifically, our Anfim Best on Demand guide covers the on-demand dosing version in detail.

Anfim K2 (KII)

The K2 is Anfim's smaller grinder, designed for lower-volume shops or home use. It uses 54mm flat burrs and has a more compact footprint. While it cannot handle the throughput of the larger models, it produces a quality grind for espresso and is one of the more affordable entry points into the Anfim world.

Build Quality and Engineering

This is where Anfim really separates itself from cheaper commercial grinders. Every model I have used feels solid in a way that is hard to describe until you put your hands on one.

The housings are heavy-gauge aluminum, and the internal components are machined to tight tolerances. The grind adjustment mechanisms feel precise and stay put once set. I have never had an Anfim grinder drift off its setting during service, which is something I cannot say about every commercial brand.

Burr Quality

Anfim uses Italian-made burrs, and their titanium-coated options last significantly longer than standard steel burrs. A set of titanium burrs can handle 800 to 1,200 kilograms of coffee before needing replacement, compared to 400 to 600 kilograms for uncoated steel. For a busy cafe grinding 5 to 10 kilograms per day, that means 6 to 12 months of extra life per set.

Motor Performance

Their motors run cool even during heavy use. I have seen some grinders overheat after 30 minutes of continuous grinding, which heats the beans and affects flavor. Anfim's larger models use motors with thermal protection and cooling fins that prevent this problem.

Anfim vs. Other Commercial Grinder Brands

Anfim vs. Mahlkonig

Now that both brands are under the Hemro Group umbrella, there is more overlap than there used to be. Mahlkonig tends to dominate in the competition circuit and larger commercial settings. Anfim is often preferred in smaller specialty shops that value the Italian craftsmanship and quieter operation. Price-wise, they are similar for comparable models.

Anfim vs. Mazzer

Mazzer is the other major Italian grinder brand. They have a larger lineup and more name recognition, especially in the US market. Anfim grinders tend to have lower retention and a more refined grind adjustment mechanism. Mazzer counters with broader parts availability and a larger service network.

Anfim vs. Home Grinders

If you are considering an Anfim for home use, be honest about whether you need it. The K2 makes sense for a dedicated home espresso setup, especially if you pull 4 or more shots per day. But for 1 to 2 cups of drip or pour over, you are paying for capacity you will never use. A quality home grinder from Baratza or Fellow will serve you better at a fraction of the price.

Is an Anfim Grinder Worth the Investment?

For a commercial setting, absolutely. The build quality, grind consistency, and durability justify the higher price. An Anfim grinder that costs $1,500 and lasts 10 years with regular burr replacements is a better investment than a $600 grinder that needs replacing every 3 years.

For home use, it depends on your commitment level. If espresso is a serious hobby and you pull multiple shots daily, the K2 or a used Anfim Best can be worthwhile. If you are a casual coffee drinker, there are better ways to spend that money.

The used market is worth watching. Because cafes upgrade regularly, you can sometimes find well-maintained Anfim grinders at 40% to 60% off retail. Check with local coffee equipment dealers and online marketplaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Anfim grinders in the US?

Anfim grinders are sold through specialty coffee equipment distributors like Espresso Parts, Seattle Coffee Gear, and Prima Coffee. They are not typically stocked at general retail stores. You can also find them from authorized dealers on Amazon.

How often do Anfim burrs need replacing?

It depends on volume. For a cafe grinding 5 kilograms per day, standard steel burrs last about 6 to 8 months. Titanium-coated burrs last 12 to 18 months under the same use. Home users grinding 30 to 50 grams per day could go 5 years or more before needing new burrs.

Can I use an Anfim grinder for pour over or French press?

Most Anfim grinders are designed primarily for espresso. While some models can grind coarser, their sweet spot is the fine espresso range. If you need a grinder that covers espresso through French press, a multi-purpose grinder would be a better fit.

Are Anfim replacement parts easy to find?

Parts availability has improved since the Hemro Group acquisition. Burrs, adjustment parts, and motors can be ordered through authorized distributors. However, parts for older discontinued models may be harder to source compared to brands like Mazzer, which has a longer US distribution history.

Final Thoughts

Anfim makes some of the best commercial espresso grinders available, with build quality that reflects nearly seven decades of Italian manufacturing experience. They are not the right choice for every coffee drinker, but for specialty cafes and serious home baristas who prioritize grind consistency and long-term durability, they deserve a spot on your shortlist. Start with the K2 for home use or the Best for a small cafe, and move up from there as your needs grow.