P64 Coffee Grinder: A Deep Look at the Option-O P64

The Option-O P64 is a flat burr grinder that sits in a strange sweet spot. It's too expensive for casual coffee drinkers but too affordable (relatively speaking) to be considered a true commercial-grade unit. At around $1,500-1,800 depending on the burr set, it targets serious home baristas and small-scale coffee professionals who want flat burr performance without spending $3,000+ on a Monolith or EG-1.

I've used the P64 as my daily driver for espresso and filter for several months, and I think it's one of the most interesting grinders on the market right now. It does some things exceptionally well, has a few quirks you should know about, and competes in a price bracket where you have real alternatives. Let me walk you through everything.

Design and Build Quality

The P64 has a distinctive look. The cylindrical body with its vertical orientation makes it tall and narrow, which is either a space-saver or a counter hog depending on your kitchen layout. It stands about 14 inches tall and weighs roughly 15 pounds, so it's not something you'll be moving around casually.

The build is aluminum with a matte finish that resists fingerprints well. Everything feels precisely machined. The bean cup on top holds about 50 grams, which is plenty for single-dosing, and the grounds cup on the bottom catches output cleanly with very little static.

The Alignment System

One of the P64's selling points is its burr alignment system. Option-O uses a proprietary alignment method that ensures the 64mm flat burrs sit perfectly parallel. This matters because even tiny misalignment in flat burrs creates uneven particle distribution. Out of the box, the P64's alignment is typically within a few microns, which is better than most grinders at this price point achieve even after manual alignment by the owner.

The adjustment dial is stepless and has a weighted feel that prevents accidental bumps from shifting your grind setting. I appreciate this more than I expected. My previous grinder had a light adjustment collar that I'd accidentally nudge while cleaning, and then I'd spend the next two shots re-dialing.

Burr Options and Grind Performance

This is where the P64 gets interesting. Option-O offers multiple burr sets, and your choice dramatically changes the grinder's character.

The Cast Burrs (Standard)

The standard cast burrs are designed for versatility. They produce a classic flat burr profile with good clarity and sweetness for both espresso and filter. For espresso, shots tend to be balanced with clear origin character. For pour-over, the cup is clean with good separation of flavors.

These burrs are what most people should start with. They're forgiving across a wide grind range and don't require as much precision in your workflow to produce good results.

The SSP Burr Upgrades

Many P64 owners swap to SSP (Sung Sim Precision) burrs, which come in several varieties. The SSP High Uniformity burrs push the grinder toward ultra-clean filter brewing with extremely uniform particle distribution. The SSP Multi-Purpose burrs offer a middle ground between the cast burrs and the HU set.

The difference between burr sets is not subtle. I noticed it immediately switching from cast to SSP HU burrs. Pour-over cups became noticeably cleaner and brighter, with more defined flavor notes. Espresso became trickier to dial in but rewarded precision with shots that had exceptional clarity.

If you're exploring flat burr grinders in this range, our best coffee grinder roundup covers several options with different burr configurations.

Single-Dosing and Retention

The P64 was designed for single-dosing from the start, and it shows. Retention is very low, typically under 0.3 grams per dose. You weigh your beans, drop them in, grind, and get very close to the same weight out.

There's no bellows or fancy purge system. The grind path is short and steep enough that gravity does most of the work. A quick tap on the side clears any remaining grounds. I usually get 0.1-0.2 grams of retention on a typical 18-gram dose, which is excellent for a flat burr grinder.

Static can be an issue in dry climates. The grounds sometimes cling to the catch cup or spray a bit when exiting the chute. A single spritz of water on the beans before grinding (the Ross Droplet Technique) eliminates this completely. I do this every single time now and it takes about two seconds.

Noise and Speed

The P64 is not a quiet grinder. The 64mm flat burrs spin at a fairly high RPM, and the motor produces a noticeable whine during operation. It's not as loud as a commercial shop grinder, but it's definitely louder than conical burr grinders like the Niche Zero.

Grinding speed is fast. An 18-gram espresso dose takes about 10-12 seconds, and a 30-gram filter dose finishes in around 15-18 seconds. The speed is nice for workflow, but some users prefer slower grinding speeds because they believe it produces less heat and better particle distribution. The P64 doesn't offer RPM adjustment, which is worth noting if this matters to you.

How It Compares to Competitors

P64 vs. DF64

The DF64 is the obvious budget comparison. At roughly half the price, the DF64 with SSP burrs can produce excellent results. The P64 beats it on build quality, alignment consistency, and out-of-box experience. The DF64 often needs modifications (declumper, alignment work, bellows) to reach its potential. If budget is a real concern, check our top coffee grinder picks for options at different price points.

P64 vs. Lagom P64

The Lagom P64 (by Levercraft) is a direct competitor with the same 64mm flat burr size. Both are excellent single-dose flat burr grinders, and choosing between them often comes down to aesthetics and burr preference. The Option-O version tends to have slightly better availability and customer support.

P64 vs. Eureka Oro Mignon Single Dose

The Eureka is less expensive and uses 65mm flat burrs. It's a good grinder but doesn't offer the same level of grind quality or the burr swap flexibility of the P64. The Eureka is better suited for espresso-only users who don't want to fuss with burr upgrades.

FAQ

Is the P64 good for espresso?

Yes, very good. The standard cast burrs produce balanced, clean espresso shots. With SSP burrs, you can push toward ultra-clear, fruity shots that highlight single-origin beans. Dialing in is predictable once you learn the adjustment range for your preferred recipe.

Can the P64 do both espresso and filter?

It can, though switching between espresso and filter grind sizes means re-dialing each time. There's no quick-switch mechanism. If you brew both methods daily, you'll want to mark your espresso and filter settings on the adjustment dial. Some owners keep a small notebook with settings for different beans and methods.

How often do the burrs need replacing?

For home use grinding 30-50 grams per day, the burrs will last for years. The cast burrs are rated for over 500 kg of coffee, and SSP burrs are similarly durable. Commercial settings with higher volume will see faster wear, but for a home user, burr replacement is not something you need to budget for in the near term.

Is the P64 worth the price over a DF64?

If you value a polished out-of-box experience, better build quality, and don't want to spend time modifying your grinder, yes. If you enjoy tinkering and want to save $700+, the DF64 with aftermarket burrs can get you close to P64 performance with more hands-on effort.

Final Thoughts

The Option-O P64 is a grinder for people who know exactly what they want from their coffee and are willing to invest accordingly. It's not the best value proposition on paper, but the combination of precision alignment, swappable burr sets, and thoughtful single-dose design makes it a grinder you can grow with. Start with the cast burrs, learn the grinder, and upgrade to SSP when you're ready for the next level. That progression alone justifies the platform for serious home coffee enthusiasts.