I’ve been posting a lot of single dosing espresso grinder content lately, so it only seemed fitting that the first two items in this month’s roundup are new to the market single dosing options.

Niche Zero Grinder

Just starting delivery, the Nice Zero is appropriately named, trying to bring a zero retention grinder to the single dosing crowd. The grinder is currently available for purchase via a UK crowd funding site at approximately $600 USD, featuring 63mm conical burrs and near zero retention. It looks like this hits just about everything the home single-doser could want: near zero retention, quiet, small footprint, able to accommodate filter to espresso, etc. I particularly like the household friendly size and form factor, and they market how quiet and easy to use it is. It will be interesting to hear feedback from the early adopters and see if this one delivers, as it could really be a great option in between entry level and the $2500+ crowd.

Helor Stance Motor Grinder

Originally a high end hand grinder manufacturer, Helor has just come to the table with a motorized version of their top tier grinder, the Stance. Turning the large 83mm Mazzer conical burrs at an extremely slow (claimed) 90rpm, the grinder is aimed to not impart any heat on the coffee in the grinding process while increasing torque for the hardest light roasts. Claimed retention at less than .1 grams, and a sleek and minimal form factor should make this a very interesting new player in the game. Priced at $1,975, the Helor Stance Motor is starting to appear in user’s homes and will be another option to keep a close eye on. The massive 83mm burrs should provide great consistency, and the unconventionally slow grinding speed will be sure spark a lot of conversation and debate.

Caudabe Veil XT iPhone XS Case

My iPhone 6 was starting to really struggle, so I recently upgraded to an iPhone XS. I purchased it through Apple’s upgrade program, which includes Apple Care + so, I originally was thinking I didn’t need a case. However, the glass back of these phones makes it fairly slippery if your hands are dry, and the glass back is also more prone to cracking. In search of a reputable, thin, and easy to hold case, I came across Caudabe on some of the really techy Apple forums. I have never heard of this company, but the seem to be highly regarded by those in the know, and I particularly liked that it has a raised lip around the rear camera so the phone isn’t resting on the camera when set down face up. Because the rear camera protrudes, the phone also tended to rock on a flat surface when face up, and this helps stabilize that somewhat.

The case is extremely thin, fits perfectly, and adds a nice textured matte layer of grip. The side buttons and the mute function are slightly harder to access, but that’s kind of a good thing too so they are not as exposed and vulnerable to unintentional pressings. $19.95 through Amazon Prime here.

Kenotek Showroom Shine

I feel like I’ve been using Griot’s Garage Speed Shine my entire life, having grown up with my Dad mail ordering car care and detailing products from Griot’s. Speed Shine was my go to detailing spray and quick cleaner for nearly anything forever, but it may have just been demoted to clean up and clay lube only. Living in Arizona, there are long periods throughout the year where you can get away with not washing your car because it doesn’t rain, and it never really gets very dirty. It does however get dusty, and that’s how this detailer got my attention, its anti-static properties. Sporting nano particle technology, Showroom Shine is really living up to its claim as I’m noticing less dust buildup on my car. Use is pretty much like any other detail spray, the nozzle is kind of trick, and unlike any I’ve seen before, and it’s great for broadcasting an area, but I do find it can be a bit difficult to control overspray unless you use short spurts. Anyways, it smells great and goes on very light and fine, but wipes off leaving the feeling you just waxed the car. The paint is extremely slippery, and the gloss and depth I’m getting is also better than I’m used to with the Speed Shine.

I’m really enjoying this detail spray since it’s keeping my car cleaner longer, and the paint looks even wetter, richer, and deeper than before. In between washings, I’ve been using Speed Shine to remove any sap, bird droppings, or overall grime, and then finishing with the Showroom shine for the anti-static protection. I also like using it on the hood and roof of my wife’s 4Runner, since they’re so flat and tend to just build up dust like a shelf. Showroom Shine seems to be doing a nice job of reducing that dust build up on the large horizontal hood. I got turned onto this detailer by the excellent guys at Detailer’s Domain, and you can purchase it through them, or it is available on Amazon for $21.99 for a 33.8 oz bottle here.