Support & FAQs

Everything you need to get you up and running as soon as possible in one place

Everything you need to know to 
get the perfect cup.

FAQ / Documentation / Contact

Video Resources

Quick set-up guide

Quick set-up guide

What’s Included w/ Your Z1

What’s Included w/ Your Z1

Workflow Overview

Workflow Overview

Installing & Swapping Blind Burrs

Installing & Swapping Blind Burrs

Swapping Prebreaker & Auger

Swapping Prebreaker & Auger

FAQs

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Purchasing

How do I purchase a Z1?

The Z1 is available for preorder via our waitlist – More information about our waitlist and preorder process, visit our waitlist page **here**

Where do I find more information about the waitlist?

Here is a page with waitlist details and a link to join.

When is the next purchasing event?

We have not announced our next purchasing event, however we typically host them 1-2x per quarter, eligible for everyone who joins our waitlist.

How much does the Z1 cost?

Pricing during our most recent preorder event starts at $1,349 before taxes and shipping. We announce pricing before each purchasing event, however you can expect future pricing to be in a similar range.

What features are standard, and what components are optional add ons?

Standard Z1 grinder components include:
- Medium Feed Auger w/ Teeth
- Wood Accent piece
- Burr Set Selection
- Single Piece Anodized Chute
- Dosing Cup



Optional Add Ons:
- Funnel Cap
- Slow Feed Auger
- Pelican Style Hard Case
- Magnetic Portafilter Holder

Are updated components retrofittable?

Yes! We designed the Z1 with modularity in mind, making it easy to upgrade and improve the performance of your grinder over time.

When will I receive my Z1?

Current lead times are 4-5 months after purchase, but are subject to change. You will receive regular production updates throughout your grinder's production lifecycle.

How do I pay taxes, import duties and VAT?

Import duties and taxes (including VAT) may apply for international shipments and are not included in the price, and are collected at the time of delivery. For more information, contact your local customs office.

Can I make changes to my order while it is in production?

Yes! You can make changes and additions to your order throughout your grinder’s production cycle. You will receive a deadline for changes a few weeks prior to the dispatch of your order. Here is a blog with more information about how to make additions and changes.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Financing available via Shop Pay.

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Logistics

What are normal shipping times?

Domestic US shipping is completed via UPS and typically arrives within 3-5 business days. International shipping typically arrives within 14-21 business days of dispatch, but often arrives within 5-7 business days. In some situations we may use another trusted shipping partner.

Where do you ship?

We ship to select countries worldwide, and are actively expanding our global reach to include more countries. For questions about the countries we ship, please contact info@zerno.co. In some cases, we can make custom accommodations based on the availability of our shipping partner.

What happens if I am not home or unable to receive my delivery?

Signature is required at the time of delivery. If you are unable to receive your package,
our shipping partner will attempt delivery 3 times before returning to Zerno HQ.

If a package is successfully delivered but REFUSED at the time of delivery, the end customer is responsible for any shipping, brokerage or VAT fees resulting from the refusal. This will be deducted from the customer’s refund after processing.

How can I track my order?

You will receive tracking information via email prior to dispatch. Updates can take up to 12 hours to initiate.

Is shipping included in the costI

Shipping is not included in the Z1 base price. Shipping in the US starts at $50, and varies depending on location.

Contact our team at info@zerno.co for shipping to your specific location.

Can I change my shipping details?

You can update your shipping and contact information in of your order details inside of your Zerno account. For instructions on updating the information in your Zerno account, click here.

UPS My Choice allows you to update delivery details or request a hold while your grinder is in transit.

Can I place a hold on the delivery of my Z1?

If you have an upcoming Z1 delivery and are traveling out of town or will be unable to accept your package, you can place a hold directly with our shipping partner by setting up a UPS My Choice Account. Here are additional instructions for placing a hold.

What happens if my grinder is damaged during transit?

Signature is required at the time of delivery which includes insurance for your package. Any shipping damage should be reported within 14 business days by contacting info@zerno.co.

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Troubleshooting

How do I set my zero point?

Your Z1 arrived with a set zero point and ready to use. Zeroing the dial will need to be performed in the event of a burr swap as different burr sets have different dimensions. To set the zero point, start by removing the wood accent piece from your front assembly before turning the grinder switch on and loosening the knob by 1-2 full turns. Then begin tightening the knob until you hear the first burr chirp and promptly turn the grinder switch off. Please note that running your grinder for a prolonged amount of time while the burrs are touching can wear out the burrs and cause damage to your Z1. Using your screwdriver, hold the knob with one hand and loosen the center screw – 1-2 full turns should be sufficient. Do not remove the screw. The micron dial, located behind the knob, should now move freely and independently of the adjustment knob. Set the dial to 0 with one hand while holding the knob with the other before tightening the center screw until snug(but not overtightened). Finally, replace the wood insert.  See the ‘blind burr install’ video in the Zerno video library for visual instructions and more detailed information.

How do I ensure my burrs are correctly aligned?

We recommend using the standard marker test to ensure alignment – Use dry erase marker to mark a ring around both burrs before turning the grinder on and lowering grind setting until you hear the burrs chirp. A correctly aligned grinder will show equal wear across the entire surface.

False chirp phenomenon

Sometimes grind accumulation on the surface of the burrs can cause a false chirp phenomenon that produces a sound that mimics burrs touching in addition to notable dial resistance when attempting to make a grind adjustment. This phenomenon is most noticeable in burr sets that have polishing flats, such as the SSP HU blind burrs. See the ‘false chirp phenomenon‘ video below for more information and visual instructions.

Do you calibrate the Z1 based on first chirp or burr lock?

For safety, we calibrate based on first chirp.

How do you swap between burr sets?

Our innovative blind burr design allows for easy swapping of burrs using our magnetic burr pull tool. After using the burr pull tool to remove the previously installed burr set, it is important to use a cleaning brush included with your Z1 to remove any leftover grounds before installing the new burr set.

When installing traditional burrs, remove the 3 screws from behind the burr carrier to allow the new traditional burr set screws for installation. Older versions of the Z1 use set screws to secure the blind burrs into the burr carrier. Z1 models delivered after July 2024 include upgraded burr carrier magnets, and no longer require the use of set screws. For more detailed instructions, watch the ‘blind burr install’ video below

How do you swap the auger?

Use the screwdriver included with your Z1 to remove the two front assembly screws. After removing, pull out the prebreaker assembly and remove the 3 screws located on the back face of the assembly to remove the prebreaker. After swapping, replace the 3 screws and put the prebreaker assembly back in the grinder before returning the front assembly to its original position. See our ‘auger replacement’ video below for more detailed visual instructions.

What should I do if my grinder is making unusual noises?

In the event of a stall, or anything else related to the performance of your grinder, contact us at info@zerno.co and we will work with you to diagnose and resolve the issue.

How much retention is expected?

It is normal to experience 0.1 - 0.2g with retention on any given grind. To remove any leftover grounds from your chute, firmly tap the top of the grinder funnel using the palm of your hand.

Note: You should not need to remove the chute, and we do not recommend using the chute as a knocker to remove grounds as it can scratch or damage the chute and dosing cup.

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Product Information & Specs

What kind of motor is installed on my Z1?

  • 300W
  • 100-120V & 220-240V
  • 900RPM

What Components Come With My Z1?

  • Standard Funnel
  • Medium Feed Auger w/ Teeth
  • Single Piece Chute
  • Wood Accent Piece
  • Magnetic Dosing Cup

Where is the Z1 Built?

Every Zerno Z1 grinder is made in Chicago using:

  • Machined aircraft - grade aluminum
  • Stainless steel
  • Solid wood
  • Free of non-renewable materials

What are the grinder dimensions?

  • Height: 270mm | 10.6in
  • Length: 300mm | 11.8in
  • Width: 130mm | 5.1in
  • Weight: 6.5kg | 14.3lb
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Warranty, Refunds & Cancellations

Do you offer a warranty?

All Zerno products come with a 1 year limited warranty that covers all manufacturing defects. We make exceptional products, and stand by their quality. If something goes wrong, our support team is on standby to troubleshoot and resolve every issue.

How do I cancel my order?

Orders may be canceled prior to dispatch and are subject to a 3% fee deducted by our payment processor. If your order has been dispatched, please refer to our return policy. To initiate an order cancel, contact our support team at info@zerno.co.

To avoid incurring the 3% fee, you can opt to convert your refund into store credit in the full amount of your order.

What is your return policy?

To initiate a return, submit a request within 7 days of receipt. The item must be returned to Zerno in all original packaging and in an unused condition. Requests should be made by email at info@zerno.co. Return shipping will be the responsibility of the customer and we recommend using an insured and trackable service. Refunds will include the full value of the goods returned minus shipping and processing fees.

Can I transfer my order to someone else?

Preorders and waitlist positions are non-transferrable.

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Maintenance and Usage

Are there any maintenance tips for prolonging the life of my grinder?

We recommend grinder disassembly every ~50 uses, or as needed – This includes brushing the burr carrier to remove loose grounds, reseating burrs, and resetting your zero point. We recommend hand-washing all accessories and grinder components – This protects the integrity of the materials, especially magnetic components.

How do I minimize retention?

Minimize retention by using the palm of your hand to tap the top of the funnel. Here is a video that shows the process

How do I calibrate the zero point for my grinder?

Your Z1 arrived with a set zero point and ready to use. Zeroing the dial will need to be performed in the event of a burr swap as different burr sets have different dimensions.

To set the zero point, start by removing the wood accent piece from your front assembly before turning the grinder switch on and loosening the knob by 1-2 full turns. Then begin tightening the knob until you hear the first burr chirp and promptly turn the grinder switch off. Please note that running your grinder for a prolonged amount of time while the burrs are touching can wear out the burrs and cause damage to your Z1.

Using the 2.5mm screwdriver, hold the knob with one hand and loosen the center screw – 1-2 full turns should be sufficient. Do not remove the screw. The micron dial, located behind the knob, should now move freely and independently of the adjustment knob.

Set the dial to 0 with one hand while holding the knob with the other before tightening the center screw until snug(but not overtightened).

Finally, replace the wood insert.

See 18:25 of this tutorial video for visual instructions.

How do I clean the grinder?

Cleaning is best done by removing the internal components of the grind chamber before using the brush that is included in your order. Removable components include the front assembly, burrs, prebreaker, chute and funnel.

During reassembly, it is important to push the prebreaker fully back into the grind shaft while making sure that the prebreaker key is engaged – When done correctly, you should feel a spring action providing resistance.

How do I adjust my grind settings?

As a general best practice, we recommend making adjustments while the grinder is running to ensure no particles are caught between the burrs while adjusting. You may hear short chirps while adjusting – see the ‘false chirp phenomenon’ portion of the troubleshooting section for more info. When making adjustments, we recommend starting at a higher grind level before dialing in smaller as grinding too fine may make for more difficult clean-up.

Recommended grind settings:
Espresso – 200um
Pourover – 600um

About Zerno

We are a small team of engineers and designers based in Chicago, Illinois. What started as a passion project by our Founders, Vel & Eric, has grown into a global effort to build an endgame grinder that meets the standards of the coffee community.

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