Turin™ SK40™ Single Dose Stepless Grinder

The Turin SK40 is a new stepless variation of the Turin SD40. It is a well-designed single-dose grinder that uses a tilted base and bellows to minimize retention. It is built with a sturdy aluminum body and features 40mm stainless steel conical burrs with 8 points (same as version 2 of the SD40). In contrast to other grinders within its price range, which often have higher levels of retention and plastic construction, this grinder has minimal retention and is mostly constructed with metal. We are proud to be the exclusive US importer of this product and believe it performs as well or better when compared to grinders like the Niche Zero, Breville Smart grinder, Ascaso grinders, Baratza conical grinders, Fellow grinders, and blade grinders.

It has stepless adjustment that allows for an infinite number of minute settings between the highest and lowest setting. Adjustment is made by turning an adjustment auger, that slowly turns the adjustment collar.

Comes with a wood lid, black metal hopper, black rubber bellows, and a metal dosing cup.

For those interested in the technical details, the grinder measures 6.75 inches in length, 3.75 inches in width, and 12.5 inches in height without the bellows. With the hopper, the height increases to 14 inches. It weighs 5.75 lbs and features a stainless steel dosing cup. The body and base are made of aluminum, with the hopper available in plastic or aluminum, and the bellows made of rubber. Color options for the body include white, black, and polished aluminum, with black or white bellows and polished aluminum, clear plastic, or black metal hoppers. Additionally, lids are available in wood, white, or black. The grinder runs on 110v and 60hz, with a 150-watt motor. The hopper can hold about 40 grams. During grinding the RPM is about 400 rpm. Without beans it is about 650 rpm.

The SK40 is a grinder that can be used for a range of coffee from espresso to French Press, but due to stepless adjustment, it is not as easy to switch between grind sizes when compared to the Turin SD40 V2.

Grinders are tested at the factory with coffee to ensure proper alignment, so there can be minimal signs of coffee in the burrs. 

Turin SK40 Grinder FAQs

Below is a list of frequently asked questions about the Turin SK40 coffee grinder, compiled from user inquiries in online forums, reviews, and discussions. These cover features, performance, maintenance, comparisons, troubleshooting, and niche aspects to provide insights for potential and current users.

1. What is the Turin SK40 grinder?
   The Turin SK40 is a compact, single-dose stepless conical burr grinder with 40mm stainless steel burrs, designed for home use. It features low retention via a tilted base and bellows, an aluminum body, and is suitable for espresso to French press brewing, though best for dedicated espresso due to stepless adjustment.
2. What are the key features of the Turin SK40?
   Key features include 40mm conical burrs, stepless adjustment for precise grinding, low retention bellows, a 150W motor, aluminum construction, and accessories like a wood lid, metal hopper, rubber bellows, and dosing cup. It's compact and quiet for home setups.
3. How does the Turin SK40 compare to the SD40?
   The SK40 is a stepless version of the SD40, with infinite adjustments via an auger, while the SD40 is stepped. Both share 40mm burrs and low retention, but the SK40 is better for fine-tuning espresso, though slower for grind size switches.
4. What burrs does the Turin SK40 use?
   It uses 40mm stainless steel conical burrs with 8 points, upgraded for better performance. They're suitable for espresso clarity and body, and factory-tested with coffee, so new units may have residue.
5. Is the Turin SK40 good for single dosing?
   Yes, it's designed for single dosing with low retention (under 0.5g typically), bellows for purging, and a 40g hopper capacity, making it efficient for small batches like 18g espresso doses.
6. What grind settings should I start with for espresso on the Turin SK40?
   Start around setting 7-9 for medium roast espresso (adjust with motor running). Finer (below 7) for dark roasts, coarser (9-12) for lights. Aim for 18g in/36g out in 25-30 seconds; stepless allows micro-adjustments.
7. How do I clean and maintain the Turin SK40?
   Daily: Brush the chute and pump bellows. Monthly: Disassemble burrs, vacuum internals, avoid water on electronics. Regular cleaning prevents clogging, especially with oily beans.
8. Can the Turin SK40 grind for both espresso and pour-over?
   Yes, its grind range covers espresso to French press, but stepless adjustment makes switching sizes tedious. It's best for dedicated espresso; for frequent changes, consider the SD40S.
9. How does the Turin SK40 reduce static?
   Static is minimal due to design, but use RDT (a couple water drops on beans) in dry conditions. The bellows and tilted chute help expel grounds without mess; some users report less static than plastic grinders.
10. Why does grinder arrive with signs of coffee in it?
    Units arrive with coffee residue from factory testing; this is an important part of the QC process and it is very difficult to remove all signs of coffee. Getting a grinder with signs of coffee does not mean it was a used or returned unit.
11. How loud is the Turin SK40 during operation?
    It's quieter than many entry-level grinders (e.g., Baratza Encore), thanks to its 150W motor at ~400-650 RPM. Users describe it as tolerable for home use, with short grind times (10-15 seconds for 18g).
12. Is the Turin SK40 suitable for beginners?
    Yes, its simple operation, low retention, and affordability make it beginner-friendly. Stepless adjustment requires practice for dialing in, but it's praised for consistent results and ease of use.
13. How does the Turin SK40 compare to the Fellow Opus?
    The SK40 has better low retention and metal build vs. Opus's plastic; it's quieter and stepless for espresso precision. In our opinion SK40 wins on value for espresso-focused users.
14. What is the build quality of the Turin SK40?
    It has a sturdy aluminum body with minimal plastic, offering durability over plastic competitors..
15. Can I upgrade the burrs in the Turin SK40?
    Burr upgrades are limited due to its 40mm conical design; stock burrs are sufficient for home use. Some users have explored aftermarket options, but we don’t have any we know well enough to recommend or not. .
16. How long does it take to grind a single dose with the Turin SK40?
    Grinding 18g takes about 10-15 seconds, depending on bean density. It's efficient for single doses, with the motor handling light roasts well without stalling.
17. What is the warranty on the Turin SK40?
    It comes with a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects. Coverage excludes user damage; mods may void it.
18. Can the Turin SK40 grind for Turkish coffee?
    It can achieve fine grinds for Turkish (~100-150 microns), but prolonged ultra-fine use may cause clogging or motor strain. Adjust carefully and clean after.
19. How do I adjust the grind on the Turin SK40?
    Use the stepless auger collar: turn adjustment motor running to avoid damage. It's precise but slow for large changes.
20. Is the Turin SK40 suitable for light roast coffees?
    Yes, conical burrs provide body for light roasts, good for pour-over. For espresso, start coarser and use RDT to handle density; it emphasizes clarity.
21. How does the Turin SK40 handle oily beans?
    It handles oily beans, but they may cause clumping or chute buildup. Use RDT and clean frequently; conical burrs manage better than flats for dark roasts.
22. Is the Turin SK40 compatible with portafilter dosing?
    No, best to grind into dosing cup and transfer to portafilter.
23. How does the Turin SK40 perform with dark roasts?
    Excellent for dark roasts, providing bold body and traditional espresso flavors. Use finer settings and WDT for even extraction; minimal retention preserves flavors.
24. What is the power requirement for the Turin SK40?
    It operates at 110V, 150W, suitable for U.S. outlets. International users may need a transformer for 220V compatibility.
25. Why does my Turin SK40 produce inconsistent grinds?
    Inconsistency may come from buildup, or static. Clean thoroughly, and season with 5kg coffee; new units improve over time.
26. How does the Turin SK40 compare to the Baratza Encore ESP?
    The SK40 has lower retention, stepless adjustment, and metal build vs. Encore's plastic and stepped settings.
27. What should I do if my Turin SK40 clogs?
    Clear clogs by disassembling and brushing the chute. Prevent by avoiding ultra-fine for long, using RDT for oily beans, and adjusting with motor on.
28. How often should I clean the Turin SK40?
    Clean daily after use with a brush; deep clean weekly for heavy use or monthly otherwise. This maintains consistency and prevents buildup.
29. Does the Turin SK40 have low retention?
    Yes, under 0.1-0.5g typically, thanks to bellows and tilted design. Pump bellows 5-10 times post-grind to expel residue; better than many in its price range.
30. Is the Turin SK40 a good budget grinder around $200?
    Yes, it's highly valued for consistency, build, and espresso performance, outperforming many like Breville or Baratza in retention and precision.
31. How compact is the Turin SK40 for small kitchens?
    Very compact at 6.75" L x 3.75" W x 14" H with hopper, weighing 5.75 lbs. It's ideal for limited counter space and easy to store.
32. How does the Turin SK40 handle high-altitude beans?
    It manages dense beans well, but light roasts may need coarser settings. Use RDT to reduce static; conical burrs help with consistency.
33. Does the Turin SK40 have a timer or is it manual?
    It's manual with an on/off switch; no timer. This suits single dosing, but requires monitoring grind time.
34. How often should I replace the burrs on the Turin SK40?
    For home use, burrs last 300-500kg (2-4 years). Replace if grinds inconsistency increases; stock burrs are durable.
35. What is the purpose of the bellows on the Turin SK40?
    To expel residual grounds, minimizing retention. Pump 5-10 times after grinding for clean transitions.
36. Can the Turin SK40 be used commercially?
    It's for home use; may overheat in high-volume. Suitable for light use (<20 doses/day), but not ideal vs. commercial models.
37. How does the Turin SK40 handle bean-to-bean transitions?
    Low retention allows quick switches; purge a couple grams of new beans and pump bellows to minimize cross-flavors.
38. How does the Turin SK40 perform with medium roasts?
    Well-balanced for medium roasts, offering body and clarity. Start mid-settings for espresso; use WDT for evenness.
39. What is the hopper capacity of the Turin SK40?
    About 40g, ideal for single dosing. Refill for larger batches.