Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Coffee Grinder MK4 (Black)

Some things don't need reinventing. The Comandante C40 in Black is the grinder that changed everything, the one that proved a hand grinder could match or exceed the performance of electric mills costing several times more. No fuss, no flash. Just a matte black powder-coated finish that goes with everything, sits quietly on any countertop, and gets on with the job of producing exceptional coffee. When Comandante launched the Nitro Blade burr set in 2015, it revolutionised what serious home brewers and professionals alike expected from manual grinding. Over a decade later, that reputation remains unchallenged.

The C40's success lies in the relentless focus on what actually matters: grind quality. The Nitro Blade burrs are crafted from high-alloyed, high-nitrogen stainless steel with a fine martensitic micro-crystal matrix, sourced from an Alpine region renowned for centuries of steelmaking tradition. Each burr is individually sharpened after hardening, creating cutting edges so precise they slice through beans rather than crushing them. The result is exceptional particle uniformity with minimal fines, whether you're grinding for a light-roasted filter or dialling in a dense, dark espresso. This is the grinder trusted by World Brewers Cup champions, and it's the same one sitting in thousands of kitchens around the world, doing its job morning after morning.

The MK4 generation refines an already exceptional tool. The redesigned engine frame eliminates trapped beans entirely, whilst the inclusion of an unbreakable polymer jar alongside the traditional brown glass offers flexibility for home use and travel. At just over 600g, the C40 is compact enough to take anywhere, robust enough to handle daily use for years, and simple enough that nothing gets between you and your coffee. The solid European oak knob, handmade in Germany's Black Forest, provides the only flourish this grinder needs. Everything else is pure function.

• Burr type: Nitro Blade heptagonal conical burrs (40mm)
• Burr material: High-alloyed, high-nitrogen stainless steel with fine martensitic micro-crystal matrix
• Burr hardness: Approximately 58 Rockwell
• Body material: Stainless steel with matte black powder coating
• Coating type: Baked-on powder coat (not painted)
• Grind adjustment: Stepped click system
• Grind settings: 35+ settings (Turkish to cold brew)
• Throughput: Approximately 1 bean per turn at less than 3Nm torque
• Weight: Approximately 740g
• Dimensions: 150mm (H) x 60mm (D)
• Bean jar capacity: 40g per jar
• Included accessories: 1 x brown glass Bean Jar, 1 x clear polymer Bean Jar, attachable crank, silicone grip band
• Crank knob: 100% natural European oak, handmade in Black Forest
• Axle bearings: 2 x stainless steel micro ball bearings with rubber seals
• Axle and crank: Stainless steel
• Engine frame: Eastman Tritan copolyester (BPA-free)
• Lid material: Urochem 371 (natural-based)
• Certifications: Aluminium-free, BPA-free, food-safe materials throughout
• Grind range: Turkish/espresso (fine) to cold brew (coarse)
• Origin: 100% Made in Germany

Why choose Black over the other colours?

Black is the original Comandante colourway and remains the most popular for good reason. The matte powder-coated finish is understated, hardwearing, and works in any setting. It doesn't show fingerprints or wear as readily as some lighter finishes, making it particularly practical for daily use.

What is the Nitro Blade burr set?

The Nitro Blade is the world's first heptagonal (seven-sided) conical burr designed specifically for specialty coffee. Developed over years of research at Comandante's onsite coffee lab, it uses a patented high-nitrogen stainless steel with individually sharpened cutting edges. The geometry is optimised to deliver excellent throughput with reduced torque and refined particle size distribution.

What brewing methods can I use with the C40 MK4?

The C40 handles virtually any grind size you need. As a starting guide: Turkish coffee sits around 5-8 clicks, espresso 8-12 clicks, moka pot 13-15 clicks, filter/pour-over/AeroPress 20-28 clicks, French press 32-35 clicks, and cold brew around 34 clicks.

How does the click system work?

The grind adjustment dial sits beneath the burrs and features a stepped click mechanism. Each click produces an audible sound and locks into place, preventing accidental adjustment during grinding. This allows you to return to your preferred setting with precision, replicating results time after time.

What's improved in the MK4 compared to earlier versions?

The MK4 features a redesigned engine frame with improved materials, larger capacity, and a modified geometry that virtually eliminates trapped beans. It also includes an unbreakable polymer bean jar alongside the glass one, and comes in sustainable packaging. All parts remain backwards compatible with the MK3.

What's included in the box?

Each C40 MK4 Black comes with one brown glass Bean Jar, one clear polymer Bean Jar, a lid, an attachable crank with oak knob, a silicone grip band, and a comprehensive manual in sustainable packaging.

How portable is the C40?

Very. Weighing just over 600g with a compact footprint, the C40 is designed for life on the move. The polymer bean jar is virtually unbreakable and has heat-insulating properties, so it can double as a drinking cup when you're brewing away from home.

How do I clean the Comandante C40?

Never submerge the grinder in water or put it in the dishwasher. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth when needed. Every two weeks, disassemble the grinder and use a brush to remove residual coffee grounds from the burrs and chamber. Keep track of the small washers during cleaning. The bean jars can be washed with soap and water.

Is the powder coating durable?

Yes. Unlike painted finishes, the black powder coating is baked on at high temperature, making it robust and resistant to chipping and wear. It provides a solid grip during grinding and maintains its appearance through years of regular use.

Where is the Comandante C40 manufactured?

The C40 MK4 is 100% Made in Germany by Comandante's team of craftsmen and women based just outside Munich, Bavaria. The oak crank knobs are handmade in Germany's Black Forest using wood from responsible forestry.