Comandante C40 Nitro Blade Coffee Grinder MK4 (Liquid Amber)

When Comandante's craftsmen slice timber into fine sheets of veneer, something remarkable happens. The wood reveals itself, layer by layer, exposing grain patterns that were hidden inside the tree for decades. Each piece tells a different story. The Liquid Amber finish showcases walnut veneer at its most luminous, with warm honey and amber tones that shift and glow depending on how the light catches the surface. It's the kind of wood you want to pick up and hold, to run your thumb across before you've even thought about grinding coffee.

This is one of Comandante's Premium Wood models, and the process behind it is decidedly hands-on. Trees are responsibly sourced from local partners, and only the most beautiful pieces make the cut. The veneer is carefully laminated onto the stainless steel body by hand, then meticulously sanded and polished with natural hard wax oil. This finishing process is repeated multiple times to achieve that smooth, lustrous surface. It's particularly challenging work with hardwoods, but Comandante consider it non-negotiable. The result is a grinder you experience with your eyes, your hands, and even your ears as you grind. The combination of steel's robustness and wood's organic warmth has been at the heart of Comandante's design philosophy from the very beginning.

Beneath that handcrafted exterior sits the legendary Nitro Blade burr set, unchanged because it didn't need improving. The high-nitrogen stainless steel burrs deliver the same exceptional particle uniformity that has made the C40 the trusted choice of World Brewers Cup champions and discerning home brewers worldwide. The MK4 generation adds practical refinements like a redesigned engine frame that eliminates trapped beans, and an unbreakable polymer jar for travel. But the Liquid Amber is really about the ritual: the weight of it in your hand, the warmth of the wood, the satisfying click of the grind adjustment, and the knowledge that no other grinder looks quite like yours.

• Burr type: Nitro Blade heptagonal conical burrs (40mm)
• Burr material: High-alloyed, high-nitrogen stainless steel with fine martensitic micro-crystal matrix
• Body material: Stainless steel with Liquid Amber walnut veneer
• Wood finish: Natural hard wax oil (food-safe, multiple coats, hand-polished)
• 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
• 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

What wood is used for the Liquid Amber finish?

Liquid Amber features a walnut veneer, known for its rich, warm tones that range from honey gold to deeper amber hues. The veneer is responsibly sourced from Comandante's local partners and hand-selected for its grain patterns before being carefully laminated onto the stainless steel body.

Why does my grinder look different from the photos?

Each Liquid Amber grinder is genuinely unique. Because the veneer is cut from natural wood, the structure and tone of colour will vary from piece to piece. This isn't a flaw; it's the whole point. Comandante's craftsmen select each piece of veneer individually, ensuring every grinder showcases the natural beauty of the wood.

How do I care for the wood veneer?

Comandante offers a Wood Care Balm specifically for their Premium Wood models. Regular application will help maintain the lustre and protect the veneer. Keep the wooden surface dry and avoid submerging the grinder in water. A soft, slightly damp cloth can be used for cleaning, and treat the wood as you would any quality wooden item in your home.

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. Crafted from high-nitrogen stainless steel with a fine martensitic micro-crystal matrix, these burrs feature individually sharpened cutting edges that slice through beans rather than crushing them. The result is exceptional particle uniformity across all grind settings.

What brewing methods can I use with the C40 MK4?

The C40 covers the full range of grind sizes. 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 35 clicks.

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

The MK4 features a redesigned engine frame that eliminates trapped beans entirely, and includes an unbreakable polymer bean jar alongside the traditional brown glass. The packaging has also been updated with improved protection and sustainable materials. All parts remain backwards compatible with the MK3.

What's included in the box?

Each C40 MK4 Liquid Amber comes with one brown glass Bean Jar, one clear polymer Bean Jar, an attachable crank with oak knob, and a comprehensive manual in sustainable, recyclable packaging.

How does the tactile experience differ from the powder-coated models?

The wood veneer offers a distinctly warmer, more organic feel compared to the powder-coated finishes. Comandante specifically note that the tactile experience is crucial to the Premium Wood models, and describe it as a difference you can see, feel, and even hear whilst grinding. The natural hard wax oil finish gives a smooth, satiny surface that's pleasant to hold.

How do I clean the Comandante C40?

Never submerge the grinder in water or put it in the dishwasher. Keep the wooden veneer dry; a soft, damp cloth can be used sparingly. Every two weeks, disassemble the grinder and use a brush to remove residual coffee grounds from the burrs and chamber. The bean jars can be washed with soap and water.

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, and the wood veneers are hand-laminated, sanded, and polished by Comandante's own team.