98mm SSP Low Uniformity
Burr details: SSP 98 LU SK. Bought in May 2026, seasoned with 5kg prior to using it.
Grinder(s) used: EK43S, with Titus burr carrier. Aligned with radial alignment tool and deflection gauge (Titus alignment tool), runout of 25 micron.
Preferred flavor profile: I prefer light to ultralight roasts, but also drink beans from UK roasters. Lately been enjoying Scenery, Curve, Killbean, as well as Scandinavian roasters through KaffeBox (as a daily driver).
I lean towards traditional processes, with a preference for East African coffees. However, I’d rather explore and sometimes get disappointed than stick to one roaster or origin.
While I do drink funky coffees every now and then, it’s not something that I enjoy past the novelty aspect.
Usage: I mineralise soft tap water (18GH/8KH). I typically don’t go higher 50GH or 20KH.
My consumption is 30% espresso on Londinium R24 with various baskets (from convex to Sworksdesign billet high flow). Typically long and fast shots.
The rest is pourover, either various V60s (Abaca/Origami filter) or Orea 01 (Origami wave filter). I typically keep it simple. I don’t hesitate being a bit aggressive with agitation and keeping the total brew time under 2m30s.
The LU seems to do really well as a multipurpose burr leaning towards pourover, that I think the naming gives a wrong impression and people tend to avoid it.
Compared to Pietro or 98HU (Red Speed), the 98LU (Silver Knight) is by far my most favourite burr for filter. It provides a good balance between clarity and complexity while having a good finish, without being blendy. It’s like a well composed piece of art, where you can wonder and let your palate focus on different notes. There’s plenty of sweetness and floral notes, too.
Pietro may have an edge on clarity, but the finish is a bit lacking. Meanwhile, HU… I never had a “wow” brew from it, which led me to abandon pourover for years. I’m not sure if it’s due to the grinder (EK43S).
For espresso, I find it a bit underwhelming but will avoid drawing conclusions since I haven’t bothered swapping burrs for the same bean. There’s no issue building pressure even while underdosing Sworksdesign high flow billet basket, but it’s not as punchy as HU. The espressos can be very enjoyable, replicating similar experience as the pourover. Definitely nicer than EKB or 98mm Option-O Mizens.
It feels like the 98LU SK is in the “unobtanium” category. It’s a burr that I am glad I discovered. There’s a growing vocal minority that loves it, but it’s a shame that the 80mm doesn’t have an equivalent, and 102mm blind LU sounds different (although there’s multiple options of it, with different pre-breakers?).
Burr details: 98mm SSP LU Redspeed & Silverknight
Grinder(s) used: P100
Preferred flavor profile: I love acid, juice, everything but sweetness. Favorite roaster: Moonwake, The Picky Chemist, Aviary
Usage: Pourover
Super peaky acidity. Super easy to extract very high. The most tea-like body you can get. Similar to 98mm SSP Brew but with finish/aftertaste. Quintessential SSP filter brewing philosophy - super enthusiast target. Maximum everything. Very intense presentation. Your flaws/brewing/coffee will be exposed and because there's finish pain will linger. Tons of juice out of these burrs. Best with 40/20 water