It works but it’s a little jank. That’s it, that’s the title.
This is Flair Power Tower. A $200 device designed specifically to add an electric motorized element to the Flair Royal hand grinder, but does offer compatibility for select 3rd party grinders including the 1Zpresso J-ultra which I have here, with a $20 add-on.
In this video I’m going to go over my thoughts on this device, whether or not I think it's worth it, and hopefully help you make an informed purchasing decision if you’re in the market for this product.
I have done paid work with Flair a few years ago on different products and campaigns and Flair did send these products to me for review including the Power Tower, Royal Hand Grinder, and the 1Zpresso J-ultra, however I am not being paid or have any affiliate links with them for these products; they have no say in what goes into this review, and all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
This review won’t necessarily cover the 2 hand grinders I have here in-depth, but will be more so a focus on the Power Tower itself.
The Power Tower is an odd little device. I understand the intent behind certain components, but the way it’s been executed just leaves a little bit to be desired. The grinder itself comprises a mostly plastic build quality all around, from the detachable funnel, motor shaft, base, and even components like the funnel collar and this little tray under the dosing cup.
Despite that, the motor contributes a significant amount of heft to the overall device which gives the product a more premium feel, despite the large use of plastic parts.
On the back of the Power Tower you have a fairly standard on/off switch, and on the right side you have the barrel jack charging port for the internal battery because yes, the Power Tower can also be used completely standalone with an advertised one-hour of continuous grinding.
The collar for the grinder itself is again plastic, and if there had to be any metal components here, I do wish it were this piece since there is a good amount of stress placed in addition to the vibrations from grinding.
It’s fairly straightforward to install the Royal hand grinder, although a little more challenging when it comes to assembling a 3rd party grinder. There weren't clear instructions available and was even told that the various silicone sleeves from the thin, thick, or not using at all, will need to be tested between the different 3rd party grinders available.
For the 1Zpresso J-Ultra, I found using the included thick silicone band the ideal solution, however it wasn’t without significantly more effort involved in getting it connected to this device. While it does work, the installation process leaves room for improvement.
The bottom of the device has a little sliding plastic tray, presumably acting as a catch tray for coffee grounds that make it outside the included dosing cup. Although I didn’t find the need for this too necessary since the device itself is small and lightweight enough that you could just lift the entire thing up to brush out any grounds.
On top of that is an included metal dosing cup. It has a little divot to sit centered with the plastic tray so it’s always aligned under the grinder.
I also found you could sort of friction fit it under the Royal hand grinder itself to reduce chaff, although if it’s not a secure fit it could loosen, fall, and cause a mess.
I will say the overall form factor of the device is super sleek. It’s not much wider than the hand grinder itself and takes up minimal room on a countertop, and is small enough to easily store away when not in use. The sculpted design looks great and the front profile is especially sleek looking.
The one thing I absolutely do not like about the Power Tower’s design, is this awful plastic funnel designed to make it easier to pour beans into. It kind of works, kind of doesn’t? I found using this funnel largely does help funnel beans in the right direction but the super odd method of attaching it and the gaps left major room for improvement or should be redesigned altogether.
Generally speaking, the build quality is ok. It’s got a bit more plastic than I would have liked, but I don’t necessarily see these components causing issues over time. Build quality aside, using the product is an actually much more enjoyable, albeit loud, experience.
Using both the Flair Royal and 1Zpresso grinders on espresso-fine grind settings, I had absolutely no problems with stalling even with some very lightly roasted beans. It does take quite long and is quite loud, and here’s a sample of what that both looks and sounds like.
In the words of my fiance, no grinder sounds particularly good, but this one sounds extraordinarily bad.
Adjusting grind size is still possible by simply lifting and turning the adjustment ring for the Royal, and same on the 1Z presso. The 1Z presso also has a magnetized catch cup which offers a much more streamlined solution opposed to the Royal’s friction fit design.
And before getting into my conclusion of this product, be sure to drop a like if you’ve enjoyed this video so far or found it helpful, and subscribe if you haven’t already for future coffee-centric content and reviews.
CONCLUSION
There aren’t a ton of products in this category just yet, whether it’s as a result of lack of interest or complexity of accommodating multiple grinders. That being said, I have had experiences with 2 other similar-ish products.
The Skope motorizer for the Comandante by Madkat, which I did a product showcase of, and the Goat Story Arco which I used for some time but never got around to reviewing. Of these various products, the Goat Story Arco is the best integrated though was designed to do so from the ground up, however it has no wireless capability.
The Power Tower and Skope both are products designed after release of the grinders. I think the Skope had an easier mounting solution with a collar that locked into the Motor shaft, although does require a hex bit to remove. The Power Tower does better in being a largely tool-less installation process but suffers at ease of use.
The Power Tower is also the cheapest of the group at $200 and offers flexibility for 3rd party grinders, specifically the 1Z presso grinders, and is also the only one that works on battery.
And for that $200 I think you’re getting a fair deal. The Power Tower, while a little jank, does indeed do what it was designed to do.
Budgeting in the 3rd party adapter kit, and a $150-200 hand grinder, this entire package comes in at around $400, about on-par with one of the most popular home grinders, the DF64.
For that amount, you’re getting a fair value proposition. A well-built and good performing hand grinder with a motorizing element that works well and is even portable with a battery.
So, if that’s what you’re looking for - this might be the right product for you. Anyway that’s my take on the Flair Power Tower. I hope you enjoyed this review, if you have any experience with this product feel free to let me know in the comment section down below, and I’ll see you in the next one.
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