Titus Grinding: Complete Models, History and Alternatives
Updated September 2026. Titus Grinding is a tiny German workshop led by Frank Durra and known for hand-built, highly customized grinders, precision finishes and Mahlkönig EK43 alignment tools. Its grinders are not conventional stocked appliances: the core families are the Titus hybrid grinder, Nautilus and Nimbus, with configurations changing through direct consultation. This guide distinguishes verified history from owner-reported current details and compares each platform with grinders at Espresso Outlet.
Disclosure: Espresso Outlet does not sell Titus Grinding. Because Titus produces in very small numbers and its official site is sparse, obtain a current written quotation and specification directly from the maker before purchase.
Titus Grinding history
Titus Grinding grew from Frank Durra’s work modifying and aligning commercial grinders, especially the Mahlkönig EK43. The brand developed tools, portafilter holders, dosing accessories and precision alignment services before and alongside its own grinders. Its first complete grinder appeared in 2014, using a horizontal hybrid conical-and-flat grinding system. The Nautilus followed publicly in 2020 as a vertically oriented 98 mm flat-burr machine.
The workshop’s identity is local German machining, hand assembly and deep customization rather than high volume. Daily Coffee News reported that most parts were made near the Aachen workshop, apart from burrs, motor and electronics. The current official website identifies Titus by Durra & Liepertz and lists direct contact in Stolberg, Germany.
Complete Titus grinder model families
| Model | Grinding system | Documented role |
|---|---|---|
| Titus / Hybrid 68 / DRM | Approximately 68 mm hybrid conical-flat | Original flagship, introduced 2014 |
| Nautilus | 98 mm vertically oriented flat burrs | Large-flat brew or espresso configurations |
| Nimbus | 75 or 80 mm flat burr configurations with pre-breaker reported | Newer compact large-flat family |
Descriptions such as DLC, nickel, plated, Red Speed, Damascus, short, tall, ceiling-mounted and different burr geometries are configurations or finishes, not automatically separate model families. Titus’s own recent social profile references Nautilus brew, 75 mm Nimbus, 98 mm Nautilus and Titus DRM, supporting these three core families.
The original Titus Hybrid 68
The original Titus grinder uses a roughly 68 mm hybrid system that combines conical pre-breaking with flat finishing surfaces, often described as DRM. It is built horizontally in a heavy machined body with an external power supply, variable speed and extensive finish options. Contemporary reporting identifies it as the first major Titus product and dates its release to 2014.
Owner-supplied 2025 details describe approximately 190–565 RPM, a Grade 5 titanium shaft, locking adjustment intended to preserve parallelism, and about 18 kilograms of mass. Those figures are useful but should be treated as configuration-specific, not universal manufacturer specifications. Ask Frank Durra for the exact current build sheet.
This model appeals to espresso-focused buyers who deliberately want a staged hybrid grind and a functional sculpture. It is the least comparable to a standard mass-market flat burr; flavor assumptions should be tested rather than inferred from “68 mm.”
Titus Nautilus
The Nautilus was unveiled publicly in 2020 with 98 mm vertically mounted SSP flat burrs, an external power supply and variable RPM. Early buyers could choose high-uniformity espresso burrs or a geometry intended to recreate pre-2015 EK43 brew burrs. The grinder was offered in short, approximately 39 cm, and tall, approximately 50 cm, bodies. Its motor-and-burr assembly could be inverted, allowing a professionally assessed ceiling or shelf mount.
The separate power supply reduces countertop footprint and enables the Nautilus’s unusual mounting options. The burr chamber was designed for easy access and reassembly without losing the setting. Titus also emphasized low retention without making RDT or WDT mandatory. These are design goals; actual retention and distribution depend on coffee and workflow.
A ceiling installation is not a casual DIY feature. The supporting structure, fasteners, vibration and safe catch path must be evaluated. Daily Coffee News explicitly noted that a site survey would be necessary.
Titus Nimbus
The Nimbus is the least documented through conventional product pages but is clearly present in the maker’s recent public profile. Titus references 75 and 80 mm Nimbus versions, including a 45 mm pre-breaker and premium DLC or plated finishes. Because burr size and configuration appear to vary, buyers should never copy one Nimbus specification into a listing for another.
The Nimbus fills the conceptual space between the 68 mm hybrid flagship and 98 mm Nautilus. Its pre-breaker supports controlled feeding into the finishing burrs, which can be especially relevant at low RPM. Current price, motor range, dimensions, burr manufacturer and production schedule must be confirmed directly.
Why Titus grinders cost so much
A Titus price reflects low-volume machining, local finishing, custom coatings, hand fitting, external power architecture and customer-specific work. Burr diameter is only one component. Mirror polishing, nickel plating, DLC, Red Speed and exotic materials can require specialized subcontractors and intensive preparation. These finishes can add cost without necessarily changing the cup; buyers should separate aesthetic value from grinding value.
Historical prices are not current quotations. Daily Coffee News reported a 2020 Nautilus base price of €2,990 and a Titus base price of €6,500. Inflation, configuration and production capacity make those numbers unsuitable as 2026 promises.
How the ordering process differs
Titus grinders are commonly ordered through direct contact rather than an automated stocked cart. Define the model, burrs, finish, power supply, voltage, portafilter or cup support and desired accessories in writing. Ask for a completion estimate, payment schedule, warranty terms, shipping method and responsibility for import duties.
Small-batch lead time can move. A delivery estimate is not the same as a guaranteed retail stock date. Keep correspondence and final drawings because the documentation becomes part of the grinder’s resale and service history.
Comparable grinders sold by Espresso Outlet
| Titus goal | Espresso Outlet alternative | Tradeoff |
|---|---|---|
| 98 mm flat experimentation | Turin DF83V | Smaller 83 mm platform, far lower cost and easier service |
| Hybrid/conical espresso body | Mazzer Kony SG | Commercial conical workflow, not Titus hybrid single dose |
| Premium commercial flat burr | Ceado E37S | Stocked hopper grinder rather than custom object |
| Variable-speed 64 mm | Turin DF64V | Accessible platform for RPM experiments |
No stocked grinder duplicates Titus machining, customization or architecture. These comparisons answer workflow and burr-category needs.
Variable speed and burr selection
Use speed as a controlled variable. Dial in at a middle setting, record dose, output, time and taste, then change RPM while holding other variables constant. Re-adjust grind if flow changes. A lower number is not inherently better; motor torque, pre-breaker behavior and burr geometry interact.
For Nautilus and Nimbus, identify exact burr manufacturer, geometry, coating and carrier. A 98 mm diameter does not guarantee fit with every 98 mm burr. For the hybrid grinder, proprietary architecture makes maker support even more important.
Maintenance and service
Disconnect both grinder and external supply before service. Follow the configuration-specific procedure, mark adjustment positions and photograph fastener order. Premium coatings can scratch, and mirror finishes show abrasive cleaning. Use soft materials and manufacturer-approved products.
If a grinder produces scraping, unstable speed, excess heat or electrical error, stop. Precision tolerances make forced operation expensive. International owners should agree on who can perform local diagnosis without affecting warranty.
Buying used
- Confirm model, year, burrs, finish and original build correspondence.
- Verify power supply voltage and every custom cable.
- Request loaded video across the speed range.
- Inspect adjustment lock, shaft, burr carrier and chute.
- Ask whether coatings or alignment surfaces were refinished.
- Confirm direct support for the serial number before sending payment.
- Require purpose-built shipping protection for the grinder and power unit.
Frequently asked questions
Does Espresso Outlet sell Titus grinders?
No. Browse home and commercial grinders for alternatives.
Where are Titus grinders made?
They are hand built in Germany, with Titus emphasizing local manufacture and finishing around its workshop.
How many Titus grinder models exist?
The best-supported core list is three families: Titus/Hybrid 68, Nautilus and Nimbus. Each can have numerous configurations.
Is the Nautilus an EK43?
No. It is an original grinder that can use 98 mm SSP geometries associated with EK-style brewing. Titus’s EK expertise influenced the context, not the identity.
Can a Nautilus mount on the ceiling?
The design supports inversion, but structural suitability requires professional assessment and safe installation.
What does DRM mean?
In Titus context it refers to the hybrid staged grinding arrangement used by the original flagship. Ask the maker for current technical detail.
How do I order?
Contact Titus directly for a current build consultation and written quotation. Social or historical pricing is not enough.
Sources
- Titus Grinding official site
- Titus Grinding current public profile
- Daily Coffee News Nautilus report
Current model names were cross-checked against the maker’s public profile. Configuration details without a robust official product sheet are labeled as reported and should be verified directly.
Final verdict
Titus occupies the boundary between coffee grinder and commissioned machine. The Hybrid 68, Nautilus and Nimbus are the complete core families, but each order can be materially different. That makes a current build sheet more valuable than a generic specification table. Buyers seeking the engineering and finish may accept the wait and direct relationship; buyers seeking predictable cost and local parts have strong, more accessible alternatives at Espresso Outlet.
Model architecture in greater detail
Titus Hybrid 68 / DRM
The original grinder’s hybrid path is its defining feature. Large conical surfaces first reduce beans, then flatter cutting surfaces refine them. This staged architecture can control feeding and create a profile different from a conventional conical or flat set. It also makes the burr system more proprietary. Replacement, coating and alignment should remain a conversation with Titus rather than a generic online order.
Nautilus 98
The Nautilus turns a 98 mm flat set vertically and omits a conventional internal mains supply. Externalizing power permits a narrow body and inversion, while the two original SSP options targeted either high-uniformity espresso or brew performance inspired by earlier EK43 geometry. A buyer should state the beverage target before choosing; “98 mm” alone does not establish one flavor profile.
Nimbus 75/80
Recent maker posts reference both 75 and 80 mm configurations and a 45 mm pre-breaker. That suggests Nimbus is a configurable family rather than one frozen specification. Ask whether the quoted diameter describes the finishing burr, which burr manufacturer is used, and whether the pre-breaker is identical across versions.
Alignment as the link between Titus tools and Titus grinders
Titus became respected partly through EK43 alignment work. Flat burrs perform best when their faces run parallel under operating load; static marker contact is only one indicator. Carrier machining, bearing condition, shaft runout and deflection all matter. Titus grinders are designed around controlling those variables from the beginning.
Owners should not repeatedly disassemble a well-performing grinder in pursuit of a visually perfect marker test. Every intervention can introduce debris, uneven screw torque or damage to plated surfaces. Diagnose a cup or mechanical problem first and follow the maker’s procedure.
Finish options: functional versus aesthetic value
DLC and PVD-family coatings can provide hardness, wear resistance and low friction on appropriate components. Nickel, chrome-like plating, mirror polishing and Damascus-style decorative work contribute visual and collector value. The finish on an exterior housing does not transform particle distribution. Ask which surfaces receive each treatment and why.
Cleaning products that are safe on powder coat may stain nickel or abrade mirror polish. Obtain care instructions for the exact finish. A refinished used grinder may be beautiful but should be disclosed because polishing can soften edges or disturb tight fits.
Electrical system and external power supply
Separating the power supply keeps heat and bulk away from the burr body, but it creates another matched component. Record its input range, DC output, connector pinout and serial relationship. Do not substitute a visually similar supply; incorrect voltage, polarity or current behavior can damage controls and motor.
For international ownership, ask whether the same low-voltage grinder can use a region-specific approved supply or whether other components differ. The answer must come from Titus for the individual build.
Retention and preparation claims
Titus has emphasized minimal retention and distribution that does not require RDT or WDT. That does not mean those techniques are forbidden or that every coffee behaves identically. Start with the workflow intended by the maker, weigh several doses and taste before adding steps. Very dry coffee and low humidity may create different static than workshop tests.
WDT corrects puck distribution after grinding; RDT changes static before grinding. They solve different problems. A grinder that produces an even mound may reduce the need for aggressive distribution, but basket shape and dosing technique still matter.
Commissioning a custom grinder
- Define espresso, filter or mixed use and typical roast level.
- Select the model and obtain exact burr designation.
- Specify voltage, power supply and country approvals.
- Choose cup, portafilter fork, hopper and dosing accessories.
- Choose finish only after the mechanical build is clear.
- Agree on price, payment timing, delivery estimate and warranty in writing.
- Plan insured shipping and a stable counter before completion.
A custom order rewards precision. Vague terms such as “best burrs” or “full options” invite mismatched expectations.
Used-market valuation
Value depends on model, burrs, build year, finish, documentation, service history and direct support. Rare does not automatically mean liquid; the pool of buyers for a specialized grinder can be small. Import tax paid by the first owner may not be recoverable in resale.
A complete power supply, tools, spare parts and packaging materially affect value. Confirm that Titus will support the serial number and that modifications are understood before purchase.
Café use versus home use
These grinders can deliver extraordinary home performance, but commercial suitability also requires duty-cycle, food-safety, electrical certification, workflow speed and local service answers. A café should obtain written confirmation for the intended volume. A machine optimized for weighed single doses may not replace a hopper grinder during a rush.
Home buyers have more freedom, but should still consider noise, counter strength and the reach of cables. An 18-kilogram grinder deserves a permanent, level base.
Who should not buy Titus
Skip Titus if you want immediate delivery, a standard retail return window, plentiful local electronics or a low-risk first grinder. It is also unnecessary if the goal is simply to explore variable speed or larger flats; DF64V and DF83V do that at a fraction of the cost. Titus is for the buyer who values the complete object and direct maker relationship.
Documentation hierarchy
When Titus information conflicts, use a clear hierarchy: the written build sheet for the serial-numbered grinder first, current direct confirmation from Titus second, the current maker profile third, and dated reporting or owner posts after that. Reviews remain valuable for workflow impressions but cannot define another unit’s motor, burr or finish.
This hierarchy is especially important for Nimbus, whose 75 and 80 mm references demonstrate evolution. A “complete model guide” should record both known configurations while refusing to invent one composite specification that may never have existed.
Questions to ask during final approval
Before authorizing a build, request photographs or drawings of the exact burr carrier, grounds outlet, adjustment control and power connector. Confirm what routine cleaning the owner may perform, which work must return to Germany, and what happens if a third-party burr is requested later. Ask whether firmware or display components can be replaced independently and whether spare wear parts can ship with the grinder.
These questions are not distrust; they are the normal documentation required for a commissioned precision machine. The answers become a practical owner manual for a configuration that may differ from published examples.