LeBrew·
The Story of SOU SIK and LeBrew
Abstract
What happens when a group of coffee-loving designers can't find coffee gear they truly love? Simple — they make it themselves. Not just any gear, but hardcore coffee toys they can’t put down.
In 2024, SOU SIK, a brand infused with retro-futuristic mechanical aesthetics, was born in Shanghai, China. From its inception, it partnered with LeBrew, a specialist in burr design and manufacturing, to collaborate on burr geometry and development.
The Collaboration Between SOU SIK and LeBrew
Regardless of the grinder used, the key factor influencing cup quality lies in the particle size distribution shaped by the burr geometry. Staying true to their commitment to mechanical aesthetics and performance, SOU SIK sought out LeBrew—a Chinese brand with deep expertise in conical burr design, production, and OEM/ODM experience—to form a strategic collaboration.
The R&D Concept Behind the SOU SIK P1
The starting point for developing the SOU SIK P1 hand grinder was simple: ease of use. Most hand grinders struggle when grinding light-roasted beans, often feeling laborious or jerky. SOU SIK tackled this with a mechanical force-reducing gear system. However, reducing effort often comes at the cost of increased cranking turns. To balance this, SOU SIK opted for larger conical burrs, which improve grind efficiency and compensate for the increased rotation.
It's important to note: burr size impacts efficiency, while burr geometry shapes flavor through its effect on particle distribution. In other words, power-saving and efficiency are a trade-off. SOU SIK meticulously tuned the gear ratio of its planetary gear system (considering both performance and the visual harmony of the gear size) and the efficiency of large conical burrs to find an optimal balance between force reduction and crank count.
Design Process of the SOU SIK P1
To help users find their personal sweet spot between effort and efficiency, the P1 was designed with an external burr housing that allows both inner and outer burrs to be removed together. This modular design makes it easier to swap between burrs with different flavor profiles and to fully clean both burrs.
Together with LeBrew, SOU SIK is committed to ongoing burr development, targeting various levels of grind efficiency and flavor performance. Each burr model is analyzed using professional particle distribution equipment, allowing users to enjoy a whole new experience simply by switching burrs, without changing the grinder.
Core Functions of SOU SIK P1
The removable external burr system not only facilitates flavor-customized burr swaps, but also makes complete inner-and-outer burr cleaning a breeze. Another rare advantage: minimal grind retention under the burrs. The static electricity generated during grinding is dissipated directly through the user’s hand via the outer burr assembly—keeping your grind clean and consistent.
The planetary gear system in the P1 not only reduces effort, but also filters out vibrations and reduces grinding noise, enhancing the overall user experience.
Technical Specifications of SOU SIK P1
The burrs are crafted from 440C stainless steel, heat-treated to improve hardness and durability. LeBrew designed two unique burr geometries for the P1:
Burr Type 01
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Inner burr: 8-star, 46 teeth – upper section relies purely on compression, with deeper cutting edges in the lower section
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Outer burr: 50 small teeth, with a more aggressive helical pattern
Type 01 burrs produce a higher compression ratio and faster grinding speed. They tend to deliver a sweeter, fuller cup for pour-overs and allow quicker pressure buildup for espresso shots.
Burr Type 02
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Inner burr: 8-star, 48 teeth – mainly compression with some cutting action, lower section favors slicing
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Outer burr: 60 small teeth
Type 02 burrs focus on cleaner cutting with fewer fines and a wider particle spread. They create cleaner, more layered flavor profiles in brewed coffee.
Looking Ahead
Following extensive market feedback in China, the SOU SIK P1 underwent multiple rounds of optimization in structure, user experience, and production. Now ready for launch, the P1 will soon be available through a crowdfunding campaign.
Here’s to the journey ahead: we look forward to seeing SOU SIK push the boundaries of retro-futuristic mechanical coffee aesthetics even further.
Below is the official website of SOU SIK. SOU SIK P1 will soon be available for purchase through crowdfunding.
LeBrew is a brand dedicated to delivering intelligent, high-quality coffee experiences to enthusiasts and professionals alike. We specialize in innovative coffee measurement devices and aftermarket burr upgrades, tailored to meet modern consumers' demands for excellent coffee.
Our commitment goes beyond products—we’re here to deeply understand user needs, solve problems, and continuously explore the boundaries of coffee grinding and analysis.
Through ongoing partnerships and research, LeBrew welcomes grinder manufacturers, roasters, and emerging coffee brands to collaborate. Join us on this journey, where precision engineering meets the art of coffee—bringing you the ultimate tools to elevate your craft.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments from LeBrew and SOU SIK.
Have Questions or Suggestions?
If you have any feedback or would like to know more, feel free to contact us at:
service@lebrewtech.com
