Coffee Grinder
The Five Best Features To Look For In A Coffee Grinder
Gourmet Coffee drinkers go to great lengths to obtain the ‘perfect' Coffee Bean grinder to pair to their Coffee Maker. Whether in a commercial establishment or the home kitchen, the grind of Coffee Beans is crucial to a flavorful cup of coffee. Of the many features of that perfect grinder, the following five may help the connoisseur determine the best grinder to suit their needs.
Due to the growing popularity of designer coffee bars, today's generation is growing up drinking coffee instead of breakfast, with lunch, from vending machines at work, in conference rooms, and getting it free at grocery stores. With so much to compare it to, the home kitchen must now include a state of the art appliance for grinding beans for designer brews and espresso.
Burrs vs. Blades
The efficiency of a coffee maker depends on the design of the grinder and its capabilities. Less expensive blade grinders are often the choice of the average household. They can grind coffee beans adequately and, like little windmills, they keep on spinning and grinding until they get turned off. The always-late–out-the-door types who only get that ‘one big gulp' before dashing off to work usually see no need for elaborate grinders when they live off the brewed coffee at work.
In both cost and performance, burr grinders would be considered an upgrade from residential blade grinders because of the heavier-duty mechanisms and precision operation. Burr grinders also last longer, often because they only grind the coffee once (and do it right) before dropping it into the storage hopper. Unlike the constant contact a blade grinder experiences with the entire quantity of coffee beans being ground, any wear on a burr grinder happens during the relatively brief grinding session on the small amount of beans allowed between the burrs at one time.
Conical Burr grinders provide the highest consistency grind, and one that many dedicated coffee consumers insist on for their ‘perfect cup'. While cost is an issue, few smart consumers would compromise here. The undisputed choice for a durable coffee grinder is a burr grinder.
Cost
The cost of a mid-priced blade grinder averages $20-$49, while burr grinder prices start high and end higher. Burr grinders may have flat or conical burrs, with conical burrs being preferred because the RPM speed is variable and can be lowered to retain the bean flavor without burning, making the grinding precise, quieter, and cleaner. The low speed keeps down the heat from grinding friction that can steal the taste and aroma of the coffee.
Bean Storage
Commercial Coffee grinders and high-end residential ones offer a feature not found in the smaller grinders, and that is a larger hopper for ground bean storage. A coffee Bean Grinder with a hopper that can store at least eight ounces of beans for an entire day's coffee needs is a convenient plus. Another consideration is the static electricity that burrs generate when grinding, causing grounds to cling to the interior of the hopper. Some brands offer glass parts instead, making static electricity less of a nuisance. The brand of coffee however has much to do with static. Using a dry roasted (less oily) brand such as Lavazza or Gaggia will help to reduce static.
Housing
Heavy duty construction and classic contemporary styling is expected of commercial burr grinders, which may last for 10-15 years with only occasional replacement of the burrs. Manufacturers have extended this to their residential models as well, with housings made of the same cast metal or Stainless Steel. Many commercial manufacturers such as Rancilio and Mazzer, now compete with Gaggia, having branched out into the residential market as well, with the high quality small-to-medium sized Mazzer Mini, and Rancilio's slightly smaller version of their commercial burr grinders, the Rancilio ‘Rocky', for families of consumers with multi-cup latte or cappuchino habits.
Options
A burr grinder needs a stronger motor, and thus also has a larger footprint, than a blade grinder. Manual grinders with smaller footprints are also available, but are less popular than electric versions. Burr grinders require some cleaning and maintenance than the wipe-down blade grinders, usually requiring some a certain amount of disassembly and cleaning with picks and a brush.
In addition, different brands offer from 10 to over 50 different grind options, from coarse to very fine. Brand warranties vary, with some Rancilio retailers offering a 2-year complete parts and labor warranty and unlimited toll-free telephone technical support.
For a small price increase, some grinder brands offer dosers for extra convenience for the avid espresso drinker. Good quality espresso burr grinders can be purchased from just under $100 to almost $700 for the most expensive brand with all the bells and whistles. Mid-price residential brands with near-commercial quality would include the Rancilio ‘Rocky' at about $350, or the Gaggia MDF for a little under $300. Commercial grinders can range from $500 to over $3,000.
About the Author
For more information Markus Yannies Recommends viewing burr coffee grinders or the coffee bean grinder.
Find a quality Mazzer Burr Grinder.
How to do the coffee grinder...
 |
 NEW BARATZA ENCORE CONICAL BURR COFFEE GRINDER 485 FREE SHIPPING COFFEE $128.00 Time Remaining: 18d 12h 48m Buy It Now for only: $128.00 Buy It Now |
 7 ENTERPRISE COFFEE GRINDER Great Paint Decals NICE $1,495.00 Time Remaining: 5h 37m |
 RARE LARGE Antique Coffee GRINDER PHILADELPHIA PA CAST IRON RED PAINT COLES $227.50 (32 Bids) Time Remaining: 1h 30m |
 Toastmaster 1119 Push Button Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder $18.24 Time Remaining: 26d 5h 38m Buy It Now for only: $18.24 Buy It Now |
 Antique Coffee Grinder Box Mill Cast Iron top wood $57.99 (21 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h |
 Cuisinart DBM8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill DBM 8 $46.95 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 29m Buy It Now for only: $46.95 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE Wall Mount COFFEE GRINDER PAT DEC 4 1917 WITH CUP LK $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 13h 3m |
 ANTIQUE PEUGEOT FRERES TABLE CAST IRON LARGE COFFEE GRINDER to restore $1.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 53m |
 Tall capacty Cast Iron Corn Nuts Grain Mill Grinder NEW $29.99 Time Remaining: 11d 10h 43m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Vintage White and Blue Ceramic Windmill Wall Hanging Coffee Grinder $9.99 Time Remaining: 7h 6m Buy It Now for only: $80.00 Buy It Now |
 KitchenAid KPCG100OB Pro Line Burr Grinder KPCG100 NEW $159.99 Time Remaining: 24d 9h 4m Buy It Now for only: $159.99 Buy It Now |
 VINTAGE ORNATE COFFEE GRINDER WITH DOVE TAILED DRAWER NICE $19.99 Time Remaining: 7h 34m |
 Vintage Coffee grain pepper grinder $14.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 50m |
 Delonghi Electric Coffee Bean Grinder with Stainless Steel Blade KG40 $23.95 Time Remaining: 4d 14h 43m Buy It Now for only: $23.95 Buy It Now |
 NICE Old Antique Arcade Crystal No 3 Coffee Grinder Complete w Bottom Glass Cup $227.50 (21 Bids) Time Remaining: 12h 19m |
 New applique antique manual ceramic burr coffee grinder bean millwood housing $12.90 Time Remaining: 22d 1h 5m Buy It Now for only: $12.90 Buy It Now |
 Universal No 24 Coffee Mill Grinder Landers Frary Clark NR $9.99 Time Remaining: 10h 32m |
 Capresso Coffee Burr Grinder $44.21 Time Remaining: 16d 19h 28m Buy It Now for only: $44.21 Buy It Now |
 Vtg KYM MOKKA Coffee Grinder Espresso VGC German Germany Mid Century Modern Mill $29.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 14h 57m |
 VINTAGE RED CAST IRON HAND CRANK MR DUDLEY INTERNATIONAL COFFEE GRINDER MILL $58.00 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 24m |
 New Cuisinart DBM 8 Supreme Grinder Mill $49.99 Time Remaining: 15d 6h 56m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 Buy It Now |
 ANTIQUE RARE PE DE Art Deco COFFEE GRINDER 1920S $110.00 Time Remaining: 1h 6m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy It Now |
 Coffee bean roaster $31.95 Time Remaining: 29d 12h 5m Buy It Now for only: $31.95 Buy It Now |
 Antique Imperial Wood Cast Iron Coffee Grinder by Arcade Manufacturing Co $19.95 Time Remaining: 1h 11m |
 Antique Coffee Grinder Dovetailed Joints No Rust $14.99 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 7h 16m |
 Cuisinart DCG 20 Grind Central Coffee Grinder Black $19.95 Time Remaining: 11d 13h 36m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 Capresso Coffee Burr Grinder Model 559 Color Black Stainless $22.75 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 9h 6m |
 Tall Cast Iron Mill grinder hand crank manual grains oats corn wheat coffee nuts $29.99 Time Remaining: 14d 11h 56m Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy It Now |
 Antique Cast Iron 1905 Universal Landers Frary Clark 24 Coffee Grinder NR $15.50 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 53m |
 Vintage Kitchen Aid Electric Coffee Grinder Hobart A 9 Mill $12.50 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 10h 51m |
 KRUPS BURR COFFEE BEAN MILLER GRINDER GVX1 14 New $39.99 Time Remaining: 25d 10h 37m Buy It Now for only: $39.99 Buy It Now |
 Enterprise No 7 1873 Coffee Grinder 17 inch Wheels Untouched Beautiful Condition $999.00 Time Remaining: 2d 16h 9m |
 Nesco BG 88PR Professional Burr Coffee Grinder $36.05 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 14m Buy It Now for only: $36.05 Buy It Now |
 Victorian 19th C Antique Wall Mount Coffee Grinder Union Mill J E Parkers $22.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 8h 8m |
 Skerton hand grinder Hario Ceramic coffee mill Japan $66.00 Time Remaining: 27d 6h 25m Buy It Now for only: $66.00 Buy It Now |
 Vintage DE VE Dutch Blue White Wall Mount Coffee Grinder Delft Windmill Scene $59.95 Time Remaining: 6h 10m |
 Antique Suffolk Iron Foundry 1920 Coffee Grinder England Red $250.00 Time Remaining: 1d 5m |
 MAKE OFFER 4 NEW BARATZA VIRTUOSO w PRECISO BURRS 586 FREE SHIPPING COFFEE $228.00 Time Remaining: 28d 9h 36m Buy It Now for only: $228.00 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Enterprise Single Handle Coffee Grinder Rare 12 in in Orig CondNR $112.50 (13 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 23h 20m |
 Krups GVX2 12 Burr Grinder GVX212 $54.95 Time Remaining: 15d 19h 33m Buy It Now for only: $54.95 Buy It Now |
 Vintage antique coffee grinder mill unique design wood great condition rare $36.00 (9 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 13h 53m |
 NEW BARATZA VIRTUOSO 586 CONICAL BURR COFFEE GRINDER 400 READ $208.76 (19 Bids) Time Remaining: 13h 26m |
 Norpro Fancy Coffee Grinder NEW $14.39 Time Remaining: 8h 4m Buy It Now for only: $14.39 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Antique Kosmos Poppy Seed Spice Coffee Grinder Made in Czechozlovakia $5.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 15h 30m |
 Norpro Coffee Grinder $22.65 Time Remaining: 29d 1h 17m Buy It Now for only: $22.65 Buy It Now |
 Vintage Hi Top CAST IRON PEWTER TOP COFFEE GRINDER DOVETAILED MILL $12.99 Time Remaining: 1d 13h 23m |
 ORIGINAL Arcade Embossed Wallmount Coffee Grinder Jar Freeport Ill $79.00 (3 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 15h 43m |
 GAGGIA MDF BURR GRINDER BLACK MODEL 8002 FREE SHIPPING OFFER $209.16 Time Remaining: 7d 2h 29m Buy It Now for only: $209.16 Buy It Now |
 COFFEE MILL GRINDER HAND CRANK OPERATED DUTCH DELFT STENCILS ON PORCELAIN BASE $15.59 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 10h 24m |
 Krups 203 70 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder White $19.95 Time Remaining: 7d 10h 42m Buy It Now for only: $19.95 Buy It Now |
 BLACK Braun coffee grinder KSM 1 EXCELLENT $34.99 Time Remaining: 13h 44m |
 Krups 203-42 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, Black List Price: Sale Price: $16.19 You save: $7.81 (33%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The understated black color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space...  |
 Proctor Silex E160B Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder, White Sale Price: $13.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis Proctor Silex Fresh Grind Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder features a unique internal cord wrap, a safety on/off button, stainless steel blades and a compact Euro-Style design. Easy to clean. Model number on packaging may be listed as either E160B or 45802BY... |
 Mr. Coffee IDS77 Electric Coffee Grinder with Chamber Maid Cleaning System, Black List Price: Sale Price: $18.89 You save: $1.10 (6%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Mr. Coffee IDS77 coffee grinder makes personalizing 4-12 cups of coffee easy. You can choose your grind setting from fine to course and the removable grinding chamber and wide opening lid create less mess and allow for easy pouring... |
 Capresso 565 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel List Price: Sale Price: $99.99 You save: $90.01 (47%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFor grinding larger quantities of coffee beans for a coffee-drinking crowd, Capresso's commercial-grade Infinity grinder handles 8-1/2 ounces of beans at a time. Sixteen different settings--four each in the four categories of extra fine, fine, regular, and coarse--let you adjust the grind to the specific blend of coffee and method of brewing... |
 Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill (CCM-16PC1) List Price: Sale Price: $36.00 You save: $54.00 (60%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionA stylish grinder for the serious coffee buff, this Cuisinart Supreme Grind automatic burr mill provides plenty of options and good results in an attractive and tidy structure. This makes it a great appliance for houses where coffee is a steady dietary staple and preferences vary from espresso to French drip... |
 Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum List Price: Sale Price: $23.94 You save: $9.05 (27%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHamilton Beach one touch coffee bean grinder . Hands free operation with five different automatic coffee flavor settings. Grinder chamber makes up to 12 -cups of coffee beans at a time. Internal cord storage & cleaning brush included... |
 Toastmaster 1119 Push-Button Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder Sale Price: $14.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionEnjoy freshly ground coffee with ease for up to 8 cups of coffee with a 2-oz. capacity coffee grinder. You can grind coffee beans, nuts, spice and more with ease, thanks to push-button pulse control operation... |
 Saeco Bean To Brew 10-Cup Automatic Drip Coffee Maker with Thermal Carafe and Burr Grinder, Stainless Steel List Price: Sale Price: $179.00 You save: $41.00 (19%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Not yet released See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe sleek stainless steel design of the Saeco Bean to Brew 10-cup thermal coffee maker adds a modern and stylish finish that adapts to any kitchen décor. The sturdy conical burr grinder can grind up to 8... |
 Capresso 464.05 CoffeeTeam GS 10-Cup Digital Coffeemaker with Conical Burr Grinder List Price: Sale Price: $156.47 You save: $83.53 (35%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThe Capresso CoffeeTeam GS is a fully programmable 10-Cup Coffee Maker/Conical Burr Grinder Combination. Professional, solid-steel conical burrs have 5 grinder settings from coarse to fine for adjustable coffee strength... |
 Kyocera Ceramic Coffee Grinder List Price: Sale Price: $44.95 You save: $5.00 (10%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis ceramic coffee grinder features a ceramic grinding mechanism that will never alter the flavor of the grinds, resulting in fresh, flavorful, and pure coffee. The grinding mechanism is made from an advanced ceramic close in hardness to diamond that will never rust providing ultra long-life performance... |
|
|
KitchenAid KPCG100OB Black Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder $0 The KitchenAid Pro Line Burr coffee grinder grinds whole coffee beans for the best tasting cup you've ever brewed. The coffee maker comes in an onyx black color option. |
|
|
Urnex 17-GRNDRT32-3 35G Grindz Coffee Grinder Cleaner (Pack of 3) $14.79 Grindz Retail grinder cleaner is a portion-packaged version of a patent-pending, all-natural, safe, and easy way to keep your grinder fresh and clean. This Grindz cleaner quickly and effectively cleans coffee grinders. |
