Tool Reviews

To prepare a cup of good coffee, you will need to pay attention not only to the freshness of the coffee beans, but also to the quality of the coffee grinder, which will provide the required grinding to give the right taste to the drink.

How to choose a coffee grinder

Coffee connoisseurs of the highest brand should pay attention to the coffee grinder, which is used to prepare the drink. The quality of grinding is especially important when brewing espresso and Turkish coffee.

A good coffee grinder will allow you to extract the maximum taste and aroma from coffee beans in order to brew high-quality coffee.

What you need to pay attention to:

Manual or automatic coffee grinder. Manual coffee grinders are portable and lightweight, but it takes some effort to grind the coffee beans. Electric models will make the process easier, but they are more difficult to clean, some parts are not separable.

Incomplete cleaning will leave the grind residue inside the machine and the next time you use your coffee, it will be brewed with stale beans. This will immediately affect the taste of the drink.

Grinding system: knives or millstones. Models with rotary knives are cheaper, but they cut the beans into pieces. As a result, the mixture consists of pieces of different sizes, which affects the extraction and taste of the brewed drink.

Millstones are abrasive discs, cones, or balls that husk the beans evenly, but these models are much more expensive.

Stepwise or uniform change in the degree of grinding. Coffee grinders to change the degree of grinding move the burrs closer or further relative to the crushing stone.

Stepless machines are useful for espresso drinkers, as they allow fine adjustment of the degree of grinding.

Incremental adjustment is usually found on inexpensive machines that use a lever or button to select a factory-set size from several options.

This is enough for making drinks with the exception of espresso, but even for this case, models with microstepping step change are available. The advantage of such machines over stepless tuning is that they easily switch to the desired parameter.

Motor, gear or direct drive design. Designs with an electric motor are cost-effective, they are used in models with a knife system and budget models with a burr system.

These models heat up quickly and are subject to more wear due to the increased number of on/off operations that will be required for efficient grinding.

Geared models are durable, quieter and less heated, which makes ground coffee less electrified. Direct drive is used in professional and industrial machines.

Will the grinder be used for spices and nuts?

If yes, make sure the device is easy to clean, as spices will add flavor and crushed nuts will give an oily coating that is difficult to remove from hard-to-reach parts.

What you can ignore:

Conical or flat burrs. Conical burrs have more surface area than flat burrs of the same diameter. Flat millstones are a disc with a series of cut teeth. In general, the size of the millstones is important here – the larger, the better.

The choice of form is determined by the preferences of the owner, but does not affect the taste of the product.
Millstones made of steel or ceramics. Stainless steel is cheaper and a part made of this material is easier to replace if it breaks.

Ceramics are durable, but easily damaged if a pebble gets into the machine along with the beans, and in most cases the whole machine will be put out of action.

For some coffee grinders, replaceable burrs are available in both materials.

With or without dispenser. Models without a dispenser send ground coffee directly to the coffee machine horn or other substituted container.

In models with a dispenser, ground coffee is less clumped and spilled out, but such devices require thorough cleaning to avoid coffee residues getting stuck inside. There are also models with containers that can hold several servings.

Electronic dispenser or dosage on demand. For dosing on demand, a single or double serving size is indicated for the preparation of the drink. Electronic dosing takes into account the weight or time of grinding grains.

The best manual coffee grinder

Hario Coffee Grinder Mini Mill Slim – manual coffee grinder with ceramic conical burrs. Lightweight and compact design that can be easily disassembled for cleaning, the handle detaches for easy storage.

The ceramic internals ensure that you don’t have to worry about rust while cleaning. The grind container is large enough to serve up your morning coffee using an Aeropress, drip coffee maker or French press.

Characteristics:

• Capacity of coffee beans: 50 g.
• Ground coffee container: 30 g.
• Adjustment of degree of crushing by a tightening nut.
• Grinding system: conical millstones.
• Plastic case.
• Device weight: 227 g.
• Machine size: 18 x 5 x 5 cm.

Pros:

• Does not require a source of electricity.
• A budget option.

Minuses:

• Fine grinding for espresso is difficult.
• Ground coffee is enough for one or two servings.

Customer Feedback:

The device is easy to use, it will take about a minute to get a portion of freshly ground coffee. Uniform grinding, easy to adjust the degree of grinding and clean the device.

Among the shortcomings, the soft material of the tightening nut for adjusting the degree of grinding and rapid wear are noted. Suitable for occasional home or outdoor use.

The best automatic coffee grinder

Delonghi KG 89 – this model is equipped with flat steel millstones for grinding grains. Features a stainless steel design with a clear plastic grinder and bean container.

Grinds coffee for 2-12 portions, there is a quantity control button – as soon as a portion is ready, it is poured into the container automatically. The device provides three gradations of grinding: coarse, medium and fine.

Performs uniform grinding of grains, has a safe, simple operation.

Characteristics:

• Power: 110W.
• Bean container with a capacity of 120 g.
• Rubber feet.
• Grinding system: steel millstones.
• Cord winder.
• Container for ground coffee.
• Device weight: 1.7 kg.
• Machine dimensions: 13 x 26 x 16 cm.

Pros:

• Homogeneous grinding.
• Adjustment of degree of crushing.
• Acceptable price.

Minuses:

• For fine grinding, additional adjustment of the device is required.
• Particles of ground coffee are highly electrified.

Customer Feedback:

The comfort of use and high build quality of the device, fast and quiet operation are noted. The square design of the device allows you to compactly place it in the kitchen space.

The device can be manually disassembled, which is used by the owners for additional settings and cleaning of the device. Some inconvenience is caused by the container for ground coffee, coffee electrification and sticking to the walls of the container.

The best burr grinder

Gaggia MDF – Reliable, well-designed device. A sufficiently powerful motor is combined with a gear transmission system, which ensures a quiet operation of the machine and reduces the likelihood of static electricity accumulation.

The model is equipped with 50 mm steel burrs, 34 degrees of grinding provide a wide range for selection. The dispenser lever is set to an espresso shot, which may be uncomfortable for lovers of other types of coffee. The case is made of impact-resistant plastic.

Characteristics:

• Power: 120W.
• Bean container with a capacity of 250 g.
• 34 grind levels.
• Ground coffee container: 200 g.
• dispenser.
• Grinding system: hardened steel millstones.
• Device weight: 5 kg.
• Machine size: 35.5 x 35.5 x 50.8 cm.

Pros:

• Fast and uniform grinding.
• Adjustment of degree of crushing.

Minuses:

• Inconvenient dispenser.
• There is no timer.

Customer Feedback:

The high quality of grinding and the reliability of the design are evaluated. The final score is a worthy choice for a carob coffee maker, it is suitable for daily use, it is worth the money spent on it.

A great option for espresso, but you need to adjust the dosage for other drink options.

The best burr ceramic coffee grinder

Baratza Forte AP – the model is equipped with 54 mm flat ceramic millstones, which qualitatively grind grains in a wide range of sizes.

Sliding controls on either side of the screen adjust the size for espresso, drip coffee maker, french press, vacuum coffee maker and filter coffee.

The ground product is loaded either into a special container or immediately into the cone, which is included in the machine.

The machine offers two ways of operation: when setting the time and when setting the weight of the coffee beans. Built-in scales make it possible to weigh each dose.

Characteristics:

• Bean capacity: 300 g.
• Touch screen with intuitive interface.
• Ground coffee container: 120 g.
• Lid open lock.
• Aluminium case.
• Timer.
• dispenser.
• Device weight: 6 kg.
• Machine size: 13 x 36 x 18 cm.

Pros:

Adjustment of the degree of grinding using macro and micro settings.
Positioned as a commercial type coffee grinder for any grinding option.

You can order steel millstones for this model, which are easy to replace yourself.

Minuses:

High price.

Customer Feedback:

The device has positive reviews. Built-in scales are accurate and save time when dosing the right amount of ground coffee. However, weighing works for coffee in a container, but not in a cone.

It takes practice to get the right settings. It is noted that the device is expensive for home use.

The best burr manual coffee grinder

Hario Skerton Coffee Grinder is a portable manual coffee grinder with ceramic burrs. The metal parts are made of stainless steel, the body is made of glass and plastic. Holds enough coffee for your morning drink.

The rubberized bottom keeps the device in a stable position, not allowing it to slide on the table surface.

Characteristics:

• Bean capacity: 60–75 g.
• The container holds 100 grams of ground coffee.
• Grinding system: ceramic conical burrs.
• Device weight: 550 g.
• Machine size: 21.4 cm high, 9.3 cm diameter.

Pros:

• A budget option.
• Can be washed in the dishwasher.

Minuses:

• Uneven grinding when choosing a large or medium degree.
• It is not possible to make a very fine grind for turkey.

Customer Feedback:

It is noted that the grind is a little uneven, the smallest size is suitable for a French press and espresso, but too big for a Turk. Inexpensive coffee grinder with an elegant design.

Works well, but it will take some effort and a few tries before getting the right grind. There are complaints that the device is uncomfortable to hold and the hand gets tired during the grinding process.

The best coffee grinder for Turks

Zassenhaus Coffee Mill/Grinder Havanna – This is a manual coffee grinder, the body of which is made of polished brass. The internal parts of the apparatus, including the millstones, are made of stainless steel. Does not contain plastic parts.

The extra-strong forged steel mechanism ensures the long life of this device. The grinding size is adjusted by a rod screw, which changes the distance between the millstones.

Characteristics:

• Bean capacity: 30 g.
• Grinding system: millstone.
• Apparatus size: 18 cm high, 5.6 cm diameter.
• Device weight: 500 g.

Pros:

• Very fine grind.
• The manufacturer gives a guarantee of 25 years for the mechanism.

Minuses:

High price for a manual coffee grinder.

Customer Feedback:

This model is described by the owners as functional and durable. It takes some getting used to to use it correctly. It takes a lot of effort to get a fine grind.

Suitable for brewing Turkish coffee, French press and Aeropress espresso. There is no electrification of coffee particles, which is typical for electric coffee grinders – this has a positive effect on the taste of the drink.

The best espresso grinder

Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee Grinder – This grinder is equipped with 64mm stainless steel flat burrs that grind coffee beans to the standard espresso brewing.

With the help of a stepless regulator, the desired degree of grinding is selected. Electronic dosing selects the correct amount of grains.

The device is available in two versions: A and B. Type A machines are equipped with electronic dosing buttons on a digital touch panel located on the dosing funnel. On type B machines, the electronic dosage adjustment is located above the cone fork.

Characteristics:

• Power: 250W.
• Bean container with a capacity of 600 g.
• Grinding portion: 4-19 g.
• Timer.
• Adjustment of degree of crushing.
• Touch control.
• Grinding system: millstone.
• Automatic lock when the lid is open.
• Rotation speed: 1600 rpm.
• dispenser.
• Device weight: 8 kg.
• Machine size: 15.8 x 46 x 35.5 cm.

Pros:

• Uniform grinding.
• In the event of a breakdown, any part of the machine can be purchased separately.

Minuses:

• High price.
• Usually requires pre-ordering from suppliers as this model is popular and rarely available.

Customer Feedback:

The high quality of grinding is noted. Sufficiently fine grinding is suitable even for Turks. It is easy to control the stepless micro-adjustment to provide the required size.

Expensive machine, but it is said to be worth it as it grinds top class espresso coffee.

The best coffee grinder for nuts and spices

Krups F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder – This model is capable of grinding 12 servings of spices in one go. The device is equipped with a plastic case with an oval design, making it comfortable to hold the grinder by hand.

Knives are made of stainless steel.

Characteristics:

• Power: 200W.
• Container for coffee beans with a capacity of 75 g.
• Lid open lock.
• Grinding system: knives.
• Cord winder.
• Device weight: 500 g.
• Size: 10 x 10.5 x 21 cm.

Pros:

• Uniform grinding.
• Large amount of grinding at one time.
• Easy to manage.

Minuses:

• There is no automatic adjustment of the degree of grinding.
• The one-piece design provides only dry cleaning of the device.

Customer Feedback:

It will take some time to grind evenly. The ground coffee is fine enough to make espresso.

It is noted that coffee dust remains along with grinding, so it is better to brew such coffee in coffee machines with paper filters. Quiet operation, easy to use and clean.

When grinding spices, it is recommended to use special cleaning or purchase a separate coffee machine so as not to impair the smell and taste.

The best knife grinder

Bosch MKM 6000/6003 – this model uses rotary grinding knives. The stainless steel bottom is slanted. The case is made of impact-resistant plastic.

The transparent cover helps to control quality of a grinding. A powerful motor is used for such a lightweight model.

Characteristics:

• Power: 180W.
• Bean container with a capacity of 75 g.
• Automatic lock when the lid is open.
• Grinding system: knives.
• Device weight: 680 g.
• Machine size: 10 x 10 x 20.5 cm.

Pros:

• A budget option.
• Homogeneous grinding.
• Easy to handle.

Minuses:

• There is no fineness adjustment.
• There is no cord winding system.

Customer Feedback:

The conservative design of the device, compact and reliable coffee grinder are noted. Mainly suitable for fine grinding. Due to the non-detachability and leaks, the apparatus cannot be washed – only wiped from the inside.

Sometimes used by owners to grind sugar, bran and spices.

The best professional coffee grinder

Compak K10 WBC – a powerful professional-grade device. WBC stands for World Barista Championship – the model was provided for use in the barista championship. Grinds large quantities of coffee precisely and in an adjustable manner.

The model is equipped with ceramic 68 mm conical millstones and a metal horn holder.

Characteristics:

• Power 760 W.
• Adjustment of degree of crushing.
• Grinding system: millstone.
• The weight of the contained grains: 1.7 kg.
• Grinding serving weight: 5-12 g.
• Productivity: 18 kg/hour.
• Millstone rotation speed: 300 rpm.
• Device weight: 17 kg.
• Machine size: 21 x 63.5 x 36.5 cm.

Pros:

• High power.
• High performance.

Minuses:

• High price

Customer Feedback:

Functional machine for great tasting coffee. The support service is good. The only complaint about this machine is the price, however, it is acceptable in this class of coffee grinders. Before each grinding, the device must be cleaned.

What is the best coffee grinder to buy

The choice of model depends on personal preferences in making coffee. Each method of brewing coffee requires a certain degree of grinding for the best result.

Coarse and extra-coarse grinds are visibly distinguishable large particles comparable to sea salt. Such a product is used for cold brewing coffee, French press, filter coffee preparation and bean tasting.

Almost all coffee grinders provide this degree of grinding.

The average degree includes medium-large and medium-fine grinding – sandy consistency, individual coffee grains can be separated from the total mass.

This gradation is used for making solo, drip and filtered coffee, vacuum or siphon coffee machines. Of the automatic models, the cost-effective ones in this category are – Bosch MKM 6000/6003 or Delonghi KG 89.

Fine, including extra-fine grinding is a powdery texture. It is difficult to distinguish individual particles with the naked eye, but they may still be present. This type of bean grinding is used to make espresso.

Best in this category – Gaggia MDF or Mazzer Mini Electronic Coffee Grinder.

It looks like flour or powder and is used to brew Turkish or Greek coffee in a cezve. Great choice here – model Zassenhaus Coffee Mill/Grinder Havanna.

When choosing a coffee grinder, consider the size of the machine and the holding capacity. If the device is used at home, provide a place in the kitchen, as some models are quite bulky and heavy.

A cord winder is also useful in this case. If the grinder is used by several people, a large bean container is preferable.

For extra-class coffee, take a closer look at the semi-professional Baratza Forte AP or professional Compak K10 WBCwhich will grind grains for any kind of drink.

If you want a budget model, consider manual coffee grinders Hario Coffee Grinder Mini Mill Slim and Hario Skerton Coffee Grinder. These are compact portable models that you can take with you on a picnic or on a trip.

For grinding spices and nuts, choose a coffee grinder with a knife system: Krups F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder or Bosch MKM 6000/6003.

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