How to choose a coffee grinder for your home: electric, burr and manual models, which one to choose based on the pros and cons, what reviews say

Grinding coffee beans directly affects the taste of the finished drink, so devices designed for grinding them deserve special attention .

Manufacturers offer a variety of manual and electric devices that can cope with the task, however, in order to decide which model to choose, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of each type, their advantages and disadvantages .

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Varieties

There are only three types of coffee grinders , which are determined by grinding systems:

Rotary . They are a compact body with an internal engine. At the top of the appliance body there is a small compartment for coffee beans, which are ground using a rotating blade . There is no separate container for ground coffee in rotary coffee grinders. The device holds a small amount of raw materials, but this is quite enough to provide an invigorating drink for a family of five.
Millstones . The design of burr coffee grinders is a little more complicated than rotary models: inside the body there are two stainless steel disks, between which the beans are ground . The grinding amount in such a device can be adjusted depending on the distance at which the millstones are located. Electric millstone models are equipped with two containers for pouring in the product and obtaining it in crushed form , which helps prevent powder from scattering throughout the kitchen.
Mechanical . A device with a simple operating principle. To grind grains, the user needs to pour them into the compartment and start turning the handle without connecting to the network. In manual models, the degree of grain grinding is adjusted with a screw, so the grind can be made a little finer or coarser. The main thing in a mechanical product is the quality of all components and a comfortable handle that can withstand the pressure exerted on it .

Important! According to their intended purpose, electric coffee grinders can be household, professional and industrial. For home use, the first option is the most suitable in all respects.

What is a coffee grinder for?

This tool doesn't just make it easier to grind coffee beans. Using a coffee grinder, you can change the consistency of the resulting ground coffee. The choice of grinding degree depends on the method of brewing the drink.

French press? Drip brewing? Aeropress? The coffee grinder can be adjusted so that the resulting coffee fits the coffee machine perfectly. Depending on the coarseness of the grind, the taste may vary. You can check this yourself by trying the full range of flavors that come from one type of grain. This is another reason why choosing the right coffee grinder is important.

Before choosing a specific model, you need to decide on the type of coffee grinder you need.

Electric rotary

Rotary or blade-type coffee grinders work on the principle of a blender , quickly grinding coffee beans to the desired size.
The device does not have a large volume (usually it ranges from 30 to 120 g) and a variety of functions. There is only a pulsed operating mode, characterized by constant stops at certain intervals.

The body of the electrical appliance can be plastic or metal. Plastic models are cheaper, however, less durable . Stainless steel products will last much longer, but you will have to pay a higher price for them.

The power indicator in rotary models varies from 80 to 270 W. When the knives rotate intensively, the coffee becomes very hot, losing its aromatic and taste properties, so of 180 W.

Advantages

low price;
the ability to grind coffee beans, spices, nuts;
ease of use;
compact size;
anti-slip feet;
removable knives;
almost silent operation;
light weight;
maintainability.

Flaws

uneven grinding;
lack of a dispenser for poured grains;
inability to control the quality of the powder;
lack of a separate container for crushed product;
The coffee grinder is inconvenient to clean;
fragile plastic parts of the case;
The protruding sharp parts of the knives can cut your fingers.

Who are they suitable for?

A rotary coffee grinder is perfect for people who love and appreciate good coffee brewed in a Turk, but do not prepare it often.
The chamber of the rotary device contains a small amount of coffee beans , which is why you will have to grind them to prepare several servings of the drink every day.

For users who actively drink coffee throughout the day, such a device will not be the most successful purchase.

Manual coffee grinder - advantages and disadvantages

The operating principle of this device has not changed over the past hundred years. The roasted grains are poured into a container, from where they fall onto the millstones. Control is carried out using a handle, which has to be turned with muscle effort, preferably at a constant speed. Despite the fact that in the world of modern cuisine a manual coffee grinder may seem like an anachronism, it is not going to lose its position. It can be found in the kitchen of every self-respecting coffee lover. Why is she attractive?

Pros of manual coffee grinders

Compact sizes. It can easily be hidden in a closet, and, if necessary, installed on a kitchen table, work surface or even a windowsill.
Easy to care for. A manual coffee grinder can be easily cleaned, washed and dried.
Simple design. The simpler the device, the less likely it is that it will permanently break or deteriorate. In addition, its operation does not depend on whether there is electricity in the network. This makes the manual coffee grinder universal, suitable for use in any conditions.
High quality grinding. Coffee beans are ground evenly without burning. Manual coffee grinders are produced only of the burr type, which gives the most uniform, high-quality and gentle grinding of beans, while fully preserving their aroma and taste.
Reasonable price. The cost of manual coffee grinders starts from 1100-1500 rubles. Cylindrical models of the Eastern type are more expensive than traditional European ones. A coffee grinder with good millstones - ceramic or stone - costs much more, but also lasts much longer, fully maintaining the quality of grinding throughout all the years of operation.
Quiet operation. Of course, the coffee grinder makes a little noise, but it cannot be compared with the volume of electrical appliances, so if you don’t want to wake up the whole house in the morning, then you can’t think of a better option than a manual coffee grinder.

Cons of manual coffee grinders

Time consumption. To get ground coffee for 1 shot of espresso, you will have to rotate the grinder handle for about 2 minutes. It is not always possible to find time in the morning of a working day to make a portion of freshly ground coffee.
Energy costs. In order to turn the handle of the coffee grinder, you will have to make some effort. Imagine how much effort it will take if you decide to treat a group of friends to coffee!
Small size container for grains. This forces you to start the whole procedure of pouring beans and grinding all over again each time.
Complex process of changing the degree of grinding. This is especially true for a coffee grinder with a European body type. You have to remove the fastening screw, handle, and washer, and only then can you get to the adjusting nut, which makes it possible to change the distance between the millstones. Then everything will have to be done in reverse order.

What conclusion follows from all of the above? A manual coffee grinder is a good way to get the right amount of fresh, well-ground coffee. This device is unpretentious, compact and relatively cheap, and serves faithfully for many years. However, working with it requires time and effort. Therefore, a manual coffee grinder is unlikely to be suitable for someone who is always in a hurry and late. But for those who are not lazy to set aside a few minutes for the morning ritual, this device is also suitable because it works relatively quietly.

Electric millstones

Electric burr coffee grinders have a large reservoir for coffee beans and provide high quality grinding . The millstones in the grinder are durable steel discs, and the grinding thickness is adjusted using the selected program. Up to 300 g of grains are placed in the container .

There are two types of millstones in burr-type coffee grinders: cylindrical and conical . Unlike cylindrical ones, devices with conical millstones have high power and a long service life, so consumers most often choose this option.

The average power of millstone models is 250-300 W, which is quite enough for domestic use.

Advantages

large selection of working programs;
optimal tank volume;
possibility of grinding adjustment;
high-quality uniform grinding;
safety;
the device does not heat the grains;
ease of cleaning;
ergonomic design;
the device copes with heavy loads;
preservation of the taste and aroma of grains;
availability of additional functions.

Flaws

the coffee grinder takes up a lot of space;
noisy work;
high price.

Who are they suitable for?

An electric burr coffee grinder will become an indispensable assistant in quickly preparing various coffee-based drinks in a coffee maker, electric Turk or coffee machine.
The device is also suitable for grinding coffee for further brewing in a cup - this is the easiest option for preparing an aromatic drink without the use of coffee machines.

What does grind size affect?

The degree of coffee grinding is one of the most important factors affecting the taste, aroma and quality of the finished coffee drink.

Using a burr coffee grinder, you can achieve any degree of grinding of beans and independently regulate the richness of coffee brewed in various ways..

Which coffee grinder is best for home

Ultimately, the choice of coffee grinder is determined by the needs and preferences of each individual consumer. However, despite their high cost, burr grinders are a more versatile option. Due to the uniformity of grinding, coffee beans crushed in an electric coffee grinder are suitable for subsequent preparation of an invigorating drink in any way: in a Turk, coffee maker and coffee machine. It should also be taken into account that the quality of grinding plays a key role in the preparation of some types of coffee: espresso, cappuccino, mocha. Therefore, true connoisseurs of these drinks are recommended to opt for the mill version of the electric coffee grinder.

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Hand millstones

Mechanical coffee grinders are the most popular and common devices for grinding coffee beans.

The operating principle of manual models is no different from electric millstone machines.

Attention! The main advantage of a mechanical device is that it does not need to be connected to an electrical outlet.

The millstones of a manual coffee grinder are made of ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron. Cast iron ones are considered inexpensive and durable - they are designed to process 0.5 kg of grains . The body of the device can be made of wood, ceramic or metal.

Manual burr-type coffee grinders carefully and thoroughly grind beans with maximum preservation of their unique aroma.

Advantages

careful processing of the product;
uniform grinding of grains;
possibility of adjusting the degree of grinding;
the device does not burn grains during processing;
presence of a container for ground coffee;
simple design;
compact size and light weight;
ease of care;
low noise level;
reasonable price.

Flaws

grinding grains by hand;
costs of time and energy;
small size container for grains;
To change the degree of grinding, you need to remove the fixing screw.

Who are they suitable for?

A manual coffee grinder has many advantages over using electric models, however, working with a mechanical device requires time and effort , which is why the coffee grinder is not suitable for busy people.
Choosing a manual model should be for those who live in a measured rhythm and can devote a few minutes to grinding grains by hand.

The best electric coffee grinders

Rating:

The most functional coffee grinder Cuisinart DBM18E is a product with a grinding degree regulator (1-14), with a capacious container (250 g of beans). Energy savings, safety of use, stylish design.
The most powerful coffee grinder VES ELECTRIC VES V-CG3 is a plastic model with a power of 180 W, a blade mechanism, and a 1-year warranty. Equipped with a pulse mode.
The most ergonomic electric coffee grinder A-Plus 1542 is a compact device for grinding coffee beans. The product is made of high-quality materials and meets technical parameters.

Electric coffee grinders are divided into household and industrial. There are plane-parallel and conical millstones, which are used to grind from 20 to 75 kilograms of coffee beans per hour.

Modern electric coffee grinders use two methods of grinding coffee beans: burr and blade.

It is advisable that the product be equipped with two containers: the first for large beans, the second for ground coffee. Buy devices with adjustable grinding degree, setting the required number of cups of coffee (2-10).

The optimal number of operating modes (15-18) will allow you to prepare different versions of the drink. For additional safety, a protective mechanism is used on the millstones.

Characteristics:

type of mechanism (millstone);
control principle (electronic);
body material (metal);
power – 150-160 W;
continuous operation time – 5 minutes;
operating hours – 15-18;
capacity – 250 g;
productivity grams per min.

Pros:

capacity;
high power;
functionality, a large number of operating modes;
quick grinding of grains;
convenient way to control.

Minuses:

stationary use;
dependence on the power source;
large-sized.

How to choose a coffee grinder for your home?

When choosing a coffee grinder for your home, you need to check the following characteristics :

Power . The powerful device only takes a few seconds to grind the coffee into powder, but often the intense grinding leaves the coffee with a bitter aftertaste. For this reason, experts recommend choosing models with a power of 160-180 W.
Capacity . Freshly ground coffee does not retain its flavor and aroma properties for long, so the container for beans should not be too large. However, if you are buying a coffee grinder for a large family or office, it is better to choose a burr model that can grind a large number of beans at a time.
Safety . The coffee grinder should not be turned on with the lid loosely closed or open to prevent ground coffee from spilling, and should also have anti-slip feet for stability during operation.
Case material . Unlike plastic devices, metal structures are more stable and durable.

In electric models, you need to pay attention to the button to turn on the device .
If it does not stick and is comfortable to press, you can safely buy the product.

Additional functions

For ease of use, manufacturers equip coffee grinders with additional functions. Among them :

Protection against overheating or foreign objects - if the machine overheats or a stone or piece of branch accidentally gets into it, the operation will stop, which will protect the coffee grinder from damage and the user from drinking a low-quality drink.
Timer for setting the grinding time of grains - allows you to set the duration of grinding the product.
Display – it displays all the necessary data about the state of the device.
Cord winder – makes the electrical device compact and easy to store.
Double knives – increase the speed of grinding coffee beans several times.
Sound insulation – ensures quieter operation of the electrical appliance when used in the morning, when all family members are still sleeping.

Useful video

From this video you will learn more about how to choose the right model for preparing your favorite drink:

With the right choice of coffee grinder, even a person far from culinary will be able to prepare a tasty and rich coffee drink.

Having decided to purchase a device for grinding coffee beans, you must first study information about all types of coffee grinders and decide on the functions that must be present in the device - this will help you choose the right model without overpaying for unnecessary options.