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.
Choosing the right coffee grinder
Among the variety of coffee grinders, three main types can be distinguished.
Manual.
Those elegant vintage wooden boxes with metal handles and a drawer for ground coffee. Grinding coffee by hand, enjoying the smell, is a process akin to meditation. But if you don't have time or don't want to waste energy, manual coffee grinders are not for you.
Knife.
The simplest electric coffee grinders, in the chamber of which sharply sharpened knives rotate at high speed. Professionals in the coffee industry do not like such devices: they do not produce a uniform grind, which leads to non-simultaneous extraction of coffee, and the knives heat up and can then heat up the ground particles. Another disadvantage is the noise they make during operation.
Coffee grinder Hot Contents “Zambezia” RUR 3,678
Coffee grinder “Columbia retro” RUB 2,458.
Geyser coffee maker Italco “Induction”, for 6 cups 1800 rub.
Coffee grinders and coffee makers on TEA.ru
But let’s not be snobs: such coffee grinders also have enough advantages: they are inexpensive, compact, powerful and can be a good option for home use.
Millstones.
Fast, convenient, professional and... expensive. Sometimes it’s very expensive. They are used in coffee shops and restaurants, but manufacturers also produce compact burr coffee grinders for hobbyists.
The grains are crushed using millstones (special grinding discs) located at an adjustable distance from each other. The smaller the distance, the finer the grind, and vice versa.
Based on the type of millstone, such coffee grinders are divided into flat and conical.
· Flat burrs
are 2 rings, each of which has 3 types of cutting surfaces: the first crushes the coffee beans, the second grinds the resulting particles, and the third brings the beans to a given fraction.
· Conical millstones
– this device consists of an outer ring and a rotating inner cone made of steel. They do not “cut” the grains, but rather squeeze them, as if under pressure, at high speed. The grains are not crushed as evenly as flat grains, but they work without noise.
Coffee beans LavAzza “Qualita Oro”, 500 g 752 rub.
Lavazza “Qualita Oro” coffee beans, 250 g 351 rub.
Compagnia Dell'arabica "Jamaica Blue Mountain" bean coffee, 1500 g 48,960 rub.
Coffee beans Paretto “Celesto”, freshly roasted, 1000 g 1619 rub.
Coffee beans Jockey “Traditional”, 100 g 71 rub.
Bean coffee Bushido “Red Katana”, 1000 g 1921 rub.
Coffee beans Lavazza “Qualita Oro”, 1000 g 1550 rub.
Coffee beans Lavazza “Gran Crema Espresso Barista”, 1000 g 1400 rub.
Coffee beans on TEA.ru
Millstones, in turn, are made of steel and ceramic. The former are stronger and cheaper, but can become dull (for expensive models, the steel is coated with titanium and other alloys), the latter do not become dull, but can break if suddenly there is a pebble or other hard object in the grains.
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.
Great, so I take some Kitfort thread, and I have both coffee and spices at their best?
Not certainly in that way. If you haven't read Bosch's review yet, I'll repeat the main idea from the conclusions:
“...more important is the fact that only the grinding “to dust”, minimal, can be uniform in such a coffee grinder. This grind is perfect for brewing coffee in a Turk (including an electric Turk), that is, Turkish. But it’s not suitable for other brewing methods in principle... Grinding coffee for making espresso, Americano, alternative and other brewing methods costs at least in a pseudo-grind, for example, Delonghi KG 89/79. And it’s better in a real millstone...”
And all the coffee grinders mentioned in this review 100% give the same result. That is, they can only be used for grinding Turkish coffee. And for this, any knife tool is quite suitable, unless the knives are dull. Accordingly, the second replaceable bowl seriously increases the overall value of the device; without it, you can take any rotary bowl under the Turk, the same Bosch mentioned above, it is simply cheaper. Here is a small chopper included.
Due to the fact that it is not the knives that are replaceable, but the bowls themselves, there is no mixing of tastes and smells, which is always important for coffee. That is, one bowl is always used for grinding coffee, the second for cereals, sugar, spices, and nuts. The drive is carried out through a plastic gear with hooks; it looks quite reliable and, according to reviews, lasts a long time. It’s understandable, if you don’t try to grind meat for manti (or manti? I’m not good at that).
But even more important is the fact that the bowls are removable - it is more convenient to wash them multiple times simply under running water. This bonus is also pleasant if you only have one coffee cup; by and large, this is the point of paying extra for such a coffee grinder versus the notorious Bosch, which costs around 1000 rubles.
Some technical information
Coffee grinders Kitfort KT1329, Caso Coffee Flavor and all other clones are a 200 W electric motor enclosed in a plastic case, which is connected through a plastic gear to a metal bowl in which a rotary knife is installed. The capacity of the cup in some milks is stated as 70 grams, in others as 90 g. For all models, be guided by the lower limit - 70 g. For coffee of this kind, you should not fill it to the top.
The knives in all models are installed in a plastic holder, so it is impossible to completely eliminate contact of the product with the plastic, if this is important to someone. The plastic used is quite decent, at least to the touch and smell it does not cause immediate rejection. Its quality is similar for all brands, so there is no point in trying to buy “more expensive, but better quality.”
The electrical wire is also the same for everyone, about a meter long, and its unused part can be hidden in the bottom of the device. The bowls are installed and latched with a slight clockwise turn; they simply cling with plastic ears to the sockets in the main module. On the same main module, on its upper edge there is a pair of end buttons that are pressed if the bowl is closed with the supplied transparent lid. Actually, when you close and press on the lid, the milk turns on. As long as the limit switch is clamped, it works. As soon as you stop pressing on the top cover, the device stops. A standard approach that provides protection against accidental starting and guarantees interruption of operation when the lid is opened.
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..
Choosing a grind for a coffee machine
Not a single cafe allows itself to use budget devices when making coffee. It's all about the uniformity and degree of grinding of the coffee, which are extremely important for a coffee maker with a holder. If these parameters do not meet the established standards, then you will not see classic espresso. We found out how grinding affects taste:
- with fine grinding, water almost does not pass through the coffee and the drink turns out to be very strong with a bitter taste;
- if the grind is very coarse, then the water passes too quickly and the coffee does not have time to saturate it with its taste and aroma;
Grinding can be called correct only if the coffee maker produces 30 milliliters of drink in 22-28 seconds.
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.
Types of coffee grinders
Even the best coffee maker will not make you a delicious drink if the beans are not ground correctly. As it turns out, the whole trick is in the grinding, so choosing a coffee grinder definitely shouldn’t be neglected.
Nowadays you can find a huge number of different coffee grinders on the shelves. However, among all this diversity, three types of machines can be identified:
- knife (rotary) coffee grinders;
- pseudo-burr coffee grinders;
- burr coffee grinders.
If desired, manual mechanical coffee grinders that operate without electricity can also be classified as a separate type. However, we will not devote too much time to them, since such devices are not in great demand now. These are rare and specific specimens.
Let's look at each type separately.
Knife (rotary) coffee grinders are one of the simplest and most budget-friendly ones. Moreover, the quality of grinding in this case will fully correspond to the cost of the device.
Let's begin our analysis of this type of coffee grinder by studying their structure and operating principle. The machine body contains a motor that drives the knife with two blades. In this case, the cutting device is located in a protected chamber, so the contents that are previously poured into the coffee grinder will remain there until the device turns off.
There is nothing complicated in using this type of device: grains are poured into the chamber, when the button is pressed, the operation of the knife is activated, then it takes some time for all the grains to be ground, after which the coffee grinder turns off and the contents are poured into a bowl or removed with a spoon. By the way, it is most common for ordinary people to see the coffee grinder lid as an on/off button.
It is worth noting that for more uniform grinding, it is recommended to shake the coffee grinder periodically so that the remaining coffee moves inside the chamber with the knife. Also, in such devices you can grind not only grains, but also various spices, but then you will have to thoroughly wipe the working chamber, otherwise the drink will become saturated with the smell of these seasonings and food additives.
Yes, these devices are quite useful in everyday life, but for those who want to make coffee professionally, they are definitely not suitable. The reason is that this type of coffee grinder does not allow you to control the grind level. The entire process is regulated manually, and the grinding quality is determined by eye. And during operation, the contents of the chamber move unevenly inside it, which means they are ground accordingly. Therefore, do not be surprised if at the end of the process you find large pieces of coffee beans inside. In this case, there will be only one solution - try to calculate the optimal time for which the coffee grinder copes with all the beans. In other words, such a device requires an individual approach.
Unfortunately, such coffee can only be prepared in a Turkish coffee shop. It is not suitable for other types of coffee makers precisely because of the grinding, since its taste will change greatly each time: sometimes sour, sometimes bitter; sometimes good, sometimes not very good, to put it mildly. However, if you turn coffee into dust, then such a fine fraction is quite suitable for Turkish coffee. So try experimenting, add a little pepper to your drink and enjoy the amazing taste.
What can be concluded? If you drink Turkish coffee, then this type of coffee grinder is definitely for you. You can also use the device to grind various spices if you like to cook something extraordinary. However, it is better not to buy such a kitchen appliance for those who intend to prepare coffee in drip coffee makers or devices with a holder. You will only ruin the drink and be upset because it tastes wrong.
Pseudo-burr coffee grinders . All coffee lovers know that it is best to use coffee grinders that grind beans using millstones. But then the manufacturers cheated and began producing pseudo-burr coffee grinders. Their design is very similar to millstone devices, but there are still a number of differences. And they, by the way, do not have the best effect on grinding.
But due to the pursuit of profit, manufacturers often deceive buyers and present pseudo-burr coffee grinders as real millstones. To avoid falling for this trick these days, you just need to look at the cost of the device. Now the most famous pseudo-burr coffee grinders can be purchased for only five to nine thousand rubles, while burr coffee grinders with simple equipment will cost much more.
If you are planning to buy a coffee grinder online, then it would be a good idea to research its internals beforehand. Go to the manufacturer's website, ask the seller questions, or, at worst, find the device at your local electronics store and take a look at the millstones. Despite the fact that pseudo-burr coffee grinders, like burr grinders, use rotating discs for grinding, their size and shape are significantly different. In the budget options that we talked about earlier, the grinding elements are equipped with special convex serrations that do most of the work. In other words, they crush and bite the coffee beans into small pieces. While the millstones carefully grind each grain, helping to further reveal the special taste.
What we get as a result after the pseudo-burr coffee grinder has done its job: coarse and uneven grinding, in which large pieces of beans often flash. In principle, pseudo-burr coffee grinders will not be able to grind the beans too much and make the coffee crumbly and soft. This means that this grinding is definitely not suitable for Turkish coffee lovers. However, espresso lovers or owners of geyser coffee makers will certainly appreciate this device.
Of course, one cannot fail to mention the advantages of this device:
- the ability to adjust the degree of grinding, which you can independently select by moving a special lever that changes the proximity of the millstones to each other;
- Also, such models of coffee grinders also have a timer, which will allow you to precisely adjust the amount of coffee that will be ground over a certain period of time.
Operating pseudo-burr coffee grinders is very simple - by pressing one button, you start the grinding process, which turns off automatically. Next, the coffee is sent to a container from which it can be taken with a spoon or simply poured into a bowl.
Even despite all the shortcomings of this type of coffee grinder, they are still very popular. The fact is that you can adjust the degree of grinding, and this function, in turn, creates the appearance of a serious device for the pros. At the same time, the price of such coffee grinders is quite affordable, which further raises their rating.
By the way, some craftsmen manage to modernize such coffee grinders! It turns out that grinding can be made very fine if the distance between the millstones is greatly reduced. To do this, just place a small sheet of cardboard or other thick and thick paper under one of the millstones. The end result is a dust-like grind, which is great for espresso. To improve your coffee grinder yourself, just find lifehacks on the Internet, arm yourself with cardboard, scissors and a screwdriver.
If you have a geyser coffee grinder and, in principle, you do not require high quality grinding, then you can safely pay attention to this option. However, keep in mind that gourmets always want to get something more, so the taste of coffee of a certain grind may soon get boring and you will run in search of a more advanced device.
Burr coffee grinders . These are exactly the devices that can be chosen by both professionals and beginners who have just begun to get acquainted with coffee drinks. Let's start with the fact that for professional baristas such a coffee grinder is almost in first place among the most necessary items. And novice coffee lovers with such a machine will be able to quickly understand the grinding and understand how they affect the taste.
If you have a device in front of you that costs about 8-12 thousand rubles, then this is the simplest class of burr coffee grinders. Yes, for that amount you can fix several teeth or buy a good ski suit, but you must understand that the quality of the coffee drink directly depends on the grinding of the beans. Therefore, any professional will tell you that this is not the highest price and you should not be afraid of it at all. If you decide to get serious about this business, then be prepared to spend money on good equipment. It is worth noting that over time and gaining some experience, people cease to be afraid of high prices and try to invest more and more in their hobby.
These burr coffee grinders look very much like pseudo-burr models. They have the same levers for adjusting the degree of grinding and the number of beans, and they are also equipped with a container for ground coffee. But at the same time, even the most ordinary grain-type model will be a hundred times better than even the most sophisticated pseudo-millstone.
Most often, people discover the differences between these machines when making espresso. This type of coffee is very sensitive to the grind size and its uniformity. Therefore, you can immediately literally taste an inexpensive and low-quality coffee grinder.
But we digress. What are the advantages of a burr coffee grinder?
To begin with, it is worth highlighting a feature that will delight all beginners - in many models, coffee is poured directly into the holder, which means that it will not need to be poured into a separate bowl, leaving part of the portion on the table. It is impossible not to pay attention to the features of adjusting the degree of grinding. This allows you to customize your espresso preparation. Sometimes one second of spilling gives the coffee bitterness or sourness, so it is very important to take into account all the nuances.
Another plus is the wide grind range. Home options may not allow you to grind coffee in several modes, but more expensive professional models can handle more than just grinding for espresso. You can make coffee in them for a Turk, a geyser coffee maker, and many, many other brewing devices.
Here you can talk for a very long time about the features, details and advantages of such models, so it is better to analyze this topic using specific examples and comparisons. We want to warn you about only one thing - if you decide to delve deeper into the coffee topic, then a burr coffee grinder will soon seem like a very simple toy; its functions will no longer be enough to hone your skills. So here it is quite logical to immediately think about purchasing an expensive and advanced model of coffee grinder. Typically, the cost of such devices starts from 15 thousand rubles. After some time, you will be able to buy a professional coffee maker, then your devices will already be on the same level.
There are also several nuances that you should pay attention to when buying a burr coffee grinder:
- a cone-shaped container allows you to grind all the grains without leaving any residue, while in a cylindrical container the grains can become clogged at the edges and will have to be shaken off periodically;
- choose a coffee grinder with a small reservoir for beans - otherwise the smell of coffee will disappear in a matter of weeks.
- the rotation speed of the millstones must be within 500 rpm, otherwise the grinding will be poor;
- It is better to give preference to an option that is equipped with automatic locking - it will make using the device safer.
Manual mechanical coffee grinders . Most often these are souvenirs, which, perhaps, can stand on a shelf, become covered with dust and give the room a special charm. Sometimes there are rare rare copies, the cost of which is equal to the price of a decent Moscow one-room apartment not far from the metro. But even such a high cost does not mean that this item will cope with grinding coffee beans.
But if we talk about mechanical coffee grinders, then the most sophisticated coffee lovers will stand up for them. You are unlikely to find similar models in regular stores, so to order such a thing, you will have to try hard, and then even pay a tidy sum for it.
Some of the most convenient are mechanical coffee grinders that fit into an Aeropress. This greatly simplifies and speeds up the process of preparing the drink. It is also worth noting that the device is used without electricity.
As for the pros and cons of such models, you shouldn’t think about it. After all, this is the same as comparing listening to music on vinyl records and an MP3 player. Yes, the second option is much faster and simpler, but it has no aesthetics. So the choice here is entirely yours. If you want to treat yourself to the leisurely process of preparing your favorite drink, then why not?
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.
Criterias of choice
To make using the unit comfortable, experts recommend choosing a model taking into account all the important characteristics. Among them:
- Grinding system.
- Power.
- Rotational speed.
- Grinding volume.
- Grinding degrees.
- The material used to make the device body, knives and millstones.
- Availability of a separate bowl for ground coffee.
- Company manufacturer.
In the USSR, the most popular was a mechanical coffee grinder, which was a square box with a handle for rotation.
This is a list of the main parameters; modern models are also equipped with additional functions, but they are secondary and first of all you need to study and pay attention to those listed above.
Grinding system
Previously, various models of the type of grinding systems have already been considered, then we will talk about in what case this or that model will be suitable.
It is worth choosing a rotational model if:
- it is important that the coffee grinder is small-sized;
- It is planned to use the unit to grind not only coffee beans, but also other products;
- budget is limited;
- It is planned to make coffee in Turk.
Today, rotary type coffee grinders are in greatest demand.
When choosing a burr coffee grinder, you need to take into account that it is much more expensive than a rotary grinder. This model would be a good choice if:
- It is important for you that the grinding is perfect, with uniform grinding without heating;
- if coffee will be brewed not only in a Turkish coffee pot and therefore it is important to take into account the degree and uniformity of grinding;
- It is necessary to grind a large volume of raw materials at a time.
Power
The speed of rotation of knives or millstones directly depends on power. This indicator is most important for rotary coffee grinders. In order for the grinding to be uniform and without overheating the grains, you need to choose units with a power of at least 180 W. If the power is less, the grinding will be uneven, although the price will be lower.
Various recipes for preparing an aromatic drink require different grinding of beans.
If you choose a burr coffee grinder, the optimal power will be 100 W.
Capacity (maximum grinding dose)
You need to be careful with this indicator if you choose a rotary coffee grinder. For such models, the loading volume and the maximum grinding dose are especially important. It is important that the amount of coffee ground matches these indicators, because if the bowl is not completely filled, the grinding will be uneven.
When planning to purchase a coffee grinder, initially decide on the grind size.
This does not apply to burr coffee grinders. Even if their volume is very large, and the amount of ground coffee is much less, the quality of grinding will not deteriorate. This is why you can grind even small amounts of coffee. If the coffee grinder is equipped with a dispenser, then you can grind not all the poured beans, but do it in portions. For lovers of a strong drink or those who prepare several cups of coffee at a time, you need to pay attention to the “maximum grind dose” indicator. But lovers of weak drinks need to pay attention to the minimum grinding value.
You cannot grind the grains for a long time, as they will overheat and the drink will be bitter.
Adjusting the grinding degree
The size of the ground coffee particles depends on the degree of grinding. The choice of this indicator depends on how the coffee will be prepared.
- Rude. An excellent option if coffee is prepared in a French press or drip coffee maker.
- Average. Optimal for geyser-type coffee makers.
- Small. Suitable for those who prefer to make coffee in a Turk.
- Superfine. Suitable if the drink is prepared in an espresso-type coffee maker.
- Powdery. If you need to make oriental coffee in a Turk.
On the market you can find devices with different powers: from 100 to 300 W.
This indicator also affects the characteristics of the drink, for example, the taste, aroma, and consistency of the drink. The finer the grinding degree, the:
- the drink will be thicker;
- the taste and aroma will be richer;
- the bitterness will be felt more;
- The coffee will be ready soon.
If you purchased a burr coffee grinder, the degree of grinding can be adjusted by changing the distance between the millstones. The smaller this distance is, the smaller the coffee particles will be. This helps make the degree of grinding independent of the operating time of the unit and the speed of rotation of the millstones, which means that the coffee in the coffee grinder will not heat up.
When choosing the power of a coffee grinder, you should proceed from the amount of drink you will prepare.
Some rotary models are equipped with a function for adjusting the degree of grinding, but this adjustment will be carried out by changing the speed of rotation of the knife, which means the coffee may heat up or even burn.
Material of millstones (knives)
Most often, knives are made of various metals, in particular stainless steel. When choosing a rotary coffee grinder, you can evaluate the quality of the product by its appearance, since the mechanism is not hidden, but is in plain sight.
You should not choose a rotary coffee grinder with high power: this will increase the risk of overheating the beans.
In general, there are three common options for materials for making millstones:
- Metal. This material is much less prone to breakage and damage, but can heat up and heat up the coffee accordingly. Moisture negatively affects the material.
- Titanium coated metal. The titanium coating makes the mechanism more durable, as the surface will not wear off.
- Ceramics. This material does not heat up and is not afraid of moisture, but can easily be damaged if foreign objects enter.
The metal is quite cheap and durable, but over time it can wear off and impart an unpleasant taste to the coffee.
Additional functions
Modern models can be equipped with a wide variety of additional functions. For example, there is a function such as automatic shutdown when clogged, and an additional dispenser or tamper can be installed.
The best millstones are made of stone. They make the most correct grind.
Burr coffee grinders often come with measuring spoons, a dispenser, a place to store the cord, and rubberized feet to prevent slipping during operation.
Additional features of electric coffee grinders
Electric coffee grinder models provide many more different functions and capabilities. However, it is not always worth purchasing a certain model just because of the wide variety of additional accessories, because most often most of them remain unclaimed for home use.
If you are not sure that you will use additional functions, there is no point in overpaying for such a model.
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.
Rules for using a coffee grinder
To ensure maximum service life, certain cleaning and maintenance rules must be followed during operation.
- Before cleaning after use, be sure to disconnect the device from the power supply.
- Cleaning must be carried out after each use so that coffee residues from the previous grinding do not affect the taste of the new raw material.
- Just like any other electrical appliance, you cannot wash a coffee grinder under water. You can use a damp towel to clean the bowl and blades.
- Regular cleaning extends the life of the equipment.
- During operation, it is important to ensure that the engine does not overheat.
- It is better to turn off the coffee grinder periodically. Ideally, continuous operation time should not exceed one minute.
- If you have chosen a coffee grinder to grind not only grains, but also pepper, sugar, cereals, etc., keep in mind that it will be extremely difficult to get rid of the odors of other products.
- It is important not to overload the coffee grinder with beans; the blade should not rotate with difficulty.
If you brew coffee only in a Turk, then a rotary one will do.
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.
TOP 5 best companies
Companies such as Bosch, Delonghi, Moulinex, Rommelsbacher, Profi cook are known for their excellent quality coffee grinders.
If you need a good model in the budget price segment, then you can pay attention to such manufacturers as Scarlett, Vitek, Supra, Aksion.
Regardless of the brand you choose, you must purchase equipment with a warranty from the manufacturer. This will give you the opportunity to contact the company’s service department for assistance and troubleshooting.
The cost of an electric coffee grinder varies from 1,100 to 15,000 rubles, but there are even more expensive models.
Coffee grinder Unit UCG-112
A budget option. The model is not equipped with a large number of functions, and therefore it is compact and very easy to use.
The powerful and compact coffee grinder Unit UCG-112 is distinguished by its ergonomic design.
Vitek VT-1542
It is also a fairly compact model that can handle not only coffee beans, but also other products. It is silent in operation.
The stylish coffee grinder VT-1542 SR made of stainless steel will appeal to every coffee lover.
Polaris PCG 1017
The model is compact, budget-friendly and operates silently. Some buyers note inconvenience in cleaning the machine and when spilling raw materials.
The model is designed to load 50 grams of beans and is equipped with durable stainless steel blades.
Erisson CG-M12S
I'm pleased with the affordable model, which allows you to adjust the degree of grinding. Equipped with an automatic shut-off function after a minute of use.
A highly efficient grinding system, the coffee grinder copes even with heavy loads.
Mikma EKMU IP-30
Another example of a budget model. It operates quietly and is also suitable for grinding other products. One of the disadvantages is the short cord.
The EKMU IP-30 electric coffee grinder is distinguished by its ease of use, ease of cleaning, high grinding speed and compact size.
The process of making good coffee is an art! That is why it is important to pay attention to every stage of its preparation. Properly ground grains are the key to a tasty drink. Modern models allow you to have special equipment at home. It is only important to choose the most optimal option for yourself, taking into account your taste preferences, requirements for the cooking process and financial capabilities. If you choose the right coffee grinder, you will start every morning with aromatic coffee. We hope this article helped you understand the question of how to choose a coffee grinder for your home.
Which coffee grinder is better: electric or manual?
In order to decide which coffee grinder will be best for you specifically, you need to proceed from your individual wishes and characteristics of your life. Consider the following points when choosing:
- Frequency of use. If you like to drink a cup of coffee once every one or several days, the manual option may suit you quite well, but electric models can handle larger volumes better.
- The need to maintain silence. If this point is important for you (for example, you don’t want to wake up your loved ones early in the morning), it is better to purchase a manual coffee grinder.
- Waste of time. If you are not used to spending a lot of time making coffee, then electric models are definitely for you, since with them grinding will take a matter of seconds.
- The desire to fit into the interior. Electric coffee grinders have a modern design that will look good in new kitchens, but sophisticated retro models of mechanical coffee grinders will fit perfectly into classic interiors, becoming their decoration.
- Dependence on electricity. When you need to make coffee in places where there is permanent or temporary access to electricity, mechanical models will be unrivaled.
- Availability of storage space. Most electric coffee grinders require more space than manual models.
Thus, both types of coffee grinders have their advantages and disadvantages. Some buyers prefer to acquire two devices at once - manual and automatic - and use them based on the circumstances.
For example, to drink coffee alone, you can use a mechanical model, and to treat a large company to a drink, turn on an electric coffee grinder. Moreover, many housewives use coffee grinders not only for their intended purpose, but also for grinding other bulk substances (for example, cereals or seasonings). Therefore, having two devices will not be superfluous.
The main thing is to choose models from manufacturers that have proven themselves on the positive side, and also follow the operating rules. Then your coffee grinder will delight you for many years.
Multifunctionality of rotary and burr coffee grinders
Manufacturers of coffee grinders provide them with useful functions that make the use of the units more comfortable, for example:
- The device locks when the cover is removed, ensuring safe operation of the device.
- Rotary units can have knives with double blades, increasing the speed of processing coffee beans.
- Sloped bottom for improved grind quality and enhanced mixing.
- Switching off the device if a foreign object (pebble or piece of wood) accidentally gets into the millstones.
- To improve grinding quality, rotary models sometimes have a pulsating rotation system.
- Unit shutdown function when the motor overheats. Hard, heavily roasted beans require lengthy processing, which can cause the motor to overheat. In this case, the device will turn off automatically.
- Sound insulation, ensuring silent operation of the device during hours when others are still sleeping (night, early morning).
- There are two types of timer - setting the number of cups of drink and the time spent preparing the grind. If you set the number of cups, then the device itself will measure the required number of coffee beans.
- Rubber feet, which, unlike plastic supports, give the device better stability and grip on the table surface.
- Before purchasing a device that has an automatic cord rewind function, you need to make sure that it works. The length of the cord is also important in some cases, especially with a large kitchen area.
Characteristics
Sozen has the following characteristics:
| Capacity: | up to 30 g of grains |
| Millstone type: | steel |
| Millstone shape: | conical |
| Dimensions: | 175 x 40 x 40 mm |
| Weight: | 370 g |
general view of the Sozen coffee grinder
The coffee grinder does not have any packaging or box with logos and instructions for use. The parcel was tightly wrapped in unmarked corrugated cardboard and carefully wrapped with tape, which completely protected it from damage during transportation.
Sozen is simple, looks very colorful, its body is entirely made of polished brass, the color creates a feeling of warmth and comfort.
Without resorting to tools, the coffee grinder consists of four parts: the handle, the lid of the container for pouring beans, the middle part, which contains an axis with millstones and grinding adjustment, as well as a large glass for ground coffee.
The handle is foldable and very strange (it’s impossible to fold it completely without the risk of breaking it one day) with a very small “holder”, which can be grasped with only two fingers when grinding grains and this is a little annoying. The handle fits onto the axle and is removed very easily.
The lid of the bean container and the glass for ground coffee are nothing special, so we won’t focus on them.
Let's move on to the main, “middle” part of Sozen. Inside it, secured externally with two “golden” screws on the body, there is an axis with millstones.
axle with millstones
The design is a non-separable steel cup with a massive partition at the bottom and a hole for an adjusting bolt in the lower part of the partition. Inside the glass there is an axis with a small millstone.
grinding adjustment bolt
By the way, the handle is also used to adjust the grinding - the head of the adjusting bolt is also tetrahedral. The rotation of the bolt raises and lowers the axis with a small millstone inside the glass.
the holes are completely unfinished
It is worth mentioning separately the quality of the coffee grinder. Unfortunately, it is missing from our copy. The only element that can be called well-made is the lid of the grain container.
The appearance of both external and internal elements does not at all inspire the feeling of a new thing and it seems that I bought it “in transit”.
However, all the shortcomings are completely covered by the grinding quality.
Choosing the best option for your home
To accurately choose a device, answer yourself the question of how often and in what volumes you drink coffee. If rare, choose an economical option that produces a small amount of recycled content. For example, a rotary type coffee machine (knife). For frequent use, we recommend paying attention to professional millstone models.
Your preference for a particular drink will also help you choose the best coffee grinder. High-quality, uniform grinding of coffee beans is necessary for making espresso, mocha and cappuccino. Therefore, true connoisseurs of these drinks are recommended to opt for the mill version.
