A truly high-quality and well-made coffee grinder (UPD! Grinding uniformity analysis!)

The taste of coffee depends primarily on the type of beans, the quality of their grinding and roasting. A good coffee grinder is the key to getting a flavorful drink. Manual coffee grinders were invented in the 10th century and are still in demand today. Mechanical grinders, with adjustable millstones, grind beans to the desired particle size and produce uniform coffee grinding. But what is better for use, a geyser or drip coffee maker, is indicated in great detail here.

Operating principle of a manual coffee grinder

During the mechanical grinding process, coffee is ground between two millstones. The grains move downwards, grinding into small particles. The millstones have a conical shape, with the inner one rotating freely around the outer one, which is rigidly fixed. To operate a mechanical coffee grinder, you twist the handle.

How to adjust grinding

Degrees of coffee grinding
By adjusting the distances between the grinders, it is easy to obtain coffee of the desired degree of grinding. How to set up a coffee grinder? In eastern models, this is done by turning the screw on which the handle is attached. In European coffee grinders, a special regulator is installed in the desired position. You can get different grinding:

• coarse - the grains are ground into a mixture similar in size to coarse salt;
• medium – finer grind (ground coffee can be compared to granulated sugar);
• extra - ground coffee resembles powder, but small grains of grains are felt to the touch.

This point is important when preparing coffee drinks. Coarsely ground grains are suitable for a French press, while small and extra grains are excellent for brewing in a Turk.

How does a coffee grinder work in a coffee machine?

The coffee grinder has a hopper for storing grain, a millstone block where it is ground and a container where the ground powder goes. Under the hopper there is usually a switch that operates when the device is turned on.

The grind setting of the espresso grinder is adjusted by adjusting the rotary switch. The more divisions, the more possibilities for preparing drinks and using different varieties. Many professional baristas know that the same variety, ground on the same device, produces a different taste. The fact is that some built-in coffee grinders have a limited number of grinding levels.

Setting up a coffee machine with a built-in coffee grinder begins with setting up the coffee grinder. It is not recommended to roast the beans too strongly while using fine powder. This gives the drink a bitter taste, if it even appears in the cup.

The fact is that too small particles stick to each other and prevent the passage of liquid between them. Water is absorbed into the coffee tablet and does not come out. In this case, you need to adjust or configure the Delonghi, Saeco, Nespresso coffee machine - those that have an automatic supply of ground powder.

Before setting up, you need to examine the condition of the coffee tablet, which is located in the waste container. It should be dense and not crumble.

Types of manual coffee grinders

When choosing manual coffee grinders, two types of devices can be distinguished, depending on the type of base, the location of the handle and the material.

European

Such models are designed simply: a small cubic body, a handle (can be attached to the top or side) and a container for grains. European coffee grinders look very aesthetically pleasing and resemble an elegant wooden box. Products decorated with carvings can become a decoration for the kitchen. Suitable for preparing freshly ground coffee for literally 2-3 cups. The grinding option is stepped.

Eastern

Such devices look like a cylinder with a handle located on top. Paintings or patterns add real sophistication to the products. Oriental coffee grinders have small containers for storing ground beans. This is very convenient if in the morning you only have time to make coffee and drink. The grinding option is stepless.

How to measure a dose of coffee

Ways to measure the right amount of coffee beans:

1. Approximately. Unreliable method for beginners. Experienced baristas are able to measure the dose by eye without serious error. Exact dosage is not possible with this option.
2. With the click of a coffee hopper. The coffee grinder has an error of 0.2 grams, so the dosage will remain inaccurate and will vary from portion to portion.

The ideal solution for weighing grain before grinding is to use an accurate scale with 0.1 gram increments for this purpose. You can buy inexpensive scales at a jewelry store or specialty coffee shops that are specifically designed for weighing coffee.

You should not try to artificially speed up the process of grinding coffee beans: if you do it too quickly, the grains will be too uneven, which will spoil the taste of the coffee. In addition, quickly ground coffee can heat up, resulting in a bitter drink with a burnt rubber taste .

If you follow all the instructions for proper grinding of beans, you will get coffee with excellent taste characteristics, which guests of the establishment will appreciate. And this will also reduce the consumption of coffee for preparing drinks.

For you:

Why does a barista need a pitcher?

Important criteria for choosing manual coffee grinders

A wide range of models of coffee grinders allows you to choose a device not only by price and appearance.

Material of manufacture

Manufacturers use different materials to make cases and containers. Steel is used to create oriental coffee grinders. The body material of European models can be: wood (beech), brass, porcelain, plastic.

The millstones deserve special attention. These details determine the lifespan of the devices and the quality of the ground coffee. Made from the following materials:

• Cast iron is an inexpensive metal that provides a long service life. However, over time, you may notice a slight metallic taste in the ground coffee. This is due to the grinding of metal elements;
• Hardened steel makes the coffee grinder reliable; metal parts do not absorb odors. However, this material wears out faster than cast iron. Firms have solved this problem - millstones are made of titanium alloy. Although such an improvement significantly increases the price of the device;
• Ceramic millstones grind grains perfectly. Unlike metal ones, they are not afraid of water and practically do not wear off. The main disadvantage is the fragility of the material, so if the coffee grinder falls, there is a high probability that the millstones will break.

Parts made from natural materials are durable, resistant to moisture and do not absorb odors. Stone millstones can grind coffee into dust. Naturally, such models are not cheap.

Functionality

The name of the device does not imply that its use is limited. A coffee grinder is excellent for grinding many products:

• Grinding various cereals allows you to obtain a fine fraction product. This is especially in demand in families with small children. By adjusting the degree of grinding, it is easy to obtain cereals ground almost into flour, which will allow you to prepare pureed porridges (corn, rice, wheat, buckwheat);
• Grinding spices at home will preserve their aroma. To do this, it is advisable to use a coffee grinder directly during the cooking process. You can grind anything: cardamom, sea salt, peppercorns, flax or sesame seeds, cinnamon;
• dried ground vegetables, fruits, berries (without seeds) will give dishes an excellent and unusual flavor.

In order for the grinding of cereals and spices to be truly high-quality, it is recommended to pre-dry the porridge and lightly heat the grains or seeds in a heated frying pan.

Important! Do not grind nuts with high fat content (walnuts, peanuts), which can clog the millstones.

Handle location

In devices, the handle is attached to the top or side. In some European models, the handle is fixed on the side of the wheel. Such mills are more stable on the table and the side handle is easier to rotate than the top handle.

In Eastern models and some European ones, the handle is located on top. A special advantage of oriental coffee grinders is that the handle can be removed and very little space is required to store the device. The grinding quality can also be adjusted using the knob.

The choice of options is a matter of taste and comfort. You need to immediately evaluate how it will be more convenient to rotate the millstone mechanism.

Containers for grains and finished powder

In all devices, the grain container is located on top. It usually holds from 10 to 100 g of coffee. Some models are equipped with special covers that muffle the noise during grinding. You can store beans in such coffee grinders, but you must keep in mind that their aroma will quickly evaporate. If coffee is often prepared for a large group, it is better to take a model with a large capacity.

In European coffee grinders, the drawers for ground grain are small (literally for 2-3 cups) and there is no special container for storing it. In eastern models, the compartment for ground grain is located at the bottom, but its size is smaller than the grain container.

The best blade and mill type coffee grinders

Trying to get rid of the shortcomings of knife-type models, coffee grinder manufacturers came up with additional improvements that significantly improved the quality of the devices.

A high-quality rotary coffee grinder should contain:

• inclined chamber for more uniform grinding of grains;
• not too powerful motor (about 150 - 200W) to prevent burning and bitterness;
• overheat shutdown;
• removable knives for easy cleaning;
• rotation speed of at least 500 rpm;
• metal body, durable plastic parts;
• power-on blocking in case of incorrect assembly;
• pulse mode – improves grinding quality;
• soft suction cups for strong fixation on the surface;
• device for winding cord. It is very convenient if the device has to be put away in a closet all the time.

Some manufacturers produce devices with two knives, which promotes more thorough grinding.

Good coffee grinders should have:

• millstones made of titanium or good steel;
• metal case;
• sealed chambers for grains and ground powder. Conical chambers for grains contribute to more uniform grinding. Cylindrical - sometimes you have to shake it, as powder sticks to their walls;
• rubber pad on the bottom for fixing to the table;
• double protection against switching on if the cameras are in the wrong position;
• powerful motor up to 300W.

Which coffee grinder is better - manual or electric?

When comparing devices, attention is paid not only to the grinding quality. It is important to know the pros and cons of electric and manual models.

Thanks to electric coffee grinders, grinding time is significantly saved. Using the device is easy and convenient, and retail chains offer a wide range of products (prices, sizes, designs). The disadvantages include the need for a power source and the lack of adjustment of the grinding level. Powerful units heat up the grains during operation and this can cause the drink to become bitter.

When using manual devices, it is easy to get coffee of the desired grind, the beans do not overheat and the drink does not taste bitter. The devices operate quietly, do not require electricity, are reliable and safe. Negative qualities: obtaining a ground product requires time and manual labor. It is not always possible to immediately adjust the desired grinding level.

The choice of device is also influenced by the rhythm and lifestyle of the buyer, his habits. If you like to quietly enjoy a fragrant cup of coffee, a manual model will give you such pleasure. Energetic people who receive many guests should give preference to electric units.

Setting the grind of the coffee grinder: coffee grinder with adjustable grinding degree

The aroma of coffee depends on the quality of the original product: variety, roasting, grinding. A drink brewed from freshly ground beans has the best taste, all other things being equal.

Hand mills have been used to make coffee powder for hundreds of years. Modern coffee grinders are equipped with electric motors, which has made the process of grinding roasted beans quick and easy. To brew the perfect coffee, you first need to purchase a coffee grinder. A good variety, fresh beans and a coffee grinder are the basis of a good drink. But what a coffee grinder with ceramic millstones looks like and how it is used is described in great detail here.

Rules for caring for a manual coffee grinder

It is not recommended to wash coffee grinders under water, especially with cleaning agents. For exterior cleaning of wooden cabinets, it is better to use wood cleaners.

Advice! If the steel case is very dirty, wipe the stains with napkins moistened with detergents (without abrasive additives). Then the device is thoroughly wiped dry. It is recommended to clean rust with a special composition.

Over time, an oily coating accumulates on the inside walls of coffee grinders. It is advisable to wipe containers for beans and ground coffee with dry wipes.

To clean the millstones, experts advise using rice, which perfectly absorbs oily deposits and eliminates odors. A small amount of grains is poured into a container and ground. To prevent leftover rice from getting into the drink, the first portion of ground coffee is thrown away.

Extraction: how to set it up correctly

Extraction is the time when essential oils and other substances are completely released from the coffee powder. It is greatly influenced by the degree of grain grinding. If extracted quickly, the coffee will be watery and without crema. If the process is too slow or stops, it means that the grind is too fine and there is not enough pressure from the machine to push the liquid to the outlet.

There are 4 grinding levels:

• Powdery - more suitable for Turkish. This coffee is served with grounds. The taste is bitter.

• Fine is the normal level used in espresso machine settings. Extraction time is more than 28 seconds.

• Medium – needed when the drink preparation time is increased to 2 minutes.

• Coarse – coffee from this particle size takes at least 4 minutes to prepare. Typically used in French press. The extraction lasts less than 22 seconds.

The settings change when a new variety of grain arrives or environmental conditions change - temperature, humidity, air conditioners turn on or the season changes.

Roasting beans

For coffee machines, medium roast is most often used, when, with a properly configured coffee maker, nutty and chocolate notes of flavor appear in the drink.

Review of popular manufacturers

Among the variety of models, there are several manufacturers of the best manual coffee grinders:

1. Bekker - produces European coffee grinders. The retro-style model looks stylish, in which the grain container and the side handle in the form of a wheel are made of cast iron. And the millstones are metal-ceramic. Products with a wooden box and ceramic millstones are also in demand. The volume of the container for grains is 30-40 g.
2. TimA offer European-style mills with a more modern design. The wooden box looks harmonious with the metal dome-shaped funnel. The size of the box for grains is 40 g. The company also offers products of oriental type: the cylindrical metal body is decorated with elegant oriental ornaments. Capacity for grains – 30 g.
3. Mayer&Boch offer a product with a wooden-ceramic body and a steel funnel for coffee beans (capacity 50 g). Thanks to the wide base, the model is stable and easy to use.
4. Tescoma has released a cylindrical model with a modern look, assembled from metal and plastic. Thanks to the marks on the special cup, it is easy to keep track of the amount of ground coffee received (for 1,2,3,4 cups).

Manufacturers offer a wide range of coffee grinders. When choosing a manual device, you need to focus on the material of the millstones, the aesthetic qualities of the case and the comfort of using the device.

Review of blade and grinder coffee grinders

Among the best knife coffee grinders with good user reviews are: Bosch MKM 6000/6003, Caso Coffee Flavor, Mikma EKMU IP-30, UNIT UGG-112, VITEK VT-1542, Polaris PCG 0815A.

Bosch MKM 6000/6003

Bosch MKM 6000/6003

Rotary electric coffee grinder, made of durable plastic. Has an inclined bowl. Stainless steel knives, safe mode. The grinding container capacity is 75 grams. Small size, optimal price, grinding quality and long service life have resulted in a huge number of reviews from satisfied users.

VITEK VT-1542

VITEK VT-1542

Peculiarities:

• metal case;
• automatic shutdown when overheating;
• ergonomic design;
• low price.

Users complain about not ideal grinding, strong heating of the case and a short electrical cord. But these minor shortcomings are completely offset by the durability of the product and the cheap price of the product.

Cunill Brasil, Rommelsbacher EKM 300, Delonghi KG 79, Nivona NIGS 130 Café Grano burr grinders and others showed good quality, durability, grinding precision, and preservation of the aromas of freshly ground coffee.

Delonghi KG 79

Delonghi KG 79

Burr coffee grinder for home use. It has a practical appearance and is easy to clean inside and out.

Peculiarities:

• grinding degree adjustment;
• possible loading of up to 120 grams of grains;
• compactness;
• durable body;
• rubberized legs;
• coffee grinder power 110W.

Among the disadvantages is a coating of dust on the walls of the container, which has to be cleaned off.

Rommelsbacher EKM 300

Mill type coffee grinder.

Peculiarities:

• power 150W;
• large capacity for grains 220 grams;
• practical appearance;
• 12 grind levels;
• cord winding device.

The Rommelsbacher EKM 300 model is distinguished by its robust parts, low energy consumption and noise level.

Users note some inconvenience when cleaning the millstones. For all other characteristics, the coffee grinder received the highest marks.

Rommelsbacher EKM 300