Features of choosing a coffee grinder for your home
When choosing a technique, it is better to immediately take into account all the nuances of its subsequent use: frequency of use, grinding volumes and taste preferences. This is necessary in order not to overpay for unnecessary functions, and also to ensure that the equipment lasts as long as possible.
This is the only way the drink will retain all its taste and aroma.
How to choose the right coffee grinder for your home
When choosing a coffee grinder for your home, you need to study many different nuances. The type of instrument is especially important. What types of electric and manual coffee grinders are there, and which ones are suitable for each case? Let's look further.
You should know how to choose a coffee grinder to make your coffee aromatic and tasty.
Types of devices
Coffee grinders can be rotary, burr or manual. Next is an overview of various coffee grinders.
Rotary models
Most often, such models are more affordable. This is due to the low power of the model and the lack of a container for ground coffee. Such models quickly and easily grind not only coffee beans, but also other products, such as cereals, nuts, spices, and so on.
In a knife grinder, grinding occurs as a result of the rapid rotation of a large and sharp blade.
It is important to consider that the grinding in this case will not be uniform, and the degree of grinding will depend on the operating time of the equipment. That is, for the finest grinding, you will need to turn on the unit for a long time, which can cause unwanted heating. When heated, the grains will partially lose their essential oils, which means the taste and aroma will not be as rich. If the grains burn due to overheating, the drink will be slightly bitter.
Milling units
Such models will cost more, but the grinding quality will be much better, more uniform and without overheating.
Millstone structures are more complex, but the result is small grains of the same size.
Manual devices
Manual models are suitable for those who love not only the taste of the drink, but also the process of preparing it. If the goal is to save time, then such models are definitely not suitable. Such models are compact and do not depend on electricity.
A manual coffee grinder is an item for true coffee connoisseurs.
Design and principle of operation of the device
Before choosing a coffee grinder, you need to understand how the device works. This will help you understand what to pay attention to. Coffee grinders are slightly different. It depends on the type and purpose of the unit.
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Hand-held tools have two millstones, one at the bottom and the other one that starts rotating when you turn the handle. Some models have a function for changing the distance between these parts. They have a special screw for this. Thanks to this function, the grinding is adjusted. The operating principle of these devices is very simple. You put the beans inside, adjust the screw as you want, close the lid and use the handle to grind the coffee.
Blade coffee grinders grind beans using cutting elements. These are electrical devices. The principle of operation is this: you put in the beans, cover with a lid and press the button (in some devices you need to press the lid). And the device begins to grind the grains.
Of course, the device may vary depending on how expensive your unit is and whether it has additional features. When choosing a coffee grinder for your home, you will definitely come across the fact that they are too different. Each with its own purpose and functions. So that you don’t get confused, next we will tell you everything about the types of these devices.
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.
Optimal power for home use
On the market you can find devices with different powers: from 100 to 300 W. When choosing what power a coffee grinder should have, you should start from the amount of drink you will prepare.
You should not choose a rotary type with high power: this will increase the risk of overheating the grains. The optimal power for a coffee grinder used at home is considered to be 140-190 W. This is enough to quickly grind the grains. For a large family, it is better to grind coffee in 2-3 batches.
You should not choose a rotary coffee grinder with high power: this will increase the risk of overheating the beans.
Burr coffee grinders are not so demanding on power, since only the grinding speed depends on it. A 170 W device will be sufficient. But excess power can still lead to overheating of the beans. The difference in the operating speed of a 180 W and 250 W coffee grinder is not too big.
Burr coffee grinders are not so demanding on power, since only the grinding speed depends on it.
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.
How to care
Do not grind anything other than coffee in a coffee grinder. Clean the device regularly: Wipe the body and blades with a cloth or paper towels. Monitor the condition of the knife or millstones. Do not allow the device to overheat, that is, you do not need to grind the grains for a long time.
Do not grind anything other than coffee in a coffee grinder.
To make good coffee, you need not only high-quality beans, but also appropriate equipment that is kept in order.
Useful tips
If you want to save your budget, then there is no point in considering millstone models for purchase. For home use, a rotary model with a small loading volume but high power will be sufficient.
If you need a coffee grinder to grind more than just coffee, then a rotary model with a large volume and pulse mode, which is necessary for grinding hard raw materials, would be an excellent option.
An important additional function of the rotary device is protection against overheating of grains: the device will turn off when a high temperature is reached.
But if you plan to make a drink in a coffee machine, then you should not save money and it is better to purchase a millstone machine.
The best powerful burr coffee grinders
For those who care about the power and performance of a burr coffee grinder, we suggest you read our review of the best models in this category.
Fiorenzato F64 E
pros
- High operating speed – 1550 rpm.
- Large grain hopper – 1.5 kg.
- Grinding stability and precision
- Convenient electronic control
- Cup counting, moisture and temperature measurements
- Touch display with CapSense technology
Minuses
- Tight adjustment disc
From 37000 ₽
The electric semi-professional grinder is designed for use in cafes and bars. If you buy it for your home, it will last for many years. In just a few minutes, the device can grind coffee for several people. You can grind the grains into a container or portafilter. Looks good in a modern interior.
Nuova Simonelli MDX On Demand
pros
- Melts up to 9 kg. ground coffee in 1 hour
- Has a portion counter and dispenser
- Electronic control, display
- Engine overheat protection system
- Stainless steel portafilter holder
- Metal body
Minuses
- High price
From 34000 ₽
High-performance flat burr coffee grinder, fully automatic. The user only needs to set the necessary settings, and the machine will process grains of any fraction at high speed. The model belongs to the professional segment and can be used in public catering.
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.
