For connoisseurs of real coffee, having a coffee grinder at home is absolutely necessary. The only question left is, which coffee grinder to choose? Coffee connoisseurs note the following important requirements for choosing a good coffee grinder for home:
- The coffee grinder should produce a uniform grind, the particles after the procedure should be approximately the same size;
- It should not heat the coffee too much when grinding;
- Different coffee recipes require different grind levels, so being able to adjust it is important.
Depending on preferences, pay attention to electric models, these include rotary and millstone models. When there is enough time to perform high-quality grinding, manual coffee grinders are suitable. The grinding process lasts longer, but the grains will be of the same size and will not heat up much, losing important properties.
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Pros and cons of coffee grinders for home use
Electric and manual are the two main types of devices. Depending on the type, they have their pros and cons. So, the advantages of manual coffee grinders include:
- Compactness;
- It is easy to care for;
- The grinding quality is at a high level;
- Low price;
- The operation of the coffee grinder does not cause noise.
In turn, its disadvantages are considered to be:
- Time costs;
- Energy consumption;
- The bean containers are small;
- It is difficult to change the grind size for different coffee recipes.
Electric coffee grinders differ significantly from manual ones. More modern options that make grinding easier have the following advantages:
- The work goes quite quickly;
- Larger bean containers;
- It is possible to grind a large quantity of beans at once;
- Easy to operate.
An electric device makes the grinding process much easier. These coffee grinders do not have the disadvantages that are inherent in manual ones. However, due to the automation of the process, such devices have their own disadvantages:
- Some grinders may not produce a consistent grind;
- There is a possibility of overheating the grains;
- Electrical devices are usually quite noisy;
- The cost is higher than manual ones.
Types of devices
Grinding devices are divided into two large categories: manual and electric. The latter are divided into millstone and rotary. Each type has its own characteristics and design.
Manual
This type works similarly to millstone electric devices, the only difference being that its operation does not depend on electricity. They are usually small in size and fit harmoniously into the kitchen interior. Due to their small size, they can be stored in a cabinet until the moment when you need to grind the beans. When determining how to choose a good manual coffee grinder, you should pay attention to several of its features.
Millstones in manual models can be made of cast iron, ceramics or steel. The first material is more durable and long-lasting, while its cost is lower than that of other materials. Ceramics, metal or wood can serve as the body of the coffee grinder.
To make the work easier, you should buy a version with a side handle, so it will be more convenient to grind coffee. Due to the fact that grinding is done manually, it takes much more time than when using an electric type. However, this feature allows you to grind beans without heating them, which allows you not to spoil the taste of coffee.
Electric millstones
This version of an electric coffee grinder differs from its rotary counterpart due to different operating principles. According to the design, they have two compartments, one for loading beans, and the other for pouring ready-ground coffee.
Grinding is done by flat millstones. By adjusting the distance between them, you can achieve different degrees of grinding. There are also models with conical millstones instead of flat ones, the difference is that conical ones are less noisy and do not overheat the grains, although the work is slower.
Depending on the material used, the taste of the future coffee may differ. Also, a properly selected material allows the coffee grinder to serve longer. The best option is stainless steel. With it, the device will serve longer, and the grinding quality will be at its best.
Electric rotary
Rotary or knife grinders are those that use only one container for operation. The beans are loaded into this container and the ground coffee remains in it after the work is done. Due to the different time intervals of operation and the knife used, different degrees of grinding are obtained.
The device has special knives at the bottom of the container, designed for grinding. In versions where only one knife is used, it will be necessary to shake the container periodically for good processing, so for fast and high-quality work it is better to choose a model with two curved knives.
How to choose a good coffee grinder
In order to answer the question of how to choose a coffee grinder, it is worth deciding on some aspects, namely:
- How often do people drink coffee in their home?
- What is your favorite drink;
- What kind of coffee maker will be used to prepare ground coffee?
If you need a small amount of ground coffee per day, you can choose an option with a small capacity, so the grinding will be faster. If there is little time in the morning to grind coffee, it is better to take an electric device.
Also, depending on what the coffee will be brewed in, the right device is selected. Rotary devices are also suitable for brewing in a Turk, since special homogeneity of beans is not required. If you have an electric coffee maker, you should choose an electric millstone or a manual one.
A unit that has the ability to adjust the degree of grinding will be the most optimal and universal option for all cases.
Control type
When choosing the right device, first of all, you should pay attention to the type of control. A good coffee grinder is equipped with the following functions:
- Locking control buttons when the lid is not closed properly;
- The presence of a pulse mode, which allows you to get a better level of grinding;
- Availability of protection against grain heating;
- Choice of different grind types.
Optimal power
Power is an indicator used only for electrical appliances. It is possible to find types with a power of 100 to 900 W. Answering the question of what is the optimal power of a coffee grinder, we can confidently say the range is from 100 to 180 W. Such options will not overheat the beans, although the grinding will take longer.
Grinding degree and its adjustment options
It is extremely important to control the degree of grinding if you intend to brew not the same drink, but different ones. In manual devices for home use, grinding adjustment is done manually, as is the work itself. To do this, you need to remove the millstones and tighten the adjusting element. In electric millstones, it is enough to select the desired option on the display. In rotary ones, it depends on how long you hold the button.
What material are the millstones made of?
The main materials for all options are:
- Cast iron. An inexpensive option, but they wear out over time and will need to be replaced;
- Stainless steel is more durable, but is susceptible to negative effects from water;
- Ceramics. The most durable and expensive option.
Capacity of the grain container
In stores, you can find different versions of containers of various sizes. The optimal choice depends on the volume of the drink needed. Small containers are suitable for a single serving. If you need coffee for 4 people, you should choose a larger container.
Absence or presence of a dispenser
Most models have a dispenser. As a rule, it differs for grains that require grinding and the finished product. Optimally for grains, this is from 100 to 300 grams. For ready-made grinding for home use, the option up to 100 grams is well suited. The best material is glass, dispensers made of this material do not absorb odors and are not scratched.
Overheating protection
If you use the grinder for a long time, the motor will start to heat up, which also leads to the beans heating up. Overheated beans make the coffee bitter and less tasty. Therefore, it is worth choosing an option with overheating protection.
Startup type
Rotary ones are started by pressing and holding the lid. They may not be convenient, as they require constant human presence. Electric burr models are equipped with a start button, just press it and the grinding will begin.
Is there a screen and timer?
Only electric millstone types are equipped with a screen. The presence of a screen allows you to select the desired type of grinding, and also has other built-in programs. Rotary ones have only a timer, it is enough to set it once and then grind calmly, without worrying about overheating of the grains.
Noise
Any electric coffee grinder makes noise. Depending on the power, it can be less or more.
Additional features
Different models of electrical units have different additional elements. These may include:
- Double knives;
- Possibility to change the tilt of the container for better grinding. In rotary versions;
- Overheating protection;
- Lock operation when the lid is open;
- Automatic cord rewind;
- Strengthening sound insulation;
- Timer.
Which brands of coffee grinders are better?
The rating of the best manufacturers is made up of the companies presented below.
Mikma
The units from this company have the optimal power for home coffee grinders. The predominant material used is plastic. The range includes various options, from expensive to quite budget ones.
VITEK
The company provides well-assembled and high-quality devices. The presented options have different types by power, capacity and material of knives.
DeLonghi
A company that manufactures high-quality machines with various additional functions. Thanks to optimal capacities, it allows you to make coffee without overheating the beans.
Mahlkönig
The company is a leader in the production of high-quality coffee grinders. All the company's devices are manufactured by highly qualified engineers and assembled exclusively by hand. This approach improves the quality and reliability of the products.
Bosch
A company that provides a large number of different kitchen appliances. Coffee grinders are also made at a high level and from quality materials. They carefully approach the possibility of choosing different grinds and provide more powerful options.
Macap
A company that is specifically engaged in the production of coffee equipment. Thanks to its involvement and focus, it produces good coffee grinders and other thematic devices.
