Coffee Grinders

Burr grinder or blade grinder?

Coffee grinders are divided into two major types -- blade and burr -- based on how they grind. Blade grinders, which are inexpensive and easy to use, use a spinning blade attached to a motor. Not only are blade grinders easy to clean, but they can also do double duty as spice grinders (as long as you clean them thoroughly between uses). Reviews say they work well for automatic-drip coffee makers, which don't require a very fine or perfectly consistent grind.

Burr coffee grinders are larger, heavier and more expensive than blade grinders. While a good blade grinder can cost $20, the price of a quality burr grinder starts at $90 and rises quickly. Burr grinders work like pepper mills, grinding a few coffee beans at a time between grooved metal disks. One disk rotates while the other remains stationary. If you own an espresso machine, you need a burr grinder, as blade grinders simply cannot produce a fine enough grind. In professional tests, automatic-drip coffee made from burr-ground beans had a better mouthfeel, but the tradeoff is a slight bitterness. Experts say that very finely ground coffee that's exposed to water for several minutes -- rather than the seconds it takes to pull an espresso shot -- can be overextracted, or leach bitter flavors into water. Coffee should be ground even more coarsely for French presses, which expose beans to water for even longer periods than auto-drip coffeemakers.

Blade grinders -- a good basic choice for automatic-drip coffee

Much like blenders, blade grinders chop coffee beans as their blades spin. Blade grinders are inferior to burr grinders in that they grind less evenly. To counteract this, it's best to grind in short bursts, stopping in between to shake the grinder. Although coffee made with blade-ground beans has less body, it is also less prone to bitterness caused by overextraction. Blade grinders are fine for French press and automatic-drip coffee, when you don't need a super-fine grind and consistency of grind isn't crucial. Experts say that blade coffee grinders should never be used to grind coffee for pump-driven espresso machines.

Blade coffee grinders are pretty simple machines, and most don't cost more than about $30. For the most part, performance differences from model to model aren't terribly dramatic. Some blade grinders are more stylish than others, and some are easier to use, but these differences tend to be minimal.

The Krups Fast Touch 203-42 (*est. $20) is one of the most reviewed coffee grinders at Amazon.com. Owners give it an average rating of 4 stars (out of a possible 5) in close to 200 reviews. Owners say that this grinder is compact, easy to use and inexpensive. Cook's Illustrated praises the snug fit between the grinder's lid and base. Several owners say that their Krups coffee grinders are still going strong after ten years of heavy use. One owner reports that her grinder melted upon contact with a hot stove but kept grinding. This simple grinder comes in black or white.

The Krups GX4100 Fast Touch (*est. $30) is slightly more expensive, but it's sheathed in stainless steel and thus has a sleeker look. Reviews say this little blade grinder is an excellent performer and can be pressed into service as a spice grinder. Performance-wise, it's comparable to the Fast Touch 203-42 coffee grinder, and owners say it's a cinch to clean.

Owners posting to Amazon.com give the Braun KSM2 (*est. $20) , a very high average rating. Many praise its powerful motor, small footprint and cord storage. Testers at Cook's Illustrated say that it grinds on the fine side and produces a fair amount of coffee dust, but owners don't seem to mind. The Braun coffee grinder has a capacity of nine tablespoons.

The Mr. Coffee IDS77 Electric Coffee Grinder with Chamber Maid Cleaning System (*est. $25) has a unique feature: a built-in scraper that sweeps grounds away from the grinding chamber. This doesn't obviate the need to wipe down the bowl with a damp cloth, but owners say it helps cut down on mess. A number of owners note that the pouring spout is somewhat hard to use, and many say this machine is loud, but most are very happy with the inexpensive IDS77, which has three grind settings.

The Cuisinart DCG-20BKN (*est. $20) holds about five tablespoons and is available in black, white and red. In general, owners posting to Amazon.com like this grinder. Most say that it's compact, sturdy and powerful. A few say that it can spill grounds, refuse to work if overfilled, or choke on large amounts of coffee. Amazon.com's editorial reviewer notes that it's best for "singles, couples, and light coffee drinkers."

Overall, if you want a simple blade grinder, reviews say you can't go too far wrong with one of the above models. They all seem to do the job pretty well. Burr-style coffee grinders, on the other hand, vary more in their performance.

Burr coffee grinders -- essential for espresso

Home espresso brewing demands a burr grinder, which can produce a grind fine enough for a pump-driven espresso machine. There are two basic types of burr grinders: wheel grinders and conical grinders. Wheel models, which are cheaper and spin faster, can be noisy and messy. Pricier conical burr grinders aren't as messy, noisy or prone to clogging because they grind more slowly. A new category of "prosumer" burr grinders bridges the gap between professional and home burr grinders.

If you like stronger, slightly creamier coffee, you can use a burr grinder to prepare coffee for an
automatic-drip coffee machine, but the more finely ground the coffee, the greater the risk of overextraction. The experts at Cook's Illustrated say that, in general, coarsely ground coffee is best for automatic-drip machines.

The Capresso 560.01 Infinity (*est. $90) is the best budget burr grinder, say testers. This grinder garners an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of a possible 5) in more than 200 Amazon.com reviews. Owners posting to CoffeeGeek.com give this grinder favorable reviews as well, saying it's an especially good conical burr grinder for the price. Reviews at both sites say that the Infinity is well built, consistent and well designed. A few gripe about static, but the container that holds the grounds fits snugly into the base, which reduces coffee dust. With its 16 settings, commercial-grade steel burrs and a sleek black plastic housing, the Capresso Infinity can serve as a crossover grinder for both automatic-drip machines as well as espresso (as long as you are not too picky about consistency and fineness of grind). The Infinity is also available in stainless steel as the Capresso Infinity 565.05 (*est. $140) .

The Breville BCG450XL Ikon Conical Burr Grinder (*est. $100) (also known as the BarAroma Grinder) has not been on the market long enough to accumulate as many owner-written reviews as the Capresso Infinity, but early reports indicate that it is just as good a value. Owners call it attractive, consistent and relatively quiet. The BCG450XL earns very high average ratings at CoffeeGeek.com and Amazon.com. Owners like this coffee grinder's wide range of grind settings, built-in timer, and cord storage, but a few say that the plastic bin that catches the grounds looks a little flimsy.

The Starbucks Barista Burr Grinder (*est. $120) receives an average of just over 8 stars (out of a possible 10) in more than 130 CoffeeGeek.com reviews. Owners say the Barista burr grinder is relatively quiet and generates little coffee dust. However, several owners complain that the grind range is inadequate, and a few complain about the plastic housing. Owners report that the grinder is compact and relatively easy to clean. Overall, this looks like a hardworking, attractive grinder at a moderate price. Owners warn that this machine can't grind coarsely enough for French-press coffee, and that the Capresso Infinity costs $30 less.

The Baratza Maestro Plus Conical Burr Grinder (*est. $150) receives an average of 7.1 stars (out of a possible 10) in over 40 owner-written ratings at CoffeeGeek.com. This burr grinder, which weighs 7.5 pounds, has a black metal housing, a weighted base and a 40-step grind adjustment. Some owners report that their Maestro Plus grinders broke as a result of coffee dust buildup on the grind adjuster. To avoid this problem, it's best to clean this grinder at least once a week. The Maestro Plus grinder receives mixed reviews from owners posting to Amazon.com. Some say that it is stable and quiet, while others say they've had to resort to using "creative" cleaning tools, including cotton swabs and paper clips. Overall, say owners, this grinder performs adequately for the price, but the cheaper Capresso Infinity does just as good a job and is easier to clean.

The KitchenAid Pro Line KPCG100 (*est. $200) burr grinder's glass and die-cast metal housing sets it apart. Although it's heavy and somewhat bulky, this coffee grinder earns high marks from more than 80 owners posting to Amazon.com, who say it's exceptionally consistent and sturdy. The KPCG100 has 15 grind settings and a two-year warranty. Owners say that this grinder is quiet and that its glass hopper and coffee bin are less prone to static than plastic versions. Several users say that they used the manufacturer's instructions to modify the grinder for espresso-machine use, but users posting to CoffeeGeek.com are divided on the question of whether it grinds finely enough for espresso connoisseurs. Most say the KitchenAid coffee grinder is nearly as good as more expensive models, and many agree that it is the best midrange grinder available. But for the very finest, most consistent grind, you'll likely want something more expensive.

Since their emergence in 1991, both Rancilio Rocky models -- doser (*est. $320) and doserless (*est. $310) -- have won raves. Owners posting to CoffeeGeek.com award the Rancilio Rocky 8.5 stars (out of a possible 10) in more than 50 reviews. Owners generally prefer the doserless model. Although dosers make it possible to grind, hold and dispense enough grounds for several cups of espresso, home baristas who plan to pull one or two espresso shots a day probably don't need one. The Rocky has 55 grind settings and measures 14 inches tall, 10 inches deep and 5 inches wide. If you are looking for a grinder that straddles the line between consumer and commercial quality and costs about $100 less than its nearest competitor, this is it. Owners say that the Rocky's consistency of grind outshines cheaper machines. Many say that if you own a high-end espresso machine, you should spring for an equally upmarket grinder.

The Mazzer Mini (*est. $400) , a die-cast aluminum coffee grinder with a hefty price tag, comes in black, silver, red, gold or dark gray. It has a 250-watt motor and a 60-second timer, and it weighs 22 pounds. Owners posting to CoffeeGeek.com give this doser-style burr grinder an average of 9.3 stars (out of a possible 10) in more than 40 reviews. In fact, the Mazzer Mini is the site's highest-rated burr grinder among those reviewed more than ten times. Designed for commercial use, the Mini has been repurposed for home use. Owners say that this grinder is sturdy, relatively quiet and easy to use. Users posting to WholeLatteLove.com are equally fond of this grinder, which they call quick, powerful and consistent. This grinder's height of 16.5 inches makes it nearly impossible to store under standard kitchen cabinets, however.

At $400, the Mazzer Mini is hardly the most expensive burr grinder on the market. The Pasquini Moka (*est. $500) and the LaCimbali Junior (*est. $600) both earn high marks in owner-written reviews.

Choosing a burr grinder depends on what type of espresso drinker you are. Casual home baristas who aren't picky about getting the finest, most consistent grind will be happy with the Capresso Infinity, which also works for automatic-drip machines. Those who want a better grind quality and a more display-worthy design should consider the KitchenAid Pro Line KPCG100. Demanding espresso enthusiasts should look to the Rancilio Rocky or Mazzer Mini.

Manual coffee grinders: Nostalgic but labor intensive

Manual coffee grinders (also called coffee mills) are an option for those who don't mind working for their coffee. You can find manual grinders in a wide range of styles, from machines that look like old-fashioned box grinders to machines that resemble a pepper mill. The trouble with manual coffee grinders is that they are practically impossible to find in the U.S.

We found no professional reviews of manual coffee mills and only a handful of websites offering owner-written reviews, including Epinions and CoffeeGeek.com. Zassenhaus, a German company, produces an array of manual grinders. Both the box mill (*est. $70) and knee mill (*est. $80) have solid-wood housings and metal levers. The knee-mill model has indentations that allow the user to grip the mill between his or her knees while grinding.

Zassenhaus also makes solid-brass Turkish mills (*est. $85), which have a more cylindrical shape. All Zassenhaus grinders have conical burrs that, with some adjustment, can grind finely enough for espresso machines. Grinding takes longer than it does with an electric mill (one to two minutes), so manual mills are best suited to those who pull one or two espresso shots a day or brew a single pot of coffee.

Zassenhaus mills earn high average ratings at CoffeeGeek.com. Owners say that the box mill is affordable and easy to use, and they appreciate its solid craftsmanship and Old World look. Several owners say that they plan to pass their Zassenhaus mills down to their children. Although high humidity can lead to static buildup in manual grinders, the problem is easily remedied by tapping the grounds box. Unfortunately, Zassenhaus coffee mills are not that easy to find aside from online specialty shops.

Coffee maker/grinder combo machines

Experts say that the best coffee taste comes from freshly ground beans, but that means you're dealing with two separate appliances: the grinder and the coffee maker. Savvy manufacturers have come up with a solution: an automatic-drip coffeemaker with a grinder built right in. These machines usually come with a timer that allows you to wake up to coffee made from freshly ground beans. This convenience comes at a cost, however: the price of such machines often exceeds the total cost of a grinder and coffeemaker purchased separately. For more on this type of combo machine, see our companion report on coffee makers .

Reviews say that the Melitta MEMB1B Mill & Brew (*est. $70) is the best value in combo coffee makers. At Amazon.com, it has accumulated more than 650 reviews that average 4 stars (out of 5). Most owners are very pleased with the Mill & Brew's performance and ease of cleaning. Many praise its metal mesh filter, 24-hour programmable timer and relatively compact countertop footprint.

In performance terms, the Capresso 454 CoffeeTEAM-S (*est. $200) is comparable to the Mill & Brew, but it costs $130 more. Most owners say it's easy to use and brews very good coffee. The Capresso has mild, medium and strong settings, as well as a 24-hour programmable clock/timer and a brew-pause feature. Some owners, however, call it noisy and wish they could exercise more control over the fineness of the grind. Others say that this machine doesn't brew hot enough (200 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal for flavor extraction). In general, however, reviews call the CoffeeTEAM-S a better choice than the Cuisinart DGB-330BK Grind and Brew (*est. $100), which is said to require heavy cleaning.

Important Features: Coffee grinders

Here's what reviews say about choosing a coffee grinder:

• Go with a burr grinder if you use an espresso machine. Some burr grinders can grind coarsely enough for French-press coffee, while others cannot.

• Blade grinders are best for automatic-drip coffee makers. Blade grinders can't grind finely enough for espresso machines, and the grind itself isn't very consistent. While this is fine for auto drip coffee, it's not sufficient for espresso machines. You can improve a blade grinder's evenness by grinding in brief bursts, stopping periodically to shake the grinder. Although many manufacturers recommend running a blade grinder for 10 to 15 seconds, testers found that grinding for 20 to 25 seconds improved coffee's mouthfeel.

• Assess your counter space. Burr grinders take up more space on the counter and weigh more than blade grinders, but some are more compact than others. Burr grinders that approach commercial quality, such as the Mazzer Mini, can weigh more than 20 pounds and measure as much as 17 inches in height.

• Decide how much coffee you want to brew in a day. If you want to pull several espresso shots daily, you may want a burr grinder with a doser, which can hold ground coffee in a receptacle. If you plan to brew several pots of automatic-drip coffee a day, choose a blade grinder with a large capacity, such as the Krups Fast Touch 203, which has a 12-tablespoon capacity, or enough for about one-and-a-half 40-ounce pots.

• Timers are worth consideration. If you want to multitask in the morning, choose a grinder with a timer that you can walk away from, but be aware that the grinder's idea of an adequate grind may not match your own.

• Blade grinders are easier to clean. Most blade grinders can be wiped out with a damp paper towel, but burr grinders are more difficult to clean. Coffee-enthusiast websites such as CoffeeGeek.com and WholeLatteLove.com provide detailed instructions for cleaning some high-end models.

• All burr grinders produce static. If you can't stand the mess, look for a grinder with glass components instead of plastic.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of picks	Burr Grinders	Details from Amazon.com
2	Capresso 560.01 Infinity (*est. $90)	details
2	Capresso Burr Grinder 551 (*est. $50)	-
2	KitchenAid Pro Line KPCG100 (*est. $200)	details
1 each	Mazzer Mini , Pasquini Moka90 , Rancilio Rocky Doserless , Braun KMM30 , Gaggia MM , Zassenhaus 161MA manual grinder
# of picks	Blade Grinders	Details from Amazon.com
2	Capresso Cool Grind (*est. $20)	details
2	Krups GX4100 (*est. $30)	details
2	Mr. Coffee IDS55 (*est. $15)	details
2	Braun KSM 2B Aromatic (*est. $20)	details
2	KitchenAid BCG100 (*est. $30)	details
2	Hamilton Beach Custom Grind (*est. $25)	details
2	Krups 203-42 (*est. $20)	details

We found good reviews for the Capresso Infinity and KitchenAid Pro Line budget burr grinders. Although the Capresso 551 receives some recommendations in reviews, we actually found more detractors for this model. When it comes to high-end burr grinders, reviews recommend several models; the Rancilio Rocky gets enthusiastic reviews and costs less than the Mazzer Mini or Pasquini Moka.

When it comes to simpler blade grinders, reviews say many basic models are just fine, and we found equally good reviews for many models in the $15 to $30 range.

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