Good coffee burr grinder?
Discussion
Want to get the OH a decent burr grinder so she can grind her own coffee beans. A machine rather than a hand grinder as her hands don’t work so well. Wondering about the Kitchen Aid one that is available for a 60 percent discount just now at about £80. Is it decent? Any others that could be recommended? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
Blackpuddin said:
Want to get the OH a decent burr grinder so she can grind her own coffee beans. A machine rather than a hand grinder as her hands don’t work so well. Wondering about the Kitchen Aid one that is available for a 60 percent discount just now at about £80. Is it decent? Any others that could be recommended? Thanks in advance for any thoughts.
What coffee machine are you using ? Budget ? How are you brewing the coffee ?
Ideally you should be spending at least as much as the coffee machine cost (the grinder is far more important for getting quality coffee).
Much under £150 will only get you a "false burr" grinder, which will be absolutely fine for filter or cafetiere coffee but not espresso.
For that you really should watch some James Hoffman videos on YouTube, then brace yourself for how much a decent conical or flat burr espresso grinder costs.
For that you really should watch some James Hoffman videos on YouTube, then brace yourself for how much a decent conical or flat burr espresso grinder costs.
Blackpuddin said:
She doesn’t do espressos which is a relief by the sound of it! She just makes normal cups including frothed up milk.
Your machine is an espresso machine but will be no doubt be using pressurised baskets to allow for shop bought grounds etc.p.s. I managed to pick up a Fracino K6 professsional grinder (over £1K new) for £130 including delivery from Ebay.
Blackpuddin said:
Yes it’s nothing fancy, just a small De Longhi Denica (?) one cup jobbie. Sorry!
So espresso??Grind for espresso needs to be very fine. Most shop-bought pre-ground typically isn't fine enough.
Difficult to be sure, but I'd be suprised if a grinder at that price point would be good enough for espresso. You need verrrry fine adjustments and a chonky motor.
Blackpuddin said:
Sorry I’m a bit ignorant in this area (and others), I suppose she is making espressos which she’s adding milk to.
I think your machine is using pressurised baskets which negates then need for as fine a grind as required by non-pressurised baskets for espresso.The Sage as above would be a good choice if within budget.
Check how finely ground the coffee is from your hand grinder (assuming she is happy with the result ?), post a picture.
Can’t fault my sage smart grinder pro, I thought it was a bit much at first £180 new but there’s loads on eBay for less than £90
The main reason I went for it over a few others is that you can grind directly into the portsfilter and the screen is easy to use, so once you’ve set it up for your beans , you can set the time and it just doses the same amount every time.
The main reason I went for it over a few others is that you can grind directly into the portsfilter and the screen is easy to use, so once you’ve set it up for your beans , you can set the time and it just doses the same amount every time.
Get the MiiCoffee DF54 Single Dose Coffee Grinder
It's £240, which is an absolute steal for a flat burr single dose Grinder. (a few years ago, just before the Niche launched at £550, grinders like these started at £1300)
It's 'future proof' - i.e. if she (or you) develop a real interest in coffee, or upgrade the espresso machine, this grinder is capable.
Equally, if your machine breaks and you want to use other brewing methods like filter, pour over, French press etc, this grinder has you covered.
It's £240, which is an absolute steal for a flat burr single dose Grinder. (a few years ago, just before the Niche launched at £550, grinders like these started at £1300)
It's 'future proof' - i.e. if she (or you) develop a real interest in coffee, or upgrade the espresso machine, this grinder is capable.
Equally, if your machine breaks and you want to use other brewing methods like filter, pour over, French press etc, this grinder has you covered.
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