Coffee Grinder

[Patallaire]

I think it is time to upgrade my coffee grinder, any suggestions?

[David]

Pat, I've tried several and finally found this. It's head and shoulders above others, particular because they've managed to control the static electricity so that the dust doesn't make a mess (first entry, at the top):

 

http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.electricmills.shtml

[Bullett]

I think it is time to upgrade my coffee grinder, any suggestions?

 

What kind of coffee? If you're shooting espresso, you want a burr grinder; if your makin' drip, I submit that any grinder is fine.

 

I have the Cuisinart DBM-8 from Costco, it works fine for me. I used to have a different brand that always clogged, but I have managed to purge my memory of its identity.

[drzep]

Pick a price range, figure out what you will mostly use it for (drip, vs press, vs espresso etc), and then read up on your options at coffeegeek.com. It's a great database for reviewing grinders.

 

Like Sharon said, if you make a lot of espresso then grind consistency is very important so you need a burr grinder (either conical or plate). If drip is your thing then a burr or blade grinder is sufficient. A decent burr grinder will suit your needs for anything from Turkish (fine) to French Press (course) so it may be worth the investment.

 

We've had a bunch over the years and I'd say that for <$200 (refurb'd) the Gaggia MDF was near the top in terms of an all-around-grinder. I've read a lot of good things about the Maestro that David pointed out as well.

 

Good luck and remember, a good grind can make all the difference in your day.

[Patallaire]

Thanks-Need to read all the info.

[questrider]

I have the Cuisinart DBM-8 from Costco, it works fine for me. I used to have a different brand that always clogged, but I have managed to purge my memory of its identity.

We have used the Cuisinart DCG-12BC which grinds beans into dust if that's what you want and makes little mess.

 

 

The lid fits over the cup with the blades and a little tap on the top before removing it knocks pretty much any dust off the top. Works for us and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

 

Funny, though, our motorcycles did.

[upflying]

When you mentioned "coffee grinder", this is the first image that came to my mind.

[Skywagon]

Bob...I still have that unit in my hangar hooked up to a 12v power source...still works..

[Aluminum_Butt]

I'd say you're getting good advice so far. The only thing I disagree with is the post that equated a blade grinder and a burr grinder for drip coffee. The nice thing about a burr grinder is that you can set it and have the same grind time after time - the grind is based on how close the burrs are together. A blade grinder (at least the ones I've used) are based on time - the longer you grind, the finer it is - much less consistency. Also, the blades tend to generate heat, which is bad.

 

If you're making espresso, consider flat burr instead of conical burr - again for grind consistency.

 

I frequently order from Whole Latte Love. No affiliation, just a satisfied customer. They've got some pretty decent discounts right now.

[drzep]

True true. But from my point of view, if you drink drip coffee through paper filters, you are likely not that concerned about the subtleties of grind consistency or the 20C increase in bean temp during grinding with a blade.

 

My point is that if you are into coffee - buy a burr grinder. However, if you drink anything dark that smells like coffee, well then an inexpensive whirly bird will do you fine.

 

I use a flat burr grinder (rancillio) because I drink espresso every morning. If I only drank vacuum or drip, I'd be less concerned unless I was cupping.

[LandonBlueRT]

Pat, I've tried several and finally found this. It's head and shoulders above others, particular because they've managed to control the static electricity so that the dust doesn't make a mess (first entry, at the top):

 

http://www.sweetmarias.com/prod.electricmills.shtml

 

I have been using this one for some time and like it.

[Trinity]

I've got the Cuisinart burr grinder from Costco...pretty good machine for the dinero.

 

FWIW, I drink a lot of dark roast and learned a good trick for cleaning out burr grinders which start clogging. Empty out all the beans, clean what you can access with old tooth brush, etc. and run a cup of brown rice through it! As it's ground through the burr, the rice hulls absorb the old oils, etc. (Of course, you'll want to clean out the rice dust before you grind you next cuppa'... )