different types of grinders

The different types of grinders available are wet grinders, coffee grinders, pepper grinders, salt grinders, meat grinders, herb grinders, stump grinders, and surface grinders. Wet grinders are used for the purpose of grinding or blending foods like rice, dhal, coconut, chilies, and so many other things. The end product got here is not in powder form, but in the form of a batter. They are available in standard models, table top models, tilting models, and more. These types are available in various models and capacities (in liters). Price range varies for each model and capacity.
Coffee grinders are used for grinding coffee beans into powder form. It is a common household article everywhere. On the basis of the quality of the powder, the speed with which the process is done, and the blades used in the process, they may be divided into three types. These are the conical burr grinders, burr grinders and electric blade grinders.

Which grind is best for your coffee maker?
How you grind your coffee is the first step influencing the final brew. Some machines will brew better if you make sure to grind your beans to the optimal size in the first place.
Cheaper coffee grinders don't always have coarseness settings, so you will have to experiment a little to establish how long to let your machine grind to achieve the right coarseness or fineness, depending on your point of view.

coffee grinders : Burr coffee grinders

Most experts coffee drinker agree the best type of coffee grinder is a burr coffee grinder. Burrs are serrated steel parts with conical or flat surfaces that fit together. They crush beans into a uniform consistency that can be further controlled by using one of several settings. Burr grinders, along with fresh coffee beans and cold, spring water ensure the best possible flavor.

DeLonghi DCG59 Retro Burr Grinders boast eight different grind settings.

The Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 565 has 16 settings so you're sure to find your perfect coffee grind.

Safety of Burr coffee Grinders
Blade grinders cannot operate without the lid in place. In addition, the Capresso Cool Grind series has the fastest blade stopping action of any blade grinder on the market.

The Burr Grinder Sensor and the Burr coffee Grinder Select will not grind when there are no beans present, regardless if the grinder is open or closed.

The Capresso Conical Burr Grinders will not grind if the bean container is missing or not “locked” in place.

coffee grinders : What is coffee grinders

Great tasting coffee comes from whole coffee beans that have been freshly ground within minutes of brewing. This great taste can be achieved at home by using a coffee grinder.

The coffee drinker today has many choices for coffee. Even grocery stores allocate several shelves for exotic brands and flavors, caffeinated and decaffeinated, whole beans or ground. While many people are content buying ground coffee for its convenience, connoisseurs explain that within 2 minutes of grinding coffee the beans begin to oxidize —- a process referred to as staling -- that changes the flavor. For the best tasting coffee, the sooner you brew your java after grinding, the better.

The way in which beans are ground makes a difference in the flavor of the coffee, because chemical changes take place in the beans depending on the process used to grind them. Flavor is also dependent on the consistency of the grind —- and how course or fine —- as different brewing methods have their own requirements. For example, espresso uses very finely ground coffee, virtually powder-like, while drip coffee makers use a medium to course particle size.

The blade coffee grinder is the least expensive model. It consists of a simple motorized fan-like blade that spins in a hopper, or enclosed plastic casing into which whole beans have been placed. A disadvantage is that the blade shreds the beans inconsistently and the only control for achieving the right particle size is to allow more time for finer ground coffee, and less time for a course grind. Even so the end result is a combination of granulates varying in size, suitable enough for an automatic drip coffee maker, but not recommended for espresso. The advantage to this type of coffee grinder is price at $20 (US dollars) or less.

Most experts agree the best type of coffee grinder is a burr grinder. Burrs are serrated steel parts with conical or flat surfaces that fit together. They crush beans into a uniform consistency that can be further controlled by using one of several settings. Burr grinders, along with fresh coffee beans and cold, spring water ensure the best possible flavor.

Burr mills can be hand-cranked or electric. The hand-cranked coffee grinder is favored by people who like to be a little more involved in the process, but can also be handy when camping or traveling.

A burr coffee grinder can cost anywhere from $70-$400 dollars or more, depending on the manufacturer and features. When selecting a coffee grinder make sure it has the settings you require.

When using a coffee grinder with a drip coffee maker, if the paper filter gets clogged and water backs up, or if sediment is left in the cup, the particle size is too fine. If the coffee isn't flavorful enough (assuming the right amount of coffee was used) the particle size is too course. Adjust the settings for a better result, or if using a blade grinder, adjust the length of time the beans are ground.

A coffee grinder is thought to be the missing link in the secret to a great cup of home brewed java. If you enjoy coffee, this little appliance might just become your new best friend.

copyright © 2006

coffee grinders : BrewWISE Portion Control Grinder

Now you can insure consistently high quality coffee flavor at every location with unparalleled ease and flexibility! Create recipe cards or dedicated funnels for your special coffees using the new BUNN BrewWISE™ Recipe Writer and dramatically reduce coffee equipment installation and calibration time.

• Two hoppers hold 6 lbs. each of regular and decaf or specialty beans.
• Stores individual coffee grind profiles.
• Operate any combination of equipment error-free with wireless brewer-grinder interface via Smart Funnel.
• Brewer Portion controlled for the right amount of coffee every time with 3 batch sizes per hopper.
• Increase sales and profits with freshly ground coffee.
• Precision burrs for consistent, commercial-quality grind.
• The G92T HD DBC is a tall model able to accommodate larger brew funnels.
• Half-batch, multi-set available.
• Simplify installation and calibration by creating your own recipe cards and dedicated funnels with the BrewWISE Recipe Writer on your PC (Windows® compatible).


Copyright © 2001-2006 by Cuda Kitchen

coffee grinders : Coffee Mills & Grinders

Grinding your own coffee from freshly roasted beans is simple with a coffee mill or grinder. The mills, also called burr grinders, use wheels to produce a variety of grinds -- from very fine espresso grinds to coarser grinds -- for use in percolators. These units are larger and more expensive than standard blade grinders; however, the increased capacity and ability to select from a number of different grinds make them ideal choices for the most discerning coffee drinker. No matter which type you decide to buy, Consumer Guide has the information you need to make the right shopping decision.

DeLonghi DCG59 Retro Burr Grinders boast eight different grind settings and a sleek, retro look.

Cuisinart Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill DBM-8 coffee grinders have the convenience you'd expect from Cuisinart.

The Capresso Infinity Conical Burr Grinder 565 has 16 settings so you're sure to find your perfect coffee grind.

The Mr. Coffee Precision Coffee Grinder IDS76 utilizes a device that twists to loosen the grounds that cling to the sides of the grinding chamber.

© 2006 HowStuffWorks

coffee grinders : Coffee Grinder Buying Guide - LowSpeed Direct Drive

LowSpeed Direct Drive
These grinders are well represented by Rancilio's Rocky, the Mazzer Mini and the Pasquini Moka. These are all low speed direct drive grinders and are the heaviest duty grinder that we sell. They are quiet, impart little heat to the coffee and have almost no static charge build up. These are grinders that we match up most often to our prosumer (professional consumer) line of highend espresso machines. They are durable to the point of being heirlooms and the quality is second to none. One of the biggest distinctions to these grinders is the power plants. The motors on these machines alone weigh more then any of the grinders in the previous category. These are tanks that do not need a gear reduction system to build up the appropriate torque, they use a simple but overpowering direct drive system and can be used for light to medium commercial use.

The Rancilio Rocky would appear to be over matched in this category and in several ways it is, but overall it has the heart and soul to compete, but not the feature set to come out on top. Rancilio borrowed the super heavy duty motor from their commercial grinder the MD40. It makes for a die hard motor that will handle anything you throw at it. However it is runs at a very quite 77db while grinding which is about 50% quieter then the Low Speed Gear Reduction category. It also imparts 2 to 3 degrees less heat to the ground coffee as well for 1.5 ounces of ground coffee. The bean hopper is a smoky plastic with a capacity of 10.5 ounces and the doser will hold an equal amount. The Rocky's doser is not adjustable like it's competition in this category and will dose a little under 7 grams per pull. It weighs in at 18 lbs with an aluminum frame. A precision indexing system give a huge range of grinding selections with 55 settings. This is enough to go from the coarsest french press to the finest powder for turkish coffee. Changing a grind setting is accomplished by pressing the index button and rotating the bean hopper to the desired number setting, it is fast and effective. The doser will work with all commercial portafilter handles, but like the rest of the dosing grinders it does not work well with the pressurized portafilters. Fortunately, the forks used to rest the portafilter are removable - which then would then accommodate nearly any receptacle. This grinder comes in a white enameled housing or a brushed stainless steel (our most popular choice) and matches up very well to any of the espresso machine including the prosumer models.

The Mazzer Mini is our biggest grinder at 18.5 inches and 22 lbs. It is has all the bells and whistles that a grinder can have, but it does it quietly at only 76db - the interior sound level of a BMW at 60 mph. The motor runs at an unstoppable 250 watts with the largest diameter burrs at 58mm. The burrs are listed as 100% hardened Swedish Steel - which in plain English means, "stays sharper longer". The Mazzer has a stepless adjustment which means you can adjust it as little or as much as you want and are not limited by the preset steps like on the Rocky or the Moka. And unlike the Innova the settings, they are numbered so you can move coarser or finer and know where you left off. The Mazzer has an adjustable doser that allows for 5.5 to 9 grams per pull and holds up to 7 ounces of ground coffee. The housing is constructed of cast aluminum and comes in either a black or silver powder coated finish for long lasting durability. The Mazzer Mini is available in two styles as well. With a basic on/off switch or a timer - which is very much like a heavy duty Jacuzzi timer. Both sell equally well, but the timer is what we use in the office because were always running to the phone;). Finally, a grinder with a bean hopper gate! This means you can take off the hopper without spilling the beans. This comes in handy if it is time to try that new roast and you don't feel like grinding up what's left in the hopper, or don't feel like tipping it upside down. This grinder comes with a built-in tamper on the doser but I don't recommend using it and it is easily removed with a screwdriver. We advocate using a 30 LB tamp and that would tip even this grinder over! Same goes for the Pasquini Moka. For the prosumer this is as good as it gets. Because we import this grinder we can offer it for a low price which makes this grinder an exceptional deal.

Pasquini Moka grinder is a venerable favorite with our customers. It comes in black and chrome which perfectly matches the Pasquini Liva 90 espresso machines. Having a lower profile then the Mazzer Mini at 15.5 inches it is able to fit under cabinets with ease. If you are considering purchasing the Livia bar setup complete with the base please consider the additional height you will need for the base. This grinder has an adjustable doser with about the same range (6 to 9 grams) as the Mazzer and is easy to clean. It will accept nearly any commercial style portafilters with the same limitations I have mentioned before regarding the pressurized portafilters. The 10 ounce bean hopper is clear plastic and is easily removable but it is not gated to prevent the beans from spilling. It too is whisper quiet, at only 55db with no beans and 76db while grinding. Our labs also noted that the coffee's temperature from grinding was the lowest of any we tested - showing the least impact to coffee flavor. The burrs are 55mm in diameter and capable of light commercial duty. There is a thermal safety switch that will reset itself if the burrs get jammed by a rock or bottle cap. It is a great choice for any home barista looking for the ultimate coffee bar setup. I can't remember the last time we had a problem - in warranty or out of warranty - so this is an easy grinder to recommend to anyone.

by Todd Salzman

coffee grinders : Coffee Grinder Buying Guide - LowSpeed Gear Reduction

LowSpeed Gear Reduction
The Gear reduction grinders are a whole category unto themselves and are one step up from the high speed grinders. They include the Solis Maestro, Maestro Plus and Gaggia MDF. These low speed gear reduction grinders are more attractive than the high speed grinders because they are quieter, cause less static charge, impart less heat to the coffee and are less likely to clog.


The Solis Maestro is the replacement to the Mulino and Solis has created a real beauty. This coffee grinder is very flexible and is the quietest in this class at 77db. It is designed with a timer switch like the Mulino and has an added push & hold button for grinding directly into the portafilter. It has enough clearance to accept a full sized commercial portafilter, but not enough room to place a gold tone drip coffee filter. This is a conical burr grinder that should hold up for years of service. The burrs are easy to clean and like the Mulino the outer burr is removable without tools. The hopper can hold half a pound of whole beans and the ground coffee receptacle has a 6.5 ounce capacity. Overall, this is an excellent grinder filled with plenty of features. The motor is not as beefy as the next grinders we talk about - Gaggia MDF and the Innova grinders - so if you plan on grinding pounds of coffee at a time I would read on.

The Gaggia MDF is the top-of-line Gaggia dosing grinder that has long legacy of excellence. I have talked to customers that have had trouble free service for over 10 years. The smoky plastic Bean hopper will hold 10 ounces of whole bean and the doser up to 8 ounces. It has a typical rocker switch that can be left on for continuous operation. The MDF has 34 grind settings that will accommodate any espresso machine as well as grind coarse enough for drip machine or even french press. Turn the bean hopper to change the grind setting, it is an index system that will give repeatable results without having to recalibrate. The gear reduction system provides plenty of torque and will not bog down. Experience has shown that it generates very little static as well. The doser will accommodate any commercial style portafilter but will not work well with the pressurized portafilters from Saeco or La Pavoni - they are too tall and hit the forks under the doser. The flat plate style burrs are 50 mm making them the largest of the group. They are adjustable for calibration purposes but that should not be necessary. The doser is not adjustable like the prosumer models by Mazzer and Pasquini, but at a fraction of the cost it is a grinder to consider for any home environment.

Want to compare them all? Check out the Compare-O-Matic page.

by Todd Salzman