We were won over by these manual and electric models
We (almost) all like to drink coffee – not only in a café in town, at a favorite Italian restaurant or on vacation, but also at home. However, many ask themselves: How can espresso, cappuccino or filter coffee be made even better? Which parameters can I still change during preparation? And why does the barista’s coffee still seem a little more aromatic? A trick: freshly grind the coffee beans. You will find out which coffee grinder is best for this in our large coffee grinder test.
In addition to the coffee maker itself, one factor in particular is the secret of excellent coffee specialties: the fresh grinding of the coffee beans. Apart from users of a fully automatic coffee machine, anyone who uses a French press, a simple filter holder, a portafilter or an AeroPress, for example, can take the taste experience to a new level by only using the beans immediately before the preferred coffee variant is prepared. Of course, you need a coffee grinder for that. The selection of different models and modes of operation is at least as large as the additional number of aromas that such devices can work out from the coffee beans. Manually or electrically, with a fly knife, disc or conical grinder made of ceramic or stainless steel – there are many possible combinations. In order to make the decision for you, we have tested different coffee grinders and here we present the best models from the coffee grinder test.
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Why not just buy ground coffee?
Grinding coffee freshly has the advantage that the aromas contained in the coffee beans, i.e. flavors and fragrances, are brought out in a special way, which results in a very full-bodied coffee drink. The reason for this is that the coffee grounds only come into brief contact with the air, because the longer the ground coffee is exposed to oxygen, the more aromas evaporate over time. The same applies to whole beans, but with coffee powder, the surface and thus the “attack surface” for the oxygen is larger.
This is what matters: the criteria for the coffee grinder test
In order to be able to enjoy the full range of aromas of high-quality coffee beans, ideally refined in a drum roaster, the coffee grinder is also decisive in addition to the coffee preparation itself. The following factors should be considered when choosing a coffee grinder.
- Type of grinder: A
distinction is made between hammer, disc and conical grinders. Grinders with fly knives are not recommended because they break up (and do not cut) the coffee beans roughly into particles of different sizes, and there is also a relatively high level of frictional heat. The problem of temperature also exists with disc grinders, which can also be quite noisy. For this purpose, such coffee grinders produce an even grist, which is also suitable for espresso. The top variant, however, is the conical grinder. Optimal grinding results with few revolutions and thus less heat generation. - Material of the grinder:
Here it’s steel versus ceramic. With regard to the lowest possible heat development, the ceramic grinder has the edge, the categories of robustness and price are decided by the (mostly specially treated and hardened) steel. - Grind levels:
In order to be able to prepare perfect coffee creations using different methods, the appropriate grind is very important. For a French press, for example, coarser ground coffee is required than for filter coffee. In general it can be said: the finer the gradations, the better, although there is of course a limit to practicality or usefulness. - Capacity:
The intended use usually determines how much coffee powder you need. A hand mill is sufficient for 1 to 2 occasional coffees. If you want to make several servings at once, an electric coffee grinder is advisable, which can grind the desired amount much faster and without effort. However, there are also differences in throughput between different electrical models.
These test criteria ultimately influence what is important: a consistent grinding result with particles of the same size in the desired degree of grinding and as few so-called “fines” as possible. These are the smallest components, a kind of coffee dust that prevents even extraction.
The complete test in the video: the best coffee grinders in comparison
The best manual coffee grinders
In the past, the only way to produce coffee powder, hand mills have survived to this day. And not without reason, because the simple principle and the lack of electronics have clear advantages. Manual devices are space-saving, as no other components apart from the grinder need to be accommodated in the housing. Another plus point, in addition to the quiet operation, is the independence from a power socket, which makes hand coffee grinders ideal for on the go. For many, grinding by hand also brings a little nostalgia to life.
You have to make small compromises in terms of capacity and speed. If you want to produce ground coffee for more than 1-2 cups, you will quickly notice that manual work can also be exhausting. In addition, with such quantities it takes some time to get the right degree of grinding again and again, because several grinding processes have to be carried out in any case.
Hario Mini-Slim Plus
Characteristics:
- Particularly light and compact, handle removable
- Ergonomic design made of stainless steel and high quality plastic
- Mounting and grinder more stable for more precision
- Ceramic conical grinder
- Consistent grinding result, homogeneous grist
- 15 degrees of grinding adjustable in steps
- Perfect for on the go
Our recommendation: The price-performance winner from the Japanese expert Hario looks classy despite the plastic content and is very well made. The successor to the top seller Hario Mini-Slim, which has been optimized in terms of design and functionality, is not only ideally suited as a starter.
Orphan Espresso Lido 2
Characteristics:
- 48mm Swiss precision steel blades
- Stepless grinding degree adjustment
- Anti-static regrind container
- Perfect result with every grinding degree
- Retractable crank
- Includes travel bag, brush and tools for maintenance
- Perfect for on the go and at home
Our recommendation: With the Lido 3 hand coffee grinder, Orphan Espresso manages the balancing act of transportability and performance without compromising on one area. Particularly space-saving, comfortable thanks to the rubberized handle, and perfect grist can be produced quickly and precisely. Not cheap, but definitely worth the price.
Comandante C40 MK3 Nitro Blade
Characteristics:
- Puristic, modern design
- Two collecting containers made of glass + lid
- Extremely high quality materials
- 100% Made in Germany
- Particularly smooth-running thanks to the double ball-bearing grinder
- Conical grinder made of patented special stainless steel
- Diamond-ground blades
- 35 fine grind gradations
- Homogeneous grinding result with every grinding degree
Our recommendation: The best manual coffee grinder you can buy. No compromises were made in terms of quality and workmanship, and the exterior, made of wood and glass, impresses with its strikingly inconspicuous design, which is also available in five different colors.
We have written a detailed article about this product. Check it bellow:
The best electric coffee grinders
Electric coffee grinders are the right choice, especially when things have to be done quickly and comfortably. At the push of a button, the desired amount of freshly ground coffee ends up in the collecting container, within a few seconds. Electric grinders are also commonly used in cafes and restaurants in order to be able to serve fresh coffee specialties to several customers at once without long waiting times.
The area in which electric coffee grinders, on the other hand, weaken slightly is where the manual counterparts show their strengths. Required space and the necessary power connection make electric mills impractical for on the go, so they are predestined for stationary use.
Baratza Encore
Characteristics:
- For electric mill compact dimensions
- Powerful entry-level grinder
- 40 degrees of grinding degree
- Durable conical grinder made of stainless steel
- Speed control and automatic switch-off
- Housing made of high quality plastic
- Easy to clean
- Operation self-explanatory
- Excellent value for money
Our recommendation:The entry-level model from Baratza is our price-performance winner. The high-quality processed Encore offers useful functions that ensure a constant grinding result and protect the grinder from possible damage. Plastic elements as well as a missing timer are absolutely to get over at this price.
We have written a detailed article about this product. Check it out:
Baratza Encore Coffee Grinder Test: Solid Grinder For Less Than 170 $
Baratza Sette 270Wi
Characteristics:
- Optimized version of the 270W
- Adaptive scales
- Grinds extremely quickly and quietly
- No dead space
- Almost infinitely adjustable grinding degree
- Awarded “Best New Product” by the SCAA
- Portafilter or filter holder can be attached directly
- Built-in display
- Three configurable speed dial buttons
Our recommendation: The Baratza Sette immediately believes that the “i” stands for intelligent. The innovative weighing unit becomes more precise with each grinding process, and the “pulse function” can be used to grind quickly and easily if necessary. The ground coffee ends up in the collecting container without any detours, so not a gram remains inside.
We have written a detailed article about this topic. check it out below:
Baratza Sette 270 Coffee Grinder Put To The Test: State-of-the-art Grinding Technology For Home Use.
Mahlkönig mill K30
Characteristics:
- 65 mm grinding discs made of special steel
- 21 grinding degree settings
- Only 2 seconds for the amount necessary for an espresso
- Quiet grinder
- Automatic start of the grinding process after inserting the portafilter
- “Grind-on-Demand”
- Variable and electronically controlled dosage
- Backlit display
- Price: 1,899.00 €
Conclusion
Depending on the area of application, both manual and electric models are recommended, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Our coffee grinder test and the selection of our top products should help you to find an individual favorite. And if you don’t grind your coffee yourself, you should definitely consider getting a coffee grinder, because one thing is certain: Your favorite coffee tastes even better with a coffee grinder!
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