Has bean

[undyingking]

Anyone got a recommendation for a good, not-too-dear, electric coffee grinder? My beloved Russell Hobbs one has given up the ghost.

Are burr grinders really significantly better than blade ones, does anyone know from personal experience?

Or, indeed, any other cogent thoughts relating to coffee and the grinding thereof?

Comments

[secretrebel.livejournal.com]

Or, indeed, any other cogent thoughts relating to coffee and the grinding thereof?

Yes. My minion bought beans instead of granules and now we've had to outsource the grinding to a 4th party.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

That seems more plangent than cogent, to me; but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, as it sounds a rather frustrating experience.

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

Are burr grinders really significantly better than blade ones

My understanding is that blade grinders cause very subtle flavour problems so there's not a lot of point asking other people this question unless you know they share your palate.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Apart from flavour differences (related to blade grinders heating the beans more as they grind), which I think probably are fairly subtle, there's a mechanical issue: burrs are supposed to provide a more even particle size. The main problem with blades is you tend to end up with a mix of too-fine dust and too-large chunks. If burrs really avoid this, it'd be worth paying a bit extra for.

[bateleur.livejournal.com]

My food processor does the variable chunk size thing too. It's annoying.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

We recently got a mini-chopper device which is much better than the full-size food processor for evenness of chunk. I think with the smaller compartment, they're better able to design the flow arond the blade -- less chance of large chunks getting marooned away from it. It only takes about one onion's worth at once, and it only chops, but it was pretty cheap.

[thefon.livejournal.com]

I got one from Whittards, it works fine, though I don't have others to compare. It's a blade one.

[fractalgeek.livejournal.com]

Brian W (NOLJ) is fairly passionate about his burr one.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Excellent, I shall have to draw him out on that next time I see him!

[adamsmithjr.livejournal.com]

I have a top-loading Dualit burr grinder. Cheapish, slightly dodgy build quality but I think decent value. Occasionally jams and clears with shake-ative maintenance. Less mess, more convenience than the blade grinder I used to use.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Mm, thanks. Do you notice any difference in the taste?

[adamsmithjr.livejournal.com]

Nothing dramatic.

[sturgeonslawyer.livejournal.com]

I definitely recommend a burr grinder. The flavor is much cleaner.

[undyingking.livejournal.com]

Ah, great, thanks!