Varieties and principle of operation of a burr grinder. Which one is better for home use?

Preparing coffee may not be a simple morning habit, but a real ritual of true coffee connoisseurs.

And one of the invariable attributes kitchen appliances real gourmets is a burr coffee grinder for the home.

Coffee beans are not only significantly cheaper than ground coffee, but also much tastier and more aromatic..

What is a burr coffee grinder?

Currently coffee grinder exists 3 types: manual or mechanical (in which one millstone is fixed and the other rotates by hand), rotary (has electric control, and the grains are chopped with a sharp rotating knife) and electric (the grains inside are crushed by conical or flat millstones).

The millstone is available for sale in two versions: manual and electric. It resembles a miniature mill, turning the handle with which you grind the grains.

The photo below shows some models of these devices:

Varieties

A burr grinder can be manual or electric.

Advantages

The slow rotation of a tight handle, the barely audible creak of millstones, the air filled with a thick aroma - a manual coffee grinder can turn an ordinary process into meditation. But not only this forces consumers to make their choice.

• Coffee beans are carefully ground preserving their taste as much as possible.
• There is no danger of burning the grains in the process.
• You can adjust the degree of grinding.
• There is a container for ready coffee.

Flaws

1. May be expensive.
2. You need to make an effort.

Principle of operation

Frame coffee grinders made of different materials: plastic, porcelain, brass, wood, steel. The handle is mounted on the side or on top (on some European models on the wheel on the side). The side is easier to rotate.

Some are removable. Choose a device with rubber feet - it will be more stable.

In a burr coffee grinder 2 containers provided: grains are poured into one consumer, powder is taken from the second. Containers should be tightly closed so that the aroma does not disappear.

Useful and motor overheat protection function. Some cases are equipped with a cord compartment, a cooling fan and a measuring spoon.

Materials for manufacturing

The material affects the taste of the drink, the uniformity of grinding and the life of the millstones. Each millstone has its own working resource. Ceramic need to be changed after 1000 kg of crushed grains, metal - after 500 kg.

• Hardened stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Ceramics
• Alloy of ceramic and corundum

Cast iron is a durable, cheap and wear-resistant material.. However, it grinds away over time, and the chips that get into the coffee not only give it a metallic taste, but are simply dangerous.

Cast iron absorbs odors and transfers them to the powder (which will be noticeable if you first drank one variety, and then switched to another).

Steel is stronger but wears out faster. In some models, the millstones are covered with a titanium film, which is easy to clean and does not attract odors. However, such a model will cost much more.

In terms of hardness, ceramic millstones are similar to diamonds, but are the most fragile. Moisture, dampness and rust are not afraid.

Corundum and ceramics - the most environmentally friendly and durable alloy. Gives the finest grinding, resists abrasion.

Types of millstones

There is 2 types of millstones: conical and plane-parallel.

Conical are a pair of cones, one of which is inside the second. The outer cone rotates, the one inside remains stationary. The grain falls between them and, grinding, moves down.

Such millstones work slowly, so the grains cannot be burned., practically do not make noise, but also cost decently.

Plane-parallel ones look like two washers touching each other. There are notches on the sides that are adjacent to each other. Plus these millstones in faster work.

Grinding degree adjustment

Adjusting the degree of grinding once and for all will not work, this is a constantly changing value. Both whole grains and powder are very sensitive to temperature and humidity, so a product that is slightly different in taste is obtained from the same raw material.

If the humidity is high, the coffee particles will absorb moisture from the air and taste bitter.The opposite effect will be observed if the air is too dry: the drink will sour.

The gap between the millstones is set manually using a special ringbuilt under the bean bowl. The greater the distance, the larger the particles will be.

Some devices have nuts that need to be loosened, rotated as needed, and then tightened again.

What affects engine power?

The power of modern engines in coffee grinders varies from 100 to 600 W. This indicator affects the quality of grinding, speed and overall performance of the device, however, it should not be decisive when buying.

For home use, 100-200 watts is enough for you. (180-270 W - if you like heavily roasted ground coffee beans). Higher rates will be needed when choosing a device for a coffee shop, etc.

Step by step instructions for use

1. The first thing to do - check the cleanliness of the containers. Containers should be free of foreign odors and be dry.
2. Pour the required number of grains (a portion or a whole pack) into the bowl and either turn on the device or start turning the knob. Grinding coffee "in reserve" is not worth it: in a container, even the most airtight, the powder will quickly lose all the subtlety of the aroma.
3. Pour coffee into a cup and brew.
4. Wipe the containers thoroughly to remove any powder residue.. Let them air out a bit.

You can grind coffee into fine powder in rotary coffee grinders in 15-20 seconds, for medium grinding it will take 13 seconds, for large - 10 seconds.

If your drink has a tasteless sourness - increase the size of the coffee granules. Reducing the grinding speed will help remove excess bitterness.

Care

There is nothing complicated in caring for a burr grinder. Moreover, there are no significant differences - they are electric or manual. But you need to do it regularly!

1. Disconnect the electric coffee grinder from the mains, but not just by pressing the button, but unplugging the cord from the socket.
2. Dry cloth or damp (not wet) rag clean the inner walls and parts from the remnants of ground grains. If you do not do this after each grinding, over time, both the walls and the parts will become covered with an oil coating. You can use a soft thin brush or a pipe cleaner, a cotton swab - they will help to remove coffee residues from hard-to-reach places.
3. In some models, the grinding mechanism can be pulled out completely, but do not do this without first understanding the instructions. Rinse parts in warm water and dry. Do not use dishwashing detergents - the smell will be difficult to remove.

The coffee grinder is designed for grinding coffee and trying to process cereals or sugar in it, you risk severely damaging the unit.

Powdered sugar microparticles, once in the mechanical "stuffing" of the coffee grinder, stick together and can cause serious malfunctions.

Rice is completely harder than grains, and the starch contained in it. In addition, a foreign smell will be mixed with the aroma of coffee.

Manual or electric model - which is better?

Not so long ago there was only one type of coffee grinder. At present, there are so many of them that you inevitably fall into a stupor, trying choose suitable copy. Each type has its own advantages, but there are also disadvantages.

AND, despite the variety of electric models, many coffee connoisseurs have old manual models in the kitchen. It is quite understandable why.

• manual coffee grinder just wash and dry.
• Her compact dimensions allow you to place the device anywhere: on any size table, stool and even window sill.
• She is versatile and can be used in any conditions. It doesn't need electricity or batteries.
• Coffee beans are ground evenlywithout burning, retaining aroma and taste.
• Manual coffee grinders are sold at quite affordable price: from 1100 rubles. Oriental (cylindrical) models are somewhat more expensive than traditional European ones, as well as with stone or ceramic millstones.
• There is a slight noise during operation, but it cannot be compared with the noise from an electrical apparatus.
• Serves faithfully for many years.

Pro minuses also cannot be said.

• It is not always possible to find time for grinding. To prepare one serving of espresso, you will need to turn the millstones for some time.
• Human resources are wasted.
• The container in which the grains fall asleep is usually small.
• To adjust the degree of grinding in European-style coffee grinders, you need to remove the fixing screw, washer, pull out the handle, and only then you can get to the adjusting nut.

The electric coffee grinder was invented primarily in order to save human effort and time.. It will be convenient for a spacious kitchen, for a large family.

• To grind a portion of coffee, you just press one buttonrather than turning the handle hard.
• In most electric coffee grinders, the bean tanks are designed for a large portion - for a whole pack. Respectively, in one procedure you will receive a large amount of powder.

Flaws:

• Electric coffee grinders are larger than regular grinders and can't work without electricity. You have to put it closer to the outlet, which is not always convenient in a small kitchen or with a large number of electrical appliances.
• Often grinding quality is low (this depends on the type of machine: the knife device does not give uniform grinding, it is better to choose an electric millstone).
• Great risk of grain burningif you grind coffee for a long time and in large quantities.
• No silent electric coffee grinders, alas. And no matter how hard the manufacturers try, the stronger the motor, the more noise it makes.
• The cost is great. Of course, there are devices for sale for 1000-2000 rubles, but reviews of such devices are not the most rosy, but high-quality ones cost from 5000 rubles and more.

Reviews

Below are some customer reviews. If you have something to say, leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.

User Reviews

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Faith:

I bought a DeLonghi KG79 burr grinder (China). The model is satisfied. Silent operation, simple and easy to use. There is one caveat: if you do not close the lid to the end, it will not work. The grinding is uniform, but not to dust, the quality of the coffee has not changed. Fast grinding: 10 seconds for 2 cups. The price is acceptable: 1990 rubles. By the way, I ground not only coffee on it, but also sugar and buckwheat. I got myself a good housekeeper.

Natalia:

Bought my first burr grinder. Of the benefits: fine adjustment of the degree of grinding and the amount of coffee, a convenient control panel, a good container for assembling the finished product. Of the minuses: the grinding is not uniform, the millstones heat up during long use and the coffee undergoes a strong heat treatment. This affects the taste of the drink: it gives bitterness, loses a little in aroma. Sometimes the lid of the coffee loading compartment closes tightly and you have to pull it.

Useful video

This video provides an overview of one of the models of coffee grinders of this type:

Burr grinders compare favorably with similar units. They are easy to use and affordable. But choose the device carefully, study the specifications and instructions, read reviews and consult knowledgeable people. Then the purchase will give you only pleasure.