Best Coffee Grinder - Input Welcome

[Generalcuz]

My fiance texted me and let me know the grinder died this morning. It's been on the fritz lately and was a basic black and decker model that tended to over heat more often than not.

At any rate, I have decided to drop some coin on a good grinder, something I can look forward to using often. So any ideas?

I value American made and I like quality stuff.

This link perked my interest. Anyone own a grinder from this list?

10 Best Coffee Grinders - Gear Patrol

Thanks,
Kris

[popandmod]

I love my hario hand grinder (first in that link) but I use that for pour over coffee not as my every morning solution.
Personally in love with this thing: Capresso CoffeeTEAM GS Coffee Maker
Automagic programmable machine with built in burt grinder

[caleb]

Not on that list, but I've been using a Starbucks-branded burr grinder for seven years without complaint. I think I paid about $65.

It grinds my beans with the flip of a switch. I'm happy. It's a cup of coffee, not a Picasso.

[ryker]

I think a good grinder is worth money. Got the Baratza Vario from your list and would buy again. (I use an Aeropress so it's funny my grinder is an order of magnitude more expensive than my coffee maker.) An established local dealer is good to have in case you need replacement parts.

[Shoogs]

I too have the Baratza, it's been going for years... I also have a Hario slim, to bring with me on the road with my aeropress.

Good grinder makes a world of difference.

[Wisco]

I bought a mid-priced Cusineart-branded burr grinder off Amazon and haven't looked back. It's got an adjustable grind, is small enough to store in a kitchen cabinet and can grind from a cup or two worth of beans to a whole coffee pot.

Gear Patrol, Men's Health and most of the other mainstream men's lifestyle rags are written for young hipster who has neither the wisdom nor patience to see real value. As others have said, it's a tool not an art work.

[j44ke]

My pal in the Catskills whose kitchen contains the best coffee I've tasted uses the Mazzer Mini. Great grinder. Dial in the fineness of the grind for your bean/espresso maker combination and leave it. You can grind several doses worth of coffee at a time, so the morning is a bit simpler and quieter. Keep a hand-vac around though. The finer the grind the more coffee this type of grinder seems to spread around.

If you aren't using a Giotto Rocket or similar machine that depends on a good grind, something smaller, simpler and cheaper will work fine. I make espresso with a heavy-duty restaurant percolator, and it would explode if I put a powdery grind in it. So I use a Cuisinart blade grinder called the Grind Central that cost roughly $30. Works just fine, doesn't overheat and the grind bowl is removable which makes everything a lot easier and cleaner.

[Sam in VA]

I highly recommend the Baratza grinders - I've been using a Maestro Plus (NLA) for a few years and it's been great. I got my parents an Encore (same price point) and they are very pleased. If you are grinding very fine (espresso w/non-pressurized portafilter), you might be happier going to a vario. They usually have a good selection of refurbs at good prices at their online store.

[Jeffrey Borisch]

I've been happy with the Baratza Virtuoso. It seems like it'll last a long time. It has an even enough grind for everything but an espresso fanatic and I have money left over for bike junk.

It sits right in my sweet spot between overkill and false economy.

Whatever you get, clean the insides regularly.

[Octave]

I use the Rancilio Rocky. It's tops. But, this is mostly due to the fact that I'm pulling espresso so grind quality is crucial.

What's your primary brew method? Unless you're working with a high-end espresso machine, you're probably fine with a lower end grinder.

[zetroc]

I've got a Bodum Bistro that I bought at the local hardware store. It's a burr grinder that runs like a champ and doesn't spill coffee everywhere like my old POS Krups.

Amazon.com: Bodum Bistro Electric Burr Coffee Grinder, Black: Kitchen & Dining

[Gattonero]

In the workshop we see lots of cranks that would actually feel like a coffee grinder!

[MarkC]

Rancilio Rocky grinds my beans.

[Too Tall]

I'm shutting down VSalon. Clearly with only 12 replies on a FRIGGIN coffee thread we are doomed. Bye bye. groan.

[SlowPokePete]

I use a Kitchen Aid and like it...

SPP

[Too Tall]

I went thru a couple Barzattas over a period of 6 years and yes they were excellent. Not wanting to invest in another machine that was not serviceable eddieB to the rescue. He recommended the : Macap MC4 Doserless Burr Grinder which has been a workhorse. We only grind for French press so we don't change the grind setting much however it's not that hard to change. If I was changing from espresso to french press every day it would be a non-starter...way to many turns of the screw.

Here is a review of the Macap vs the Mazzer Mini: Macap M4 Electronic Doserless vs. Mazzer Mini E Espresso Grinder - Reviews • Home-Barista.com

[ericpmoss]

Affordable: Baratza Preciso (*definitely* get the conical burrs. They really do result in a better cup.)
Unbeatable, but nuts: Mazzer Robur 220
Neat: HG One with 83mm TiN burrs (the HG one grinder | HG one)

[lukasz]

Give us a price range and a use. You can easily get into 4 digits here. Lots of good recommendations already!

[rwsaunders]

I've been using a Hario for about 6-8 months now and it's pretty simple and does the job. I'm only making two cups/day with a Moka pot though, so I'm not sure that it would meet your needs in terms of volume grinding.

[shorelocal]

I currently have the Breville Smart Grinder ... this is my second one after a warranty replacement. One of the prongs on the plug pulled right out of the housing and was stuck in my outlet, but one call and Breville replaced it with a brand new unit, no questions asked. I'm very happy with this grinder. It's super easy to clean and has a number of nifty features that make sense .. like the magnetic portafilter holder for one.

Previously had a Kitchen Aid ProLine grinder that was bulky and a pain to clean. No real issues with it though, apart from its size, so I switched to the Breville.