Which coffee grinder is better, manual or electric, description of both types, comparison

An electric coffee grinder is your little assistant that will easily and evenly grind the beans of your favorite type of coffee. In this case, the taste and strength of the prepared drink will depend on the type of model chosen.

If you are thinking about choosing a device for grinding coffee, we recommend that you study all the features and technical characteristics of the sample you like. But if you don’t understand anything at all about the intricacies of the device’s operation, but want to enjoy an invigorating drink, we recommend that you pay attention to our review of the best models of electric choppers. You will also learn what types of coffee grinders there are based on their operating principle, how to grind beans correctly and what it is - the pulse mode of a coffee grinder.

Varieties

There are only three types of coffee grinders , which are determined by grinding systems:

Rotary . They are a compact body with an internal engine. At the top of the appliance body there is a small compartment for coffee beans, which are ground using a rotating blade . There is no separate container for ground coffee in rotary coffee grinders. The device holds a small amount of raw materials, but this is quite enough to provide an invigorating drink for a family of five.
Millstones . The design of burr coffee grinders is a little more complicated than rotary models: inside the body there are two stainless steel disks, between which the beans are ground . The grinding amount in such a device can be adjusted depending on the distance at which the millstones are located. Electric millstone models are equipped with two containers for pouring in the product and obtaining it in crushed form , which helps prevent powder from scattering throughout the kitchen.
Mechanical . A device with a simple operating principle. To grind grains, the user needs to pour them into the compartment and start turning the handle without connecting to the network. In manual models, the degree of grain grinding is adjusted with a screw, so the grind can be made a little finer or coarser. The main thing in a mechanical product is the quality of all components and a comfortable handle that can withstand the pressure exerted on it .

Important! According to their intended purpose, electric coffee grinders can be household, professional and industrial. For home use, the first option is the most suitable in all respects.

Pros and cons of a blade coffee grinder

The popularity of rotary coffee grinders is primarily due to the low cost of these devices on the household appliances market. Consumers are also attracted by the compactness of the device and ease of operation.

Devices of this type do not have the ability to control the degree of product grinding. The grinding of coffee beans in a rotary coffee grinder depends on the rotation time of the blades: the longer the device is turned on, the finer the degree of grinding will be. However, it should be taken into account that a blade coffee grinder will not allow you to obtain an evenly ground product.

IMPORTANT! After 20–30 seconds of continuous operation, the blades of the rotary coffee grinder begin to overheat, which leads to charring of the beans and can cause a bitter taste in the finished drink.

Electric rotary

Rotary or blade-type coffee grinders work on the principle of a blender , quickly grinding coffee beans to the desired size.
The device does not have a large volume (usually it ranges from 30 to 120 g) and a variety of functions. There is only a pulsed operating mode, characterized by constant stops at certain intervals.

The body of the electrical appliance can be plastic or metal. Plastic models are cheaper, however, less durable . Stainless steel products will last much longer, but you will have to pay a higher price for them.

The power indicator in rotary models varies from 80 to 270 W. When the knives rotate intensively, the coffee becomes very hot, losing its aromatic and taste properties, so of 180 W.

Advantages

low price;
the ability to grind coffee beans, spices, nuts;
ease of use;
compact size;
anti-slip feet;
removable knives;
almost silent operation;
light weight;
maintainability.

Flaws

uneven grinding;
lack of a dispenser for poured grains;
inability to control the quality of the powder;
lack of a separate container for crushed product;
The coffee grinder is inconvenient to clean;
fragile plastic parts of the case;
The protruding sharp parts of the knives can cut your fingers.

Who are they suitable for?

A rotary coffee grinder is perfect for people who love and appreciate good coffee brewed in a Turk, but do not prepare it often.
The chamber of the rotary device contains a small amount of coffee beans , which is why you will have to grind them to prepare several servings of the drink every day.

For users who actively drink coffee throughout the day, such a device will not be the most successful purchase.

Electric coffee grinder

It has three types: millstone, foot and roller. When choosing a type, focus on grinding, because it can be different, from powder to large grains. These three types produce quite different coffee tastes.

IMPORTANT: Expensive coffee grinders have the same operating properties as cheap devices. It just depends on the fame of the manufacturer, nothing more.

pros

Performs fast grinding with one press of a special button;
Saving working time. In a few seconds the grinding will be ready. This is convenient both at home and in the workplace;
Large grain capacity. Approximately from one whole pack;
Installed in one place. It’s convenient and you don’t have to constantly put it on the shelf and take it out when needed;
Has control modes. For fine, medium and coarse grinds;
Can grind various grains and sugar;
Performs the function of a blender.

Minuses

Produces a lot of acoustic noise. May frighten a small child during operation;
Burning of grains often occurs due to heating of the motor. At the same time, taste qualities are lost and the aroma becomes with a burning smell;
Models from well-known global manufacturers have a high cost;
It is dependent on electricity, which means it should be located closer to the outlet;
Requires careful handling when cleaning.

ATTENTION: Getting water inside during washing is extremely unacceptable. This may manifest itself in the device shorting out. It is better to use a wet wipe with a special napkin. And don't forget to dry it. Leave uncovered for 30 minutes.

Electric millstones

Electric burr coffee grinders have a large reservoir for coffee beans and provide high quality grinding . The millstones in the grinder are durable steel discs, and the grinding thickness is adjusted using the selected program. Up to 300 g of grains are placed in the container .

There are two types of millstones in burr-type coffee grinders: cylindrical and conical . Unlike cylindrical ones, devices with conical millstones have high power and a long service life, so consumers most often choose this option.

Who are they suitable for?

An electric burr coffee grinder will become an indispensable assistant in quickly preparing various coffee-based drinks in a coffee maker, electric Turk or coffee machine.
The device is also suitable for grinding coffee for further brewing in a cup - this is the easiest option for preparing an aromatic drink without the use of coffee machines.

What does grind size affect?

The degree of coffee grinding is one of the most important factors affecting the taste, aroma and quality of the finished coffee drink.

Using a burr coffee grinder, you can achieve any degree of grinding of beans and independently regulate the richness of coffee brewed in various ways..

Which coffee grinder is best for home

Ultimately, the choice of coffee grinder is determined by the needs and preferences of each individual consumer. However, despite their high cost, burr grinders are a more versatile option. Due to the uniformity of grinding, coffee beans crushed in an electric coffee grinder are suitable for subsequent preparation of an invigorating drink in any way: in a Turk, coffee maker and coffee machine. It should also be taken into account that the quality of grinding plays a key role in the preparation of some types of coffee: espresso, cappuccino, mocha. Therefore, true connoisseurs of these drinks are recommended to opt for the mill version of the electric coffee grinder.

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Hand millstones

Mechanical coffee grinders are the most popular and common devices for grinding coffee beans.

The operating principle of manual models is no different from electric millstone machines.

Attention! The main advantage of a mechanical device is that it does not need to be connected to an electrical outlet.

The millstones of a manual coffee grinder are made of ceramic, stainless steel or cast iron. Cast iron ones are considered inexpensive and durable - they are designed to process 0.5 kg of grains . The body of the device can be made of wood, ceramic or metal.

Manual burr-type coffee grinders carefully and thoroughly grind beans with maximum preservation of their unique aroma.

Advantages

careful processing of the product;
uniform grinding of grains;
possibility of adjusting the degree of grinding;
the device does not burn grains during processing;
presence of a container for ground coffee;
simple design;
compact size and light weight;
ease of care;
low noise level;
reasonable price.

Flaws

grinding grains by hand;
costs of time and energy;
small size container for grains;
To change the degree of grinding, you need to remove the fixing screw.

Who are they suitable for?

A manual coffee grinder has many advantages over using electric models, however, working with a mechanical device requires time and effort , which is why the coffee grinder is not suitable for busy people.
Choosing a manual model should be for those who live in a measured rhythm and can devote a few minutes to grinding grains by hand.

Manual coffee grinder - advantages and disadvantages

The operating principle of this device has not changed over the past hundred years. The roasted grains are poured into a container, from where they fall onto the millstones. Control is carried out using a handle, which has to be turned with muscle effort, preferably at a constant speed. Despite the fact that in the world of modern cuisine a manual coffee grinder may seem like an anachronism, it is not going to lose its position. It can be found in the kitchen of every self-respecting coffee lover. Why is she attractive?

Pros of manual coffee grinders

Compact sizes. It can easily be hidden in a closet, and, if necessary, installed on a kitchen table, work surface or even a windowsill.
Easy to care for. A manual coffee grinder can be easily cleaned, washed and dried.
Simple design. The simpler the device, the less likely it is that it will permanently break or deteriorate. In addition, its operation does not depend on whether there is electricity in the network. This makes the manual coffee grinder universal, suitable for use in any conditions.
High quality grinding. Coffee beans are ground evenly without burning. Manual coffee grinders are produced only of the burr type, which gives the most uniform, high-quality and gentle grinding of beans, while fully preserving their aroma and taste.
Reasonable price. The cost of manual coffee grinders starts from 1100-1500 rubles. Cylindrical models of the Eastern type are more expensive than traditional European ones. A coffee grinder with good millstones - ceramic or stone - costs much more, but also lasts much longer, fully maintaining the quality of grinding throughout all the years of operation.
Quiet operation. Of course, the coffee grinder makes a little noise, but it cannot be compared with the volume of electrical appliances, so if you don’t want to wake up the whole house in the morning, then you can’t think of a better option than a manual coffee grinder.

Cons of manual coffee grinders

Time consumption. To get ground coffee for 1 shot of espresso, you will have to rotate the grinder handle for about 2 minutes. It is not always possible to find time in the morning of a working day to make a portion of freshly ground coffee.
Energy costs. In order to turn the handle of the coffee grinder, you will have to make some effort. Imagine how much effort it will take if you decide to treat a group of friends to coffee!
Small size container for grains. This forces you to start the whole procedure of pouring beans and grinding all over again each time.
Complex process of changing the degree of grinding. This is especially true for a coffee grinder with a European body type. You have to remove the fastening screw, handle, and washer, and only then can you get to the adjusting nut, which makes it possible to change the distance between the millstones. Then everything will have to be done in reverse order.

What conclusion follows from all of the above? A manual coffee grinder is a good way to get the right amount of fresh, well-ground coffee. This device is unpretentious, compact and relatively cheap, and serves faithfully for many years. However, working with it requires time and effort. Therefore, a manual coffee grinder is unlikely to be suitable for someone who is always in a hurry and late. But for those who are not lazy to set aside a few minutes for the morning ritual, this device is also suitable because it works relatively quietly.

How to choose a coffee grinder for your home?

When choosing a coffee grinder for your home, you need to check the following characteristics :

Power . The powerful device only takes a few seconds to grind the coffee into powder, but often the intense grinding leaves the coffee with a bitter aftertaste. For this reason, experts recommend choosing models with a power of 160-180 W.
Capacity . Freshly ground coffee does not retain its flavor and aroma properties for long, so the container for beans should not be too large. However, if you are buying a coffee grinder for a large family or office, it is better to choose a burr model that can grind a large number of beans at a time.
Safety . The coffee grinder should not be turned on with the lid loosely closed or open to prevent ground coffee from spilling, and should also have anti-slip feet for stability during operation.
Case material . Unlike plastic devices, metal structures are more stable and durable.

In electric models, you need to pay attention to the button to turn on the device . If it does not stick and is comfortable to press, you can safely buy the product.

Manual coffee grinder

A favorite of antiquity and this is not without reason. By purchasing a manual coffee grinder, you always get the desired grind of the beans, the taste of which is not compromised. Gourmets choose this worthy device.

pros

Has a compact view size. Easily installed on the kitchen table or any surface;
Easy care. You can simply and easily wash off the coffee grounds and then turn them over to dry them on an absorbent towel;
It has the simplest design. Can be used in any conditions. Not prone to rapid breakdown. It does not depend on the electricity supply, which is extremely convenient if there are frequent power outages;
High percentage of grind quality. A manual coffee grinder has a millstone that grinds the coffee beans evenly without leaving large ground pieces. The aroma does not disappear and the taste remains unchanged, and this is the main thing;
Long service life. Use has been going on for decades. This model has been tested for durability;
Doesn't make loud noise when working. It is irreplaceable for making morning coffee while the household is still sleeping.

Minuses

A big waste of time and effort;
Inconvenient volume for pouring grains. To serve more than 4 people, you will have to repeat the grinding again. It is not comfortable.

Additional functions

For ease of use, manufacturers equip coffee grinders with additional functions. Among them :

Protection against overheating or foreign objects - if the machine overheats or a stone or piece of branch accidentally gets into it, the operation will stop, which will protect the coffee grinder from damage and the user from drinking a low-quality drink.
Timer for setting the grinding time of grains - allows you to set the duration of grinding the product.
Display – it displays all the necessary data about the state of the device.
Cord winder – makes the electrical device compact and easy to store.
Double knives – increase the speed of grinding coffee beans several times.
Sound insulation – ensures quieter operation of the electrical appliance when used in the morning, when all family members are still sleeping.

Useful video

From this video you will learn more about how to choose the right model for preparing your favorite drink:

With the right choice of coffee grinder, even a person far from culinary will be able to prepare a tasty and rich coffee drink.

Having decided to purchase a device for grinding coffee beans, you must first study information about all types of coffee grinders and decide on the functions that must be present in the device - this will help you choose the right model without overpaying for unnecessary options.