Java Junky | Coffee Grinder

What Is The Best Coffee Grinder For You?

Choosing the best coffee grinder for your needs is not an easy task. First of all you must be very clear about what you will be using the grinder for. This knowledge will determine which models are suitable and which ones should be ruled out.

For example, if you are only going to grind coffee for French press, you do not need the grinder to grind the coffee very fine. However, you have to get a model that does not produce too much fine dust - something that is sure to ruin your coffee. On the other hand, if you are after an espresso grinder then the best coffee grinder for you will be a model that can grind coffee very fine and very consistently. It is also crucial that the grinder allows you to change the size of the grind in very small increments.

There are many different grinders on the market today. For the serious coffee aficionado, however, only burr grinders deserve serious consideration. Once blade grinders are eliminated from the field of choices, there are still an overwhelming number of variations on the burr coffee grinder. Some people prefer fully automatic espresso machines with build in burr grinders, and others find them annoying to use and clean. For full flexibility, a separate appliance is best.

There are two kinds of burr coffee grinders: flat and conical. Both types have a stationary burr and a second burr that spins from an electric motor or, in some models, the power from your arm turning a crank. The beans fall in between the two burrs which crush them. The fineness of the grind is determined by the distance between the burrs. Conical burrs are usually used on low-speed gear reduction grinders.

So which is the best coffee grinder for you? It depends on the amount of beans you want to grind, your style, and your budget. Here are a few of the options:

* Low Range Grinders (under $200)
For many home coffee and espresso drinkers, a good, basic burr grinder will do the trick. Both the Baratza Maestro and the Baratza Virtuoso stand out in their class. The Capresso Infinity and Breville Ikon are worth a look as well. If you do not expect to grind beans for a crowd and appreciate the classic look of a hand grinder, Zassenhaus manufactres several attractive and reliable models.

* Middle Range Grinders ($200-$350)
For the dedicated espresso artist, a mid-range grinder can deliver a precise, highly adjustable grind over many years of use. The Gaggia MDF is a crowd pleaser, as is the Rancilio Rocky. Users report that Rockys still perform reliably fifteen years into heavy use.

* High Range Grinders ($350 and up)
The models in this range are prosumer/commercial grinders. The Mazzer Mini is a heavyweight machine with a stepless grind. This grinder is applauded far and wide. Another excellent choice in this category is the Macap M4 (or M5, which is the same model, only with a taller hopper).

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Another guy scenario...?
Okay, so a while back, I posted a question about this guy that I'm interested and if it sounded like he was interested in me too based on how he acted around me, etc. I'm still very interested in this guy, and I recently went to casually visit him at work. I knew he was there, but I sat down and tried to act sort of oblivious so he wouldn't catch on. He texted me, trying to freak me out by sending me messages that were innocent, but that made it clear that he could see me. He texted me things like "hey, want a coffee?" because he works in a local coffee shop, and things like that, and then I happen to look over, and he's walking out from his hiding place behind the coffee grinder laughing hysterically. He was still laughing when he approached me and asked, "I didn't freak you out too badly, did I?" and we sort of talked for a few minutes before he had to take care of a customer. Once he was done, he came back and we talked for a few more minutes before a few more customers came in and he had to leave. My best friend came to keep me company a little while after that, and we sat down at a table and just talked for a while. When I ordered a smoothie, he made it, brought it out to me and bowed when he gave it to me, which made my friend and I laugh. At one point, he was walking past me to go into the back room and he gave me a goofy smile and patted me on the back as he walked past. He and my best friend have met before, and he didn't acknowledge her presence once, which I sort of took as a sign that he might've been interested, but I'm still not sure. When my friend and I were leaving, I waved to him and told him I would see him later, and he said, "Oh, wait! I have to give you a hug!" and he walked over, casually pushing my friend away (not in a rude or a mean way) and gave me a huge hug. He pulled away and said, "We HAVE to hang out soon. It's just so busy around here." and I we talked for a few more minutes after that before I left. We've known each other since January, and I've been interested in him since before we even officially meant. I just hope he might feel the same way about me. Does any of this sound like signs of interest, or am I just misreading things? His busy schedule has gotten in the way of making plans before, and I was worried that he was just making excuses to not see me, but he made it clear that he wants to see me, it's just a matter of finding a day that works. Any feedback would be much appreciated :) Thank you, again! Oh, and the last time I was there, I was sort of bummed because he didn't get a chance to talk to me because he and his boss were having a pretty in-depth conversation, and I got a random text from him later that night that said "Hey, sorry I couldn't talk today. The owner was talking to me and I didn't want to be rude." Any more ideas? I want to get a few more answers just to hear a variety of opinions. Thanks again :)

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