Best Buy Coffee Grinders On Sale!

   

Capresso 553.01 Burr Coffee Grinder with Automatic Shutoff, Black
From Capresso

• Amazon Sales Rank: #231637 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black
• Brand: Capresso
• Model: 553.01
• Dimensions: 7.10" h x 7.60" w x 8.40" l, 3.50 pounds

By pulverizing beans with a burr instead of chopping them with a blade, this 100-watt coffee grinder maximizes flavor and aroma and minimizes the loss of delicate oils to heat. Beans are ground more uniformly and with less "dust" (which causes over-extraction and bitterness during coffee brewing). Equipped with an electronic sensor that automatically shuts off the grinder when grinding is completed, this shapely appliance has a 17-position grind selector to ensure the proper grind for any type of brewing method, from espresso to French press. The selector also permits adjustments for such variables as humidity and personal taste. Bean capacity ranges from enough for two cups of coffee to enough for 16. Both the bean holder and the ground-coffee container are transparent, and the latter is designed for spill-free pouring. The grinding burr removes for cleaning. (Cleaning brush and bean measuring scoop included.) The grinder measures 8-1/2 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 6-3/4 inches deep and carries a one- year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

Capresso Burr Coffee Grinder - Model 553
We are your basic home users and brew between 5-8 pots of coffee a week... We've only had the grinder for a short period of time, but expect that we'll continue to be as pleased as we currently are with the product.

It would seem to me that most of the static electricity complaints we read about might stem from users that are trying to grind all their coffee beans in one sitting. I put a clean, white paper towel under the unit initially for the 5 "warm up" grinds I did (with 3 scoops of beans, only, at a time) and I barely got anything flying out and landing on the paper. That continues to be the case during regular use.

Considering how messy we found using our old blade grinder, this was treat. Also, it only takes a couple of seconds to wipe the unit down with a sponge, so we probably won't get the typical mess on our countertop as I have read in many of the lower price burr grinder reviews.

If you are looking for a decent basic burr grinder, don't be afraid to try this one.

Very nice but...
We recently upgraded to this burr grinder after years of using a blade type grinder. The quality of our coffee improved dramatically. More flavor, more aroma. The grinder does a great job. My only complaint is that the opening at the top of the receptacle that holds the ground coffee is long and narrow making it very difficult to get the grounds into the coffee maker without spilling grounds all over.

Messy, but the quality of the grind makes it worth the hassle.

Coffee Lover to the Core
...

I have fallen in love with this grinder already. I debated between the grind and brew coffee makers or just getting a new grinder. I didn't get the grind and brew machines because I heard that cleaning them are a nightmare. This awesome grinder is so easy to clean and easy to use.

CONS

1. If only it could magically clean itself.

Pros
1. You can decide on how course or fine you want to grind your beans.

2. Grinds for the appropriate cups of coffee you will be making. I love just grinding enough beans for 4 cups (my after dinner coffee) or if I have company coming over I can just select the 12 cup setting.

3. It is portable. I can take it to work with me. It makes everyone happy at work because I of the nice aroma from the coffee being ground and brewed.

4. Heck of alot easier to clean then my Braun grinder I purchaed like 10 years ago.

5. Helps make the best coffee when you have a ten year old coffee maker (originally purchased from a Thrift Store)and my coffee now taste very comparable to Peaberry's Coffee. WONDERFUL!!!!

   

Baratza Maestro Coffee Grinder - Baratza G285
From Baratza

Includes Baratza G285 Maestro Coffee Grinder.

• Brand: Baratza
• Dimensions: 4.40 pounds

Not worth the money
When I decided to buy a coffee grinder and espresso machine, I researched and read reviews and thought "This is the one!" Unfortunately, it never lived up to its name. After the first few weeks, it wouldn't grind unless you constantly jiggled it to get the beans to seat in the grinder. Yes, I took it apart and cleaned and dried it as per manufacturer's instructions, but it would NEVER grind the beans very fine. I like espresso type grind but had to settle for the coarsest grind it did. As the months wore on, it just got worse. I finally got to the point where I had to use a wooden spoon handle to force the beans into the grinder. I know this sounds ridiculous, but I had spent $140 on this thing and I didn't want to just throw it away. Maybe if you used an extremely "dry" or slightly undercooked roast, it would work better? This used to be made by Solis. I would NEVER recommend their coffee grinders. I do have a Solis espresso machine that I purchased at the same time as the coffee grinder and it works well.

Absolutely not for espresso; good for drip and french press
I've owned this grinder for a year. I needed a cheap burr grinder with a good reputation, capable of properly grinding beans for espresso (a difficult task). At $99, the Maestro was the best choice to accompany my Starbucks Barista (manufactured by Saeco), bought locally through craigslist. I'm not crazy about the pressurized portafilter (nor are most espresso drinkers) but this is best I can do until I get out of grad school and can afford the Silvia.

Procedure: I buy freshly roasted beans, grind them with the finest grind, preheat the portafilter, and tamp with an aftermarket aluminum tamper.

The result: weak espresso that runs fast and lacks flavor and crema. In one year I have never pulled a good shot--just mediocre shots that are better in mixed than straight--and I can still taste the poor quality when mixed.

To investigate, I broke one major rule and ground the beans ahead of time with Whole Food's commercial grinder in the store (ideally, you grind seconds before brewing--I brewed the next day). Next day, same routine. Results: delicious, near perfect shots, worth sipping and savoring. Dark red crema, slow pulls, complex flavor. I never pulled a shot like this before.

Conclusion: I'll be grinding my beans in the store from now on. It wasn't the machine, it was the grinder. So don't buy the Maestro if you want good espresso, it WILL NOT do the job. ("minor" side note: for those interested in good drip and french press coffee, the Maestro is a great choice).

To quote coffeegeek.com: "I can make a better shot of espresso with a $200 espresso machine and a $400 grinder than I can with a $2,000 espresso machine and no grinder (or a blade grinder)... and it's absolutely true."

Great Basic Coffee Grinder
After using a Solis Maestro+ daily for over 5 years I finally broke off the tabs on the adjustment ring (a common problem area).

I replaced it with a Baratza Maestro and am very pleased. The Baratza Maestro has been upgraded and IS NOT the old Solis Maestro. It has both the same motor, same burr set and same adjustment ring as the Maestro Plus. Thankfully, the tabs on the ring have been beefed up. BTW, I was able to move the heavy alloy base from the Maestro+ to the new Maestro.

Now the differences between the two grinders are (1) heavy alloy base which helps to keep the grinder from moving when using the front mounted momentary on switch to grind into a portafilter, (2) the momentary on switch and (3) a count down timer switch on the side instead of an on/off switch. The count down timer is useful if you keep the hopper full of beans and use the timer to control how many beans are ground at one time. If you add a specific volume of beans to the hopper and grind all of them as I do, then the on/off switch is all you need.

These grinders do an excellent job of grinding beans for anything from press to drip. They do an adequate job for espresso. If you drink mostly drip and an occasional espresso drink, I think you will be happy. If Starbucks is your standard, you will probably be thrilled! And if you have a $2000+ semi-auto espresso machine you're probably not reading this anyway. Enjoy.

   

Black & Decker CBM7 SmartGrind Deluxe Coffee Bean Burr Mill, White
From Black & Decker

Unlike coffee grinders, this burr mill presses the beans rather than chopping them. This results in richer aroma and flavor as well as a more uniform texture. This machine can handle any request, from fine Turkish or espresso grind to medium grind for drip coffeemakers to coarse percolator grind. When the coffee grounds are ready simply unscrew the cup and dump them into your coffee maker.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #349137 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Black & Decker
• Model: CBM7
• Dimensions: 5.60" h x 6.30" w x 8.80" l, 2.58 pounds

By crushing coffee beans rather than grinding them, this electric mill produces uniform granules to preserve flavor and aroma. The machine can be adjusted for fine (espresso), medium (drip), or coarse (percolator) granules. The bean container holds enough for up to 20 cups of coffee, and a dial controls the amount of time the mill operates so varying amounts of beans can be crushed. Both the bean and coffee containers can be removed for easy operation. A 1-1/2-tablespoon scoop is included and its angled handle also scrapes away excess particles of coffee. With both containers in place, the mill, clad in white plastic, measures 8-1/2 inches wide, 8-3/4 inches high, and 5 inches deep. --Fred Brack

Great coffee
Crushing is better than whipping, and at a better price than the Braun coffee burr. For years I had used one of those grinders that whipped the beans around and seldom getting an even grind. Given the same conditions, I immediately noticed the improved taste using a coffee burr, especially when making espresso. My only complaint is that some grind escapes from the container during the grinding process, probably due to static. This was an infinitesimal tradeoff for a much improved cup of coffee.

Messy and noisy................but it definately works
Just like other reviews had point out, this burr mill works pretty good but it's EXXTREMELY messy and loud. It crushes the beans and grinds into pretty even granules. However the sqare hole where the grinded coffee comes out is very short and does not seal tightly. Together with the static, some coffee powder will be flying everywhere after you grind it. If you try to open the cover, more powder fly out. I found two ways to prevent the mess. 1.Make sure that the collector cup is attached as tight and position as correctly as possible. 2.Pad the cup a few times before removing the cup. I think it neutrolize some of the static and bring more powder to the bottom.
Bottom line: This burr mill is cheaper than most of the others and works pretty well, if you don't mind the mess and the noise.

Functional But Messy
I purchased this product because I needed a new coffee grinder, and this seemed like an inexpensive grinder with good features, from a brand name that I have had good luck with in the past. Sadly after having used this product for several months, I would not recommend it to others. It does perform it's main function, grinding, just fine, yielding evenly ground coffee. However the devil is in the details. My first major complaint is that it is extremely messy, it seems to spit coffee grounds out the sides of the device during the grinding process, and sprinkles grounds all over the kitchen counter when you go to transfer the ground coffee to the brewer basket. I must spend half my morning cleaning up all the stray coffee grounds, very annoying. My observation is the catch basket shape and cover design seems to be the major cause of the spillage. My second major complaint is the time based system used to determine quantity of coffee to be ground. To determine the amount of coffee to be ground, you turn a timer dial to 20, 30, 40,etc seconds, an imprecise and confusing system that requires too much trial and error to get the timing down to avoid excess wasted grounds, and you have to remember what settings to use when you have guests over and want to brew a different amount then the normal morning coffee amount. In my opinion, it would have been better to have based the grind amount on a standard measure, like table spoon size for instance, with each tick on the dial representing 1 table spoon. While the quality fit and finish of the product are fine, the design and functional issues with the product prevent me from recommending this product to others.

   

Baratza 585 Virtuoso Coffee Grinder
From Baratza

40mm commercial-grade conical burrs yield the consistent grind that is critical for a perfect espresso or brewed coffee extraction. Easily adjustable burrs can be calibrated to ensure accurate grind range from espresso to French press. Brushed satin upper housing and base lend quality look and feel. Powerful, high efficiency 6 amp motor turns slowly resulting in cool, quiet operation. Special gear reduction to 600 RPM, along with new anti-static technology insures extremely low static. The coffee powder is tightly controlled in the grinding chamber for trouble-free operation of the grinder. 8 oz. bean hopper. The hopper can be rotated 180 degrees for easy grind adjustment. Front-mounted pulse button makes it easy to grind directly into an espresso brew Large 5 oz Grounds Bin Dimensions: 5W x 14H x 6D

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34457 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Baratza

Best Grinder I have ever owned
I use this grinder to grind directly into my portafilter for my espresso machine. I use a setting of 9.5 which is perfect for several brands of coffee beans I use.

If I need to grind into the holder the anistatic design is top notch. No more sticking grinds on the top of the basket.

This is also a very quiet grinder compared to the loud high frequency noise my other grinders make.

   

Hamilton Beach 80344 Custom Grind 15 Cup Coffee Grinder
From Hamilton Beach

Fineness control. Hands-free--press button and let go-shuts off automatically. Retractable cord for fast and easy storage.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #60685 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 80344

Hamilton Beach Customer Grinder - So So.
Hamilton Beach 80344 Custom Grind 15 Cup Coffee Grinder

I purchase this coffee grinder to replace a Capresso grinder I had been using for years and which was no longer completly grinding the beans. I use the grinder daily, even taking it with me on vacation. I wanted a quieter unit with cord storage. The Hamilton Beach 80344 looked good. I was attracted to it's design, it's auto stop function, cord storage and stainless steel bean cup. At 1st I thought it was a good buy! But, after a week to 10 days it began to leave large partially unground beans. It also was actually a little noiser than the Capresso (still available). I did not try to get a warranty replacement as there was no apparant physical problem with it.

Love it!
I purchased one of these locally, not on Amazon. Model No.80344.
It's actually a tough little coffee grinder. Not sure about the complaints in the other review, it has printed on the back an arrow. As long as you align that arrow to the one on the cup it locks fine. It also is more than sufficiently sized to accommodate enough beans to make a full pot of coffee. I drink mine strong too. For the price you can't beat it.

Interesting design
This was bought to replace a Starbucks Barista which broke a blade (a Cuisinart replacement lasted only TWO uses!). The locking mechanism is not easy to use, but it might just be something that takes getting accustomed to.

This machine does offer a variety of grinds, though I'm not sure it makes all that much difference. I have used the medium grind, and it seems fine.

It claims to be a 15 cup grinder, but I can barely get 8 cups in the reservoir. I really wish it were larger because this means I have to grind twice.

The nicest feature is the push button on function. Instead of holding the button as is usually the case with coffee grinders, this one only requires one push, and then you release it. The grinder turns itself off based on the grind you've chosen.

So far there have been no problems. I will update if something comes up.

UPDATE: The locking/unlocking mechanism is very frustrating. Sometimes I can't get it to lock, and other times it won't unlock. This has to be the worst feature.

   

Black & Decker CBM210 Stainless Steel Burr Coffee Mill/Grinder
From Black & Decker

Dial adjusts so you can set the texture exactly how you want – from very fine Turkish blend to coarse percolator grind. Dual safety mechanism ensures that unit will not operate unless top cover is closed and ground coffee receptacle is in place.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41468 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Black & Decker
• Model: CBM210
• Dimensions: 10.00" h x 6.00" w x 8.00" l, 1.98 pounds

Sub-standard Burr Grinder
I should have known better than to pay less than $50 for a burr grinder.

This machine, though compact and aesthetically pleasing, lacks the ability to produce uniform grinds which, really, is the only reason to buy a burr grinder. The first time I dumped beans into the hopper and held down the power button, I was dismayed at the resultant coarse-looking grinds. I thought I'd made a mistake and set the grinder wrong, but I wasn't.

Moreover, when I closely inspected the grinds container, I found grinds ranging from Turkish coffee-fine grinds to percolator-coarse grinds. Unacceptable.

If you're looking for a quality grinder (and you probably are if you've graduated from blade to burr), then don't look to spend less than $50.

Don't buy this grinder if you like your coffee ground fine
Sorry to say this, but the American manufacturers still don't get how to make quality coffee products for a reasonable price.
This is a burr grinder, but you won't get a fine enough grind for espresso or even permanent filter drip coffeemakers.
I returned mine to the store.

I am now looking at a Krups- twice as expensive, but from experience, they know what it takes to make good coffee.

Rather disappointing to say the least....
Shankar.

Looks Great! Grinds Terribly!
A coffee aficionado friend who roasts his own coffee once told me that for uniformity of ground size, mill grinders generally were considered best, followed by burr grinders, then blade ones. Not wanting to spend over $100 for a mill, when I saw this Black & Decker burr-mill grinder at a reasonable price, I figured, "Why not?" My current blade grinder was old; was it time to upgrade to a better grinder? This does look a lot better on a countertop than the round conventional blade grinders. The answer, I discovered, in summary, is "No," because THIS IS A DISASTER MASKING AS A COFFEE GRINDER.

I've learned that with my blade grinder I get the most uniform grounds, as fine as I want, by holding and shaking it while grinding, counting to a given number, depending on the amount of coffee. Usually about 20 seconds is sufficient. Leaving it on the counter sans shaking still gives decent grind uniformity, but I am a perfectionist where possible, so I suspend and shake while grinding. With this burr grinder, it takes 30 seconds to grind 4 rounded tablespoons of beans, about 60 seconds plus for making enough for a pot of coffee. As with all home grinders you have to hold the switch on. Say a prayer while waiting for this to finish grinding.

With the Black and Decker Burr Mill Coffee Bean Grinder, I ran several test grindings, with the adjustable grind control on various settings. I learned quickly that the only usable setting is on the "finest" grind, because the other settings made a grind so coarse as to be unsatisfactory even in percolator coffee makers. The knob and adjustment no doubt was put there to improve marketability of the product.

READ THIS: with the B&D burr mill grinder a UNIFORM grind is impossible, regardless of fineness. A FINE grind is impossible; a MEDIUM GRIND without uniformity requires a second pass of the first grinding. It does, however, do a great job of making a non-uniform medium-coarse grind. Thus, the grounds will work OK in a percolator coffee maker, which uses a coarser grind. Do you use a drip coffee maker? Forget it.

What's more? Convenience and cleanliness. Never thought these would be issues with a simple machine? They are. The grinder comes with a brush, NEEDED to clean the spout and the dust particles that stick to the insides of the deep receptacle for the grounds. If you don't use it, the spout will ultimately clog with old grounds, and, even if it doesn't clog initially, per the instructions the oils in the residual grounds around the spout can become rancid. Moral? Cleaning is necessary. Further, the grounds receptacle is in two parts. Thus, to use the grounds you have to take the cover off and not misplace it. When you do, often a few grounds find their way to the countertop. Ergo, cleanup. Remember that you have to keep track of the brush and store it, also. More? Yep. The manual says the receptacle for grounds must be hand-washed; it's apparently not top-dishwasher safe.

I'm returning mine, mainly because the manufacturer needs to get a message that whoever approved this for making and marketing should have tested it first. Maybe he or she should be fired.

   

Cuisinart DCG-20NR Coffee Grinder, Red
From Cuisinart

To get the freshest, best-tasting coffee, you must start with great beans, and grind them yourself. This simple, easy to use appliance will have beans ready for brewing in next to no time.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #119569 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Red
• Brand: Cuisinart
• Model: DCG-20NR
• Released on: 2004-02-01
• Dimensions: 4.10" h x 4.30" w x 7.40" l,

A smart-looking little unit, this Cuisinart coffee grinder lets you make the freshest possible coffee by grinding whole beans right before you brew. The grinder’s stainless-steel blade assembly is durable and effective, and the hopper holds 2-1/2 ounces of beans. Operation is a simple one-touch step, and fresh grounds are easy to empty into a filter or brew basket. Cleanup is quick because the lid rinses off, while the bowl and blade all wipe clean. Due to its size, this grinder is not the best fit for those who make huge pots of coffee or drink it all day long. It is suitable, however, for singles, couples, and light coffee drinkers. Measuring 4-1/4 by 3-1/2 by 7 inches, the unit includes tidy, out-of-sight cord storage and carries an 18-month warranty. --Emily Bedard

New attractive red series to compliment your decor. This coffee grinder should be kept handy to grind your beans just prior to brewing your coffee for the best taste.

Get a second grinder for grinding spices and herbs! It makes easy work out of peppercorns, parsley, or basil; or chop up your very own herb mixture.

Features:

• Stainless steel bowl and blades
• On/off switch with safety interlock
• Transparent cover with measurement markings
• 70-gram capacity--enough for 12 cups
• Instruction book
• Limited 18-month warranty

Grinds beautifully, but the switch often jams
Though this grinder does a nice job grinding my coffee beans, the switch mechanism has little margin for error. About once a week, when I try to operate the grinder, the switch will not engage and the grinder will not operate. Only after I empty the beans out and give the machine a good shake will the lid finally go on tightly and the switch will engage. I am not particularly messy. This should not happen with a 3 month old coffee grinder.

This grinder was a replacement for a seven year old Krups that I discarded due to the dullness of the blades (not surprising), but I never had a switch problem with that one, or the new Krups I bought for home. I regret not sticking with Krups.

Cute and compact just want I wanted
I love it. Compact, simple design, easy settings. Easy to use and with the container so easily used to pour out the coffee.

Excellent equipment
I am very satisfied with this Cuisinart product. Not only is the color great, but the rpm is slower than other grinders, making it much quieter. The metal reservoir is of higher quality and all of the ground coffee easily tumbles into the lid.

I would recommend this product to everyone.

   

Capresso 553.02 Burr Coffee Grinder with Automatic Shutoff, White
From Capresso

• Amazon Sales Rank: #323431 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: White
• Brand: Capresso
• Model: 553.02
• Dimensions: 7.10" h x 7.80" w x 8.40" l, 3.50 pounds

By pulverizing beans with a burr instead of chopping them with a blade, this 100-watt coffee grinder maximizes flavor and aroma and minimizes the loss of delicate oils to heat. Beans are ground more uniformly and with less "dust" (which causes over-extraction and bitterness during coffee brewing). Equipped with an electronic sensor that automatically shuts off the grinder when grinding is completed, this shapely appliance has a 17-position grind selector to ensure the proper grind for any type of brewing method, from espresso to French press. The selector also permits adjustments for such variables as humidity and personal taste. Bean capacity ranges from enough for two cups of coffee to enough for 16. Both the bean holder and the ground-coffee container are transparent, and the latter is designed for spill-free pouring. The grinding burr removes for cleaning. (Cleaning brush and bean measuring scoop included.) The grinder measures 8-1/2 inches high, 6 inches wide, and 6-3/4 inches deep and carries a one- year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

Capresso Burr Coffee Grinder - Model 553
We are your basic home users and brew between 5-8 pots of coffee a week... We've only had the grinder for a short period of time, but expect that we'll continue to be as pleased as we currently are with the product.

It would seem to me that most of the static electricity complaints we read about might stem from users that are trying to grind all their coffee beans in one sitting. I put a clean, white paper towel under the unit initially for the 5 "warm up" grinds I did (with 3 scoops of beans, only, at a time) and I barely got anything flying out and landing on the paper. That continues to be the case during regular use.

Considering how messy we found using our old blade grinder, this was treat. Also, it only takes a couple of seconds to wipe the unit down with a sponge, so we probably won't get the typical mess on our countertop as I have read in many of the lower price burr grinder reviews.

If you are looking for a decent basic burr grinder, don't be afraid to try this one.

Very nice but...
We recently upgraded to this burr grinder after years of using a blade type grinder. The quality of our coffee improved dramatically. More flavor, more aroma. The grinder does a great job. My only complaint is that the opening at the top of the receptacle that holds the ground coffee is long and narrow making it very difficult to get the grounds into the coffee maker without spilling grounds all over.

Messy, but the quality of the grind makes it worth the hassle.

Coffee Lover to the Core
...

I have fallen in love with this grinder already. I debated between the grind and brew coffee makers or just getting a new grinder. I didn't get the grind and brew machines because I heard that cleaning them are a nightmare. This awesome grinder is so easy to clean and easy to use.

CONS

1. If only it could magically clean itself.

Pros
1. You can decide on how course or fine you want to grind your beans.

2. Grinds for the appropriate cups of coffee you will be making. I love just grinding enough beans for 4 cups (my after dinner coffee) or if I have company coming over I can just select the 12 cup setting.

3. It is portable. I can take it to work with me. It makes everyone happy at work because I of the nice aroma from the coffee being ground and brewed.

4. Heck of alot easier to clean then my Braun grinder I purchaed like 10 years ago.

5. Helps make the best coffee when you have a ten year old coffee maker (originally purchased from a Thrift Store)and my coffee now taste very comparable to Peaberry's Coffee. WONDERFUL!!!!

   

Capresso 503.05 Stainless Steel Cool Grind Coffee Grinder, Stainless Steel
From Capresso

Capresso Cool Grind Blade Grinder with Stainless Steel Housing has outstanding features. Beaker and blade are stainless steel and the cup has capacity to grind beans for up to 15-cups of coffee. The Cool Grind has pulse action to grind from coarse to fine, the fastest safety stop and convenient cord storage.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14709 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Stainless Steel
• Brand: Capresso
• Model: 503.05
• Dimensions: 6.00" h x 8.00" w x 8.25" l, 2.10 pounds

Cool, yes. But ...
I really want to like this grinder, but after a couple weeks of use I'm disappointed enough to shop for a replacement. I've been grinding coffee beans for +/- 15 years using less expensive machines, and decided to upgrade to a "better" grinder this time instead of simply replacing my Krups Fast Touch.

Pluses: the round design is comfortable to hold and has small footprint in cabinet, built-in cord storage is an excellent feature, easy to operate, round design is little less messy than the Krups Fast Touch when transferring grounds to canister, a little quieter than other machines due to lower pitch of moter sound, operates cooler than others so no scorching to interfere with taste.

Minuses: coarse grind only, grinds unevenly even after pulsing and shaking to mix contents, max capacity is more like 7 cups of grinds not 15 cups as advertised, blades are less sturdy than Krups Fast Touch.

There aren't many minuses here but function outweighs aesthetics. The blades are seated higher than the Krups Fast Touch which makes the grinder produce only a coarse, auto-drip, grind. I much prefer a fine grind, even for use in a drip maker, for more intense flavor and less bean consumption.

It Looks Good
However it doesn't work as well as my previous one from Pavoni. The cover on the Capresso fits around the outside of the grinder so when you transfer the ground coffee to another container there is always some cleanup required. It also takes longer to get the beans finely ground.

Capresso 503.05 Stainless Steel Cool Grind Coffee Grinder, Stainless Steel
This looks great but not that great for grinding spices. Good for Coffee grinding only.

   

Cuisinart DCG-20BK Coffee Bar Coffee Grinder, Black
From Cuisinart

Stainless steel bowl and blade provides superior grinding and durability. 2.5 ounce capacity grinds enough for 12 cups of coffee. Cord storage.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3235 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black
• Brand: Cuisinart
• Model: DCG-20BK
• Dimensions: 7.00" h x 4.00" w x 4.00" l, 2.12 pounds

With Cuisinart's handsome, compact coffee grinder, it's easy to always have fresh coffee made to exact specifications. It has a 2-1/2-ounce capacity--enough for 12 cups of coffee. The grinder's clean lines and teardrop shape make it easy to hold, and it runs with the push of a button. To use, simply measure coffee beans into the bowl, replace the lid, and hold down the button until the coffee is ground to the desired consistency. Both the bowl and blades are made of stainless steel. Unplug the grinder when it's not in use--the cord can be stored in the base of the unit. --Jennifer Harris

BUY IT
Let me say I abuse my coffee grinders. The ones I have had in the past have died young because I have dropped them in a dopey morning pre-coffee daze. I have dropped the Cuisinart numerous times and it is warped on one side from me leaving it on the gas stove with the oven on...IT STILL WORKS..just as well as the day it arrived. Best purchase I have made yet and I would buy another but I don't need to.

Noisy little gizmo that gets the job done!
Just fill the bowl with beans, press the button and with a lot of noise, this coffee grinder whizzes into action! Nothing's nicer than fresh ground coffee and this Cuisinart lives up tho the "Cuisinart" name.

Areas which I think need improvement are insulation of some sort, if loud, grinding noise for a few minutes bothers you. Also, this unit is not immersible, and you must clean it with a wet cloth rather than being able to dunk the unit in warm, soapy water. For this reason, I do not recommend using this for coffee and for spices, unless you are intentionally blending for flavor.

This grinds quite well, however the bowl isn't large and for large pots of coffee, I've found that I must grind the coffee in two loads.

You cannot see the consistency of your grind accurately, so you must open the unit and peek. It grinds so well and so quickly that it is easy to over-grind your beans.

All in all, it's a handy little gadget that grinds well and quickly. Its blades and motor have withstood regular usage. With little practice, you're able to grind uniformly. With routine use, I'm able to discern when the coffee is ground to my preferences by listening to the sound of the beans within the unit while grinding.

Large capacity, rugged design
This grinder lives in my kitchen right next to my sink. It is subjected to a continual flow of crud coming out of the sink and floods from coffee spills, and sink overflows, flying dough and vegetables, the works. It is extremely sturdy, and does tend to grind my coffee just as I like.

My only complaint is that it is a little hard to clean; but then I've never had a coffee grinder that was easy to clean.

   

Solis Maestro Plus Conical Burr Coffee & Espresso Grinder - RED

great espresso poor french press
I purchased this grinder based on others reviews. It is quite nice for espresso and drip but mine does not produce a good grind for french press. The grind is way to fine and I get a lot of grinds in the coffee. I called the supplier about this and their comment was that there was a lot of variation in the burr grinders. Suprised to hear that.

It is relatively quiet. Seems sturdy and is easy to operate.

Very good mid-range grinder
It is quite heavy so if you plan to move it around then you may want to get a different grinder. The grinds are very consistent and it is quite quiet, I think all gear reduction grinders are quiet. I use it exclusively for French press but might try it for expresso. People that want to buy things based on pound for the dollar should look at reviews in Consumers Digest, they are very good at that. There are a lot of lower priced grinders out there that will do a decent job, of course they will be just as messy, with same static problem and noise. This grinder is a step up from those and gives you very consistent grinds with less noise, if that is not important for you, then you might not be happy with this grinder.

   

Briel CG5B Java Heavy-Duty Coffee Grinder
From Briel

Briel CG-5B

• Amazon Sales Rank: #371096 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Briel
• Model: CG5B
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 11.25" h x 7.75" w x 4.00" l, 7.00 pounds

A professional heavy-duty grinder with extra-hardened burrs, Briel's Java Grinder comes equipped with an interchangeable doser mechanism that automatically dispenses a pre-measured amount of ground coffee directly into the filter holder of any espresso maker. The Java allows you to choose from 15 variable ground settings, from very fine for espresso to coarse for a percolator, and produces a uniformly ground coffee at any setting, while keeping heat to a minimum to prevent scorching. Also features a 5.3 ounce capacity bean hopper and an interchangeable storage container that attaches with a push of the lock button. Measuring spoon and extra storage container included. Toll-free technical support available for additional help. --Thom Arno

Can't handle espresso grinds
My grinder is 6 months old and already: (1) so much fine dust built up on the motor that it slowed almost to a crawl, (2) the doser fails to catch and deliver a dose, (3) too much coffee flies out onto the countertop, (4) the finely ground coffee builds up and eventually clogs the output from the grinder area to the doser area, and (5) the owner's manual is useless for information to take apart the grinder and clean it.

It works much better with the coarser gind for drip coffee, but stay away from it if you want to use it on weekends for espresso.

It grinds the coffee fine, but...
I got this grinder hoping for something that would grind coffee well for a french press. It did this just fine, but in the process it dusts a large portion of my kitchen counter with coffee grounds. This seems to stem from two problems. The first is that there is no seal between the grinder and the grounds container, which allows some coffee to fly out the sides when grinding. The second problem is that everything becomes so electrostaticly charged, that when you open the container the grounds scatter everywhere no matter how careful you are. I was very disappointed by this and am back to looking for a good grinder.

Best coffee grinder yet...
This Briel Coffee Grinder is amazing... After blowing out/wearing out three other coffee grinders I finally found one that can put up with the abuse that i give it...and grind all the coffee that i consume. i love the coffee "doser" -- it is perfect for my expresso machine.

   

KitchenAid BCG100BU Blade Coffee Grinder, Cobalt Blue
From KitchenAid

Fill your kitchen with the aroma of fresh ground coffee beans with the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder. With a powerful 200-watt motor, this unit easily grinds whole coffee beans to make the freshest, best tasting coffee. Features include a push-down clear cover for precise grinding and a stainless steel, removable bowl. Holds 4 oz. and is easy to operate. Dishwasher safe bowl. Imported. 9-1/2Hx4W".

• Amazon Sales Rank: #200614 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Blue
• Brand: KitchenAid
• Model: BCG100BU
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 5.50" h x 5.60" w x 9.90" l, 2.30 pounds

Coffee devotees know that an efficient grinder can be the secret to a great cup of joe. This model from KitchenAid delivers efficiency and more--from an oversized bowl to dishwasher-safe materials. Powered by a 200-watt motor, the grinder features a permanently attached stainless-steel blade that mills beans quickly and thoroughly. A generous four ounces, the brushed stainless-steel bowl is mounted to the motor housing with a clockwise turn and etched with handy reference markings. The machine turns on when you push down on the clear polycarbonate cover and off again when it's released. As a protective feature, the grinder only operates when the top is in place, so fingers are never exposed to moving blades. Solid and attractive, the grinder is also designed for frequent use and is easy to clean. Both its bowl and top cover go in the dishwasher, while the rest wipes clean with a damp cloth. --Emily Bedard

Very Fine Machine
I'm not a coffee drinker but was into grinding whole spices for mixes. Out of all grinders I looked at this seamed to be the best choice. Problem I read and seen on kitchen equipment review show said biggest problem with grinders comes from flavor mixing do to hard cleaning and all benefit from some shacking to move things around when grinding. This is small and light and has a stainless steel blade and bowl with a large plastic cover that illuminates the problems. Yes it does throw some powder over the rim into the cover but if you don't open the cover while grinding its find. Like someone wrote invert the unit when finished and the cap will hold the over spill. I grind pepper and it does a great job and I grind very little at a time. Great thing you can jump from one spice to another with no flavor transfer, just wipe everything with a paper towel or rinse under the sink and dry and your ready to go.

Great For Grinding Flax Seeds
My main reason for purchasing this coffee grinder was not for coffee beans but for flax seeds. I had been using a mortar and pestle for my flax seeds every morning but grew tired of doing that. I researched for awhile and liked that the metal grinder chamber could be removed for cleaning. That was my main concern, since I was using it for flax seeds/spices and not coffee. I found this to be the only model that had it. The grind is not always consistent but it doesn't really matter to me. It is so simple to use, easy to clean up and it does not make a huge mess like I had read. The only negative comment I have is, it is a bit loud, but that's like all grinders and choppers. I have a number of KitchenAid products and I am always very pleased with them. I have been using this for 4 months now and my wrists are happy to have the mortar and pestle in storage. I purchased this grinder for $29.99 and that's a great deal.

Great grinder, what else is there to say.
This is a great little grinder. We've been using an old braun grinder (about 11 years old) and while it still works, it's NOISY, messy, and have a very small capacity. After looking at the new braun's we were frustrated with the small capacity of the grinders. Well, patience is a viture, as I came across this grinder, and the capacity is wonderful. We have not had any problems with it making any more of a mess than our older grinder, in fact there's much less mess. And I'm a bit confused, as we like our coffee really strong, but even if we make a strong pot of 12 cups, there's sufficient room in the grinder for the job, without a mess. I can only speculate that those with "messes" are truely going beyond the specified max line. I can't get over the ability to put the bowl into the dishwasher....no more will I have to worry about nutmeg tasting coffee for a while if I decide to use my grinder to also take care of grinding spices. That's a definite perk (and $$ saver too). So, I have to express my enthusiasm for this little grinder. All I can hope now is that in 11 years, this one is still kicking like my poor overused, but working braun.

   

Krups 203-70 Fast Touch Coffee Grinder, White
From Krups

Powerful electric coffee grinder grinds beans for fresh coffee quickly at home.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #735 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: White
• Brand: Krups
• Model: 203-70
• Dimensions: 6.75" h x 3.00" w x 3.50" l, 1.00 pounds

Nothing beats a freshly ground, freshly brewed cuppa joe to start the day, and with this grinder, you can have up to 20 cups' worth of beans at a time. The classic white color and contemporary oval design fit in well with any kitchen décor, while the small size (just 6 inches high) doesn't take up too much premium counter space. Stainless-steel blades guarantee a long life and an even grind, whether you use this grinder for coffee, spices, nuts, or even whole grains. --Jill Lightner

If you like a fine grind, look no further
I have had my grinder for 12 years now. It works the same today as it did new, and I use it about 10 times a week. For the money, it can't be beat. That said, this grinder is not for everybody.

This grinder is perfect for anybody with a coffee maker that uses #4 paper CONE filters (or slightly bigger or smaller). I emphasize PAPER because a permanent filter is not good for this grinder. Like any blade grinder, it will produce some dust. That creeps through the permafilter and into your pot is makes sludge. It sloppies up your coffee. Nothing gets through paper filters though.

It also grinds coffee fine. You really don't have a choice. It is ok for espresso as well if you are not a connoisseur. If you try a coarse grind with this unit, you will be out of luck. If you don't grind long enough, you will leave a few beans whole or in large pieces.

If you need anything other than a fine grind and don't mind using paper filters (I prefer them), then look no further.

I deducted a star because it has limitations, but the truth is, for probably 80% of the coffee drinkers out there, this grinder is all you need.

Best & most efficient for the $$$!!!
There are two things I take very seriously in this life: one is books, the other is coffee (not surprisingly, the often go together). While the bulk of my reviews are children's books, I felt it necessary to go against type and review this coffee grinder. Most coffee experts as well as everyday, casual drinkers agree that the best tasting coffee is brewed with freshly ground beans. Once beans are ground, they begin to oxidize, much like an opened bottle of wine. Old preground coffee has a tendency to taste bitter, and with the proliferation of inexpensive grinders, more and more people are buying whole bean coffee to grind right before they brew. Of course, finding the RIGHT grinder for the price is the tough part. Grinders exist in every form and size and expense bracket. Quite a lot of round, domed grinders I've used have unsharpened blades on a mount that is too high to really grind beans fine enough for specialty coffee like espresso or Turkish. The Krups has a few advantages over other grinders, namely these: ** The blades are sharp and mounted low in the housing. Maybe other manufactures are saving a few pennies by putting flat tongues of metal in their grinders, but they don't have the edge to pulverize beans like the Krups can. ** The machine has a higher RPM than other machines. This makes it easier to reduce grind times and with additional speed, can reduce whole beans to powder in less than a minute (I've had a Black n' Decker that couldn't grind beans for Turkish coffee if you held the button for half an hour). ** the housing is oval and the lid is flat. I'm not an engineer or physicist, but I think the flat lid and oval shape allow the beans to fall back towards the blades for further grinding (again, my Black n' Decker allowed the beans to spin around the lid in a whirlpool pattern that was pretty to look at, but pointless for actually reducing the grounds to the small particles I wanted). ** it has a large capacity. Do you like strong coffee?? Use more grounds, then!! The box says that you can grind up to 20 cups of java at a time. I don't know about the sorts of demitasses they must be using to gauge the volume of a "cup", but I do know that this machine can grind up enough beans for a number of very stiff MUGS of coffee. In the disadvantages column, the only one I could site is that the housing cup is slanted down, I'm assuming for decorative purposes. Hence, I'm forever spilling beans out of the lower side. My new secret is to measure the beans out in the LID, first, then turn the whole thing upside down and put the housing into the lid. Since I only use it to grind coffee (and while I drink my fair share, I don't have the thing running nonstop day and night), I can't speak with any aplomb about how sturdy a machine is or how long it lasts. I once dropped one after a year and broke it, but it seemed nowhere near quitting, so I can't vouch for how long it would work under normal, non-butterfingered conditions. My assumption is that anything with such a high RPM rate isn't intended to be kept running for long periods of time-- creates too much heat and friction-- so if you plan to grind coffee night and day, it's probably best that you spend the money on a professional model intended for cafes. All in all, a fine piece of workmanship and definitely worth the extra few dollars over many of the other, cheaper, more poorly-designed grinders on the market today.

the standard
This is an excellent grinder for home use and the one that I use on a daily basis. It is relatively quiet (so I can grind my beans in the morning without waking the kids) and large enough to process 8 or so cups (a full pot) of coffee. The only downside is that you have to practice the knack of when to stop grinding due to the lack of coarse control, but it makes up for it with ease of use. In my mind the quietness, ease of use and ease of cleaning (the black model is easier to clean than white) make this a must-have for coffee lovers.