Best Buy Coffee Grinders On Sale!

   

Cuisinart DCG-12BC Grind Central Coffee Grinder
From Cuisinart

The CUISINART DCG-12BC Grind Central features a stainless steel grinding bowl that holds 90 grams of whole beans -- enough for 18 cups of coffee! The removable bowl, with blade assembly, is dishwasher safe, and a the included lid lets you store leftover coffee right in the grinding bowl. A single On/Off button controls grind consistency, and a built-in safety interlock makes the perfect grind safe and easy. Cord storage Limited 18-month warranty.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5208 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black/Stainless
• Brand: Cuisinart
• Model: DCG-12BC
• Dimensions: 5.00" h x 5.90" w x 8.90" l, .55 pounds

Operating at low heat to preserve flavor and aroma, this big, sleek coffee grinder can handle a whopping 90 grams of beans at once, enough for 18 cups, and it grinds spices at well. State of the art from its safety shutoff to its stainless-steel blade to its wraparound power cord, the grinder lends a modern look to any countertop. --Fred Brack

Grinder par excellence
After much research and investigation into blade coffee grinders on this site and epinions, I had decided to purchase the KitchenAid because of the ability to wash and clean the cup and blades. I wanted a blade grinder for flax and spices as I use a burr grinder for coffee. The KitchenAid had a major complaint in that it was messy, which seems like a design flaw.

This Cuisinart grinder has it all: Capacity, cleaning cability, powerful motor, handsome design, "fairly" quiet (after all, it is a noisy process), cord storage under the base, absolutely no-mess-grinding and a lid for the stainless blade cup for storage of extra grindings.

On the con side, it is more expensive costing $30; but I think it will be a long lasting appliance and should easily outlast the other less expensive blade coffee grinders costing $20. Also, the instruction brochure states that this grinder is for purposes of grinding coffee only and using it for nuts and spices will dull the blades. Well, duh! I am sure the cheaper models would have the same problem and the Krups that I am replacing has a plastic lid that has become all pitted and cannot be cleaned properly.

Great - While it lasted...
Purchased two of these grinders last month, one for myself, the other as a gift, but unfortunately the blade assembly began to fail on mine in less than 2 weeks, after processing less than a pound of coffee. Cuisinart customer service said if I return it postage paid, and include an additional $5 to cover return postage to me (The book says $4) they will fix their mistake. I suggested that at the very least they should pay shiping one way, after all, it was their failure, not mine. They said "We make thousands of these every week, they can't all work". As interesting as I found their quality control philosophy to be I still I think they have a lot of nerve expecting the total cost of their product failure to rest on my shoulders. Appearently they disagreed, as they hung up on me without saying goodbye.

Fortunately we purchased through Amazon.com. No problem. Amazon immediately authorized the return, and by policy will even pay the shipping because it's defective. While I appreciate their approach to customer serice I'll pay the postage myself. It's well worth a few bucks to have someone stand behind defective merchandise - particularly when the manufacturer won't.

Quality is free, it's the cost of doing things right the first time. Some producers appearently aren't even interested in getting it right the second time.

Can't believe Cuisinart made this awful product
There's only 1 thing a coffee grinder should do -- grind coffee well. Like most of the other reviewers, I found that no amount of grinding will produce a grind that can even be considered acceptable. With small batches of beans, the product comes out in chunks of all sizes -- some beans are barely cut in half. Larger batches yeild somewhat better results, but still incredibly uneven. This is an expensive grinder that's not worth a penny.

   

Cuisinart SG-10 Electric Spice-and-Nut Grinder
From Cuisinart

There's nothing quite like the smell and taste of freshly ground spices. And with the Cuisinart Spice and Nut Grinder it's easier than ever to efficiently rind any spice or create original, tantalizing spice blends. The blade is exclusively designed to grid spices and nuts and the simple press-down lid starts the grinding process with one touch, sealing in all the finely ground spices.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #547 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Cuisinart
• Model: SG-10
• Dimensions: 9.00" h x 6.00" w x 5.00" l, 2.65 pounds

Equipped with a heavy-duty motor and specially designed stainless-steel blades, this electric grinder quickly and efficiently grinds spices and nuts. A pestle and mortar offers one way to turn thyme into powder, but sometimes it's nice just to get the job done without all the pounding and manual grinding. Simply add the spice to be ground--anything from peppercorns or cloves to flax, fennel, or mustard seeds--close the lid, and press down to start the grinding process. Or add walnuts, pecans, peanuts, or almonds and grind just the right amount of time for the perfect consistency and add to cookies, sweet breads, and other baked goods. The grinder's bowl holds up to 90 grams, and its storage lid allows for extra spices to be stored in the grinding bowl. Other highlights include nonslip rubber feet, a built-in safety interlock that prevents operation unless the lid's securely in place, and a sleek design that will nicely compliment any kitchen decor. For added convenience, the lid and removable stainless-steel bowl clean up easily by hand or in the dishwasher. An instruction manual with recipes comes included. The grinder measures 5 by 6 by 9 inches and carries an 18-month limited warranty.

Simple to Use, effortless to clean
I bought it specifically for grinding whole flax seed. It grinds it to perfection in seconds. Although I use it for other nuts too, which I am extremely happy with it all. It is a snap to use, and is super super easy to clean, takes up little space on the countertop. Note that not wanting the lid to become foggy (as some plastics do in high heat) I no longer use the drying/heat function on my dishwasher, so after going thru the cycle it comes out like new everytime. If you are the kind of person who likes to have the cords tucked into the appliance then you may be a little disappointed as the cord takes a little fiddling to get it coiled back into the housing unit. In my personal opinion I think this product is superb, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.

Love it!
This spice grinder is exactly what I was looking for. It ground all my spices, even cinnamon and nutmeg, to a fine texture. I have a Cuisinart coffee grinder which I tried to grind spices, but it didn't grind spices as fine as I wanted.
The lid did not "cloud" over like it does with some grinders when you grind some hard stuff in it (cinnamon, nutmeg).

Works Well
I grind spices regularly, especially dried chili's, and found this product well-designed for that task. Easy to use, and easy to clean...

   

Braun 3045-652 Coffee Grind Receptacle
From Braun

The Braun 3045-652 Coffee Grind Receptacle fits models 3045 KMM30

Perfect--Brand New
The title says it all. Was exactly the same as my cracked one for the Braun 3045 coffee grinder--even the tint of the plastic.

   

KitchenAid BCG100OB Blade Coffee Grinder, Onyx Black
From KitchenAid

New from KitchenAid, their Blade Coffee Grinder is powerful, durable, stylish and convenient. It has a 200-watt motor with a stainless steel blade to grind whole beans for the freshest taste and the richest aroma. It has a heavy-duty motor housing and bowl with a hi-impact top cover. Its sleek design provides an elegant look, and comes in four smart colors. To use, simply push down on the center top cover and your beans will grind to the consistency desired. Remove the top cover and bowl and pour your ground beans into your coffee maker. Other features include a dual interlock system that locks the top cover in place before grinding, a pulse control, and etched markings to adjust the amount of grinds to your liking.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #87185 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Onyx Black
• Brand: KitchenAid
• Model: BCG100OB
• Dimensions: 5.60" 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

GREAT product
Like all KitchenAid appliances, this is (for home use anyway), a very heavy-duty product that will provide years of trouble-free use.

After breaking my old, inexpensive bean grinder, I went to a kitchen store and bought a burr-type grinder. I was VERY disappointed, and returned it the next day. Perhaps it's just me, but I guess I don't like the way burr-type grinders work... they're almost impossible to get really clean, as the grinding mechanism is all but inaccessible.

This thing breaks down very easily into dishwasher-safe parts (other than the electric base, of course... but that part never gets grounds on it anyway.)

You can tell from the first time you use it, that it is designed to last. And though I don't really see a reason for doing so, you could probably grind a coke bottle in it!

Buy this. You won't be disappointed.

***UPDATE - NOVEMBER 27, 2007***
I didn't realize how long I've had this, so I just checked my "order history" with Amazon. I bought this grinder on January 3, 2003... so it's coming up on FIVE years, and it is STILL going strong!

I stand by my five star review! :-)

- Jonathan Sabin

I Love My New Coffee Grinder!
I love my new Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinder! I guess the best part is that I can leave it on the counter and it doesn't look dirty. You know how coffee grinders look after a few days. This one stays nice all the time. This grinder comes apart for easy cleaning. The grinders I have used in the past didn't come apart and had to be wiped out by hand. In the morning I make my coffee and rinse out the cap and the blade. No trouble at all. In the past I have had trouble with residue from old beans getting mixed with the new beans. Since most coffee grinders do not come apart for easy washing, they start looking grungy. I agree with one of the reviews that said she had trouble with ground beans getting on her counter when grinding. I've only had that problem if I fill the grinder too full and try to grind too much at once. Otherwise, I haven't had any problems at all. Matter of fact, I plan to buy two more as Christmas gifts. I would definitely buy this coffee grinder again.

Love it!
I have owned mine for probably almost 2 years. Just read many of the reviews and I am puzzled.....I have had NO problems with messiness, and I grind all sorts of stuff in it...coffee beans, flaxseed, spices. It is awesome. Anyone who really understands food science OR health science knows that rancid oils are bad - for flavor and for health. And oil is a major, key component of coffee, flax and spices. So KitchenAid really gets my thumbs up for designing a grinder that you can actually CLEAN....all others that I know of trap "ground matter" which then proceeds to rancidify over time and wreck your beans or spices, plus, if you multitask your grinder, cleaning it out is a must (unless you want your coffee to taste like that cumin seed you just grounds for a savory dish, or your ground sesame seed to taste faintly of coffee, etc....). Since you can't really get other grinders wet, you can't really get them clean, certainly not regularly. That sucks! If you follow the directions (hello, that does mean READING them....) and do not over fill the bowl, which conveniently has permanent markings on the inside :-), then, well at least I, have not had any problems with mess. Plus, when grinding larger quantities, what works really well is if you invert the whole thing so that the ground contents go into the clear plastic top, which acts as a bowl, and then transfer the contents accordingly to wherever you need them....I know this works because I do it all the time when grinding quantities of flaxseed. I can only guess that the folks making messes might be, well....nevermind. Also, the guy who claims this grinder couldn't handle half a bowl of cardamon and started smoking...I can only believe that a) his was defective, which is a really weird phenomena for a KitchenAid product, or b) he is full of "it" and wasn't really using the product correctly. The motor is superstrong, the grind is excellent if you pay any attention to what you are doing (tho' true, it is not great for tiny quatities of spices), the clean up features are superb...got to love it. Lastly, I do not have any particular "brand loyalty"...we have a well outfitted kitchen and produce a lot of great meals in the tradition of Berkeley, CA's "gourmet ghetto"...I go strictly for what products, to my mind, work best, and in the electric grinder market, this versatile baby is it. btw, I do have a classic old Krups stuck way in the back of a cupboard...and can't figure out why it hasn't made it to the donation box yet cuz, heaven know it hasn't been used since I can't remember when.

   

Solis Crema Maestro Plus G385 Conical Burr Grinder
From Solis Crema

The Solis Maestro PLUS is based on the original and very popular Solis Maestro coffee grinder. The Maestro Plus includes all the winning features of the original Maestro grinder, plus some extras that increase its versatility and ease of use. These improvements contribute to more than a doubling of the weight over the Maestro and give the Maestro Plus a rock-solid feel and increased stability. The range of grind is 30% greater than the original Maestro. This increase is on the coarsest settings making it easier to get the perfect grind for drip and French press brewers. The number of grind settings has been increased by over 100% to 40 levels, resulting in a huge range of grinds. The key advantage of the increased settings is precision fine-tuning of your espresso grind settings. The Maestro is designed and assembled in the USA with lots of innovative features built in.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #41632 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black
• Brand: Solis Crema
• Model: G 385
• Released on: 2005-02-17
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 12.00" h x 12.00" w x 17.00" l, 7.45 pounds

Nice grinder
If you need to grind espresso or French press this is supposed to be the best general purpose grinder under $200.
If you're even more serious about grinding espresso you may want to look at something like a Rancilio Rocky, $295 or Pasquini Moka Grinder @ $499

This can be considered high end for home use especially for a drip coffee maker. (that's what I use it for). It also can be considered a good upgrade if you want something better than a blade grinder or inexpensive burr grinder or a backup espresso grinder if you already have a serious espresso grinder. (This was my upgrade from a Braun burr grinder).
It's also not intended for commercial use, it won't hold up to that kind of constant use but I think it's a great grinder for all aspects of home/office use if you're looking for a heavy duty conical burr grinder.

I narrowed my choice to the Solis or the Capresso. They're nearly the same but the Solis was designed and assembled in the USA, the Capresso is made in China.

This is easy to dissasemble and clean. The plastic adjusting mechanisim that rotates and holds the grinder burr simply slips out and drops back in. It's not under any stress and isn't going to break unless it's put together wrong.

It's quiet, low static with less mess. There's going to be some mess, it's just a lot less than the high rpm, less expensive grinders.

It's smooth operating with enough weight to feel like an appliance and not a toy. It's all I need for my high-end drip and low-end espresso needs.

Excellent Coffee Grinder!!!
I just bought this Coffee Grinder to replace a Braun Burr Grinder in which I had burned out and and replaced three motors. This grinder gives the most even grind I have ever seen in anything except commercial grinders in stores and coffee houses. For home, this gives commercial grind quality. For motor life and to keep from overheating the beans, the stepdown gearing for slower grinding keeps the coffee cooler and extends motor life. I would have given this a 5 star rating except for the fact that there is so much static electrcity with this (and many others) that coffee flies all over, but the benefit far outweight that inconvenience and it's best grinder I've ever owned.

Nice grinder
If you need to grind espresso or French press this is supposed to be the best general purpose grinder under $200.
If you're even more serious about grinding espresso you may want to look at something like a Rancilio Rocky, $295 or Pasquini Moka Grinder @ $499

This can be considered high end for home use especially for a drip coffee maker. (that's what I use it for). It also can be considered a good upgrade if you want something better than a blade grinder or inexpensive burr grinder or a backup espresso grinder if you already have a serious espresso grinder. (This was my upgrade from a Braun burr grinder).
It's also not intended for commercial use, it won't hold up to that kind of constant use but I think it's a great grinder for all aspects of home/office use if you're looking for a heavy duty conical burr grinder.

I narrowed my choice to the Solis or the Capresso. They're nearly the same but the Solis was designed and assembled in the USA, the Capresso is made in China.

This is easy to dissasemble and clean. It's quiet, low static with less mess. It's smooth operating with enough weight to feel like an appliance and not a toy. It's all I need for my high-end drip and low-end espresso needs.

   

Hamilton Beach 80374 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Black
From Hamilton Beach

The Ultimate Performing Coffee grinder , grinds up to 15 cups of beans. Takes all the guesswork out of grinding , as it automatically grinds coffee to the preset roast settings for the best tasting coffee . Internal cord wrap. Dishwasher safe removable stainless steel grinding chamber with cover .

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5933 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Size: Medium
• Color: Black
• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 80374
• Dimensions: 9.50" h x 5.50" w x 5.50" l, 2.60 pounds

Best grinder for the money
I couldn't recommend this grinder more highly. It is solidly constructed, and the manufacturer took the time to add all the little details that are missing on cheaper models, like no-slip feet and a retractable cord (which is a little short, perhaps the one negative to this otherwise perfect product). The stainless steel grinder bowl is well designed - it has gradiated markings to let you know how many beans to put in for the number of cups of coffee you intend to brew, and it perfectly grinds the beans to your desired coarsness. In addition, it is removable AND dishwasher safe, making for easy cleaning.

The machine's slim, tall profile is ideal for easy on-counter or cabinet storage, and the black / stainless steel finish is attractive and a good match to most major coffee maker and espresso machine brands. The grinder provides multiple different settings for different coarsness and the amount of beans you are grinding, and since the grinding time is pre-set you can just push the button and move on to doing something else while the coffee grinds. It may take the "art" out of coffee grinding, but it will give you a great cup of coffee every time.

A final note - you may feel constrained by the pre-set options, but they still provide quite a bit of flexibility. If you like your coffee weaker, just put in a few less beans than your desired cup mark would call for (or vice versa if you like your coffee stronger). Having the specific settings means that when your experimenation finally comes out the way you want it to, you'll be able to remember next time ("oh, I used the 4-cup measure of beans to 8 cups of water, and I ground it on the medium-coarse setting") rather than having to try to guess at what you did to get that "perfect cup."

I can't imagine anything else that I would want in a grinder - the only semi-common option that it is missing is extra storage for beans or ground coffee; these features are not missed, however, as I always grind my beans fresh and I store them in a cool, dry airtight container. Storing your beans or grounds in the grinder is a sure way to ruin their taste.

Is this the perfect grinder? I'd say so. I give it a perfect 5/5.

Best grinder we've owned
When my husband and I got married we EACH owned our own coffee grinder. Both of them were very dependable (one was a Waring, one a Brauning) and it took many years for them to both wear out. (The Waring's plastic lid deteriorated by bits and pieces, but when we got this new grinder we still use it for a spice mill!) But this one is the best ever---we just love it. It's much better than our old ones in every way. You can easily adjust the grind, and best of all the cup is detachable so it's very easy to get the coffee into the filter with NO MESS (that's one reason it doesn't need a long cord). It's even attractive-looking! We have nothing negative to say about this grinder---it's a great product.

UPDATE: TWO YEARS LATER!
I bought this grinder in June 2007 and it is still going strong after daily use for over 2 years. I've had none of the "cap-loosening problem" or "stopped working" that others reported. I'm now buying a second one for my vacation home. Things I love about this grinder:

1) You don't have to stand there and hold the button
2) It has multiple grind selections and it really DOES grind to espresso fineness
3) You can put the coffee in the lid for transport instead of having to drag the whole grinder over to your coffee pot
4) It's really dependable
5) It's attractive
6) Reasonably priced (with free shipping!)
7) Retractable cord! Yay!
8) Metal lid hasn't eroded at all over 2 years
9) And it's easy to use, too!

Best coffee grinder we've ever owned.

Here is why there are all those "it stopped working" reviews
The machine is not really a "hands free" coffee grinder. The clear plastic cover/cap has a safety mechanism such that the machine will not grind unless the cover is twisted firmly all the way into place. After some usage, in my case about a month, the cover starts to walk out of position ever so slightly because of the vibration from the grinding motor. The result is the grinder shuts off. Frustrating until I figured out what was going on.

I did not return the machine because 1) the solution is simple, hold onto the machine while it grinds away and 2) for that minor inconvenience it is a great grinder. The inside of the stainless steel bean cup is marked such that you fill it up to say 8 cups, set the dial for 8 cups, rotate the knob for the type of grind and the grinder delivers perfectly ground coffee. Espresso grind 8 cups is about 25 seconds of grinding. It takes all the guess work out of the regular automatic grinders that grind as long as you hold them. Not withstanding the holding of the top the machine has been great. I'm so happy to have perfectly ground coffee I don't worry about it. It would have been nice to have a longer cord, but I think they made the cord as long as they could without having to make the body thicker or resorting to the dreaded wrap-the-cord-around-the-bottom design.

It looks nice, cleans easily, the selection between amount and coarseness of grind make it easy to customize your grind, but I have been very satisfied with the factory settings. I have owned/used it for more than a year now.

   

Melitta MEBG8B Coffee Mill
From Melitta

• Amazon Sales Rank: #164372 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Brand: Melitta
• Model: MEBG8B
• Dimensions: 5.00" h x 7.40" w x 9.60" l, 8.20 pounds

Equipped with hard burrs that grind beans more uniformly and without the flavor-destroying heat generated by blade grinders, this coffee mill makes preparing fresh coffee simple. It has preprogrammed buttons for grinding enough to brew 4, 8, 10, or 12 cups and a dial for selecting one of 18 grind consistencies, from very coarse to very fine for espresso. The bean chamber holds 8 ounces, enough for about 36 five-ounce cups. When the selected amount of beans is ground, the mill shuts off automatically. A transparent plastic container snaps into the mill's front to catch up to 8 ounces of ground coffee. It has a snap-on lid so it can store either ground coffee or beans. For easy cleaning, the grinding wheel twists out. The 120-watt mill measures 5 inches wide, 9 inches high, and 6-1/2 inches deep. It's clad in hard, bright plastic, has push-in cord storage, and carries a one-year warranty against defects. --Fred Brack

Very Satisfactory With A Little Adjustment
True, it is loud and will spray a bit of coffee dust on your clean counter. A similarly priced blade grinder will be just as loud and make just as much of a mess -- but this burr grinder is much more convenient. Push a single button to grind your morning coffee, no measuring of beans or guessing about the fineness of the grind.

Others have complained that even the finest "16" setting produces coffee that is still quite course. I had this problem as well, but it is fairly easy to reindex the grinder to produce a finer grind. First, unplug the grinder and leave the top grinding burr in place. Inside the whole-bean hopper you'll find 3 Phillip's head screws -- unscrew these to remove the hopper, then carfully lift off the black plastic top of the grinder. Inside you'll see another Phillip's screw on top of the fineness adjustment wheel -- turn the wheel to 16 and unscrew the screw to disengage the gears. Put a dab of White-Out on the gear around the grinding mechanism so that you know what the original setting was. Now you can turn the grinding mechanism clockwise to bring the two grinding wheels closer together. Turn clockwise until the burrs are actually touching, and you can't turn any more, then turn counter-clockwise an eighth or a quarter of a turn so that the burrs don't actually touch each other (you want to grind coffee, not the metal on the burrs). Now lift and turn the fineness adjustment wheel to "16" and screw it back in. Reassemble the grinder and run some coffee through it to check the fineness of the grind.

There, now your $20 grinder is as good as a $50 burr grinder.

A burr grinder at a regular grinder price
While the price of all small coffee grinders seems to have dropped, this burr grinder costs about what I paid for a basic blade grinder years ago. As to the machine. It has 18 degrees of fineness, which you set easily with a wheel on the side. Open the top, fill it with coffee (it holds about a half pound). Hit one of the preset amount buttons, 4,8,10 or 12, and in a few seconds, the bottom detachable container is ready to slide out. It takes some experimentation to find out how fine you like your grind, and if the preset amounts produce the right amount for your pot. I found that the amount it produced for eight cups was just right for our ten cup pot (and I don't like weak coffee). If none of the preset amounts are right for you, it has a shut off button on the front, so you can hit the button for a larger amount and shut it off early. Since the preset amounts seem generous, it should grind enough coffee for most automatic makers, press pots, etc.
The coffee storage area on top is a little small, i.e. it holds about enough for two twelve cup pots, but its simple enough to keep adding new beans.
The grinding burr comes out easily (i.e. the top one - the bottom one is attached, but cleaning is easy. When the coffee is ground, it ends up in a clear plastic container that slides out easily, and cleans up easily.
There is cord storage space underneath, so you can leave out just enough cord to reach from the unit to the wall socket - and this machine has earned a permanent place on our counter, next to the coffee pot. Its going to be burr grinding from now on.

Burr grinder quality for a blade grinder price
I have used many grinders, and the burr grinders make a much, much better cup of coffee than the blade grinders. There may be better grinders out there, but if you can't afford to spend a fortune, this machine gives you "burr" quality for a "blade" price. It is convenient and easy to use, and easy to clean. I never have to measure coffee, I just press the "6" button and pour the grounds into the coffee maker.

There are a couple of minor inconveniences.
1. There is a small amount of ground coffee that ends up on the counter. Very little, in my experience, nothing like the big mess described below.
2. You do have to experiment with the coarseness settings until you find what you like. It took me three tries to figure out that I like it at setting 10. I used the finest setting a couple of times, to make espresso, and the results were great.

By the way, I have found that I prefer to use the amount of coffee recommended for 6 cups when I make 8 cups of coffee. That has nothing to do with this grinder, I have found exactly the same results with other grinders and other coffee makers.

   

Rancilio Rocky Doserless Burr Grinder
From Rancilio

Rancilio RAN-ROCKYDOSE -55 different grind setting -Commercial quality grinding burrs -Convenient direct dosing system -Coffee bean hopper -Dimensions: 13.75" x 4.5" x 9.5" -Quiet, powerful and safe -12-month parts and labor warranty Its Italian and its called, Rocky so that means its a champion. The Rancilio Rocky, designed specifically for espresso, enjoys the reputation of being one of the toughest, most durable grinders on the market. Based on the engineering and innovations developed from Rancilios commercial grinders, the Rocky has set the bar for other grinders competing in the home espresso market. Because of its tough build and performance, but reasonable price, the Rocky is a popular choice for cafes and restaurants that need a medium duty primary grinder or a first line decaffeinated beans grinder. Its wide range of grinding options can convert coffee beans to anything from uniform coarse grinds to fine powder. This quality grinding is crucial for home, as well as high-end and commercial espresso machines and its a dream for the espresso connoisseur. With so many settings, you can adjust the Rocky to very exact specifications.

This Rocky delivers a knockout!
I have had my Rocky doserless grinder for nearly nine months and I have never regretted the purchase. This is one of the premier prosumer grade coffee grinders and delivers consistent quality for espresso through drip and (almost) up to press pot. It is solid, relatively quiet - I use mine in my office at a small university and do close my door to muffle the noise a little more - and a great option for grinding for each individual shot of espresso. Plus, its compact form factor and mechanical-cool look mean Rocky can sit on the corner of my desk, next to the Gaggia Factory lever machine that it serves.

The highlights of the Rocky are its solidity and quality, its ease of adjustment, and in the case of this doserless model, its ability to grind for each dose of espresso or brew with minimal holdover of grounds. Because the path from burrs to chute is so short and unobstructed, I can rap the side when I am done and dislodge any leftover grounds, or simply remove the two screws holding in the chute to use a brush to clear it. The metal hoop below is perfect for holding a Gaggia or Pavoni portafilter when grinding, and can be removed with one quick tug to allow you to grind into a filter, press pot, or bag. Rocky's weight keeps it steady - it is no flimsy lightweight - and I personally like that the power switch and grind switch are separated on the doserless model. Having the grind switch on the front is convenient.

The only things keeping Rocky from getting five stars have to do with the grind settings. On the coarse end of the adjustment, Rocky just doesn't quite make it to a real french press grind. This is an issue that was noted on coffeegeek reviews and which I didn't care about when I bought the machine, but which I now wish I had considered. Also, and this is a niggling point, the grind adjustments are stepped, not stepless. In a perfect world, I like to think that all grinders should be stepless like the Mazzer Mini that I occasionally get to play with. That said, the steps are close enough that I have not found a problem in getting the grind I desire, and the system of a release button on the collar that adjusts the burrs is slick and simple.

If you are in the market for a top end consumer coffee grinder, take a good long look at the doserless Rocky. When a Mazzer Mini would be overkill (and overpriced), but you want something closer to commercial grade than a Solis Maestro, Rocky hits the sweet spot.

The grinder? The doser?
The grinder makes a huge difference in espresso, when you take advantage of its precision. On my last lot of beans, a grinder setting of 12 produced something like brewed coffee, while 10 justified the price of this machine. For me, anyway, it takes time to find the right balance of coffee amount, grind, tamping, and extraction time. New beans need a new balance.

As to the doser: If you usually grind for one espresso at a time then you seriously do not want the doser getting in your way.

Rocky Grinder
We love our coffee. We've always ground our own and used good beans. We bought a nice new espresso machine several months ago, and buy high-quality coffee like Intelligentsia. We enjoyed the coffee we made, and I thought a high-quality grinder would really top things off.
The pros: It looks good, is of very sturdy construction, is easy to understand, very convenient to fill with beans and not have to pour beans every day. Easy to grind to almost any consistency. Only messy if the operator is messy, like my husband.
The con: I'm just not sure I can taste a $300 difference in my daily espresso. It's good, no doubt - but is it really that much better than before? We have not yet, but are considering, taste tests to see if we can discern between the Rocky and our old blade grinder. We sure thought we were coffee experts (snobs!) and bought into the "the grinder is the key to perfect coffee" idea, but just aren't sure it makes THAT great a difference for us. The quality of the coffee is the most important factor, I believe.
The product does what it says and does it well. But is it truly necessary for a very good cup of coffee? That is up to your palate to decide - ours said eh, maybe not.

   

KitchenAid BCG100WH Blade Coffee Grinder, White
From KitchenAid

One of the secrets to fabulous coffee is grinding the beans yourself, releasing the oils and flavor right before brewing. With your own grinder you can also control the fineness of the grind, another important element in the coffee equation - too fine and you'll end up with bitter sediment in your cup, too coarse and your coffee will be weak and insipid. Enjoy KitchenAid performance and reliability with this fine grinder.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #190026 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: White
• Brand: KitchenAid
• Model: BCG100WH
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 5.60" 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

GREAT product
Like all KitchenAid appliances, this is (for home use anyway), a very heavy-duty product that will provide years of trouble-free use.

After breaking my old, inexpensive bean grinder, I went to a kitchen store and bought a burr-type grinder. I was VERY disappointed, and returned it the next day. Perhaps it's just me, but I guess I don't like the way burr-type grinders work... they're almost impossible to get really clean, as the grinding mechanism is all but inaccessible.

This thing breaks down very easily into dishwasher-safe parts (other than the electric base, of course... but that part never gets grounds on it anyway.)

You can tell from the first time you use it, that it is designed to last. And though I don't really see a reason for doing so, you could probably grind a coke bottle in it!

Buy this. You won't be disappointed.

***UPDATE - NOVEMBER 27, 2007***
I didn't realize how long I've had this, so I just checked my "order history" with Amazon. I bought this grinder on January 3, 2003... so it's coming up on FIVE years, and it is STILL going strong!

I stand by my five star review! :-)

- Jonathan Sabin

I Love My New Coffee Grinder!
I love my new Kitchen Aid Coffee Grinder! I guess the best part is that I can leave it on the counter and it doesn't look dirty. You know how coffee grinders look after a few days. This one stays nice all the time. This grinder comes apart for easy cleaning. The grinders I have used in the past didn't come apart and had to be wiped out by hand. In the morning I make my coffee and rinse out the cap and the blade. No trouble at all. In the past I have had trouble with residue from old beans getting mixed with the new beans. Since most coffee grinders do not come apart for easy washing, they start looking grungy. I agree with one of the reviews that said she had trouble with ground beans getting on her counter when grinding. I've only had that problem if I fill the grinder too full and try to grind too much at once. Otherwise, I haven't had any problems at all. Matter of fact, I plan to buy two more as Christmas gifts. I would definitely buy this coffee grinder again.

Love it!
I have owned mine for probably almost 2 years. Just read many of the reviews and I am puzzled.....I have had NO problems with messiness, and I grind all sorts of stuff in it...coffee beans, flaxseed, spices. It is awesome. Anyone who really understands food science OR health science knows that rancid oils are bad - for flavor and for health. And oil is a major, key component of coffee, flax and spices. So KitchenAid really gets my thumbs up for designing a grinder that you can actually CLEAN....all others that I know of trap "ground matter" which then proceeds to rancidify over time and wreck your beans or spices, plus, if you multitask your grinder, cleaning it out is a must (unless you want your coffee to taste like that cumin seed you just grounds for a savory dish, or your ground sesame seed to taste faintly of coffee, etc....). Since you can't really get other grinders wet, you can't really get them clean, certainly not regularly. That sucks! If you follow the directions (hello, that does mean READING them....) and do not over fill the bowl, which conveniently has permanent markings on the inside :-), then, well at least I, have not had any problems with mess. Plus, when grinding larger quantities, what works really well is if you invert the whole thing so that the ground contents go into the clear plastic top, which acts as a bowl, and then transfer the contents accordingly to wherever you need them....I know this works because I do it all the time when grinding quantities of flaxseed. I can only guess that the folks making messes might be, well....nevermind. Also, the guy who claims this grinder couldn't handle half a bowl of cardamon and started smoking...I can only believe that a) his was defective, which is a really weird phenomena for a KitchenAid product, or b) he is full of "it" and wasn't really using the product correctly. The motor is superstrong, the grind is excellent if you pay any attention to what you are doing (tho' true, it is not great for tiny quatities of spices), the clean up features are superb...got to love it. Lastly, I do not have any particular "brand loyalty"...we have a well outfitted kitchen and produce a lot of great meals in the tradition of Berkeley, CA's "gourmet ghetto"...I go strictly for what products, to my mind, work best, and in the electric grinder market, this versatile baby is it. btw, I do have a classic old Krups stuck way in the back of a cupboard...and can't figure out why it hasn't made it to the donation box yet cuz, heaven know it hasn't been used since I can't remember when.

   

Proctor Silex E160B Fresh Grind Coffee Grinder, White
From Proctor Silex

This Proctor Silex Fresh Grind Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder features a unique internal cord wrap, a safety on/off button, stainless steel blades and a compact Euro-Style design. Easy to clean.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #830 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Size: Medium
• Color: White
• Brand: Proctor Silex
• Model: E160B
• Dimensions: 7.20" h x 3.60" w x 4.10" l, 1.78 pounds

5 star - I use for small quanity
The unit is easy to use, convenient. Cord wrap up is great. Nice size to sit on your cabinet. I use for grinding my Flax Seeds I take daily for health. It's the perfect size for daily usage to grind the flax seeds. Excellent for small quanity .

I'm buying a 2nd one!
I love this coffee grinder. It's compact and the cord winds up inside of it. It makes for very easy storage. It's also very easy to clean. There is no reason to purchase an expensive grinder when this does just as good of a job. I'm buying a 2nd one to grind up spices.

Great Grinder for the Price
I see people complaining about this grinder being too small... uh, it's SUPPOSED to be small! That would be like buying an 18-wheeler tractor trailer and cab and then complaining that the truck was too big!!!

Anyway, for a small grinder, this thing is great. I use it not only for coffee, but for flax seeds and just about anything else I need to grind up in small quantities. If you often find yourself wanting to grind a pound of coffee, then *obviously* this is too small for you though.

   

Hamilton Beach 80365 Custom Grind Hands-Free Coffee Grinder, Platinum
From Hamilton Beach

Hamilton Beach one touch coffee bean grinder . Hands free operation with five different automatic coffee flavor settings. Grinder chamber makes up to 12 -cups of coffee beans at a time. Internal cord storage & cleaning brush included. Removable & dishwasher safe stainless grinding chamber .

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4208 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Size: Medium
• Color: Platinum
• Brand: Hamilton Beach
• Model: 80365
• Dimensions: 8.30" h x 4.80" w x 4.40" l, 3.09 pounds

Wonderful grinder
I too read all the reviews... I spent several hours, so let me save you the trouble. This item is sturdy, washable, compact, and grinds beans for anywhere from 4-12 cups of coffee.

I use it for both my 2 cup french press and my percolator, when my mill & brew coffee maker, which I have two carafs and 3 baskets for, is busy. We really get into coffee here - I must have 10 varieties of beans in the freezer.

It also did a fabulous job grinding hazelnuts very fine for a cookie dough where the hazelnuts were, in effect, part of the flour.

I do love that the grinder basket and top can go in the dishwasher, and the little brush that is stowed on the back is a thoughtful and utilized addition.

The only drawback would be that if you are only making 2 cups of coffee and you want a course grind, you have to let the machine think you're making 8 cups, by moving the cup setting, as this machine is intended to grind beans for a minimum of 4 cups. When I make enough coffee for my percolator, I can get an intermediate course grind with no problem.

What sold me was this: After I read all the reviews I went to my local "megamart," found the grinders, opened up the boxes of the makes I wanted to compare, and I literally took things apart and put them back together.

Like another reviewer warned, stay away from those other grinders with the tiny (you can barely see them) plastic pins that engage the start button. Once those bits of plastic break off, you're SOL.

This is a very reasonably priced maker which I've had for 6 months. I love it so much, that for much of that time I've felt just a bit guilty that I hadn't yet praised this maker on Amazon. With that done - it's time to grind some beans. :) Enjoy.

PS: It looks very pretty/handsome on the counter.

Love to GRIND baby!
This is the best coffee grinder I have purchased (it is my 3rd over the past 10 years). This one is the best for multiple reasons 1) I dont have to continue to hold the button while it grinds, I hit the button once and it grinds and stops when the coffee is perfectly ground. 2) It has a deep container for holding the ground beans. Before I could only grind a small amount and than when I removed the lid it would be messy. 3) It has several different grinds to choose from all the way to a very fine espresso 4) It is styling and has a great hide away area for the cord.

What else is there? It is perfect.

Gets the Job done-
I bought this as a gift for my husband-after reading a hundred reviews, I made my choice. This little machine doesn't do anything fancy- it grinds beans-we haven't used it for anything else since we bought it to grind beans. It does a great job-it's easily put together, nothing spills, it's easily used-not much else to say.

   

Capresso 555.01 Burr Grinder Select, Black
From Capresso

• Amazon Sales Rank: #243308 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Black
• Brand: Capresso
• Model: 555.02
• Dimensions: 6.90" h x 8.50" w x 11.80" l, 3.50 pounds

By precisely grinding coffee beans at any of 17 degrees of coarseness or fineness this electric grinder makes it possible to enjoy full-flavored espresso, drip, French press, and percolator coffee in moments. The grinder has a portion-control container that sends enough beans into the grinder for two cups each time the container's lid is turned a "click." Two clicks means enough for four cups and so on up to eight clicks for 16 cups. The container is removable so beans can be stored in the refrigerator. A bowl beneath the container accepts already-ground coffee to be further ground according to preference by turning the grind-selector dial to one of the 17 positions. The container into which ground coffee flows can be removed for pouring out the coffee. The burr grinding wheel also removes for easy cleaning. With the portion-control container in place, the grinder, clad in black plastic, measures 11-1/2 inches high. --Fred Brack

From a Satisfied Customer...
After reading complaints of the mess the 551.01 grinder made for some people, I decided to go with the latest Capresso model hoping that lessons were learned from past mistakes. I was happy to find that coffee grounds are deposited neatly into a removeable containter. The 555.01 produces consistantly even grounds with 17 adjustable settings for fineness. The portion container is a handy feature that allows one to grind for the exact number of cups of coffee only (espresso drinkers will have to experiment to get proper amounts). For those wanting to mix different beans together, the portion container can be detached to feed beans directly into the grinder. Despite this convenience, I found myself grinding more beans for future use because of the hassle of cleaning the machine. The portion container and grinder wheel can easily be removed and washed, but the base unit has to be scrubbed and wiped down separately so the electrical parts aren't exposed to water. Capresso, however, had the thoughtfulness to include a small brush to clean the grounds spout with. Many will also find the grinder to be rather loud, but noise is not a factor for me.

Capresso 555.01 is a nice grinder...
I think this grinder really rates more like 4.5 stars, but since that isn't a choice I only gave it 4. I've now used it 4 times, and I need to debunk some of the the earlier complaints that I've seen. I'll compare this with the several Braun burr grinders I've worn out over the last 15 years or so.

1. The lid is no more loose than that of any other coffee grinder I've used, but it is a snap-on lid withour a latch. The portion container itself, however, does latch. The portion container can be removed entirely, and an extra included lid can then be used, thus turning the grinder into a model 554.01.

2. There is LESS problem with static and fine coffee, again comparing this grinder to the Braun burr grinders I've used for years. This is partly due to the fact that the Capresso does a much quicker job of grinding than my various Brauns did even when new. Less rubbing and bouncing around equals less static electricity. Tip: to almost totally eliminate the static problem grind your coffee a half hour before you need it. The static bleeds off rapidly.

3. This grinder is much, much quieter than the Brauns that I've used. No contest.

4. The ground coffee receptacle pours easily, if you pour from the narrow ends rather than the wide side.

I like this grinder. The only gripe I have is about the rapid buildup of caked coffee on the exit(nozzle?) from the grinder to the receptacle. I knock it loose after every grinding.

A great grinder at a great price...
After using my Capresso espresso machine for a couple of weeks, I realized I needed a burr grinder. The espresso machine is very sensitive to the grind - I guess I was lucky at first that the grocery store grinder provided the precise grind needed.

After a lot of research - I learned more than I wanted to know about blade grinders vs. burr grinders - I decided this was the machine for me. I'm glad I did.

Some complained about the noise and the mess. True coffee lovers realize this is the nature of the beast. It's messy and loud, but not more than any other grinder. This grinder is actually less messy than my previous Krupps grinder. I've learned that putting a paper towel under the grinder before grinding catches a lot of the rogue grounds.

The taste of coffee and espresso is much better using freshly ground beans. If you want to experience great coffee, I suggest using Capresso products. They truly know the art making a great cup of java.

   

Baratza Virtuoso Conical Burr Coffee Grinder

• Amazon Sales Rank: #133790 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Dimensions: 14.00" h x 5.00" w x 6.00" l, 12.00 pounds

Does a beautiful job, but I wonder about the quality for the high price
I've been using this for three weeks. It grinds gorgeously and you can choose how fine/coarse you want the grind. I put it at 16 for my drip coffee.

It's easy to use if you don't have some hand issues (ie, arthritis). Anyone with hand/joints issues, this has no handle to pull out the container that holds the ground coffee. You have to grasp it by the edges and pull, which can be hard for some folks.

The only reason I worry about the quality is that the little knob that you turn to choose how long it will grind has already fallen off once. No biggie. I put it back in. But a grinder THIS expensive should not have loose parts coming off after only 2 weeks of use. So, I'll be a bit anxious about how long it will work effectively and intact.

Still, I'm happy with how it works so far, just not so happy that I'd give it a perfect score.

Mir

I was disappointed with this grinder
I just want it relate my experience with this grinder. I read the reviews and decided on it and order it. It arrived damaged. I called their number but got a recording and the recording used a different company name than Baratza. The message didn't even say leave a message at the tone but just "bye". I did leave a message and my phone number though. I waited all day and never got a call back. I email them and within 4 hours I go an email that a replacement had been shipped. It arrived and they sent a return UPS label to send the other one back. The problem with the first one was the hopper was crooked at an angle from an inpact in shipment I suppose. There was a worse problem inside. The cheap plastic calibration ring which holds the top grind burr and hopper base is held in place by three small plastic tabs about 1/32" thick and 1/8". Two of these were broken and the top grinding burr was at an angle causing an elliptical rotation which gave an inconstant grind. The replacement had one of these tabs broken also. I think it is just a result of a poor design for that part. The grinder on the whole is well constructed like a army tank but that design flaw and the lack of some feature like not being able to set a grinding time and the timer being on the side plus the fact that you can't actually talk to a human being with them, at least I couldn't. I tried two different numbers and never got a response. I even emailed them my home phone and cell phone numbers. I emailed through Amazon for a refund and didn't hear from them for two business days and then that was I think as a result of a phone call to Amazon and a second email through Amazon at the customer service rep's request. I then hear from them in a few hours and they sent me a return label by email and issued me a full refund even before I return the second grinder. I can't fault how they stood behind there return policy only to say you can only contact them on their terms and you can't talk to a human. If I could have spoken to a person and resolved my problem I would have keep the grinder. I am glad it worked out the way it did because I bought the Breville BCG450XL from Amazon for half the price and it is a much better conical burr grinder. See my review on it.

   

KitchenAid BCG100ER Blade Coffee Grinder, Empire Red
From KitchenAid

One of the secrets to fabulous coffee is grinding the beans yourself, releasing the oils and flavor right before brewing. With your own grinder you can also control the fineness of the grind, another important element in the coffee equation - too fine and you'll end up with bitter sediment in your cup, too coarse and your coffee will be weak and insipid. Enjoy KitchenAid performance and reliability with this fine grinder.

• Amazon Sales Rank: #140638 in Kitchen & Housewares
• Color: Empire Red
• Brand: KitchenAid
• Model: BCG100ER
• Dimensions: 5.60" h x 5.80" 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

excellent grinder, attractive color
I am extremely happy with this grinder. It does a good
job grinding, and the grinding mechanism is easy to take off
and put in the dishwasher. It also comes in empire
red, which matches my other KitchenAid appliances.

Unlike my previous bean grinder (a braun), this machine
is large enough to grind enough coffee for a 12-cup machine in one go.

I agree with the previous reviewer -- I have only had
problems with the grinds leaking out when I overfill
the machine. It has a Maximum Fill line, and if you
put beans above this line it will leak.

10 star gen This is a brand I highly recommend
We bought this in the red which is such a vibrant colour. I consider this the Mercedes of coffee grinders, and we have owned a few other brands. In fact we bought a new De Longhi coffee machine and it came with one of their coffee grinders that didn't work after the fourth try. Seems the motor burned out. So as a birthday gift for my husband I ordered this coffee grinder, which was on back order (that was the only negative) but it finally arrived.

It is much quieter than the other grinders we have used, and I like the steel mechanism and that healthy size over cup that you press down on to trigger the grinder. The appliance looks so nice on the counter that I hated to stick it away.

I should note that I own most of the KitchenAid counter appliances, as well as the bottle opener, basting brush, spatulas etc. and buy this brand because it is excellent and I have yet to be disappointed.

And in the process of designing and building a new zen style home, we are making sure that the kitchen is designed so that the KitchenAid appliances we own are easy access since we cook and entertain a lot and feel proud to have this brand in our home.

Great Grinder
There is little fly away of ground coffee, as suggested in other reviews. I shake the machine whilst grinding to ensure an even grind. It works well for the fine grind needed for a cone filter as well as for the coarser grind for the press pot. It looks solid and looks good on the countertop. I use a little brush to get the grounds out of the grinder, thus avoiding taking off the stainless steel cup each time. Oh, the large capacity is really nice too. I had a burr grinder for a bit of time, but I burnt it out. I'm not going back, because I did not find them reliable. This KitchenAid has been just great, and I highly recommend it!