Better Extraction, Zero Bitterness: From Blade Grinder Ignorance to Burr-Ground Bliss
Apparently, I have been incorrectly grinding my coffee beans for decades with an electric spice grinder. I chose to remain ignorant of burr grinders, mainly for their prohibitive cost, but I was also happy with the flavor I was getting from my usual device. Obviously, I didn’t know what I was missing and this Manual Coffee Grinder has opened my eyes (and taste buds) to the joy of burr-ground coffee.Once you’re used to freshly ground beans it’s hard to go back to pre-ground, so I got this grinder simply as a portable solution for enjoying cups of coffee anywhere, for which it works beautifully. Its all-metal, solidly-constructed body is nicely textured for gripping ease, and the grinding crank detaches from the mill for storage and transport. You can adjust the grind consistency for different brewing methods by turning the metal dial on the bottom of the mill, which raises or lowers the grinding burrs and adjusts the size of the finished grounds. Grinding requires little effort, the large, attractive wooden handle on the crank providing good leverage and the dual bearings making operation smooth. Dry clean-up is easy with the included blower and brush, and I was able to dislodge any leftover particles with just a few blasts of the nozzle and a quick brush down. Even though the grinding burrs are stainless steel, it’s not recommended to get this wet, potentially adding unwanted moisture to your grinds.Compared to similar manual burr grinders, this offers exceptional value in its construction, stainless steel conical burrs, portability factor, and grind quality. While more expensive than typical electric blade grinders, manual conical burr grinders offer more consistent grinds, even extraction, and richer cups of coffee without bitterness. They’re also far more economical than electric countertop burr grinders, allowing access to superior cups without damaging your bottom line. This model is no exception, producing consistent grounds throughout its wide range of fine to coarse settings.Function:I tested this using a standard “connoisseur” ratio of 325mL hot water to 20g of beans, which is almost the capacity of the grinder (0.88oz/25g). I used the finished grounds container to measure the whole beans, and 20g perfectly filled it to the threaded portion. This seems intentional and is a quick way to measure your single serving of whole beans. I was using a pour-over method, and the instruction manual recommends a grind setting of 20 clicks. This is a little confusing as the dial on the base only goes to 12, with directional arrows pointing to either fine or coarse grind. Rotating the dial clockwise fully until it stops reaches position 1 and the finest grind. You can then rotate the dial counter-clockwise for the number of clicks designated in the manual for your desired grind. Once you get to 12 on the dial, just keep counting clicks and the dial will continue to open the burrs, making the grind coarser.After 20 clicks I poured the beans into the body and attached the handle/cover. Grinding took about 40 seconds at a moderate pace (for both my wife and me), which is comparable to high-quality grinders of similar design. The sturdy handle had no attachment issues while grinding, which was smooth and effortless, and when you no longer feel any resistance in the rotation, you’re done. I prepared my pour-over, took a sip and was blown away. It was stronger than my usual cup, but so much richer and lacking any bitterness. My wife had similar delicious results with her pod-style coffee maker, although 20g was a bit too much to fit into a pod.While I drink coffee every day, I use this primarily on my days off when I have extra time to make and enjoy a cup. It’s compact and hardy enough to throw into a small bag and would be ideal for travel or camping. A simple blow-out and brush after each use should keep it functioning for years to come, even with daily use.Verdict:If you want to extract connoisseur-grade flavor from your precious coffee beans without spending a fortune on a countertop burr grinder, this portable manual grinder does a fantastic job. Its single-serving capacity proves a bit cumbersome for daily use or multiple cups, but the trade-off in taste is worth the effort. For those graduating from electric blade coffee grinders, this mill provides an economical means to experiment with a superior grinding method. For coffee aficionados and novices alike, this provides a portable means to experience your favorite cup anywhere. Treat yourself! Or treat someone else; this would make a great gift for coffee lovers.Pros:• Quick grind time (40 seconds).• Sturdy, all-metal construction.• Easy to clean with included tools.• Compact and portable.Things to know:• Versatile grind settings, but instructions and dial markings lack consistency.