How to choose a hand grinder?

Coffee is the favorite drink of many people. But getting a cup of a tasty beverage without a coffee grinder is impossible. Here’s how to choose, what kinds you’ll find, and what parts to look for.

Are Hand Coffee Grinders any Good?

All Coffee grinders, whether manual or electric, are grinders. The way they work can be compared to a mill .  Two millstones rotate, crushing hard grains into a powder . To engage the mechanism in a manual grinder, you need to twist the handle . The whole process lasts no more than 6 minutes. The procedure may seem to be long. But it allows to preserve the original flavor of your coffee beverage without burning it over. That’s why manual coffee grinders are better than electric ones. 

Suitable for Whom

Manual coffee grinder are versatile and practical. And it will find a place in your kitchen, as the device has enough advantages :

• easy care;
• uniform grinding;
• quietness;
• compact design;
• You can use it when the power goes out;
• A good choice for travel;
• easy to clean and repair;
• special ritual of making coffee;
• optimal price.

How to choose a hand grinder?

When choosing a burr coffee grinder manual, you should pay attention to several factors: the type of shell, the material, the bean hopper, the location of the handle and whether the grind can be adjusted for different brewing methods (coffee grinder variable setting).

Let’s start with the most important factor – the material of the grinder.

Material

The millstones are the main mechanism of the grinder. So, it is very important to pay attention to what material they are made of, because this determines the strength and quality of the device. It also affects the final taste of the drink.

Beakers are made of ceramic, steel, cast iron or stone. Each material has its own characteristics.

Ceramic kernels are great for grinding grains, but they are brittle. Steel is reliable, but some can give an unpleasant metal aftertaste. Cast iron is inexpensive, but not resistant to odors. 

Stone grindstones are an ideal choice. They handle any grind well, don’t wear out quickly and are durable. But because of the high cost, they are bought less often.

Type of body

There are 3 types: oriental (aka Turkish), European and grinders without body. 

Eastern ones are shaped like a cylinder. On top there is a funnel, which closes, and a handle that makes it easy to regulate the grinding process. Due to its compactness, this variant is easy to hold in your hands. In addition, you can often see the original patterns in the oriental style on them.

European-type device looks like a cube.To grind coffee, it is placed on the surface. The powder falls into a small compartment at the bottom, which slides out.

The version without the case is relevant and easy to use. The device can be placed directly in the mug. The multiple stages make this type versatile. The handle and funnel are on top.

How the handle is located

There are only two options for how the handle of a coffee grinder can be located. For example, the Oriental has the handle located exclusively on top, while the European can be either on top or on the side. When choosing, you need to rely only on your preferences and choose a convenient option.

Adjusting the degree of grinding

For each cooking method and type of brewing select their own type of grinding. For example, a coarse grind is ideal for the French press, and a medium grind is suitable for most other types.

Different kinds of coffee grinders use step and stepless adjustments. In the former, the adjustment is slightly slower and is set by the position of the regulator. In the stepless type, one step is enough to adjust the degree of grinding of coffee beans.

Looking at the container, it is worth estimating the amount of coffee you need. Calculate 7-8 grams of ground beverage per 100 ml of water and proceed to the selection.

And may the chosen thing serve you for a long time and give you pleasant moments with your favorite coffee.

For everything else, the grinders below are perfect (you may want to learn how to grind coffee first!)

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