matt
Burr vs Blade Coffee Grinder
Burr grinders are more expensive than blade grinders because they have a more complicated grinding system using burrs made of either ceramic or stainless steel. Since it’s a two-part mechanism (see below) there is the ability to adjust the distance between the two down to a very tight tolerance. This is why burr grinders can create a consistent grind so easily, the distance between the burrs is set, and the coffee is ground down until it fits the size that was selected. This is why coffee shops and serious coffee nuts use these, and it allows for consistent tasting coffee drinks every time. They also tend to be built a bit better than a blade grinder, so if you’re shopping around make sure to compare the costs to see if the extra cost is worth the years of service it will provide.
Pros:
- Consistency: Every coffee particle is of equal size, ensuring an even extraction.
- Versatility: Whether you want a fine grind for espresso or a coarse one for a French press, burr grinders deliver.
- Flavor Preservation: They operate without producing much heat, retaining the bean’s flavors.
- Durability: Burr coffee grinders tend to be more durable and produce less heat and static than blade grinders, which can negatively affect the taste of the coffee. The mechanism closely resembles a pepper mill.
Cons:
- Price: Excellence comes at a cost. Burr grinders are generally more expensive.
- Size & Noise: Their design often means they’re bulkier and can be noisier.
Coffee Types and Grinder Choices
Different brews require different grind sizes. Here’s a guide to help you choose:
| Coffee Drink | Ideal Coffee Roast | Grind Size | Recommended Grinder Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Espresso | Dark Roast | Fine | Burr Grinder |
| Americano | Medium to Dark | Fine | Burr Grinder |
| Drip Coffee | Medium Roast | Medium | Either Burr or Blade |
| French Press | Medium to Dark | Coarse | Burr Grinder |
| Cold Brew | Medium to Dark | Very Coarse | Burr Grinder |
| Cappuccino | Dark Roast | Fine | Burr Grinder |
| Latte | Medium to Dark | Fine | Burr Grinder |
Burr Coffee Grinder Top Choices
We’ve put together some of the top Burr grinders and blade grinders below. Please take a read through for more information.
Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder
The Baratza Sette 30 Conical Burr Grinder is a high-quality coffee grinder designed for home use. It features a conical burr design, which is known for producing a consistent grind size and minimal heat buildup during the grinding process.
The Baratza Sette has an innovative grind mechanism, which uses a “straight-thru” design to reduce grind retention and improve grinding speed. This means that the coffee beans are ground directly into your brew basket or portafilter, reducing the amount of wasted coffee and making cleanup a breeze.
The Sette 30 has 30 grind settings, which allows you to fine-tune the grind size to match your brewing method and personal preference. The grind size can be adjusted with a simple turn of the hopper, and the grinder will automatically adjust to the new setting.
The Baratza Sette is also built with durable, high-quality materials that is designed to last. The burrs are made of high-quality steel, and the grinder is built to withstand the demands of daily use. Additionally, the compact design of the Sette makes it a great choice for those with limited counter space.
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder – KCG8433
Kitchenaid makes some of the most iconic cooking devices on the market, and this burr coffee grinder definitely makes the top spot. With 70 grind settings from extra coarse to super fine, you can grind your beans to exactly what you need to make that perfect brew, from cold brew to espresso. The digital readout makes for an excellent experience because you can set the number of shots or cups you’re looking to make, and it’ll dose the correct amount of beans. Able to grind directly into portafilters for espresso, this Kitchenaid coffee grinder makes the perfect grind easy.
- Bean stored on top for ease
- Excellent read out / controls
- Auto dosing for the perfect amount of coffee
- Can grind to any size needed
Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Burr Mill
If you’re more into powered options, you can also check out the Cuisinart burr grinder, specifically the Cuisinart DBM-8 Supreme Grind Burr Mill which has 18 different grind settings for ultra-fine to extra-coarse. It’s got a covered whole bean hopper that holds 8oz of coffee which is fully removable for cleaning. The grind chamber holds up to 32 cups of coffee! Additionally the whole unit has a simple one-touch operation that grinds the coffee, and stops the machine after a predetermined time. Helpful when getting the water ready or doing other tasks.
With 18 grind settings on the dial, this grinder keeps it simple and prides itself as being easy to clean. With an 8oz bean hopper, this grinder holds plenty of coffee and can even hold up to 32 cups worth of ground coffee in its bin! One-touch operation grinds the beans for a predetermined amount of time and turns off when its done, unlike most bladed coffee grinders.
- Quick grinding
- Good and even grind
- Large bean / grind storage
- Excellent price
JavaPresse Manual Coffee Bean Grinder
It wouldn’t be a complete review if we didn’t include the best manual coffee grinder by JavaPresse. With 18 grind settings, you have 100% control over how your bean gets ground. You know what they say about if you want something done right. The hand crank is very quiet, and if you like to travel, it can come right along and do its thing anywhere! That’s a lot of freedom especially if you’re into making excellent coffee while camping. Dual plated with ceramic burrs, this burr coffee grinder will last you a lifetime. This is, in our opinion, the best burr grinder under 100 dollars.
- Full control over grinding process
- Excellent with fine grounds for espresso
- Portable
- The best burr grinder under 100 dollars
- Very well made
KRUPS Precision Grinder Flat Burr Coffee
Krups coffee grinders are known to be excellent, and this model is an improvement over the last edition with a claimed 33% greater grinding range from extra coarse to super fine. This machine uses a metal burr which is a lot better than the cheap options out there that use plastic. With 12 grind settings, and a quantity setting, this grinder will grind the exact amount of coffee you need. Simple tends to be good, and this coffee grinder is both! One-touch operation keeps things easy to do, and it gets the job done.
- Simple design
- Well built
- Quantity setting makes things easy
Bodum Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder
Bodum is another favorite brand of ours, we love their cold brew makers and their BODUM Bistro Burr Coffee Grinder definitely makes the list. With 12 grind settings and a consistent grind, this burr grinder makes things easy with a one-touch button. With a built in timer, you don’t need to worry about over grinding the beans like you would with a blade grinder. Holds 7.75 oz of whole beans. The compactness also makes it easy to store if you need the counter space back!
- Easy grind / timer selection
- Even grind
- Comes with a static-free glass container for the grounds
Top 5 Blade Coffee Grinders
Cuisinart DCG-12BC Blade Grind Central Coffee Grinder
The Cuisinart burr grinder can grind up to 3.2 oz of coffee for about 18 cups of coffee. Features a dishwasher safe metal cup, with measurements notched on the side for measuring. Built in safety interlock prevents operation unless the lid is securely closed.
One of the standout features of the Cuisinart DCG-12BC is its compact design, which makes it a great choice for those with limited counter space. Despite its small size, this grinder still has the capacity to grind enough coffee for up to 12 cups at once, making it a convenient choice for everyday use.
- Highly rated
- Cheap & simple
- Gets the job done
KitchenAid Coffee Grinder
The Kitchenaid coffee grinder is a staple in many households. It is the epitome of simplistic in that the metal cup has measurement notches for ease. The plastic top does a good job of containing the coffee during the grind process, and the machine is activated by pressing down on the plastic top.
- Well priced
- Highly rated
- Grinds well
- Relatively quiet operation
KRUPS One-Touch Grinder for Coffee, Spice, and Dry Herb
The Krups coffee grinder is blade operated that can have your coffee ground in seconds! Able to hold 85g of whole bean coffee, this grinder can accommodate up to 12 cups of whole coffee bean. Lid activated, this little grinder is super simple, and can even grind spices like pepper if need be.
- Extremely well reviewed (almost 57k reviews!)
- Small & versatile
- Simple operation
Bodum BISTRO Blade Grinder
The Bodum coffee grinder made the list because it brings quick and efficient grinding in a durable and powerful package. The 150 watt motor is super strong and the push-button operation makes for a simple coffee grinder with a transparent window through the top. Compact and with cord storage in the base, this grinder is easy to store in a cabinet or small nook. With enough capacity for 8 cups of French press coffee, this little grinder is perfect for a small brew.
- Compact design
- Highly rated
- Easy to clean
Hamilton Beach Fresh Grind Electric Coffee Grinder
The Hamilton beach coffee grinder is technically the least expensive option on our list. It’s a great little grinder that almost resembles the Yeti water bottles, making it easy to store. With 12 cup capacity, this little grinder packs a punch! Dishwasher safe grinding bowl makes cleanup easy, and the stainless steel blades grind the coffee quickly.
- Compact with cord storage
- Performs well
- Well reviewed
Burr vs Blade Coffee Grinder Wrap Up
In conclusion, the choice between a burr grinder and a blade grinder is crucial in determining the quality of your coffee experience. Blade grinders, affordable and straightforward, offer convenience but at the cost of inconsistent grind sizes and potential heat damage to your coffee. This makes them less suitable for coffee styles requiring precise grind sizes, such as espresso and cold brew. On the other hand, burr grinders, with their adjustable and precise grinding mechanisms, ensure a consistent grind, preserving the coffee’s flavor and catering to a variety of brewing methods.
While burr grinders tend to be more expensive and bulkier, their ability to deliver a uniform grind size makes them the preferred choice for coffee enthusiasts and professionals.
How To Make Cowboy Coffee
Cowboy coffee is a simple and rustic brew, often associated with campfires and the outdoors. While it doesn’t require fancy equipment, there are a few tips to make a decent cup:
Ingredients:
- Coarsely ground coffee: About two tablespoons per 8 ounces of water.
- Water: Fresh, cold water.
Equipment:
- Pot: A heat-resistant pot or kettle.
- Heat source: Campfire, stovetop, or other heat source.
Instructions:
- Heat the water: Bring the water to a boil in the pot.
- Remove from heat: Once boiling, remove the pot from the heat source.
- Add coffee: Add the coffee to the hot water.
- Stir: Give it a good stir to ensure all the grounds are wet.
- Steep: Let the coffee steep for about 4 minutes.
- Settle the grounds: Gently tap the pot’s side or add a splash of cold water to help the grounds settle.
- Pour slowly: Carefully pour the coffee.
Tips:
- Use good quality coffee: While cowboy coffee is simple, using good quality, coarsely ground beans will make a big difference in taste.
- Adjust the amount of coffee: Experiment to find the coffee-to-water ratio you prefer.
- Filter if desired: If you dislike coffee grounds in your cup, you can filter the coffee as you pour using a bandana or cheesecloth.
Alternative method:
Some people also add the coffee grounds to the cold water before bringing it to a boil. This can extract more flavor but might result in a grittier cup.
How To Descale a Keurig
Essential Supplies
- A large ceramic mug
- Fresh, clean water
- Keurig Descaling Solution (or white vinegar as a less effective substitute)
How To Descale a Keurig
Before diving into model-specific instructions, here are the general steps you should always follow:
- Disassemble the Parts: Power off your Keurig machine and unplug it. Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Wash these components with warm water and a mild detergent. Rinse well.
- Prepare the Descaling Solution: Fill the water reservoir with the Keurig Descaling Solution until the fill line. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of half vinegar and half water.
- Initial Rinse Cycle: Plug your Keurig back in and turn it on. Position a large mug on the drip tray. Run a brew cycle without inserting a pod, and then dispose of the dispensed liquid.
- Multiple Cleansing Cycles: Keep performing cleansing cycles until the “Add Water” indicator becomes active. After this, let the descaling solution sit in the machine for 30 minutes with the machine still on.
- Final Rinse: Thoroughly rinse the water reservoir and fill it with fresh water. Run several brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator lights up again to ensure all descaling solution or vinegar is flushed out.
- Reassemble and Test: Put all the components back in place. Your Keurig is now ready for regular use.
How to Descale a Keurig K-Elite
- Activate Descaling Mode: Press the 8 oz and 10 oz buttons simulteneously for 3 seconds.
- Unplug and Disassemble: Turn off your Keurig. Unplug it and remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Clean these parts in warm, soapy water.
- Descaling Solution: Pour the Keurig Descaling Solution into the reservoir until the fill line is reached.
- Initial Brew: Turn the Keurig back on. Run a cycle without inserting a coffee pod. Discard the liquid.
- Additional Brew Cycles: Keep running brew cycles until the “Add Water” light comes on. Leave the machine on for 30 minutes to allow the descaling solution to work.
- Final Rinsing: Empty the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly. Fill it with fresh water and run several brew cycles to remove any remaining descaling solution.
How to Descale a Keurig K-Select and K80
- Start Descaling Mode: Press and hold the 8 oz and 12 oz buttons for 5 seconds.
- Disassemble for Cleaning: Power off and unplug your machine. Take out the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Clean these components with warm water mixed with mild soap.
- Prepare the Solution: Fill the reservoir with Keurig Descaling Solution until the maximum fill line.
- First Brew Cycle: Power your machine back on, place a large container on the drip tray, and cycle without a coffee pod. Dispose of the liquid.
- Subsequent Cycles: Continue running brew cycles until the “Add Water” light illuminates. Allow the machine to sit on for 30 minutes.
- Rinse Well: Empty the water reservoir and rinse it out. Fill it with fresh water and run multiple brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator lights up again.
How to Descale a Keurig K-Classic
- Enter Descaling Mode: Press the small mug and large mug buttons at the same time for 3 seconds.
- Initial Steps: Turn off the machine and disconnect it from the power source. Remove the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder for cleaning. Use warm water and dish soap.
- Fill Reservoir: Fill the tank with the Keurig Descaling Solution.
- Brewing Start: Turn the machine back on, place a large mug on the drip tray, and run an initial brew cycle without inserting a pod. Dispose of the liquid.
- More Brew Cycles: Keep repeating the brew cycles until the “Add Water” light turns on. Let your machine stay on for 30 minutes to let the solution work.
- Final Cleanse: Empty the water reservoir, rinse it well, and fill it with fresh water. Run several cycles to flush out any remaining solution until the “Add Water” light turns on again.
How to Descale a Keurig K-Slim
- Engage Descaling Mode: Typically, the Keurig Slim doesn’t have a dedicated descaling mode. You’ll just run multiple brew cycles with the descaling solution.
- Initial Cleaning: First, power off your Keurig Slim and unplug it from the wall. Remove essential components like the water reservoir, drip tray, and pod holder. Wash these parts using warm water and a mild soap.
- Solution Preparation: Fill the water reservoir with Keurig Descaling Solution, making sure you reach the max fill line.
- Initial Descaling Cycle: Plug the machine back in and turn it on. Place a large mug on the drip tray. Run a brew cycle without using a coffee pod, and then dispose of the hot liquid that collects in the mug.
- Repeat Brew Cycles: Keep running brew cycles until the “Add Water” indicator turns on. After that, leave the machine powered on for about 30 minutes to let the descaling solution work its magic.
- Final Rinse: Remove any remaining descaling solution from the water reservoir and rinse it thoroughly. Fill the reservoir with fresh water and run several more brew cycles to ensure all residues are flushed out. Keep doing this until the “Add Water” light turns on again.
Keurig Won’t Turn On After Descaling
It’s not uncommon for a Keurig machine to be a tad uncooperative after the descaling process. Often, this is a thermal switch that springs into action if the Keurig senses excessive heat during descaling. This switch is designed to safeguard the Keurig from potential overheating problems. If you’re wrestling with this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to get things back on track:
- Reassess the Power Connection: Start simple. Detach your Keurig from its power source, pause momentarily, and ensure a snug reconnection. A firm push might be necessary to ensure it’s securely nestled in the socket. If there’s no sign of life, consider relocating the brewer to a different locale in your kitchen, aiming for a fresh wall outlet.
- Tackle the Thermal Switch: Before diving in, disconnect your Keurig and grant it a cooling period spanning a few hours. Once adequately cooled, reestablish the power connection and attempt to power it up. This maneuver aims to reset the thermal switch, restoring the machine’s usual rhythm.
- Inspect the Power Button: Over time, the power button can become a haven for dust and debris, which can impede its connection with the internal circuitry. Wash the button with a soft cloth or brush, eliminating any lurking grime.
- Embark on a Cleaning Spree: If the machine remains defiant, it’s time to initiate a cleaning cycle. Employ vinegar or Keurig’s proprietary descaling concoction to tackle potential mineral accumulations or blockages that could hamper performance.
Keurig Descale Light Won’t Turn Off / How To Turn Off The Descale Light On Keurig
If the descale light on your Keurig coffee maker won’t turn off, there could be a few possible causes. Here are steps you can troubleshoot with:
- Make sure the descale process has been completed properly. The descale light will turn off once the descale process has been completed and the machine has been properly rinsed.
- Check the water filter. If it’s clogged, it can cause the descale light to stay on. Replace the water filter if it is clogged or has not been replaced in a while.
- Check for error messages or codes on the display. Some Keurig models will display an error message or code if there is a problem with the machine. Refer to the user manual for more information on what these codes mean and how to resolve them.
- Reset the machine. Unplug the coffee maker, wait a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can sometimes reset the machine and turn off the descale light.
If these steps do not resolve the issue, it is possible that there is a problem with the machine itself. In this case, you may need to contact Keurig customer service for further assistance. Press and hold the 8oz / 12oz buttons again for 5 seconds and it should turn off. For older Keurigs press and hold both the smallest & largest buttons at the same time. If the light still doesn’t turn off then contact Keurig’s support team.
Keurig Won’t Turn On After Descaling
It’s not uncommon for a Keurig machine to be a tad uncooperative after the descaling process. Often, this hiccup is attributed to a thermal switch that springs into action if the Keurig senses excessive heat during descaling. This nifty switch is designed to safeguard the Keurig from potential overheating mishaps. If you’re wrestling with this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to get things back on track:
- Reassess the Power Connection: Start simple. Detach your Keurig from its power source, pause momentarily, and ensure a snug reconnection. A firm push might be necessary to ensure it’s securely nestled in the socket. If there’s no sign of life, consider relocating the brewer to a different locale in your kitchen, aiming for a fresh wall outlet.
- Tackle the Thermal Switch: Before diving in, disconnect your Keurig and grant it a cooling period, spanning a few hours. Once adequately cooled, reestablish the power connection and attempt to power it up. This maneuver aims to reset the thermal switch, restoring the machine’s rhythm.
- Inspect the Power Button: Over time, the power button can become a haven for dust and debris, which can impede its connection with the internal circuitry. Wash the button with a soft cloth or brush, eliminating lurking grime.
- Embark on a Cleaning Spree: If the machine remains defiant, it’s time to initiate a cleaning cycle. Employ vinegar or Keurig’s proprietary descaling concoction to tackle potential mineral accumulations or blockages that could hamper performance.
What Does Descale Mean on a Keurig
Not only does descaling improve the taste of your coffee, but it also helps maintain the functionality of your Keurig machine. Scale buildup can clog the internal tubes and valves, leading to slower brew times, inconsistent water flow, and even potential malfunctions. By descaling, you ensure your Keurig operates smoothly and delivers the quality brews you expect.
Remember, each Keurig model may have specific descaling instructions outlined in the user manual.