According to every recipe ever, to make a good coffee, they probably stressed the importance of the type of coffee roasts that you use, the bean type, or the method of brewing. But did you know that the water temperature and the grind level are also as important?
Spending a little more time on a few easy procedures like using the proper temperature water, weighing coffee the right amount of coffee, and grinding fresh beans on the spot will help you make better coffee at home.
If you drink coffee on a regular basis, you’ve probably heard about the importance of using a coffee grinder. However, you probably aren’t aware that there are a plethora of options available when it comes to coffee grinders. When deciding between burr and blade grinders, consider what you want from your cup of coffee.
There are two infamous grinders from KitchenAid, the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder. Today, we’ll be diving deep into both these grinders to find the best one for your kitchen.
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Blade Grinders Vs Burr Grinders
When it comes to the debate between blades and burrs, the answer is virtually entirely burr in terms of quality. However, if you’re looking at it from a financial standpoint, the answer might be blade. So which type of coffee grinder should you choose from KitchenAid’s extensive selection?
Burr grinders ground coffee using two spinning abrasive surfaces, whereas blade grinders grind with a propeller-like blade, akin to a blender. While this may seem insignificant, it’s critical to remember that badly ground beans equal a terrible cup of coffee.
When it comes to grind size and flavor, most coffee enthusiasts would tell you that a burr grinder is significantly superior. Burr mills are known for their consistency, quality, and overall uniformity, while being more expensive than blade grinders. Of course, anytime you have the chance and the funds, you should choose quality over quantity. Every time you use a burr grinder, you’ll get a better cup of coffee.
The Importance of Grind Level
Grinding coffee is perhaps one of the most important phases in the home brewing process, as the grind size alone may drastically alter the taste of your cup. The difference between one of the best cups of coffee you’ve ever had and a bitter, undesirable cup of coffee can be determined by the grind size and consistency.
If you want to take your homemade coffee game up a notch, getting a grinder will surely help. If your cup of coffee seems a little weak, try a finer size next time. Alternatively, if the coffee is excessively strong or a little bitter, try a slightly bigger size to see if that helps.
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder
- Color: Onyx Black
- Brand: KitchenAid
- Material: Polycarbonate
- Weight: 2.6 Pounds
- Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.1 x 3.7 inches (LxWxH)
First up on this list is the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder. Below, we’ll elaborate on its features and what it lacks too.
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder Features
With the KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder, quickly and conveniently grind whole coffee beans for up to 12 cups of coffee for an excellent brew. Grinding coffee beans is a breeze with the grinder’s one-touch operation, on-bowl measurement marks, stainless steel blade, and clear lid.
The One-Touch Control and Clear Top Cover
enable for one-touch operation, you can simply press down on the cover to start grinding and release to stop. The clear lid also makes it easy to see how consistent the grinds are and easily stop grinding when you reach your preferred consistency.
The powerful Stainless Steel Blade
It is tough and strong, grinding enough whole coffee beans to brew up to 12 cups of coffee in no time.
Stainless Steel Bowl with measurement markings
It makes an easy measurement for any coffee recipe. This removable 4 oz stainless steel bowl will conveniently let you know at a glance the amount of beans needed to make 2, 4, 10 or even 12 cups of coffee. The coffee grinder’s bowl lifts out, making it simple to pour the grinds into the coffee maker.
What we like:
- The KitchenAid Blade’s main selling point is its low pricing. It costs a lot less than even the most affordable burr grinders on the market.
- The stainless steel bowl of the KitchenAid Blade coffee grinder is small and easy to remove, making it simple to transfer the coffee grinds into the coffee machine with no spillage.
- The BCG111OB model comes with spice grinding features where a separate bowl is included, so that your coffee grounds remain odor-free and free of undesirable smells.
What we don’t like:
- The KitchenAid Blade is a basic blade grinder that costs a little more than most comparable products and doesn’t impress in any way. This model is more expensive than most other blade grinders, so pricing alone isn’t a compelling reason to choose it.
- Each time you grind, the blades fail to produce a constant grind size and instead create various grind size patterns (i.e., the quantity of grinds within multiple size ranges). The trouble with this is that every time you prepare a cup of coffee, it will brew differently.
- Cleaning out the grind cup and the blades themselves was the most difficult part of utilizing the Blade. The machine produces a lot of fines like coffee dust, which attach to the blades and cup and must be cleaned with a cloth or brush.
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder KCG8433
- Color: Matte Black
- Brand: KitchenAid
- Weight: 6.48 Pounds
- Dimensions: 5 x 8.25 x 15 inches (LxWxH)
- Wattage: 150 watts
Next up is the KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder KCG8433. This model is more on the pricier side of the spectrum. Below, we’ll discuss its features and how it performs.
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder Features
Automatic Smart Dosing Technology, a Built-In Adjustable Portafilter Holder, Anti-Static Technology, and more are all included in this KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder. The tiny shape fits under most kitchen cabinets, making it convenient to use on a daily basis.
This KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder produces consistently uniform grind sizes for all brewing methods, including French Press, Espresso, and more.
70-Precise Settings
From coarse for Cold Brew and French Press to fine for Espresso, there are 70 precise settings to choose from. The brew method icons make it simple to match the proper grind size to each brew technique.
Perfect Dosing
Automatic Smart Dosing Technology allows you to choose the number of cups or shots you want, and the grind duration is adjusted to match, whatever the grind size or brew technique.
Built-In Adjustable Portafilter Holder
Perfect for espresso production, you can grind directly into 54-mm or 58-mm portafilters.
Anti-Static Technology
The Burr grinder also produces less mess due to its anti-static technology which minimizes static charge and messes.
Removable Top Hopper
The 10 oz top hopper is easy to remove for convenient transfer of leftover coffee beans back into its package to keep it fresh, or switch out with other beans to brew different drinks.
What we like:
- A glass reservoir and hopper come standard with the grinders. These glass compartments help to reduce static cling, which helps to keep your kitchen clean.
- The fact that this Kitchenaid machine is relatively quiet is an unexpected strength. The machine appears to reduce vibrations to a minimum due to its massive steel case, and any noise is kept inside the machine.
- With a flick of the finger, the on-off switch on the side can easily be flipped.
- Instead of a threaded screw-top, the bean hopper’s plastic cover has a snug press-to-fit construction that makes reloading whole beans fast and simple.
What we don’t like:
- The grinder is heavy and bulky for daily use. Because it’s too oddly shaped to go into a cabinet, this item will need to be permanently placed on your counter.
- The unit has a clogging problem and a poor motor, both of which can impair the final grind quality. However, when this grinder is in good operating order, it delivers a consistent, high-quality grind that creates great coffee, from espresso to french press.
- The majority of this device is made of metal, therefore it rapidly transfers heat. As a result, the Kitchenaid Burr grinder could overheat more easily than equivalent plastic units. An overheated grinder can change the way your beans taste, malfunction, and can even be a hazard.
- The only way to clean the unit is to remove the grind-knob from the front and clean the interior from there. Because this port is so small, it can be difficult to access any clogs or blockages within.
Why you should choose KitchenAid’s Grinders Over Others On The Market
Even though we discussed some setbacks of both grinders above, there are still some good reasons why you should consider getting a KitchenAid grinder.
The brand is well-known for its long-lasting and high-quality products
KitchenAid’s chef-inspired traditions make it a tough competition for any piece of kitchen equipment, so their version on a coffee mill will deliver a wonderful mix of quality components and manufacturing.
Professional quality at a reasonable price
Avid coffee enthusiasts understand that when it comes to enhancing their at-home coffee game, a professional-level grinder may demand an equally professional-level money but the KitchenAid grinders aren’t going to break anyone’s wallet. There are a variety of grinders even for those on a budget.
It’s easier to keep clean than many of its competitors
Glass containers on the top and bottom keep the oils that give coffee its flavor from remaining and turning rancid or changing the color of the containers as they cycle through different roasts.
It’s easy to change the grind settings
The half-step increments make it easy for you to adjust the grind to fit your style and preference. Even light roasts can be finely ground for espressos, allowing you to play with creative coffee recipes that focus on the original flavors rather than the roast aspects.
Its value for price
The KitchenAid Blade grinder is slightly more expensive than typical in the realm of blade grinders, but not by much. The majority of blade grinders are very similar, while we don’t believe you’d be overpaying for this model, you can save some money with some of the other versions on the market without sacrificing performance.
A KitchenAid Coffee Grinders Buyer’s Guide
Capacity and Sizing
You’ll be using your coffee grinder every day, so choosing one that fits right in your cupboard, or one that takes up permanent space on your countertop is a very important factor to consider.
Some of the larger models may end up in a closet. It’s also crucial to consider how much coffee you want it to be able to grind at once so you don’t have to grind numerous batches at the same time.
Consistency of Grind
A coffee grinder that consistently provides an even grind of the coarseness level that matches your diverse brewing demands is required. A harsh and acidic brew will result from too many little particles in the grind, while too many huge pieces will slow down brewing and result in a poor flavor.
A French press or pour-over, for example, utilizes very coarsely ground beans, whereas regular drip coffee uses a medium-coarse grind, and espresso or Turkish coffee requires a very fine grind. The coarseness of the grind varies depending on the type of coffee machine, so choosing a grinder that produces consistent grind size is crucial to a good cup of coffee every time.
Price Range
Many high-quality grinders cost more than $100, which is why so many coffee drinkers are forced to settle for less flavor-producing grinders. A decent grinder, on the other hand, should be worth the money because it should help you brew much better coffee, survive for years with regular maintenance, and be simple to use and clean.
Ability to Change the Quantity of Ground Coffee
Grinders using preset dose measurements make it simple to grind a certain amount of coffee each time, depending on the size of the pot or the number of espresso shots you’re making. Grinders on the market today have integrated scales, timers, preset dose, and even programs to help you get the perfect amount of grounds every time.
Easy and Clear Settings
You can control the coarseness of the grind on many coffee grinders. You want a model with clearly labelled parameters so you can easily duplicate the process for future brewing. The gaps between each incremental grind size should be even as well, so you can make fine adjustments for more or less coarsely ground coffee easily and precisely.
Access for Cleaning Purposes
It’s critical to be able to clean inside your coffee grinder quickly and efficiently, especially if you prefer darker-roasted or flavored coffees, which leave more residue and can affect the flavor of other beans.
Many versions come with a brush to help with cleaning, and many burr models feature burr-sets that can be simply removed to speed up cleaning. You also want a model that doesn’t create ground coffee dust that spills on the counter while you’re using it. It’s always a good idea to read coffee grinder reviews to see what other people have to say about the product.
Conclusion
Grinding your own coffee is a definite improvement over using pre-ground beans for those who take their coffee making talents seriously or simply want to improve the flavor of their regular cup of joe.
To aid in your choices, think about your preferred coffee brewing technique, how much coffee you generally prepare at a time, where you’d like to store your grinder, and the characteristics that are most important to you.
You’ll reap the benefits of your investment once you start grinding your own coffee, with far greater enjoyment of coffee you prepare at home for cheaper than your favorite coffee shop.
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