In search of manual coffee grinder.

15 years ago

I am looking for a manual coffee grinder at a price of under $40 as a gift for a male friend who is often without electricity. Ideally it should be small, sturdy and have no glass, be attractive, efficient, not annoying, and grind enough coffee for at least two servings of strong coffee. I would sacrifice appearance for function and durability.

Any ideas?

Eileen

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Comments (13)

grainlady_ks
15 years ago
There were a number to choose from at Amazon.com.

-Grainlady

Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon - Manual coffee grinders
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
Grainlady, I am aware of the Amazon selection. Too many.

I am hoping for a personal recommendation.

Eileen
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Hello, Jane! You've gotten some good feedback. Not everyone has to spend a lot (of money, ingredient selection, time, techniques) to get "a cup of coffee." A lot of people seem to be able to be satisfied with DD or Eight O'Clock, or even Starbucks ("Charbucks" as one Boston brewer used to dub it). Whatever floats your boat. I am fairl particular about my coffee (for my taste and "needs"). I use a Roncilio Rocky burr grinder with pour over drip. We get whole roasted beans from a somewhat local roaster. The Rocky grinder can be adjusted and gives a consist and grind and does not heat up the beans. Some while ago I used a blade coffee mill. Then I bought a conical burr grinder much like the $100 Bodum you're looking at. With certain types of coffee beans, the conical burr grinder gave an inconsistent grind and with anything but a small amount of non--oily beans, the coffee grounds would heat up (that destroys flavor). Espresso and snarly roasted beans can tend to be oily. All burr grinders need to be kept free old or previous dats coffee grounds and fines to give the freshest results. The Rocky is easy to keep clean. It makes quiet and easy work out of medium roasted beans. I wasn't totally for DH springing for such a robust and costly grinder, but now I'm glad I did agree with his selection. As you have stated that you buy coffee for a low price, and it doesn't seem but low-end, and you add a lot of enhancements to it or keep it for a few days after brewing, I doubt that you are going to notice any difference between your blade grinder and the conical burr. I think that with low grade coffee, you could use the best or most expensive grinder and not notice any difference. For me, the wonderful fragrance and flavor of coffee is because of its many volatiles. These give the full rich high notes and kind body -- and they are not long lasting. Older or inferior (inexpensive) beans are pretty much lacking in these, as is brewed coffee kept hot or even in a thermos for very long. I'd still pack a thermos full for a boat trip or picnic, but I would not expect it to be the most satisfying cuppa. (But if you've been on a boat for hours and get hungry, thermos quality coffee and a sandwich or cookie can taste might wonderful. I don't care for those K makers and cups because of the technique and usually inferior pre-ground coffee. So, my suggestion is that if you're satisfied with the sort of brew you're getting now, save your money. Spend $5 on a very fine mesh sieve to catch any escaped or fine grounds as you pour your cup. Wonder if I can get $30 for my used conical burr grinder on CL or eBay ;)
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foodonastump
15 years ago
I was hoping the cheaper Turkish ones (that Lars linked to on the peppermill thread) had better reviews, but they don't seem to.
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
I looked at the cheaper Turkish ones too and saw the same thing. :( They appear to be decorative only.
dcarch7 d c f l a s h 7 @ y a h o o . c o m
15 years ago
Take a look at the similar one that I posted. The one with a longer folding arm, which makes it much easier to crank.

The grinder was originally made for grinding coffee for troops in the field, not for grinding spices.

dcarch
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
DC, do you have a specific link or brand name to share?

I'd like to stay in a budget. The better Turkish ones are in the $80+ range.
hawk307
15 years ago
Eileen:
I have seen some for $49 in Fantes Of Phila.,
Look decorative too.
They sound what you are looking for.

One model is " Hues'n Brews Manual Coffee Grinder "

Some range up into $300.

Google Fantes, then scroll down to "Fantes Kitchen Shop",
then to Search- to Coffee pages - Mills and Grinders.

DC: take a peep, see what you think.

LOU
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
I had to make a decision and ordered the one in the link. It isn't pretty looking and it has a glass canister :( but it appears to be decent quality with conical ceramic burrs. The reviews are mostly positive and for the price I think it's a good option.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hario Skerton Coffee Hand Grinder
donnar57
15 years ago
My parents gave us a "new" one that they'd won in a game at a party. It was brand new to them and came to us brand new. I have no idea the brand, but it was for RV'ers, so I assumed that perhaps it was sold at Camping World or similar.

It's tall, skinny, and is even skinnier where you hold your hand. You put the beans in it, place it firmly on a table, and turn the handle. And grind. And grind. And grind. And grind. And grind. Just when you think you may be done, you grind some more. My husband must be a sadist, he loves the thing and uses it every day. Not me. Give me the electric one. Dump beans in, push down, Whirrrrrrrrrr----, done.

Donna
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
This one?

Here is a link that might be useful: Travel grinder.
User
15 years ago
Eileen, there is a coffee roaster/cafe I stop at on the way to work. They sell grinders. I'll check to see what brands they carry.

Ann
donnar57
15 years ago
Barnmom, that's the one!

Donna
centralcacyclist
Original Author
15 years ago
"You put the beans in it, place it firmly on a table, and turn the handle. And grind. And grind. And grind. And grind. And grind. Just when you think you may be done, you grind some more."

This cracked me up! This is for someone on a sailboat with little electricity. There are some solar panels but they don't provide a lot of power.

I didn't come across that one on Amazon. It looks good too.

In search of manual coffee grinder.

Comments (13)

grainlady_ks

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In search of manual coffee grinder.

Comments (13)

grainlady_ks

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