I’ve made it no secret that I’m not a “pro” coffee guy. I’ve had a long time love affair with coffee but I’ve never truly geeeked out on it until recently.
For a number of years I’ve had a very cheap electric blade grinder similar to this one but not exactly that I’ve used on my coffee beans from time to time. In the past I never really bought good beans either – just picked up bags of supermarket brand beans from time to time if I saw a good sale and was in the mood to grind myself.
Honestly though, until I started this blog back in early 2014 I had only used that blade grinder once in the past year when my dad came to town with a bag of beans in hand.
Over the first month of me running this blog I instead relied upon my local coffee roaster Quackenbush Coffee Roasters and my local supermarket to grind my beans for me.
Needless to say I am now in the market for a good conical burr coffee grinder to get the job done myself in the kitchen and I’m now looking into the benefits and disadvantages of getting a manual grinder as opposed to an electric. Let me summarize my thoughts.
Are Electric Burr Grinders Better Than Manual Grinders
If you really want to complete your coffee brewing arsenal, you need to own a good coffee grinder. Why?
- Ensure that you always have fresh brewed coffee. You will only grind coffee beans when you need them. And even if you do it every morning, or when you feel like drinking coffee, it will only take you a minute or two to grind coffee beans good for 2 cups of coffee. It is a little effort but the result is a beautifully tasting cup of coffee.
- Control the type of grind you want. Maybe you have a French press and an automatic drip coffee machine at home. Either way, you will need different types of coffee grounds to achieve the optimum cup of coffee. If you own a coffee grinder, you can adjust the texture of the ground coffee according to your preference.
First There are Different Types of Electric Coffee Grinders
There are different types of coffee grinders out there. Let’s take a look at what’s available in the market today.
There are Disc and Conical Burr Grinder
Baristas prove that this type of grinder produces consistent coffee grounds that works well for coffee makers used in gourmet coffee shops. The beans fall in between cones and discs, ensuring consistent grind. However, they come at a price and may not be a reasonable purchase for average home users.
And There are Electric Blade Grinders
This is considered the cheapest kind of grinder. Your kitchen blender can double as a crude blade coffee grinder. Just like the blade of a blender, this type of coffee grinder slice, tear and smash coffee beans. However, it makes inconsistent grinding. Plus, the high RPM rate can burn the ground coffee. According to experts, if you are using a blade grinder, grind the beans for 20 seconds tops.
Second There are Manual Burr Coffee Grinders
Nothing beats old-fashioned, manual, hand-driven, burr grinders.
It may sound so old school but the rhythmic fashion of hand grinding produce a consistent texture of the ground coffee. You will need a minute to grind coffee beans for a cup of coffee. You may need to put in a lot more effort for your freshly ground beans, but it’s worth the investment in time and energy.
Which is Best Depends on What Exactly You Are Looking For
Before you make a choice between an electric or manual grinder, try asking yourself these questions:
- How much effort will I likely invest on my coffee brewing activity? Do I need to make a quick cup? Or, can I have some leisure time in the morning or in the afternoon to make great cup of coffee?
- What is my budget? Am I willing to spend a little bit more if the grinder I chose is higher than my estimated budget?
- What kind of brewing method will I use on a regular basis? Will I use French press every day? Or will I stick with the moka pot?
The answer to these questions will help you weigh the features of an electric grinder and a manual grinder. You are now ready to decide which one you will get to achieve the kind of brew you want for your morning cup of coffee.
These are some of the personal thoughts I had when I started researching which burr grinder to buy:
- Manual grinders are nostaligic and can look pretty decorative in the kitchen.
- Manual grinders do not heat beans during the grinding processes which can have a minimal negative impact on flavor.
- Manual burr coffee grinders are notable cheaper than their electric peers.
- Manual coffee grinders tend to be easier to clean than electric models.
- A manual coffee grinder can be expected to last longer than an electric model – they tend to be more durable.
- Manual grinders encourage you to grind only what you need in the moment instead of grinding a bunch of beans ahead of time.
- Manual coffee grinders are much more quiet than even the quietest electric burr grinders.
- Electric burr coffee grinders are much faster to grind.
- It takes a lot longer time and more effort to fully clean out an electric grinder.
Looking at the list above I think it’s clear I added a manual burr coffee grinder to my collection of coffee equipment. I know hand crank models take a lot longer to work but I like simple pieces of equipment that are durable and effective.
Because both manual and electric grinders basically work the same way the quality of the grind is usually consistent between the two. You aren’t really giving up quality of grind by opting for one grinder over the other.
Reasons Why Electric Burr Grinders are Better Than Manual Alternatives
Electric burr grinders are fast and pain-free. Pain-free because you will not use your hand and wrist to grind the beans. People with hand injuries will love the electric burr grinder.
Reasons why you need to get an electric burr grinder:
- You are looking for an efficient grinder that’s fast and hassle-free
- You are willing to spend at least a couple of hundred bucks.
- You love fine ground coffee, perfect for espresso, latte and cappuccino
- You have space in your kitchen to house a rather bulky grinder machine
Electric grinders are synonymous with convenience. They are easy to assemble and use. You can have ground coffee with just a push of the button, in less than 20 seconds. But be ready to shell out some cash. There are cheap electric burr models but as they say, you get what you paid for.
Some brands to choose from when buying electric burr grinders are:
- Baratza Virtuoso
- Fiorenzato F4
- Capresso 565 Infinity SS Grinder
- Breville Smart Grinder Pro
Reasons Why Manual Burr Grinders are Better Than Buying Electric Models
Manual powered grinders are a labor of love. You need to put a little bit of effort to get your coffee grounds but you will be rewarded for your perseverance.
Reasons why you need to get a manual burr grinder:
- Your budget for a grinder is at most $50
- You enjoy making coffee from scratch, including grinding your own coffee beans
- You love pour over coffee or the French press
- You have a small space to store your grinder
This style works well with pour over machines and French press coffee makers. Even if you have money to burn, getting a manual grinder will still work best. It gives an even and consistent grind because you can control the strength and pressure of every twist and turn. Plus, you can take the manual grinder anywhere. This is perfect for outdoor activities like barbecues, parties, and camping.
Some brands to choose from when buying a manual burr grinder:
- Handground Coffee Grinder
- Hario Ceramic Coffee Mill
- Porlex Mini Stainless Steel Coffee Grinder
- Peugeot Antique Mill
See this post for information on getting a plumbed coffee maker.
The one major thing to look in hand powered models seems to be the stability of the conical burrs. Meaning, you don’t want to get a cheap grinder where the burrs can slip resulting in grind size irregularities. You want a solid spring or thread to hold the ceramic (or steel) burrs in place securely.
So far I’m mostly looking a lot at the Hario mini hand-crank grinder based on product size, cost, and reviews and the Melitta Electric Burr Coffee Grinder (mostly due to it’s low price and positive reviews) in case I decide to just go for the grinder that doesn’t require manual labor.
In the next few days I’ll be crafting a page outlining many of the better hand-held burr grinders and probably electric too and then I’ll be taking a more in depth look at the one I ultimately choose for my kitchen.
Manual Vs Electric Coffee Grinders
A coffee grinder is a must-have for those who want to be able to grind their own beans.
This tends to be a highly recommended option because you’re more likely to get fresh, effective grounds.
Many people who are looking into purchasing their own beans eventually have to make the decision between a manual or electric grinder.
In order to make the best decision for you, there are a few factors to take into consideration.
For example, you may want to think about the amount you’re willing to spend and the kind of effort you’re willing to put in.
Below, we’re going to take a closer look into both kinds of coffee grinders in order to help you make the choice that will suit your needs.
Read on and enjoy!
Manual vs Electric Grinder Considerations
To find the perfect option for you, it’s a good idea to know the basics of what you’re looking for. That means taking a closer look into the aspects of a new grinder that are going to be most important to you.
The first thing many people consider is the level of convenience. Naturally, an electric option will allow you to avoid much manual labor.
Typically, these devices can run at the push of a button.
Meanwhile, manual options can take more work.
There can also be a difference in size and price that can set the different types apart.
Because of that, you’ll want to consider how much you’re willing to spend and the amount you’ll need to grind.
For those in search of a low cost option, who’ll only need smaller amounts of grounds a low-cost manual grinder can be a fantastic option.
For a stricter budget, the same may not be true for an electric grinder.
Do keep in mind that as you shop, you will need to make a choice between burr grinders and blade grinders as well.
To further explain these differences, let’s take a closer look into the two main types of coffee grinders.
Manual Coffee Grinders
Manual coffee grinders are what you’d expect for the most part.
Essentially, you add in the amount of coffee beans you need and turn the crank, typically found on the lid, to grind up the beans.
Many of the options you’ll find are on the smaller side, which does make them easier to travel with and easier to use.
As can be expected, the less you have to grind, the easier a manual grinder is going to be.
Manual options are also known to often be more durable as well, which tends to make them a better option if you’re looking for something low cost.
Because the designs of manual grinders are much more simple, more of the cost related to the grinder can go into using durable materials.
If you get the right kind of manual grinder, it can not only grind well but also be cleaned easily.
Generally speaking, a manual grinder is the ideal option for those who favor a low cost and ease of use.
They are able to create uniform grounds, though there are likely to be fewer grind options than with electric grinders.
This is an aspect to keep in mind if you like wide variety, finer grounds or will need to grind for a large amount of people.
Unless you’re okay with coarse grinds, it can be tiring to use a manual grinder as you’ll have to keep turning the crank until all the beans have been ground down to your preference.
If you get a higher quality option, then you may be able to get a finer ground a little more easily but it will still be far from automatic.
Even if you prefer an electric option at home, a small manual grinder is worth considering for travel, camping or similar situations.
Pros
- Have no problem producing grounds that are evenly-sized.
- Often come in a small, lightweight size.
- Known to be very durable.
- Have a simple, easy-to-use design.
- Are typically very easy to clean.
- Typically rather inexpensive.
- Easy to travel with.
Cons
- There may not be many setting options for types of grounds produced.
- Can cause fatigue to use, especially for higher amounts.
- May be a lot of work if you need a lot, or a very fine grind.
Electric Coffee Grinders
Electric grinders can be a little more complicated, but are able to offer a much higher level of convenience for users.
The options on the higher end can be very powerful, taking short amounts of time to create your grounds at the touch of a button.
There are often many more settings, so you’ll be able to get exactly the kind of ground you need easily. They are also able to grind using a timer setting or weight.
Essentially, for those who can’t or don’t want to have to put a lot of effort into grinding up their coffee beans, an electric option is ideal.
For the most part, electric grinders are excellent in situations where a large amount of grounds are needed.
So for coffee shops and similar situations it’s going to be worthwhile to pay the extra cost for a high-quality electric grinder.
There are a few caveats to keep in mind while shopping for electric coffee grinders.
For example, they are often going to drop quite a bit in durability and effectiveness when you reach the lower-end items.
This is because they tend to be more complicated than manual grinders, so when the price goes down, quality does as well.
Because of that, you can end up with grounds that aren’t very evenly-shaped or having to replace the device more often.
If you want quality with these devices, it will mean that you have to invest more money than you might with a manual option.
So if you’re set on purchasing an electric grinder, then be prepared to spend more.
That said, once you’ve put that money in, it’s sure to pay off with a highly powerful device.
For example, brands such as Baratza are known for making highly-recommended, durable electric grinders that many people enjoy.
Pros
- High-end options are often extremely powerful.
- They are much easier to use than a manual grinder.
- Can grind by weight and time of desired dose.
- Often provide a lot more options for grind types and sizes.
- A great option for those who need to grind high amounts, like businesses.
- High-end electric grinders are known to be convenient and precise.
Cons
- Inexpensive options may not work as well as a manual grinder.
- Lower-end options may not be able to produce grounds that are evenly-sized.
- They can be flimsy unless you are willing to spend a lot.
- Typically expensive to get a model that works efficiently.
A Comparison of Manual and Electric Grinders
Based on the differences between manual and electric grinders, it can be more efficient to buy a manual grinder if you’re on a strict budget.
Manual grinders are often more durable and efficient at lower costs than electric grinders that may even be a little more costly.
They’re also handy to have as a back-up option, or one you use for travel, camping or other situations where the electric grinder may not be able to be used.
Overall, if you only need smaller amounts, coarse grounds, or just want to get the best functionality for the lowest cost, a manual grinder is going to be the best option.
Meanwhile, there are a number of situations in which an electric grinder is going to be more suitable.
Namely, if you’re looking for more convenience and a higher amount of grind options.
Furthermore, if you’re looking for something that can handle a lot of use more quickly, an electric grinder will be the ideal choice.
Just remember that you’ll likely have to spend quite a bit more for a high-quality electric grinder than a manual one.
Depending on your situation, that extra cost can be very worthwhile.
Just take your time, consider your unique needs and enjoy shopping for a new coffee grinder!