New Kitchenaid grinder on the way

**DogHair** · 07-01-2012, 06:58 PM

I ordered a new Kitchenaid grinder after a good deal of research. I got it at a pretty spectacular price which clinched the deal. Anyone have or used one?

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**Commander Quan** · 07-01-2012, 07:47 PM

I bought one 4 years ago and use it every day. For most coffee styles it's all you'll need. If you do espresso you may have to adjust the burs.

**EricBNC** · 07-01-2012, 09:00 PM

I like this grinder too. I have a red KA I acquired mine from the estate of a friend that passed away. He liked to tinker with everything and this grinder model was no exception. He modified the grinder to replace the KA burrs with Mazzer Mini burrs. I modified it further to make the adjustment stepless. I think the slower RPM of the KA lets this burr set shine beyond what they can accomplish in the Mazzer Mini. The result is much closer if not the equal of the Vario and Super Jolly with terrific flavor separation in the espresso shot.

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**professorchaos** · 07-04-2012, 06:08 PM

I've got one of these tanks too.

**DogHair** · 07-04-2012, 07:35 PM

Thanks. I feel much better about this purchase. Should be here by the end of the week.

**Commander Quan** · 07-05-2012, 08:44 AM

The only issue I've ever had with the grinder is that over the winter when the air is especially dry, certain beans tend to stick to the glass carafe, and the outside of the shoot when they ground beans fall from. It makes for a little extra clean up, but if that is the worst of my problems I'll certainly deal with it. This grinder seams to not get the love I think it deserves, because it falls in between the cheaper entry level machines, and the more serious Mazzer and Rancilio grinders.

**fine wine** · 07-05-2012, 09:04 AM

Originally Posted by professorchaos

I've got one of these tanks too.

yes, but you use yours. Unlike me that just looks at it ............................JR

**grasshopper** · 07-05-2012, 08:31 PM

I use the KA grinder daily and love it. Had it since it came onto the market--no problems at all. Its best attribute: ease in disassembling. In minutes I can take it apart, vacuum it, wipe out the oils, and re-assemble it. For espresso, I set it to 7 or 7.5. For pour-overs, I use 4.5 or 5. EricBNC refers to the low rpm--another wonderful characteristic. I hope it never breaks--the price rose steeply after I bought mine, and likely I cannot afford another. Wonderful device. I have owned many grinders of every stripe, and this is my favorite.

I reside in WA, and I like to deal locally. I have a La Pavoni Stradavari (Seattle Coffee Gear). My favorite espresso beans: Vivace's Espresso Dolce. Those in harmony with my KA grinder make me a happy caffeine addict. Life is insufferably good. :-)

Best to all,
~grasshopper

**avsmusic1** · 07-06-2012, 10:07 AM

I looked at one of these bad boys but landed on a Baratza maestro refurb due to the price diference. I'm sure you'll love your new buy though.

**EricBNC** · 07-06-2012, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by grasshopper

I use the KA grinder daily and love it. Had it since it came onto the market--no problems at all. Its best attribute: ease in disassembling. In minutes I can take it apart, vacuum it, wipe out the oils, and re-assemble it. For espresso, I set it to 7 or 7.5. For pour-overs, I use 4.5 or 5. EricBNC refers to the low rpm--another wonderful characteristic. I hope it never breaks--the price rose steeply after I bought mine, and likely I cannot afford another. Wonderful device. I have owned many grinders of every stripe, and this is my favorite.

I reside in WA, and I like to deal locally. I have a La Pavoni Stradavari (Seattle Coffee Gear). My favorite espresso beans: Vivace's Espresso Dolce. Those in harmony with my KA grinder make me a happy caffeine addict. Life is insufferably good. :-)

Best to all,
~grasshopper

Cool - I have the LP Stradivarius too! This Lever espresso machine combined with my KA makes a great set up - The Dolce is a favorite of mine too.

**Everett529** · 07-06-2012, 01:56 PM

Looks like a solid grinder that should take lots of good use. Enjoy it!

**professorchaos** · 07-06-2012, 05:47 PM

Originally Posted by fine wine

yes, but you use yours. Unlike me that just looks at it ............................JR

It deserves to be dusted off and used!

**life2short1971** · 07-06-2012, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by professorchaos

It deserves to be dusted off and used!

Send it to me! I'll put it to work!

**StillShaving** · 07-09-2012, 08:56 PM

I think you will enjoy using this grinder. The adjustment knob has a nice feel and the mechanism can be made step-less if you need a fine grind but can't quite reach the desired level without adjusting somewhere in between the steps. The grind exits directly below the burrs so there is very little grind retention, but to get it all out you need to slap the side of the bean hopper once or twice to shake out what didn't fall directly through the small exit hole. Static cling is minimal; during the dry winter months some will stick to the sides of the glass catcher, but a quick thwack with the palm of your hand should dislodge them.

**EricBNC** · 07-10-2012, 04:42 AM

I find with some static most of what sticks is chaff from light roasted coffee. My Baratzi do the same thing.

**DogHair** · 07-10-2012, 02:43 PM

This thing is great! What settings are you all using? I used #1 this morning for a French press. I swear the grind was the size of rice. Planning to try #2 tomorrow. I might play around a bit tonight.

**professorchaos** · 07-10-2012, 05:37 PM

I use 5 with a Coava Kone and a 6 with Hario paper.

**StillShaving** · 07-10-2012, 06:01 PM

Did you reset the burr gap to adjust for maximum grind fineness? As described here. I recommend doing that before you get your different brewing methods "dialed in", as it will still leave the #1 setting very coarse (too coarse for anything I wanted) while making the larger numbered settings more fine.

I haven't made a french press with mine in a while to remember clearly, but would likely first try setting #3.