WTB: Decent Burr Grinder

**redbike** · 01-13-2009, 10:10 AM

I'm looking for a used Baratza Maestro, or the Starbucks version. Others considered. Thanks.

jim

**Slartibartfast** · 01-13-2009, 10:21 AM

i just picked up black and decker i think it was from target the other day for $22 i think.

Works o.k., especially for the money.

Has a wheel on the side to set ground size. there is a button on the front you hold down to grind the coffee.

**redbike** · 01-13-2009, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

i just picked up black and decker i think it was from target the other day for $22 i think.

Works o.k., especially for the money.

Has a wheel on the side to set ground size. there is a button on the front you hold down to grind the coffee.

Thanks for the suggestion. If I can't find one that's higher end, I may get the B&D.

**mankini** · 01-13-2009, 05:17 PM

I just pulled the trigger on a baratza virtuoso.

But it is not for sale.

**Jasonian** · 01-13-2009, 05:27 PM

If grind quality is a concern, I would not consider a B&D grinder.

I think it would be a good idea to continue searching for a Barataza.

**redbike** · 01-14-2009, 02:59 AM

Originally Posted by Jasonian

If grind quality is a concern, I would not consider a B&D grinder.

I think it would be a good idea to continue searching for a Barataza.

Thanks for your response. I've read some of your other post concerning coffee & equipment and appreciate your obviously informed opinion.

I don't need a grinder for espresso, just for a drip machine and my Aeropress. Does that make a difference in what I need to get?

Thanks,

jim

**Shaving Galoot** · 01-14-2009, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Jasonian

If grind quality is a concern, I would not consider a B&D grinder.

I bought the B&D grinder a couple weeks ago. It's a small step up from a cheap blade grinder, but if you just load it and hold the on button down until it's done, you don't really get an even grind. Even on the coarsest setting you get a lot of fine grounds. Plus, that thing winds up so fast that I'm sure it's heating up the beans. I can get a much better grind (more even) if I just pulse it and don't let the motor wind up. All-in-all, I think you're better off spending a little more for a better machine. I have a used Zass hand grinder coming my way and I expect it to be a vast improvement.

~Jeff

**Jasonian** · 01-14-2009, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by redbike

Thanks for your response. I've read some of your other post concerning coffee & equipment and appreciate your obviously informed opinion.

I don't need a grinder for espresso, just for a drip machine and my Aeropress. Does that make a difference in what I need to get?

Thanks,

jim

Yes.

In fact, the surge of grinder talk around here prompted me to write this up, so I'll just point you to it instead of typing it all out again, if that's okay with you.

http://tx-coffee.com/2009/01/13/wisd...grinder-first/

**waitasecun** · 01-14-2009, 06:46 PM

I have a vitamix blender which blends things very well...how do you think it would fair to beans...I have made my own whole grain flour before by taking the actual grains and blending them....I dont see why coffee beans would be any different....the only thing I can think that may be a problem is the heat exerted on the beans due to the friction the blender produces though I can't imagine a burr grinder not producing at least a little heat itself......

**expatCanuck** · 01-14-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by waitasecun

I have a vitamix blender which blends things very well...how do you think it would fair to beans...

I don't think that a blender would fare well with beans. The reason is that some of the ground pieces continue to be ground, while other pieces may not get ground much. The result is an inconsistent grind.

In contrast, with a well designed burr grinder, the beans pass by the burrs, get ground, and go into the collection container. More consistent grind (which can be adjusted with reasonable accuracy).

**redbike** · 01-15-2009, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Jasonian

Yes.

In fact, the surge of grinder talk around here prompted me to write this up, so I'll just point you to it instead of typing it all out again, if that's okay with you.

http://tx-coffee.com/2009/01/13/wisd...grinder-first/

Thanks, very helpful.

jim

**pressman** · 05-28-2009, 04:33 PM

cuisinart burr grinder, have used same one for 3 yrs no problem and about 30.00 hold half pound of beans

**strat1117** · 05-31-2009, 12:16 PM

The Starbuck's grinders appear to still be available: http://www.starbucks.com/retail/grinders.asp

We've had ours for years and, IMO, it was a great investment.

Enjoy!