Electric coffee grinders

About electric coffee grinders

The perfect cup of coffee starts with properly ground beans. An electric coffee grinder is an appliance that ensures the freshest coffee flavours and aromas in just a few minutes. There is sufficient variety in the world of coffee grinders to make it worth taking the time to choose the one that suits you best – different types offer different features and functions and create distinctive experiences. Do you know the benefits of electric coffee grinders and what you should consider before buying one? Let us tell you more – each and every detail can make an impact on your daily coffee experience.

An electric coffee grinder – what makes it special?

One of the most important and relevant advantages of an electric coffee grinder is its automated operation – all you have to do is press a button and the burrs grind the beans. In many cases, the coarseness of the grind can also be adjusted, and if this function is not available, it is sufficient for an electric coffee grinder to run for a longer time in order to achieve the desired result. Even if you need to grind larger quantities of coffee, the process won’t take as long as it would if you were grinding the coffee beans manually. These are the main reasons why many people choose an electric coffee grinder. However, not all coffee grinders are identical. 

Electric coffee grinders are often divided into those suitable for filter coffee, those suitable for flat brewing and those suitable for espresso. It is important to keep in mind that all espresso coffee grinders are normally capable of grinding the beans at different coarseness levels, from the finest to medium or coarse. So, despite the espresso name, which refers to the coarseness of the grinds used for espresso, these coffee grinders are capable of so much more, making them ideal for a wide range of coffee beverages from espresso to filter coffee. Still, while there are universal grinders available, this is not the simplest option – we set the coffee grinder to a certain grinding coarseness before brewing. If you like both types of brewing, we recommend having two separate coffee grinders, which will grind the beans just right for the specific type of coffee.

How to choose the best espresso electric coffee grinder?

If you make coffee with a semi-automatic espresso machine, the electric espresso grinder you choose must be worthy of your coffee machine. Some experts even say that the coffee grinder is more important than the coffee machine itself. Choose an electric grinder that grinds the beans directly into the brewing handle (on-demand) – this will give your espresso cup maximum flavour. The espresso grinder must be able to grind the beans very finely and evenly. This helps to achieve the right pressure and produce a rich flavour and velvety texture. Not every electric coffee grinder can do this, which is why it is important to choose a model that offers a precise grind setting to make espresso.

How to choose the best filter coffee grinder?

Filter coffee requires a medium coarse grind, which allows the water to flow slowly through the coffee layer, preserving subtle flavour notes. Most of electric coffee grinders have settings specifically adapted to filter coffee – from the classic coarseness for just brewing in the cup, to the suitability for a wide range of filter coffees. Filter coffee grinders ensure that the coffee is ground to the exact coarseness required, while maintaining a smooth and uniform grinding result. Nevertheless, when choosing an electric coffee grinder, you should also pay attention to its capacity. The capacity of the filter coffee grinder must be of sufficient size for your usual coffee ritual, just to avoid grinding the beans several times.

Single dose electric grinders – what are they? 

If you’re looking for a way to optimise your coffee brewing process and avoid wasting beans, electric Single dose coffee grinders could be just what you need. These coffee grinders are designed to grind just one dose of beans at a time – the amount needed for one cup of coffee. By grinding only the right amount of beans, Single Dose minimises the coffee’s contact time with the air, so that the aroma and flavour of the coffee remains as fresh as possible. Moreover, these grinders make it easier to experiment with different types of beans and avoid wasting coffee.

The design of electric coffee grinders is much more than just the appearance  

An electric coffee grinder deserves a visible place in the kitchen – it’s not just functional, it’s stylish. A variety of colours and shapes allows you to choose the design you like best, to match the colour of your kitchen interior or even your coffee machine. The assortment of Coffee Friend offers many different design styles- from classic, retro to modern.

Classic electric coffee grinders have integrated well-known mechanisms that have been used for decades. These grinders are distinguished by their elegant design, often equipped with details made of high-quality materials that emphasise their aesthetic distinction and classical style. Modern electric coffee grinders are distinguished by their minimalistic design and modern materials such as stainless steel or high-quality plastic. These electric grinders often feature innovative design features such as a digital display, an ergonomic design and control panel, a clearly visible grinding level indicator and others.

Electric burr coffee grinders: type and design of burrs  

When choosing an electric coffee grinder, it is also important to understand the technical features of the grinder, as they determine both the quality of the grind and the taste of the coffee. The usual grinders used to have either blades or burrs. However, due to the qualitative differences, the advantages of the burr coffee grinders are increasingly leaving no room for blades, which is why you will find the burr coffee grinders more often highlighted in recommendations. Electric coffee grinders with burrs are considered to be a better choice as they ensure a more consistent grind. The burrs grind the beans evenly, allow precise control of the coarseness of the grind and, unlike blades, the burrs do not overheat the beans, thus preserving their natural aroma and flavour notes. Descriptions and specifications for electric coffee grinders usually include information on the materials used to make the burrs. They can usually be metal or ceramic. Although the material has so little effect on the taste of coffee that it may be impossible to distinguish, but there are some differences that experts can identify.

Electric coffee grinders with metal burrs. When the beans are ground with metal burrs, the coffee has a “cleaner” taste, with more subtle flavour notes. This is a coffee that appeals to espresso lovers, and is particularly suitable for filter brewing methods and specialty coffees. In addition, metal burrs are renowned for their durability and longevity. Due to their impact resistance and greater strength, they are less breakable than ceramic ones, which makes them more resistant to foreign objects that can sometimes be found in coffee beans, such as small stones or pieces of wood. 

Electric coffee grinders with ceramic burrs. When the beans are ground with ceramic burrs, coffee gains a thicker texture as more fine coffee particles are produced during the grinding process, which enriches the flavour and makes it richer. This is especially appealing to traditional espresso lovers who appreciate the intense flavour and creamy texture. Although ceramic burrs are more fragile than the metal ones, they are harder and therefore have a longer working life of up to twice as long. In addition to being cheaper, ceramic burrs also run quieter.

Electric burr coffee grinders – flat or conical

One more feature of electric grinders that is worth taking a look at before buying a coffee grinder is the burr of the grinder. It can be flat or conical. As with the type of burrs, there is no single answer as to which design is better. But there are a few aspects that are useful to note.

Electric coffee grinders with flat burrs. These burrs grind very consistently, thus resulting in a “cleaner” brewed coffee, just like grinding with metal burrs. Again, it will appeal more to espresso lovers who like a modern style and prefer well-defined notes. As the design of flat burrs is more complex, such grinders often come at a higher price.

Electric coffee grinders with conical burrs. They are characterised by so-called “bimodal grinding”, where the beans are ground into two different granule sizes. Such coffee has more texture, is richer and slightly more intense, which is particularly appealing to lovers of traditional espresso. The conical burrs, because of their shape, hold slightly less coffee inside and grind more quietly than the flat ones.

Professional electric coffee grinders for the catering sector and beyond

Do you brew coffee not only for yourself, but also for your customers? Professional coffee grinders are used in cafes and restaurants where you need to grind large quantities of coffee beans quickly, flawlessly and consistently. In contrast to home coffee grinders, the professional ones have a larger capacity, more powerful motors and precise grinding control for high grinding quality and efficiency. They are also usually more durable and designed for particularly intensive use. Our assortment offers various electric coffee grinders from world-recognised and iconic manufacturers. Some of these brands are Eureka and Mahlkönig designed for professional use. These coffee grinders are characterised by their extremely high capacity of up to 1.4 kg, precise grinding control and durability, making them ideal for cafes and catering businesses where fast and consistent grinding of the beans is important, while maintaining high quality and durability.

Looking for an electric coffee grinder: which manufacturer to choose?

When choosing a coffee grinder, it is important to consider not only your needs and your budget, but also the brand, which is one of the main factors that determines the quality of electric coffee grinders. Well-known brands offer quality and reliability, therefore we tend to choose their products. However, lesser-known companies can also make a pleasant surprise – their electric coffee grinders are often available at better prices. We would therefore simply recommend that you take some time to review the main highlights of the manufacturers.

We’ve designed our own electric coffee grinder, the SORSO, to offer a highly enjoyable and precise coffee-making experience at home. The coffee grinder, which has already received excellent feedback from both tests and customers, has as many as 120 grinding settings, which allow you to vary your preferences freely. 

Eureka is a worldwide company offering high quality coffee grinders characterised by their modern design and innovative technology to ensure a smooth grind. Eureka ORO products are distinguished by their superior quality and advanced features that will satisfy true coffee enthusiasts. Baratza are known for their reliability and excellent value for money, and are therefore popular among beginners and advanced users. Elektra are coffee grinders that will impress you with their classic design and durability, perfectly in line with other Italian-style espresso coffee grinders.

La Marzocco is one more Italian pride. Since 1927, this manufacturer has been improving coffee-making equipment, combining tradition with the latest technology. Rocket Espresso – this brand is distinguished by its elegant design and high quality, in line with their famous espresso machines. Rancilio is also an excellent choice, especially for those who value durability and precision. Mahlkönig produces top class professional coffee grinders that are popular with baristas for their outstanding grinding precision.

DF64 – these manufacturers are renowned for their innovation and are the right choice for those looking for modern solutions at affordable prices. Sage also deserves attention for its excellent quality and functionality, which will appeal to beginners and advanced users. Fellow manufactures coffee grinders that combine minimalism and efficiency, creating an enjoyable way to grind coffee every day. Lelit is one more brand.  Every single coffee grinder made by this manufacturer is designed in Italy, a country that has long been considered the capital of espresso. Finally, DeLonghi offers reliable everyday coffee grinders that are suitable for a wide range of coffee beverages.

Second-hand and refurbished electric coffee grinders

When choosing a coffee grinder, the question is whether it’s better to invest in a brand new one or to consider buying a second-hand and refurbished one. The Coffee Friend assortment offers refurbished electric coffee grinders. These grinders have been thoroughly refurbished: worn components have been replaced and their performance has been checked. Refurbished coffee grinders are offered with a 12-24-month warranty, so you can be sure of their quality. A second-hand and refurbished electric coffee grinder will be a great solution for those who are looking for a quality coffee grinder at an affordable price, without any compromise on the quality of the coffee grind.

Do you need advice?

Write, call, ask questions and we’ll help you to choose the right electric coffee grinder! We have many different types of coffee grinders in our assortment, so first we invite you to take a closer look at the wide and diverse variety of coffee grinders.