[indeedproceed]

Is there a huge difference between a $20 grinder from Wal-Mart and a $100 grinder?

Is it just a matter of price escalating with capacity?

[bigmike787]

My espresso grinder costs about $1800 new, so I think that answers the first question. LOL And no, I didn't pay $1800 for it. Craigslist is your friend. LOL

This particular grinder is dedicated to nothing but espresso. I replaced the burrs when I first got it and don't expect to ever have to change them again. While my grinder is fast, that's not the most important factor. The Mahlkonig K30 produces a VERY uniform grind with very little clumping. Clumping is when your grind comes out looking like chunks, because static is causing the grinds to stick together. There are a lot of other features that I love about my grinder too.
For any type of coffee, particle size is very important. The whirly blade grinders just don't produce a uniform particle size. You end up with small boulders and powder. The powder gets extracted quickly, then over extracted which screws up your cup of coffee. A lot of people think I'm over zealous about coffee, but I don't drink shit coffee. Why go through the effort if you can't get the best possible cup?

[ericmc]

I have never owned an expensive grinder, but i can tell you where my cheap blade grinder is lacking.

I use a french press, and there is no way to get a consistent grind from the cheap blade grinder. I always have some big pieces and a lot of dust, and everything in between. More expensive grinders use a different method to grind (2 rollers like a gain mill i would imagine) and thus this is much less of an issue.

And if you're brewing with drip of course this almost doesn't matter, the dust specifically is not as much of an issue.

[bryce_wes]

I have owned 2 inexpensive "walmart" grinders and can say that the inconsistency in the grind is obvious in view and taste for my french press. I can't say that the cost is proportional to cost. But the difference is really noticeable. I know not the best comparison but grind a bit and compare it to store ground. Even that will show the inconsistent nature of the "walmart" grinder.

[caphector]

I've looked at grinders and from what I've seen there are the sub-$100 grinders, which are mostly "meh" and the $250+ grinders, which are much more consistent in grind.

Since I'm a cheapskate I have a whirly-blade grinder which produces adequate coffee, but not great coffee.

[indeedproceed]

I love my whirly blade grinder but I have noticed the inconsistency of the grind when using a french press. I've always assumed thats just what french presses do.

My system is very complicated....for french press, 1second pulse, slam grinder on counter. Repeat twice.

For drip, hold down for approx 10 seconds.

I can see the allure of one that actually gives you a uniform course grind.

[Deanerator]

nothing beats fresh ground beans, I perk and use to grind for 10+seconds then heard that 5sec is way better so as to have some bigger bean peices.

[summersolstice]

Yes, blade grinders are inconsistent but, as a previous poster mentioned, the more expensive burr grinders just aren't worth the extra cost to me. I'm generally happy with my Bodum blade grinder.

[0110x011]

It depends on how good a cup you want. The better your grinder is, the more consistent a grind you get. A consistent grind is ESSENTIAL to getting a consistently good cup, no matter what brewing method you're using.

Coffee Mills, Espresso Coffee Mills, Electric and Manual

If the high-end electric mills are prohibitively expensive, I'd suggest looking up hand-cranked burr mills. After home roasting, a better grinder is the one thing that has improved my coffee more than anything.

[ericmc]

Originally Posted by indeedproceed

My system is very complicated....for french press, 1second pulse, slam grinder on counter. Repeat twice.

hahaha, ahh, sounds like my morning. I generally shake mine and check grind every few seconds instead of slam on the counter, but same effect. I just get a much worse distribution of pieces (more large more powder) if i just let it go