When it comes to the KitchenAid Burr Grinder, quality materials, sturdy construction, and uncomplicated functioning all add up to a machine that looks strong and commanding on the countertop of any coffee enthusiast.
Table Of Contents
−- Design
- Particle size consistency
- Noise and static emission
- Taste
- Usability
- Sound quality
- Temperature
- Obstructions
- Measurements
- No-mess operation
- Accessories
- Value
- Customer Service
Its large grind adjustment knob makes pleasing clicks, and its screenless analog operation is refreshingly simple.
Diecast metal construction with various glossy finish choices enhances the attractiveness of the hopper and grinds jar, which is made of transparent glass with thinner walls.
Design
Artistry is by far the most impressive characteristic of Kitchenaid. At first glance, someone who isn’t experienced with coffee brewing may not even realize that it’s a grinder.
It’s different from other mills in a nice manner, despite its odd appearance.
The unit’s design, however, seems to be its strongest attraction. Even if you decide to purchase this gadget because it’s visually appealing, you may regret your decision later on.
The visual appearance of the device may be pleasing to the eyes, but its overall functionality is not that impressive. It’s difficult to deal with the glass bowl that collects your coffee grinds after they’ve been processed.
Although static-resistant, the glass unit can be fragile and prone to fractures and cracks. If necessary, you may simply use a conventional bowl instead of the glass unit.
This unit’s upper half is somewhat superior to its bottom half, although it could still need some work. There is no threading on the glass section of the hopper lid, so it comes off very easily.
While the device is visually appealing, it is also cumbersome and awkwardly formed. Because of its odd form, this item will need to be permanently installed on your countertop.
The cast-steel body and steel burr blades of this tool are strong and long-lasting, but they are also rather heavy. If you have to raise it all the time, it’s not good for you.
Particle size consistency
KitchenAid’s grinder resembles the legendary professional Mahlkönig EK43 grinder in that it is built around a series of vertically aligned flat burrs that give a straight-through grind path from the hopper to the jar.
Only there are differences: whereas the latter’s near-mythical ability to grind consistently, the KitchenAid Burr Grinder’s output is wildly inconsistent.
In addition, KitchenAid provides just 15 different grind settings, which is a pitiful quantity compared to the much more available competitor grinders.
Customers may remove the adjustment knob and spin an exposed inside adjustment wheel clockwise to bring the burrs into contact with each other (a.k.a. locate the zero point), then back one click and replace the outer knob to shift the KitchenAid’s whole range of grind settings finer.
This is what the manufacturer suggests if you want to make espresso using the machine. Even at the finest level, this grinder does not grind fine enough for espresso brewing, and even if you back down by one click from that setting, the coffee will be much too coarse to use in an espresso machine.
Since the espresso process requires precise control over particle size, the grinder’s settings are inadequate.
We went ahead and adjusted the machine nonetheless since it’s simple to do so and because the machine’s stock range at the coarsest setting was completely useless.
In the end, we sent laser diffraction particle size analysis samples from three different fine-ward-shifted grinding settings of two different roasts to our friends at Horiba Instruments, who found out that no matter what brewing method you choose to use, the glass jar’s boulders and fines will far outnumber the optimal brewing grounds. This review’s bar graph displays the test findings in further depth.
Noise and static emission
When comparing the KitchenAid to other grinders in its class, the noise level varies from just under 90 to 95 decibels on average, which is still loud enough to disturb a discourse about the beauty of your grinder with visitors.
There is not much static from coffees that are less static-prone, but if you use the KitchenAid to grind coarsely, you will get a flurry of staticky pieces on the thin walls of the catch container when you use fresh or darkly roasted coffee.
Even though this is a typical problem with burr grinders, it may become nasty if the jar shifts just enough out of position due to the KitchenAid’s vibrations to let some charged particles fall out and stick to the machine’s edges.
As a result of cleaning our machine, we found that the KitchenAid had retained the most grounds of the four machines we tested for this research, with 5.5 grams taken from the flat burr grind chamber and the exit chute.
Taste
The KitchenAid Burr is an outlier when it comes to machine usability and quality of taste rankings. Following our first tasting, we modified the grind setting to get the greatest possible brew quality and brewed again. This was done with every grinder we tested.
Our findings were muddled, however, due to KitchenAid’s tendency to hold a lot of coffee in the area surrounding its burrs. Adding a few more grams of coffee grounds to the grinder didn’t help clean the old ones out.
We spent as much time as we did with any other equipment trying to get the perfect brew, but it wasn’t enough.
Our expectations were not met, cup after cup, and we finally settled on a score of 2 for quality of flavor to represent the best cup we could make. After each grind adjustment, we could have opened the machine and physically cleaned out the leftover coffee grounds, but that would have been unjust and ridiculous.
Usability
The only operational controls on the KitchenAid are an on/off switch and a grinding setting dial.
The on/off switch on the KitchenAid Burr is very user-friendly. Despite our preference for simplicity, KitchenAid only received a 4 for usability due to the complexities of the grinder controls.
This is the most important burr grinder control setting. For example, switching from a very coarse to a very fine grind would result in a combination of both grind settings being delivered by the machine.
Either grind a lot of coffee through the machine to get it used to the new grind setting or disassemble and clean it afterward (pictured below).
Coffee grinder burrs may hold previously ground beans. Hence this machine had a problem with the grind size being adjusted. Instead of modifying the grind settings, we’d use this machine exclusively for homebrewing, but that’s nearly as bad as not having any grind adjustments at all.
Sound quality
The KitchenAid’s sound quality was already known to be a problem before any formal testing had even begun. The machine makes a lot of noise, but the real problem is the shrill, high-pitched engine noise.
The KitchenAid shares the lowest score of 2 for silence with the Cuisinart Supreme Grind. The Krups Fast Touch with blades earned a 4, but this model only received a 2.
A score of 2 is too loud and difficult to listen to for everyone, not just those in noise-sensitive surroundings.
Temperature
Kitchenaid’s resting temperature is an important factor to consider when buying a Burr Coffee Grinder. Because metal constitutes the bulk of this device, heat is readily transferred.
It is because of this that kitchen aids tend to overheat more easily compared to plastic appliances.
Kitchenaid’s grinder has a lower maximum grinding speed than most other mills in its price range, with 450 revolutions per minute. This is most likely to lower the unit’s internal temperature.
Overheating a coffee grinder may hurt the flavor of your beans, but it can also be dangerous. An overheated coffee grinder may malfunction and potentially injure when used in the most severe circumstances.
Obstructions
Numerous sources claim that frequent blockages are caused by the motor in the newest Kitchenaid Burr Coffee Grinder model. It’s possible for a motor with insufficient power to shut down if the beans become too tough to grind.
Burr grinders, in particular, are prone to be jammed, but the Kitchenaid’s form and construction appear to make it particularly impervious to jamming.
As a result, although you’ll have something beautiful to look at, you’ll also spend more time cleaning it afterward.
Measurements
The Kitchenaid grinder lacks a programmed measuring system, in contrast to many of its rivals. Instead, there’s a simple on/off button on the machine, and you fill the hopper with whatever many beans you want.
The hopper’s maximum bean capacity is 7 ounces, which is a little less than the norm in the industry.
There is no timer or automatic shut-off on this grinder, which is a bummer. The simplicity and hassle-freeness of this may be lauded by some, but for many people, it is a welcome feature that they will miss.
No-mess operation
When it comes to grinders that don’t make much of a mess, the Baratza Encore and Baratza Virtuoso (both 6 in the mess-free category) were the exceptions.
The KitchenAid Burr hand was given a 4 for mess-free operation because moving it or bumping the table will cause little mounds of burrs to flow.
The accumulation of coffee grounds surrounding the burrs caused these little mounds to form due to the retention process. The KitchenAid, on the other hand, isn’t near the bottom of this list.
There was enough mess generated by Krups and Cuisinart Supreme to be a problem all the time. Thus they received a 2 and a 1.
Accessories
In addition to the grinder itself, the Kitchenaid Burr Coffee Grinder includes a cleaning brush and a coffee scoop. If you break the current reservoirs or hoppers, you may buy replacements (which is very easy to do).
Unfortunately, the bottom reservoir’s construction, which collects your coffee grounds, is subpar. Because it isn’t attached to the machine, it’s typical for coffee grinds to spill out of the reservoir while running.
Value
Even while the KitchenAid Burr costs $300, it scored much lower than the least costly blade or burr grinder that we examined, despite being the most expensive.
So if “a steal” describes the Best Buy Award-winning product, “being stolen from” describes the KitchenAid Burr. Even if it were half off, buying it would still be considered a mistaken investment.
Although the KitchenAid is visually appealing, its functionality is underwhelming and not worth the few hundred dollars it costs.
Customer Service
Kitchenaid’s customer care representatives and product replacement workers, according to reports, have been very helpful in their assistance and equipment replacements. Buying the Kitchenaid grinder would be much more difficult if it weren’t for this.
There is now a risk-free one-year guarantee for the Kitchenaid grinder. KitchenAid will refund or replace your product if it fails due to a fault during the first year of purchase, including delivery.
As a result, you have nothing to lose by experimenting with this concept to discover whether it’s perfect for you.
Lacking features
KitchenAid’s burr grinder isn’t ideal; we’ll admit that. In reality, some of the little nuances we savor might cause big problems in the future. Let’s discuss it.
- The durability of a die-cast metal body is outstanding, but rearranging your kitchen’s layout or cleaning the countertop will be difficult with such a heavy piece of equipment.
- However, although glass canisters have a sleek aesthetic and are easier to clean because of their friction-reducing surface, they are also more prone to cracking and breaking than a traditional plastic coffee bean storage container.
- Additionally, the translucent glass allows for unfiltered light to enter, which may harm whole or ground coffee beans.
Pros:
Coffee grinders like this one from KitchenAid are known for their quality and dependability, and this one is no exception.
Cons:
The uniformity of the grind, the retention of the grounds, static electricity, and noise may all be issues depending on the application.
Comparing burr grinders and blade grinders
With a burr grinder, you can control the size of the ground coffee. You’d want a fine grind, correct? To ground the coffee beans to a fine enough size to fall between the two burrs, the blades are spaced closer together.
While conical and flat burr grinders have distinct advantages, both are much better than blade grinders.
Burr grinders provide the following key advantages: The extraction process is more predictable and balanced with a smooth and constant grind.
Blade grinders use a revolving blade to crush the coffee beans, similar to a food processor or blender. In contrast to burr grinders, you may only chop for an extended period of time to adjust the grind size.
The ground coffee that results from this process is inconsistent in size, which results in a subpar cup of coffee.
Blade grinders have one key advantage: they’re substantially less expensive.
Because it has a stainless steel conical burr, the KitchenAid KCG0702 is the greatest KitchenAid coffee grinder available right now, bar none.
What else should you be aware of with this KitchenAid coffee grinder?
Cleaning your KitchenAid burr grinder
Because maintaining a burr coffee grinder is critical to its proper functioning, we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
Keep in mind that the glass parts of the grinder may be cleaned in the dishwasher, but the grinder’s body should only be cleaned with a damp cloth, never immersed in water.
When cleaning the machine’s interior components, make sure the machine is unplugged.
1. Remove the bottom container, the bean hopper, and the cover from the hopper. These may be cleaned in the dishwasher or with warm, soapy water in the sink. Handle with caution since they are made of glass and will shatter if not handled properly.
2. Removing the dial and conical burrs for cleaning. Pull the dial and burr-shaft assembly apart by loosening the screws on each side of the dial with your hands first.
To remove any remaining coffee grounds, just brush them clean using a cleaning brush.
3. The motor housing may be accessed by removing the engine cover. It is possible to reach the motor housing and internal burr after removing the dial and burr-shaft assembly.
4. Reconnect all of the parts and plug them in again. Once the burr shaft and dial have been brushed clean, they may be reassembled. Before re-grinding, make sure the glass hopper, lid, and bottom container are dry.
KitchenAid vs. Baratza Encore
Conical burr grinders are becoming more popular as entry-level kitchen appliances. Every day, I use this one, and I adore it.
This is a simple grinder that consistently produces good results. Grind settings range from coarse to fine, with 40 available. However, I have to admit that it works better with coarse grinds. This isn’t the grinder for you if you’re looking for something with many fine settings.
The Encore is a fantastic option for pour-over, drip coffee, or french press since it does well with medium to coarse grinds. It has no complicated settings; you merely spin the hopper to change the grind, then press the pulse button or the side knob to start the machine.
There is no automated dosing on this machine, so you will have to measure and dose your coffee by hand.
First-time users of burr grinders may need to play with grind settings until they find one that works well for them. A grind chart in the grinder’s handbook will assist you in getting started.
If you’re a newbie, the KitchenAid may seem to be the more user-friendly grinder. The settings and reference icons make it simple to use as well as intuitive to learn.
There are additional grind settings to choose from with this one as well. There are 70 grind settings, but you have to question yourself: what will I use the most, and do I need so many?
When it comes to filter/pour over/french press coffee, the Baratza Encore has been around for a while and has a proven track record of producing exceptional results.
KitchenAid vs. Breville Dose Control Pro Grinder
When it comes to coffee makers, Breville has been a market leader. With 60 grind settings, the Breville Dose Control Pro grinder is one of the company’s most popular models.
It contains an electronic timer with an accuracy of 1 second, allowing you to grind consistently every time. It’s a little frightening initially, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it and find your optimum dosage.
A portafilter cradle is included with the Dose Control Pro for hands-free espresso preparation. Portafilters are as tiny as 50mm, and as large as 58mm may be accommodated by the cradle’s capacity.
To get the most out of the Dose Control Pro, you’ll need to experiment until you find the sweet spot. It’s difficult for a newbie to use since it’s a timed grind.
If you have the technique down, you’ll get consistently good results, particularly with espresso.
Conclusion
In terms of pure aesthetics, this machine is a clear front-runner. It’s a pleasure to hold and use, and the sound it makes when you do it is delightful.
There are other solutions in this price range that will allow the beauty of the grinder to better translate into the cup of coffee you’re making.
Key Specifications:
- Hopper Capacity: 7 ounces
- Dimensions: H 10.0″, W 5.9″, D 9.8″
- Weight: 10 pounds
- Burrs: 57mm flat steel
- Burr Speed: 450 RPM
- Grind Settings: 15
Horiba Instruments’ laser particle size distribution study provided consistent grind results for the KitchenAid Burr Grinder. Six different grind settings (coarse, medium, fine) and two roast levels were tested on each grinder, yielding six different samples (light and medium-dark).
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Disclosure: No compensation or free products were received in exchange for writing this review.
Editorial Staff
The editorial staff at Crazy Coffee Crave is a team of coffee enthusiasts & Baristas who enjoy the one thing we all think about as soon as we get up in the morning. Trusted by thousands of readers worldwide.
