Bean grinders

[analogdino]

Burr coffee grinder questions for coffee forum.

For some years I have used a Cuisinart “Supreme Grind Automatic Burr Mill”. The problem is that, while the average grind size adjustment is very good, the burr rotates too fast. This produces an excess of “fines” due to “impact breakage”... leads to “muddy” coffee with plastic filters (but not with a paper filter.)

It seems that the Cuisinart unit has a direct drive-motor, likely a 2-pole shaded-pole type. On a 60 Hz AC supply these motors run very fast, typically 3,400 rpm under light load. However, they are low cost to the manufacture and thus are found in many consumer products.

I recently acquired a cheap burr grinder from Walmart, model MS-202527, aka Intertech 5020218. I paid about CAD$44 plus tax for it.

The “good news”...
The burr is alleged to rotate at only 450 to 500 rpm, which is why I bought it... much better for grinding as far fewer “fines” are produced.
It seems to run slower than the Cuisinart unit.
The grind setting adjustment is similar to the Cuisinart (but not as robust.)
Low cost (if it lasts!)

The “bad news”...
It's a bit flimsy.
It's Chinese made.

I called “tech support” and left some the questions, but no reply received to date.
My questions:
-- Is the burr really running at 450-500 rpm (it says so on the box, but not in the manual.) It certainly runs slower than the Cuisinart, but I have no simple way to measure it.
-- If it is 450-500 rpm, how do they do it? Obviously a gearbox off a 2-pole motor (7 to 1 ratio) would work, but at what cost?
-- Does this unit use a direct drive multi-pole motor? This would be quite expensive... multi-pole motors cost much more to make than 2-pole.
-- So, any ideas how they get the 450-500 rpm?

All comments gratefully received.
Merry Christmas!
Roger (Thornhill, Ontario, Canada)

PS. Here's the Walmart on-line advertisement:

Mainstays Burr Grinder, Black, MAINSTAYS PL MS BURR COFFEGRINDER - Walmart.ca

Buy Mainstays Burr Grinder, Black, MAINSTAYS PL MS BURR COFFEGRINDER from Walmart Canada. Shop for more Coffee Grinders available online at Walmart.ca

www.walmart.ca

It claims...
" At the heart of this grinder is a 40mm stainless steel conical burr that operates at a controlled 500 RPM, helping reduce heat and static build-up to preserve the full flavor and aroma of your coffee beans. The 200-watt AC motor provides steady power for consistent results...."
Likely not a cheap 2-pole motor.

 

[analogdino]

Considering the attention paid here to decent grinders I am surprised that no-one has weighed in on this (to date/time).
Very best,
Roger

 

[Mathwiz]

Depending on how important getting the best flavor out of your coffee is, the grinder you use is absolutely paramount. If you just like “coffee,” then a cheap grinder will get you caffeinated. However, if you truly enjoy the flavors found in well-purchased, well-roasted, well-ground, and well-brewed coffee, then much more attention must be paid to the details.


Grinders are like sports cars. How fast do you want to go—or, more to the point, how much does delicious coffee mean to you?


My story is that I learned early on that blade grinders (which are really more like choppers) are not suitable for breaking down roasted coffee beans into a form that allows proper flavor extraction. That realization brings us to burr grinders. These are the only type of grinder that should be considered if someone wants good—or great-tasting—coffee.


I started with a Baratza Encore. I later gave it away and purchased a Fellow Opus conical burr grinder. It had conical burrs. I think they were 40mm. I used that for about a year before selling it to purchase a Fellow Ode Gen 2, which I currently use. At the same time I bought the Ode, I also purchased a 1Zpresso K-Ultra hand grinder. I consider the Ode with its stock brew burrs to be an entry-level option for someone serious about coffee flavor. The Zpresso is in the upper tier of hand grinders. Without a doubt, these grinders produce a more uniform grind size and fewer fines. I agree that slower rpm's are better.


Now I find myself standing at the precipice of purchasing an “end-game” grinder. In other words, my sports car is about to go much faster. Ultimately, it all comes down to the Benjamins.

Anyway, that's my .02¢ on the subject.

 

[analogdino]

Thanks for your reply. I agree about blade grinders... horrible idea!
I checked some of your named grinders... at least one has a gearbox to reduce burr speed.
My "cheap" Walmart grinder has not broken yet!
Happy New Year!
Roger