Bean compartment capacity
The maximum number of coffee beans that the grinder can hold and process at one time, without "refilling". Note that we are talking about the maximum capacity — a smaller amount of coffee can be loaded into the grinder.
The standard portion of coffee per cup is 5-7 g, and the capacity of a pack of coffee is 100 g. Accordingly, it is worth choosing a model according to capacity, taking into account how much coffee you need to grind at a time. For domestic use, a capacity of 100-200 g is considered quite sufficient, but in professional models designed for coffee shops, bars, etc., this value can reach 1.5 kg or even more. There are coffee grinders that allow you to grind only part of the coffee loaded into them.
Power
The maximum power consumed by the device during operation. In coffee grinders, productivity is primarily associated with this parameter: the higher the power, the faster the grinder handles with the task (ceteris paribus). The suitability of the coffee grinder for working with solid products also depends on the power — more powerful models are better suited for these purposes.
Buying powerful models for everyday use in life is hardly justified: they are expensive, and the time savings are small. But in the professional sphere (for example, in a cafe), where the speed of preparation is crucial, high-power coffee grinders are very useful.
Pulse mode
Possibility of operation of the coffee grinder engine in
pulsed mode when the motor alternates between short periods of operation with pauses. This mode is useful when working with a full load, as well as when processing especially solid products, when the loads on the motor are high: the alternation of pulses and pauses increases efficiency and avoids jamming.
Overheat protection
A security system that protects the coffee grinder from overheating and the associated unpleasant consequences (up to its complete breakdown). When the engine reaches a critical temperature, this system turns it off, preventing the mentioned consequences. This makes operation more reliable.
Removable bowl
The presence
of a removable bowl in the design of the coffee grinder.
This feature is found mainly among knife-type models (see "Grinding system") — it is most relevant for them. Thanks to this bowl, the unloading of ground coffee is greatly facilitated: instead of turning the entire grinder over, it is enough to remove the working container and pour the finished product out of it. Also note that the bowl is usually removed along with the knives — this, in turn, is convenient for cleaning and washing the device.
Additional bowl
Availability of
an additional bowl in a set of delivery of a coffee grinder.
This function, by definition, is only found in models with an removable bowl (see the relevant paragraph). An additional bowl is highly desirable if the grinder is planned to be used not only for coffee, but also for other products — especially if these are products with strong, difficult to remove smell (for example, spices). Also note that the auxiliary container can be equipped with more powerful and stronger knives, which do not grind as thoroughly as the main ones, but can easily cope with large volumes of contents and solid products.
Compartment for cord
Compartment for placing the power cord directly in the coffee maker. This feature greatly simplifies storage: when the device is not in use, the cord can be hidden inside the case, and it will not get tangled and interfere. Some models may have devices for uniform winding of the wire, which prevents bending and possible fractures.
Material
The material used to make the coffee grinder body.
The key features of the different options are described in detail in separate help paragraphs. Here we note that this parameter affects the appearance, strength and weight of the device, but does not in any way affect the functionality.
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Plastic. Plastic is inexpensive, but it can be given almost any shade without any problems. Other advantages of plastic are light weight and ease of processing. However, coffee grinders with plastic bodies are noticeably inferior in strength to models in metal casing, and one of the disadvantages of plastic is the tendency to form scratches.
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Metal. Metal is notable for its high strength and hardness, and coffee grinders with metal bodies look solid and reliable. At the same time, this material is more expensive than plastic, and metal cases weigh significantly more. This option is typical mainly for mid- and high-end devices.
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Tree. Wooden bodies are rarely found in coffee grinders. As a rule, hand-made models with a millstone grinding system, stylized in an “antique” style, are made from wood. With proper care, such materials are characterized by strength and durability, but over time the wood can dry out and crack.
- Glass. Models in which the part of the body for collecting ground coffee is made of glass. The upper and lower parts
...can be made of plastic, plastic with metal or pure metal. Often the glass is made transparent, much less often - matte. Glass products have an aesthetic appearance and provide the opportunity to observe the process of grinding coffee beans. However, this is a very fragile material.
- Ceramics. Stylish ceramic bodies give coffee grinders a special chic - this is an perfect material for models designed in a retro style. In addition, ceramic cases are usually complemented with original designs and patterns. One of the disadvantages of ceramics is fragility, however, due to its relatively large thickness, only a fairly strong blow can break it.
