Hot take: That barista told me to ditch my expensive grinder and get a hand crank one

I went to a local shop in Portland last month and the owner spent 15 minutes convincing me to sell my $400 electric grinder for a $60 hand crank model. I thought he was crazy and almost walked out. But I gave it a try after three days of stubborn thinking, and honestly my morning pour over tastes better now. The grounds are more even and I actually pay attention to what I am doing instead of rushing. He said cheap electric grinders just burn the beans with heat and I think he was right. Anyone else been talked into a cheaper tool that worked better?

3 comments

3 Comments

young.thomas17d ago

Right, because spending $400 on a tiny motor that heats up your beans is peak coffee wisdom. (Nothing says "artisan" like scorching your morning brew before it even hits water.) I'm convinced half the price tag on electric grinders is just for the "convenience" of not having to move your arm for 30 seconds. Now I'm just waiting for the espresso snobs to tell me my kettle is too loud next.

miller.diana17d ago

I got a Baratza Encore a few years back for around $130 and it's been fine for me. idk, I just single dose my beans so they don't sit around getting hot from the motor or whatever. Maybe it's just me but I've never noticed any heat issues with mine, and I'm pretty picky about my morning cup. Grinding for 30 seconds isn't the end of the world either way honestly.

linda_reed17d ago

$400 for a grinder that heats up your beans? That's insane, I didn't even know that was a thing with the expensive ones.