Mr. Coffee, a veteran in the coffee business, has established itself as one of the most reputable brands. But how does their burr grinder compare to the competition? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of this product to determine whether it can help you achieve that perfect cup of coffee.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Burr Grinder
When it comes to purchasing a burr grinder, the most important factor to consider is the type of grinder you desire. As we explore in detail in our guide to coffee grinders for French presses, burr grinders are the key to achieving a truly exceptional cup of coffee. Blade grinders, on the other hand, produce uneven coffee grounds and are inherently inferior, regardless of price.
How Much Do Burr Settings Matter?
Burr settings only matter if you plan on using them. While many products boast a variety of settings, if you only require one level of coarseness, those additional settings become practically irrelevant.
Instead, consider your coffee-drinking habits and whether you prefer a grinder that excels at all settings or one that focuses on a specific setting. Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, opting for a lower-setting grinder may save you some money, as they are usually more affordable.
Is Motorized Better Than Hand-Ground?
This is a matter of personal preference. While hand grinders offer a sense of control and satisfaction, motorized burr grinders provide consistent speed and force, making them ideal when brewing large quantities of coffee in a time-efficient manner.
For those short on time, I recommend motorized burr grinders like the Mr. Coffee model. If you prefer grinding small amounts of coffee right before brewing a cup, a hand grinder may be the better choice for you.
Product Overview
Mr. Coffee’s burr grinder is a motorized grinder capable of adjusting from coarse to superfine grinds. The removable hopper allows you to grind up to 1/2 pound of coffee beans at a time, making it convenient for brewing multiple cups. Although most people prefer to grind smaller amounts for freshness, the option for bulk processing is appreciated.
The manufacturer claims that this product delivers premium performance, focusing on the uniform grind size that burr mills are known for. However, in practice, I found that the grinder performs better at coarser settings and lacks consistency at finer settings.
Things We Like
- Offers a wide range of settings
- Replacement supplies readily available from the reputable manufacturer
- Large bean hopper capacity
- Easy to clean
Room For Improvement
- Inconsistent performance across different grind settings (coarser settings work better than finer ones)
- The bean hopper is not airtight, making it unsuitable for long-term storage
- Inconsistent bean feed due to gravity-based mechanism
- Some parts made of cheap materials, limiting overall quality
Features & Benefits
Here are the key features and benefits to consider before purchasing the Mr. Coffee burr grinder.
Grinding Functions
This grinder offers 18 settings, allowing you to choose from coarse to extremely fine grinds. Additionally, it includes a setting that enables you to grind precisely the number of cups you need, reducing waste. For reference, one ‘cup’ of beans equates to about one tablespoon.
However, it’s worth noting that the espresso setting on this machine is specifically designed for use with their own steam espresso machine and may not be fine enough for other espresso machines. If espresso brewing is a priority for you, it may be best to consider an alternative grinder.
Grounds And Storage
One noteworthy advantage of this product is its large storage container. Unlike other grinders that only hold a few tablespoons of coffee grounds at a time, this grinder allows for bulk grinding. However, there are some flaws with this design.
Coffee grounds often stick to the edges of the container, causing spills during transfer. To avoid this mess, it is recommended to grind your beans ahead of time, store them in a separate container, and directly scoop from there.
Cleaning
Cleaning this machine can be inconvenient. To clean the burrs, you need to unscrew and remove the hopper, along with transferring the beans to another container. This process is slower and less efficient compared to other grinders on the market.
Pricing
One area where the Mr. Coffee burr grinder shines is in its affordability. It not only costs less than most competitors but is also more budget-friendly than many blade grinders. While this product may require more frequent replacement, the lower cost can lead to long-term savings.
Noise
Bear in mind that this grinder tends to be relatively loud, as is common with motorized grinders. If noise is a concern, especially in shared living spaces, opting for a quieter hand grinder may be a more suitable choice.
Optimal Product Use
Grinding coffee in bulk ahead of time is the recommended approach when using this grinder. The lack of airtight seals and the overall volume during operation make it less ideal for grinding small quantities. However, viewing this as a positive aspect, grinding in bulk saves time and ensures easy access to different coarseness levels.
Materials And Build Quality
As an entry-level product, the Mr. Coffee burr grinder prioritizes affordability, which can affect the longevity of the machine. Cleaning can be challenging due to coffee grounds finding their way inside the machine, and the abundance of plastic leaves room for deformities and suboptimal durability.
In practical terms, this grinder is likely to function well for about one to two years of regular use before potential clogging and failure. However, the fact that Mr. Coffee is a stable company with a long-standing presence in the market ensures reliable technical support and replacement parts.
Size
The Mr. Coffee burr grinder is on the larger side, measuring 8.4 x 7.9 x 12.9 inches. Although its height is comparable to other grinders, it may be slightly bulkier. It’s important to consider space limitations in your kitchen before purchasing any coffee grinder.
On the positive side, weighing just four pounds (excluding beans in the hopper), this grinder is lightweight and easy to store if needed. The affordable materials used contribute to its portability and convenience.
Technical Support
Mr. Coffee’s reputation as a stable brand with a consistent presence since the 1970s ensures reliable technical support and access to replacement parts. This is particularly important considering the potential technical issues that may arise due to the lower overall product quality compared to other burr grinders.
Alternatives & Conclusion
After careful evaluation, the Mr. Coffee burr grinder stands as an affordable mid-range machine. While it has certain drawbacks that prevent it from being top-tier, its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
In conclusion, I give this grinder a review of good, but not great. It is suitable for most users and serves as an excellent introductory machine for coffee brewing. However, serious coffee enthusiasts may find other alternatives more suitable. Here are some additional coffee grinders to consider:
- If you prefer grinding small quantities of coffee beans without noise, consider the Hand Ground Precision Manual Coffee Grinder. It offers 15 fineness settings and a conical burr mill for consistent grinds, although it may not be ideal for bulk grinding.
- The Capresso 560.01 Infinity Conical Burr Grinder is a better option for motorized grinding. It features superior materials and durability, with fewer grind settings compared to the Mr. Coffee model. However, it comes at a significantly higher price point and is more suitable for users who frequently brew large quantities of coffee.
- If you are interested in both the Mr. Coffee burr grinder and espresso brewing, check out our guide to Mr. Coffee espresso machines. These machines are more compatible with the grinder and can enhance your brewing experience.
Click here to learn more about Marmalade Cafe. Enjoy your coffee brewing journey!