Okay, you have probably read some of my previous rants about coffee. Lucky you! Here is another one, specifically, a rant about grinding your coffee beans. If you consider yourself a coffee lover, there is no excuse for not grinding your beans. Pre-ground coffee cannot deliver the same results as freshly ground coffee, and to get the job done well, you need a proper electric grinder, so here is my Krups coffee grinder review …
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Krups Coffee Grinder Review
First off, we have to understand the difference between a burr grinder and a normal blade grinder. As the name suggests, Blade grinders usually work with two or more blades spinning extremely fast, essentially ‘chopping’ your beans to smithereens. These grinders are generally much cheaper, and although I do not like to chop my beans, a blade grinder is still better than buying pre-ground coffee. Or even worse – instant coffee – eeew!! The main concern regarding blade grinders is that they produce inconsistent-sized grounds. I prefer using my blade grinder for grinding spices.
Burr grinders, such as the Krups GVX231, make use of two burrs. The burrs found in a coffee grinder remind me of the teeth found on a gear. The coffee is ground between these two revolving ‘gears’. These burrs produce a more precise and consistent grind and can usually be adjusted to achieve a finer or coarser grind, I will dive a bit deeper into the different uses of fine vs coarse grounds a bit later in this article.
Any coffee-loving household should have a Krups grinder on their countertop. I was a little worried about the build quality when I first looked at photos online; however, the build quality really surprised me. Along with its sturdy build, this grinder offered a few nifty features to which I have grown accustomed. The ability to adjust the grind’s coarseness and the amount of beans it grinds makes this grinder a winner in my books. Other grinders with the same build quality come in at almost double the price, making this product great value for money.
Although the grinder’s finest setting is fine enough to make a decent espresso, you might opt for a machine that can grind even finer if you are an espresso aficionado and want to go the extra length for an even stronger coffee. I have a dedicated mortar and pestle for those occasions.
Krups GVX231 Expert Burr Grinder
- The Krups burr grinder is a decent good machine. It gives you flexibility, allowing you to grind your beans to suit your needs.
- Although the grinder automatically cuts off when the wanted consistency is achieved, you can still switch it off manually.
- Thanks to the handy cup selector, you can make two to twelve cups of coffee.
- The size option also lets you preserve the excess coffee in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Diversity in grind options
- Bulk grind option
- Buttons are somewhat fragile
- Trouble when grinding coarse grinds
Krups Coffee Grinder: Specifications
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Krups Coffee Grinder
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Capacity:
225 grams
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Special Features:
17 degrees of granularity
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Finish:
Stainless steel
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Voltage:
220V
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Wattage:
100 watts
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Dimensions:
28.4 x 20.3 x 16.3cm
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Weight:
2 kg
Krups Coffee Grinder – Features & Benefits
Besides this machine being made mostly of plastic, its weight surprised me the first time I picked it up – a very good sign. The burrs are made from solid steel, which explains the weight.
I like to experiment with different types and styles of coffee; therefore, the fact that this machine offers 17 different coarseness settings really impressed me. The possibilities are endless. Be it a very fine grind for Turkish-style coffee or a bit coarser grind for your French-press, you can make them all at the turn of a button.
Another amazing feature that I have failed to find in most other grinders at this price point is portion control. On the front is a built-in knob which you can adjust from 1 to 12 portions, delivering perfectly precise amounts each time, inherently reducing waste – because we all know that wasting coffee is a cardinal sin.
The hopper on the top of the machine (where the beans go) and the grounds container have built-in safety locks that prevent the machine from grinding if not properly secured. Although I would have liked it if I could directly fill my portafilter instead of first filling the grounds container and having to scoop it in, this safety feature has stopped an almost cataclysmic event that would have spewed coffee grounds all over my kitchen so, to the safety team over at Krups, I salute you.
Cleaning this machine was surprisingly not too difficult. As with anything that has small nooks and crannies, dirt or, in this case, coffee can easily build up in the small crevices and should be properly cleaned regularly. Luckily on this machine, the top burr is easily detachable, and they provide you with a handy little brush making the cleaning process so much easier.
Best Used For?
As I’ve mentioned earlier, the finest setting on this machine will make a decent espresso. However, if you prefer making super strong espressos, you should probably go for another grinder, which will probably be more expensive.
This grinder is perfect to make a decent espresso which requires relatively fine grounds through to grinding beans for your French press, which will require a coarser grind.
Reasons To Buy
You are a coffee enthusiast looking for a good quality grinder without breaking the bank. You can adjust the grind size and select how many cups you would like to make at a time (up to 12), and this machine will produce it appropriately and consistently. The burrs, instead of blades, truly produce a much better grind. Krups offers a limited one-year guarantee.
<<Our Testing and Review Methodology>>
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Clean My Krups Burr Grinder?
Remove the hopper, unscrew the top burr grinder, and wash these two items separately.
I use an air compressor to clean out my grinder as this is the quickest and easiest way to remove all the clogged-up pieces of coffee from all the crevices.
If you don’t have an air compressor, you can use the provided brush, or if you tend to lose these types of items like me, a clean paintbrush will do. Using the dry brush, brush away all excess pieces of coffee.
Finally, clean the container compartment by also brushing/blowing away excess coffee. Reassemble and treat yourself to a fresh cup of coffee.
Can You Use Rice To Clean A Coffee Grinder?
YES, you can use rice. In fact, I would recommend doing so every second or third time you clean them out. All you have to do is grind some rice to a powder, dispose of the rice powder * and clean as usual. The natural oils in coffee build up in the grinder over time. Various cleaning products are made for this job, but they are quite pricey. Rice works just as well and is, as we all know, very affordable.
*Instead of disposing of the rice powder, add water to the powder to form a thick paste and apply it to your face. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse #freebeautytipsbybraam
Can You Grind Peppercorns Or Spices In This Grinder?
You certainly can grind your peppercorns in this grinder. It will give you a perfect grind every time. However, it is worth noting that the natural oils in coffee that build up inside the grinder may affect the dish’s taste when you add the pepper. Or worse, your spices can affect the taste of your next brew. I prefer using a mortar and pestle for grinding spices, and when I am lazy, I use my old coffee grinder, which has now been repurposed for grinding spices.
Burr vs Blade Coffee Grinder?
Burr for the win. Blade grinders do not actually ‘grind’ your beans. The spinning blade essentially chops your beans into smithereens. Whereas the burr grinder compresses the beans against its grooves, therefore truly grinding the beans.
Other Coffee Grinders We Have Reviewed:
Krups Coffee Grinder Review: Summing Up
The Krups GVX231 Expert Burr Grinder is an excellent value-for-money product for the home coffee enthusiast. This machine is not designed for high-volume use and does tend to heat up when used for extended periods, but for most home users, this is an excellent machine.
If you are an espresso aficionado looking to make extremely strong espressos, this machine might not be for you. If you are not a fan of very strong espressos, this machine will do the job for almost any other everyday style of coffee.
Spending a little more money on getting a burr grinder like this one instead of a blade grinder is truly worth every penny. As with anything, caring for your grinder will ensure proper functionality and extend its use life.
