This Affordable Coffee Grinder Is the Only One I’ll Ever Use
Until about five years ago, I drank coffee solely for the caffeine — to put it more bluntly (and accurately), I drank bad coffee. Whether it was the mud I scooped out of a red plastic tub that lived in my pantry since before the Bush administration or the jar of instant coffee I found under the sink at a WeWork since I was too embarrassed to ask how the fancy espresso machine worked, the coffee I was drinking was bitter, thin, and burnt. And while I still occasionally enjoy guzzling a medium hot coffee from Dunkin’ Donuts, I’m pleased to report that my taste buds have become a bit more refined. This is due in no small part to the care I put into my home setup, from the variety of old- and new-school coffee machines I use to what may be the most important aspect of brewing better coffee: grinding the beans yourself.
Now, if you’ve been using the pre-ground stuff since before the red tub in my pantry was fashioned from the earth and you enjoy it, that’s fantastic! I’m not bashing how anyone likes to drink their morning joe, but if you’re interested in really getting the most out of your java, then grinding your own coffee beans fresh is the easiest way to elevate your experience. You’ll need a coffee grinder (duh), but specifically a burr coffee grinder for this. This is unlike a standard spice grinder, which, while functional in a pinch, does not produce a uniform grind size because the blades strike the beans at random intervals. Burr grinders force the beans through a set of (you guessed it) burrs, ensuring that each bean is crushed to the same size, which is essential for correct extraction and a consistent flow of liquid. The SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0 is an excellent option for your first burr grinder, especially if you’re not looking to spend a small fortune.
The SHARDOR features metallic flat burrs with 16 grinding settings (fine to coarse) and 14 quantity settings, allowing you to grind the exact amount of beans you need for a single cup or a large drip maker with the push of a button. It also has a large hopper on top for storing your beans, which means you don’t have to mess around with unsealing and resealing your bag in the morning. Additionally, nearly all of the pieces are detachable, making cleanup a breeze, especially with the included brush and spoon.
The best aspect of this grinder for me is how simple it is to use in the morning when I’m groggy and stumbling around in the dark. Even before I put my contacts in, I can simply press the “on” button and squint at the freshly ground coffee that is instantly dispensed into the chamber of the SHARDOR. Additionally, it feels like a genuine professional operation, as the process requires only one touch and the coffee that emerges from the grinder is both uniform and delicious. Whether you’re a pour over fiend, an espresso fanatic, or a drip diehard, the SHARDOR Electric Burr Coffee Grinder 2.0 is an affordable, must-have addition to your at-home barista tool belt.
