Comparison Vitek VT-7122 vs Gemlux GL-CG888

— Knives. Grinding system based on the use of a rotary knife (s) — blades rotating at high speed. The main advantages of such a system are low cost combined with good efficiency. At the same time, its capabilities are quite limited. So, the degree of grinding in knife coffee grinders depends on the operating time and in most models it is regulated exclusively manually, turning on for the right time (which requires a certain skill and getting used to the features of the device). And even if a separate adjustment of the degree of grinding (see below) is provided in the design, the product is less homogeneous than when processed with millstones. In addition, knife grinders require caution when working due to the presence of the knives (however, most modern devices have appropriate security systems). Nevertheless, in terms of the combination of price and features, such devices are considered optimal for domestic use.

— Millstone. In such systems, grinding is carried out by grinding coffee beans between two rotating disks (metal or ceramic) — millstones. This allows you to adjust the degree of grinding with great precision and provides greater homogeneous than in knife models. In addition, grinders with millstones are safer and have a larger capacity (see below) on average. On the other hand, such devices are significantly more expensive.

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.

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.

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.

The presence of a separate compartment for ground coffee in the design of the device.

In this case, it is precisely the additional compartment into which the finished ground coffee enters. In other words, coffee grinders with this feature have two compartments: one for beans, the second for the finished product.

The convenience of this function is obvious: the finished coffee comes in its own container, it is separated from the unground product, and the user does not need to look for a separate storage container — he can store the ground coffee directly in the coffee grinder. Many models are even equipped with dispensers (see the relevant paragraph) that allow you to measure out small portions of coffee — this is convenient, for example, when filling the holder of an espresso coffee maker directly from the coffee grinder.

The capacity of the ground coffee compartment provided in the coffee grinder.

About such a compartment, see above. On the one hand, capacity affects the amount of coffee that can be ground in one go before filling the compartment, on the other hand, on the dimensions of the compartment and, accordingly, the entire device. With this in mind, in most models this figure is from 100 to 200 g — this is the optimal value in terms by the ratio of capacity and size. At the same time, for domestic use, you can choose a model with a smaller capacity; and coffee grinders with capacious tanks are convenient, for example, for specialty stores where coffee beans can be ground in the presence of a buyer.

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.

- 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.

- 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.

- Wood. 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.