How We Test

Our reviews start with controlled measurements and end with cups on the table. Every grinder we test goes through the same step‑by‑step protocol so you can compare results across brew methods and budgets.

Test Environment & Setup

• Power and beans: 120V household power (unless specified), single‑origin medium roast, rested 5–10 days. Burrs seasoned per manufacturer guidance.
• Conditioning: 5–10 “warm‑up” grinds to stabilize burrs prior to measurements.
• Environment: typical apartment kitchen, closed door, documented room noise floor, standard countertop height.

Noise (dB) Measurements

• Method: A‑weighted (dBA) at 1 meter, mic at ear height, measured with a calibrated meter or app cross‑checked against a reference SPL meter.
• Context: we publish both the room noise floor and the peak/average during grinding, plus notes like “pre‑dawn with door closed.”
• Output: peak dBA, average dBA, and narrative context (perceived loudness, tone, resonance).

Retention & Single‑Dose Workflow

• Protocol: 10 g input × 10 runs, RDT on and off, with/without bellows where applicable.
• Measures: mean retention (g), standard deviation, purging needed, popcorning, and chute clearing behavior.
• Output: average retention and consistency, and whether it hits sub‑0.5 g targets reliably.

Particle Distribution & Fines

• Method: Kruve‑based sieving for filter ranges (e.g., 200–1,600 µm stacks) and espresso‑adjacent checks; mass fraction inside target window reported.
• Output: % in target range, fines fraction, boulder fraction, and a clarity/body interpretation for each brew method.
• Note: We calibrate grind settings per grinder to hit standardized brew ratios and times before sieving.

Heat Rise & Static/Clumping

• Heat: temperature probe near chute or burr carrier; report ΔT after a typical dose and after sustained grinding (e.g., 30–45 s).
• Static/clumping: qualitative scoring plus mass lost to static mess; effectiveness of RDT and declumper design noted.

Alignment, Drift & Ease of Switching

• Alignment checks: marker tests and feeler gauges where accessible; note axial play and carrier precision.
• Repeatability: grind‑mark repeat tests when moving between espresso and filter; note detents, stepless precision, and return‑to‑zero behavior.
• Workflow: time to change burr gap and re‑dial; bean waste during switch.

Cup Testing (What the Numbers Mean)

• Blind tasters score clarity, sweetness, bitterness, and texture at matched ratios. Espresso shots are evaluated for flow consistency, channeling resistance, and crema quality.
• We connect distribution/fines data to cup outcomes for each use case: espresso, pour‑over, press, and travel.

Durability, Serviceability & TCO

• Long‑term: track wear, burr life, motor stress, and availability of parts.
• Serviceability: access to burrs, cleaning steps, alignment adjustability, and mod/upgrade paths.
• Total cost of ownership: realistic accessory needs (bellows, burrs), warranty strength, and resale value.

Scoring & Recommendations

• Scores weight what matters for each use case (e.g., retention and noise matter more for single‑dose apartments; distribution and alignment precision matter most for high‑end espresso).
• Final picks are made by combining measurements, workflow, and cup results—never by price or brand popularity alone.

Updates & Transparency

• We publish protocol changes in changelogs and update older reviews for consistency.
• If a manufacturer revises hardware, we note the model/version and retest when feasible.
• Questions about our methods? Email [email protected].