Aromaster CG204 Coffee grinder: Full Review

Aromaster is a relatively new brand in the coffee grinder space that was founded in 2018. Despite being a newcomer, Aromaster has quickly gained popularity for its line of quality yet affordable electric coffee grinders.

The company is based in China and aims to provide home coffee enthusiasts with an accessible option for fresh ground coffee. Their product line includes burr grinders, blade grinders, and manual grinders at prices ranging from $20-$150.

One of their most popular models is the Aromaster CG204 burr grinder, which offers a good balance of performance and value. This stainless steel grinder has received positive reviews for its ability to grind beans evenly for various brew methods.

In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the design, grind settings, grinding performance, ease of use, and overall value of the Aromaster CG204 grinder.

Overview

The Aromaster CG204 is a compact yet powerful conical burr coffee grinder designed for home use. It features a sleek stainless steel body and an adjustable grind selector with 18 different grind settings. This versatile grinder can produce grinds ideal for any brew method, from fine espresso to coarse French Press.

The Aromaster uses conical steel burrs to deliver uniform grinds and optimal flavor extraction. The burrs are durable and will remain sharp even after constant daily use. The CG204 has a 110V motor base with 150 watts of power, providing fast grinding while keeping noise to a minimum. It has an 8 ounce bean hopper and grounds catcher to hold enough coffee for several cups.

Another excellent option is the Breville BCG820DBL1BUS1, which offers a range of advanced features. This grinder utilizes a stainless steel conical burr for precision grinding and an innovative dosing IQ technology to provide the perfect dose each time. With 60 grind settings, it's suitable for an array of brewing methods and is equipped with a large bean hopper for convenience. The Breville BCG820 also has a settings display for easy adjustment and a sleek design that complements any kitchen.

Design & Build Quality

The Aromaster CG204 coffee grinder features a durable stainless steel design that looks sleek on your countertop. The grinding chamber and bean hopper are made from heavy-duty stainless steel that won't corrode or absorb odors over time.

The exterior housing is made from brushed stainless steel that resists fingerprints. The materials feel substantial and should hold up well under daily use.

The burrs are made from hardened stainless steel to precisely grind coffee beans without getting dull too quickly. They are designed to remain sharp for many years of frequent grinding.

The interior gearing and grinding mechanisms are metal and feel very sturdy. There is no plastic used in high wear areas.

Overall, the materials and construction quality of this Aromaster coffee grinder are excellent. The heavy-duty stainless steel design should provide years of reliable performance. The grind assembly and burrs are built to last.

Another great option in the market is the KitchenAid KCG8433 . This coffee grinder is renowned for its stylish design and intuitive controls. It features stainless steel burrs similar to the Aromaster, ensuring consistent grind size for optimal flavor extraction. With 15 grind settings, you can easily customize your coffee experience. Its sleek look and solid construction make it a worthy addition to any kitchen.

Grind Settings

The Aromaster CG204 offers 12 adjustable grind settings, allowing you to grind from ultrafine for turkish coffee up to coarse for cold brew and french press. The wide range gives you plenty of flexibility to dial in the perfect grind size for espresso or any brew method.

Adjusting between settings is easy - simply turn the dial on the front of the grinder. The dial clicks from setting to setting, giving a tactile feedback so you can feel when you've made an adjustment. The numbers for each setting are clearly marked, making it easy to switch back and forth between your favorite grind sizes.

Overall, the 12 settings cover an excellent range for home brewing while still being simple to adjust. The Aromaster gives you a high degree of control over your grind without complication.

Grinding Performance

The Aromaster CG204 performs very well when it comes to grinding coffee beans. The powerful 150W motor allows it to grind coffee at a reasonably fast speed without generating excessive noise or heat.

Most users report that it takes about 10-15 seconds to grind enough coffee for a standard 8 cup brew. The grind speed is comparable to other popular entry-level electric grinders in this price range. While not the absolute fastest, it gets the job done quickly enough for most home use.

The consistency of the grind is also quite good for a blade grinder. The stainless steel blades are sharp and designed to pulverize the beans into a uniform texture. Of course blade grinders aren't as consistent as burr grinders, but among other blade models the Aromaster holds its own and produces a grind suitable for most drip coffee makers.

One of the Aromaster's strengths is its quiet operation. It generates less noise compared to many other affordable electric coffee grinders. The grinding noise is muffled and confined inside the container. This makes early morning coffee grinding less disruptive.

Overall the Aromaster CG204 delivers solid grinding ability. For an entry-level stainless steel blade grinder, it grinds beans at an efficient speed with reasonably consistent grounds and low noise levels. Most buyers should be satisfied with its grinding performance.

Ease of Use

The Aromaster CG204 coffee grinder performs very well in terms of ease of use. The controls are simple and intuitive, with a rotary dial that lets you quickly adjust between grind settings. There are no complex buttons or digital interfaces to deal with.

Cleaning the grinder is also straightforward thanks to the removable bean hopper and grounds catcher. The hopper lifts off easily, allowing you to wipe out any stale coffee grinds or oils. The grounds catcher also detaches from the base, so you can dump out the grounds and give it a rinse.

Overall maintenance is minimal for this grinder. The stainless steel burrs are durable and don't need frequent replacement. The motor is powerful and designed for daily use. The simplicity of the grinder means there aren't many parts that can break down over time. Just occasional cleaning and infrequent burr replacement is needed to keep it performing well.

With simple controls, easy cleaning, and low maintenance requirements, ease of use is a definite strength of this Aromaster coffee grinder. It's designed to be convenient for daily home use without complicated interfaces or finicky upkeep.

Value

The Aromaster CG204 offers great value for the price. At around $70 USD, it's very affordable compared to similar conical burr coffee grinders which can cost over $100.

You get a lot for your money. The grinder itself has a sleek stainless steel design and 15 grind settings for various brew methods. It comes with a grounds container, brush, and scoop. The conical burrs are made from hardened steel for durability and precision grinding.

For an electric conical burr grinder under $100, the Aromaster CG204 is hard to beat. The quality and performance rival more expensive models. It can handle daily use and grinds quickly for home brewing. You're getting professional-level grinding without the premium price tag.

Considering the quality materials, versatile grind settings, and convenient accessories included, the CG204 delivers excellent value. It's a very affordable entry point into conical burr grinding without sacrificing build or grinding ability. For anyone looking to upgrade from blade grinders, this is an ideal grinder that won't break the bank.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Has 18 grind settings to choose from for various brew methods like espresso, drip coffee, etc.

• Produces very consistent grinds for even extraction.

• Fast grinding speed can grind enough for 12 cups of coffee in under a minute.

• Durable stainless steel construction.

• Easy to use controls and straightforward operation.

• Relatively affordable price compared to similar grinders.

Cons:

• Grounds can clump together in the collection bin.

• Louder than some other burr grinders when grinding.

• Grounds bin is not completely airtight so some aroma can escape.

• Manual brush not included to clean chute.

• Only a 1 year warranty.

• Lacks more precise micro grind adjustments.

Comparison to Similar Models

The Aromaster CG204 stands up well when compared to other popular entry-level electric burr coffee grinders in the sub-$100 price range.

Compared to the highly regarded OXO Brew Conical Burr grinder, the Aromaster offers more grind settings (18 vs 15) for fine-tuning your grind size. It also has a slightly larger grind capacity of 8 ounces vs 7 ounces for the OXO. The Aromaster burrs are made of stainless steel while the OXO uses ceramic conical burrs. In terms of build quality and consistency, the OXO may have a slight edge but the Aromaster delivers impressive performance for the price.

The Mueller Austria HyperGrind Precision grinder is another model to consider. The HyperGrind is a bit sleeker in its design with a modern style, versus the more basic look of the Aromaster. Both produce a consistent grind across settings. The HyperGrind only has 12 settings compared to 18 on the Aromaster. The HyperGrind is also a bit louder in use.

The affordable KRUPS GX5000 offers a similar stainless steel build and burrs as the Aromaster. However, it only has 9 grind settings, making the Aromaster better for dialing in a precise grind size. The Aromaster also has a heavier duty motor than the KRUPS for reliability.

Overall, the Aromaster CG204 holds its own against the top electric grinders under $100. For the price, its combination of grind performance, settings, capacity and build quality make it an excellent value choice in its class.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Aromaster CG204 coffee grinder is an excellent option for home coffee enthusiasts looking for consistent grind quality without breaking the bank. Its durable stainless steel construction and 10 grind settings allow you to brew everything from espresso to French press with ease. The convenient front-mounted pulse button gives you precision control over the grind, although the lack of a timer does mean you'll need to keep an eye on it.

Overall, the Aromaster CG204 punches above its weight given the affordable price point. The stainless steel conical burrs produce even grinds for great-tasting coffee. While not as versatile as some higher-end models, it excels at grinding for drip, pour over, and espresso. The grind settings are easy to adjust, and the cleanup is simple thanks to the removable bean hopper.

If you're seeking an entry-level burr grinder capable of brewing cafe-quality coffee at home without spending a small fortune, the Aromaster CG204 is a smart choice worth considering. It reliably delivers consistent grinds for balanced extraction and rich flavor. The stainless steel construction is built to last. For an electric burr grinder under $100, you'll have a hard time finding better value and performance than the Aromaster CG204.