KitchenAid KCG8433 Coffee grinder: Full Review

The KitchenAid KCG8433ER coffee grinder is a burr grinder designed for home use. It has a sleek, compact design available in multiple color options that will look nice on any kitchen counter. The KCG8433ER uses stainless steel burrs to grind coffee beans uniformly and has grind settings for fine espresso grinds up to coarse grinds for French press. This grinder can hold up to 12 ounces of beans and has a removable 8-ounce bean hopper. It operates at a lower noise level around 64-66 decibels. The KCG8433ER is easy to use with preset grind settings, a simple on/off switch, and easy cleaning. Overall, this KitchenAid model provides good grind consistency in a stylish and quiet package for home brewing needs.

Design

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder has an attractive yet minimalist design. It is made of durable stainless steel with a matte finish that resists fingerprints and scratches.

The grinder comes in several classic KitchenAid colors like Empire Red, Onyx Black, Medallion Silver, and Contour Silver to match other KitchenAid appliances.

It has a compact footprint, measuring just 7.87 inches tall by 5.12 inches wide by 10.87 inches deep. Despite the small size, it has an 8-ounce bean hopper capacity. The grinder weighs only 7.5 pounds, making it easy to store and move around the kitchen.

The bean hopper, grounds bin, and all removable parts are BPA-free plastic for durability and easy cleaning. The grounds bin also has a clear window so you can easily see when it's time to empty it out. Overall, the KitchenAid coffee grinder has an attractive, solid, and compact design perfect for any kitchen.

Another noteworthy option is the Cuisinart DCG-12BC, which features a sleek and efficient design. This grinder offers a capacity of up to 90 grams, allowing you to brew multiple cups of coffee at once. Its stainless steel blades provide consistent grinding, and the removable grinding bowl makes cleaning a breeze. The compact size makes it an ideal choice for those with limited counter space, and its one-touch operation ensures ease of use.

Grind Settings

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder offers 30 different grind settings, allowing you to grind coffee beans for any brewing method. The settings range from ultra-fine for espresso to coarse for French press.

There is a clearly marked grind selector on the front of the grinder with indicators for common brew methods like espresso, drip, and French press. This makes it easy to quickly select the right grind size. Simply turn the knob to the desired setting.

The extensive range of grind settings and easy-to-use selector knob allow you to grind coffee to the optimal texture no matter what type of coffee you are brewing. You can achieve a super fine powder for Turkish coffee and espresso or a coarse, even grind for cold brew and French press.

The consistency of the grind is very impressive across all the different settings. The burrs do an excellent job producing uniform particles without too many fines or boulders. This helps extract the best flavor from the beans and achieve the desired brew.

Overall, the grind settings are one of the major highlights of this grinder. The precision and consistency allow you to grind coffee optimized for any brewing method.

In addition to the KitchenAid, the wirsh D150B offers a compact and efficient grinding solution. It features several grind settings, allowing users to customize their coffee experience. The durable build quality ensures longevity, while its sleek design adds a modern touch to any kitchen. Whether you are a casual coffee drinker or a brewing enthusiast, the wirsh D150B is well worth considering for versatile grinding options.

Capacity

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder has a generous 8-ounce hopper that can hold enough whole coffee beans to grind up to 12 cups of coffee per use. This makes it well-suited for larger households that go through a lot of coffee daily or for people who like to grind beans in bulk ahead of time.

The large hopper means less frequent refilling, so you can grind a few days' worth of coffee at once if desired. It’s a convenient set-it-and-forget-it design that allows you to grind a full pot or carafe’s worth in one session.

With its powerful motor, the KCG8433 can quickly grind enough beans for a full 12 cups of coffee in under a minute. So it's fast and efficient at grinding even large batches of beans at once. You won't have to grind multiple smaller batches or wait around while it slowly processes enough grounds for the amount of coffee you want to brew.

The ample 8-ounce bean hopper and ability to grind up to 12 cups worth of grounds make this an excellent option for high-volume coffee drinkers who don't want the hassle of small batch grinding.

Noise Level

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder runs at around 60-65 decibels during grinding according to customer reviews. This is fairly typical for an electric burr grinder. The noise is noticeable but not extremely loud. Some users note the grinder is quieter than comparable models from other brands. The grinding noise itself is not harsh or high-pitched. The noise level is unlikely to disturb others even in close quarters. You may prefer to grind coffee early in the morning before others are awake, but the grinder should not wake sleeping family members. The burrs and motor operate smoothly without excessive vibration or noise. For an electric burr grinder, the KitchenAid KCG8433 is reasonably quiet. While hand grinders are the quietest option, this grinder keeps noise to an acceptable level.

Cleaning

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder is very easy to clean. The bean hopper, grounds basket, and all other removable parts are dishwasher safe. The stainless steel construction also makes the grinder easy to wipe down.

To clean the burrs and interior, you can use the included cleaning brush. Simply remove the bean hopper and ground coffee basket and use the brush to sweep out any residual grounds. The brush makes it easy to reach the tight spaces around the burrs. The opening where you insert the brush is wide enough to allow good access.

You can also use a dry or damp cloth to wipe down the interior between more thorough cleanings. Since the burrs are stainless steel, you don't have to worry about moisture damaging them.

Overall, the simplicity of the design and removable, dishwasher safe parts make this one of the easiest grinders to clean. Just be sure to regularly clean out old coffee grounds so they don't stagnate and affect flavor.

Durability

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder is built to last thanks to its sturdy metal housing and powerful motor. The metal construction makes it more durable than plastic models, and users report it holding up well under daily use without any cracks or damage.

The grinder contains a powerful 200 watt motor that provides plenty of grinding power. The motor runs smoothly and quietly even when grinding large batches of beans. Owners say the motor has stayed strong over years of frequent use with no loss of performance.

In terms of lifespan, the KCG8433 is designed for reliability and longevity. The metal parts show minimal wear, and the grind settings maintain their precision over time. As long as the grinder is cleaned regularly, many reviewers state it continues working like new after years of service. The overall excellent build quality ensures a long useful life for this coffee grinder.

Price

The KitchenAid KCG8433 coffee grinder has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of around $199. This puts it solidly in the mid-range for electric coffee grinders.

Compared to other mid-range electric grinders, the KCG8433 is very competitively priced. Models with similar features and capacity from leading brands like Breville and Baratza retail for $199-$250. So the KitchenAid holds its own against the major players.

More affordable electric grinders typically max out at $100-150. These bargain models get the job done but cut corners on motor power, grind settings, and build quality. So the KCG8433 represents a meaningful step up.

Higher-end electric grinders meant for espresso and commercial use can run $300+. The KCG8433 isn't built for cafe-level output, but provides home users solid performance without the dramatic price jump.

Overall the KCG8433 hits a nice sweet spot, delivering capabilities beyond entry-level models without the steep cost of pro-grade gear. For most home brewers, it's a smart value.

Pros of the KitchenAid KCG8433 Coffee Grinder

• Sturdy and durable construction with stainless steel casing and burrs designed to last

• Offers flexibility with 31 grind settings from extremely fine for espresso to coarse for French press

• Generous 8-ounce bean hopper and ground coffee container capacity

• Low noise operation compared to other grinders at 85 dB

• Easy to operate one-touch control dial

• Convenient cord storage and brush included for cleaning

• Reliable performance from a trusted KitchenAid brand with 3-year warranty

• Powerful 260 watt motor provides fast grinding

• Compact size saves counter space

Cons

The KitchenAid KCG8433ER has a few drawbacks to consider based on reviews and research:

• The grind settings are stepped rather than continuous, which limits flexibility for dialing in grinds for espresso. There are 15 settings, but some users report the steps between settings are too large.

• The grind consistency could be improved, especially for French press or pour over. Some grounds come out quite fine while others are coarser.

• The clear grounds bin is light in weight and some users mention it feels cheap or fragile. There are reports of the bin cracking over time.

• It struggles with grinding very small batches, less than 15 grams. The grinds often get stuck in the burrs instead of falling down into the bin.

• It's loud compared to other grinders, up to 85 decibels according to reviews. The grinding noise may be disruptive early in the morning.

• Cleaning can be tricky due to the static build up from the bean oils. Grounds cling to the chute and parts of the grinder.

• Durability issues for some customers, with problems around the 1-2 year mark even with light use. The warranty is only 1 year.

• At $200 MSRP, it's considered expensive for inconsistent grind quality. Competitors offer better grind performance for a lower cost.