KitchenAid KPCG100NP Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Nickel Pearl
by KitchenAid
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Product Summary
Manufacturer: KitchenAidBrand: KitchenAid
Model: KPCG100NP
Color: Nickel Pearl
Product features:
- Coffee grinder with quiet DC motor and durable die-cast metal housing
- Adjustable stainless-steel cutting burrs for 15 different grind sizes; compact design
- 7-ounce glass bean hopper and coffee bin; low rpm operation preserves flavor
- Dishwasher-safe bean hopper, hopper lid, and coffee bin; cleaning brush included
- Measures 12 by 6 by 13-1/2 inches; 2-year hassle-free replacement warranty
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of KitchenAid KPCG100NP Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Nickel Pearl
Customer Review: J.N. DiPietri
Summary: 5 Stars
After decades of using an inexpensive blade grinder, I decided to make my first move up on a middle priced model from KitchenAid, since I have had their appliances before and was impressed with the quality of manufacture. As a mechanical engineer, I was looking for simplicity of maintenance, quiet operation, rugged and well built construction, acceptable end results, and straightforward operating techniques. I found all of those qualities in the KitchenAid machine. I use it for grinding a fine-grind drip coffee to brew in a manual-pour drip coffee maker, brewed as rich and dark as possible with a non-press technique. I ordered the nickel pearl finish, which mimics the retro appearance of hand held power tools of pre-1960 when everything was made of steel and metal-alloy. It is also available in gloss black.
The grinder holds up to 7 oz. of beans in the heavy glass storage vessel above (about the thickness of a mason jar). The lid to the storage vessel is more or less press-fit with a rubber compression ring, so it is reasonably air tight. I have read about the complaints people have with the glass receiver below. True, it is thin glass, so just be careful when you handle it. The design of the receiver is tapered up to the discharge opening of the grinder, which adds to the possibility of dropping it if one is careless. I cradle it with a hand below when carrying it. The glass receiver could be improved by KitchenAid if they would add a grip-strip around the sides of it, such as an etched ring band. But frankly, it is quite usable if one is careful. And replacements are available on line, for $10 plus shipping if it gets broken. Another commenter recommended to not use the receiver at all, but simply grind directly into coffee maker's drip basket below. This is possible also, since grinding is done slowly and steadily, and there are no fugitive coffee grounds that are scattered about.
Some have complained about the switch on the side, and slightly to the rear. This is no big deal. You have to probe around for it the first few times you use the grinder, but soon you'll learn where it is and your efforts will become automatic. I appreciate the standard steel construction of this toggle on-off switch. It is not some cheap plastic type. I expect it to be easily replaceable if necessary, and available from most hardware stores.
Cleaning is simple and straightforward, using minimal tools for disassembly - and thanks to the excellent instruction manual that comes with the grinder, the process is explained very clearly. The burrs are easily adjustable as well, which increases or decreases their grind size throughout their range from fine to coarse. The machine grinding control has detents for 16 discrete levels of fineness in grind, so I would recommend trying it first and adjusting the burrs later as they begin to wear down. The burrs are rated for a lifetime of 600-800 pounds of coffee. Under normal once-a-day residential use, these should easily last over a decade before replacement is necessary.
The grinder is also sized correctly for an under-counter appliance. It is only 13.5" high, and 10" front to back, and 6" wide - about the size of a stand mixer. It's weight of 11.4 pounds and rubber feet keep it from walking around on the countertop during operation.
There is also a 2 year no hassle guarantee from KitchenAid, which is a plus.
I would highly recommend this for an everyday drip grind coffee grinder under $200. I am very satisfied.
Note: I bought this from Superior Camera for $163 in July of 2009. There were a number of merchants offering this item at substantially less than $200.
UPDATE - 8-14-09
I continue to be pleased with this coffee grinder, but I became interested in the complaints by others about the flimsy glass receiver for the grounds. I did find an exact KitchenAid replacement but the cost was $10 plus $6 shipping. Too expensive for me. I discovered that a good replacement might be found in a candle shop. A correctly sized clear glass Candle Bowl (e.g. the 26 oz. Libbey Candle Bowl, et. al) looks like it might be a good fit, and there are others as well. These are made of clear glass, and are undoubtedly not dishwasher safe, but they are very inexpensive - less than $2.50 in most instances. And they look reasonably nice on the counter.
Description of KitchenAid KPCG100NP Pro Line Burr Coffee Grinder, Nickel Pearl
The KitchenAid Pro Line Coffee Mill is made of handsome Die-Cast metal housing making for a rugged, stable, and easy to clean unit. With the Pro Line Coffee Mill, you can adjust the Commercial Quality Stainless Steel Cutting Burrs to 15 different Grind Sizes for that perfect Espresso, French Press, or cup of automatic drip. The 7 oz capacity bean hopper and coffee bin are glass to minimize the static "cling" of coffee grounds. The DC motor with gear reduction system makes for quiet grinding. System turns the cutting burrs at just 450 rpm, minimizing the frictional heating of the grinds and preserving coffee flavor and aroma. The Under-Cabinet design allows the unit to fit easily under wall cabinets on the countertop. The smooth metal housing is a snap to wipe clean. Bean hopper, hopper lid, and coffee bin are dishwasher-safe.Grinders & Roasters
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