Aarke Coffee Grinder Verdict

The Aarke Coffee Grinder provides excellent control over grind texture and strength; however, it can be messy, isn't ideal for espresso, and is priced at a steep $400. It's a worthwhile choice for dedicated coffee enthusiasts, yet may not suit casual drinkers.

Reasons to Buy

Premium stainless steel build
Non-toxic materials
60 grind settings available
Clear settings prevent over-grinding
Significant differences in grind quality
Simple one-button operation

Reasons to Avoid

High cost
Somewhat noisy
Retention of some grounds
Not suitable for espresso grinding
Can be a bit messy while in use

This grinder stands out with its flat burr system and stylish stainless steel design, making it a striking addition to any kitchen. At $400, it's a considerable investment.

There's a unique satisfaction in grinding your coffee beans fresh, especially with such an aesthetically pleasing grinder.

After testing, I believe it's a strong contender for the title of one of the top coffee grinders. However, the high price tag doesn't guarantee flawless performance. Here's what I discovered during my evaluation and whether it's worth the investment.

My Experience with the Aarke Coffee Grinder

Specifications: Aarke Coffee Grinder

A stainless steel coffee grinder beside a stainless steel catch up — Its elegant stainless steel finish adds a touch of luxury to your countertop.

Aarke Flat Burr Coffee Grinder
Dimensions	6" W x 16" H x 6.5" D
Weight	9.5 lbs
Power	Earthed plug in
Body material	Stainless steel, glass lid, BPA-free plastic
Settings	60 adjustable grind settings (not suitable for espresso)
Bean container capacity	0.5 lbs
Cord length	35" long with storage compartment
Grind type	Flat burrs

Initial Impressions: Aarke Coffee Grinder

The parts of the Aarke coffee grinder, including the mechanical base, stainless steel grounds cup, shopper with glass lid, cleaning brush, and connector cable, on a black counter. — The complete components of the Aarke Coffee Grinder displayed on my countertop.

A tall stainless steel coffee grinder on a black counter top in front of a white subway tile wall — The grinder commands attention on the counter.

A close up of the glass lid of the Aarke coffee grinder, etched with the grind settings suitable for each type of coffee brewing method — The glass lid includes a helpful grind settings guide.

Right out of the box, the Aarke Coffee Grinder impresses with its robust design. At 16 inches in height, it's larger than expected, but the solid stainless steel construction feels luxurious, despite being prone to fingerprints.

The weight of the unit reflects its premium quality without being burdensome.

Even the packaging reveals attention to detail. The primary packaging is made from recyclable cardboard, which is a plus for sustainability.

Each stainless steel component is protected by fabric bags, enhancing the unboxing experience while preventing scratches. The only plastic used was a single twist tie for securing the cable in transit.

Setup of the Aarke Coffee Grinder

Setting up the Aarke Coffee Grinder is straightforward, even without the detailed instructions, which feature a labeled illustration for guidance.

After rinsing the hopper, glass lid, and catch cup, I securely twisted the hopper into place. Although some components are plastic, they are BPA-free, ensuring a non-toxic product that pairs well with your non-toxic coffee maker.

The glass lid's diagram shows recommended grind settings for various brewing methods, including moka pot, Aeropress, pour-over, and French press. It's crucial to note that this grinder is not suitable for espresso, so a separate grinder is needed for that.

Once set up, I plugged in the grinder and prepared to test its capabilities.

Using the Aarke Coffee Grinder

A close up image of coffee beans inside of a stainless steel hopper — The 250g hopper can store beans for single dosing.

A close up image of the grind settings on a stainless steel coffee grinder — Adjusting the grind settings is user-friendly.

While using the Aarke Coffee Grinder can appear daunting due to its 60+ grind settings, it becomes manageable with practice. This range is ideal for coffee connoisseurs, though it might overwhelm casual users.

The grinder features single dosing and cup mode, which grinds for 2 to 10 cups (1 cup = 125ml). I ground beans for two cups on three different settings for comparison.

To adjust the grind, turn the large dial at the top of the machine and then fine-tune with a smaller dial at the base. This allows you to control the coffee dose for the selected cup size.

While the grinder operates at around 80-90 decibels, the quick grind time keeps it from becoming annoying. However, it's not entirely mess-free; some ground dust escapes around the chute and onto the counter, requiring cleanup.

Grinding Tests

Test 1: Fine Grind

Fine ground coffee beans in a clear plastic container on digital weight scales. — The fine grind produced an ideal consistency for moka pots.

For fine moka pot grounds, I set it to 15, within Aarke's recommended range of 10-20. The grinder quickly produced evenly fine grounds, perfect for the Bialetti Venus Coffee Maker.

Test 2: Medium Grind

Medium ground coffee beans in a clear plastic container on digital weight scales. — The medium grind texture was noticeably coarser than the fine grind.

For a medium grind, I selected setting 35. The grinder functioned quickly, producing a consistent texture similar to sea salt.

Test 3: Coarse Grind

Coarse ground coffee beans in a clear plastic container on digital weight scales. — The coarse grind had a gritty texture, ideal for French press brewing.

For the coarse grind test, I used setting 50, suitable for Chemex and French press. The grinder produced rough, yet uniform grounds swiftly.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Fingers picking the Aarke Coffee Grinder cleaning brush from its compartment beside the burrs — The grinder features a built-in compartment for the cleaning brush.

Maintaining the Aarke Coffee Grinder is simple, and it includes the necessary cleaning tools.

The hopper, lid, and catch cup can be hand-washed with warm water and a soft sponge. Ensure everything is thoroughly dried before reassembling. The surface can be cleaned with the provided cloth.

Aarke suggests cleaning the burrs every three months. Accessing the burrs is easy: remove the hopper and twist off the top. A compartment houses the burr brush, preventing it from getting lost.

While brushing the burrs, some static made the process slightly frustrating as grounds bounced around. A larger brush is useful for cleaning the spout, which retains some grinds.

Who Should Consider the Aarke Coffee Grinder?

The Aarke Coffee Grinder is ideal for serious coffee drinkers who enjoy various brewing methods and desire precise grinding capabilities. Its adjustable settings cater to aficionados who know what they want and refuse to compromise.

It's a great match for those who also own the Aarke drip coffee maker, as they can be connected for a seamless coffee-making experience.

However, if you primarily drink espresso, consider a different grinder, such as the Breville Smart Grinder Pro, which can grind directly into a portafilter.

What Are People Saying Online?

The Aarke Coffee Grinder boasts positive reviews, averaging 4.5 stars across various platforms. Common issues reported include clogging and jamming, which I did not experience, but can occur with flat burr grinders.

This design can lead to grounds accumulating, resulting in jams. Additionally, it may require some trial and error to find the perfect grind settings, which might not suit beginners.

Overall, feedback is mostly favorable, especially from users who pair it with the matching coffee maker. It looks appealing, offers excellent adjustability, and is relatively easy to use once you become familiar with it.

My Conclusion

A silver coffee grinder on a kitchen counter beside a stainless steel catch up. A wooden cutting board and baking trays lean behind the wall in the background. — This grinder is an excellent choice for coffee enthusiasts.

If you have the funds, I recommend the Aarke Coffee Grinder for experienced coffee lovers seeking precision. It may take some practice, but it yields excellent results, especially when used with the matching coffee maker.

However, at $400, plus an additional $400 for the coffee maker, it's a significant expense. The design is stunning, making it a matter of how much you value its performance and the overall look in your kitchen.

What to Consider Purchasing

If you're ready to invest in the grinder or want complementary tools, here are some recommended accessories to enhance your Aarke flat burr coffee grinder experience.

All prices were accurate at the time of writing.

Flat burr system

The Aarke flat burr coffee grinder is a worthwhile investment if you can afford it and appreciate the aesthetic of your appliances. While it's not designed for espresso, it excels in producing a variety of grind consistencies for multiple brewing methods.

Seamless brewing connection

The Aarke Coffee Grinder connects with the drip coffee maker for automatic grinding and dispensing, brewing a full pot in under six minutes, constructed from quality stainless steel and BPA-free plastic.

Keeps coffee warm

This double-wall insulated thermal jug holds 2-10 cups and keeps your coffee warm without a hot plate, made from stainless steel and BPA-free plastic, and is dishwasher safe.

If you're interested in reducing coffee shop costs while enjoying café-quality brews at home, check out our guide on making coffee at home without needing a barista.