Vintage Coffee Grinders Briefly
A vintage coffee grinder is a work of art, quite literally. The oldest ones are lovingly crafted from wood and metal with hand-hewn boxes perfectly dovetailed without the use of glues or fastenings. They were built for function first and beauty second but the sheen of aged wood is in itself a lovely sight. Newer vintage coffee grinders from the early 20th century are also much in demand, for their craftsmanship as well as their aesthetic appeal.
Aside from the value of vintage coffee grinders, people like them because manual grinding doesn't cause the temperature to rise and affect the taste of the beans, they are quiet and you can grind just the right amount. However, many of the American vintage coffee grinders were big, bulky and had to be permanently attached to a tabletop, counter or wall. American grinders also used blades, not burrs, and the grind was very coarse; that was perfect for the way coffee was made back then, on the stovetop or over the fireplace.
Coffee grinders have been produced since coffee was discovered centuries ago but Europe has been making them since the 16th century. Germany was particularly prolific during the 18th century when a few towns in that country became known for their high quality grinders. Master craftsmen paid attention to quality over quantity and the burrs were made of fine, tempered steel. If you can find one with high grade German steel you'll notice few, if any, signs of wear. German/European grinders have conical burrs and grind adjusters that make a finer grind than most modern electrics.
Coffee was very important in Europe and grinder production peaked after WWII until modernization in the mid 20th century. You can tell if a vintage coffee grinder is German by the grind adjustment inside the grounds box; you have to remove the drawer to see the adjustment lever. French and Italian grinders have the adjusters on top of the grinder where it is easy to find. Most European vintage coffee bean grinders were made of Beech, a hardwood that was common in Europe, doesn't splinter and has oils that preserve the wood and make it more beautiful as it ages.
Brands to look for include the Mokka label in grinders made especially for mokka pots and espresso machines during the 1940-60's. Other brands of vintage coffee grinders include Elma, Hobart (from 1897), Enterprise Manufacturing, the Landers, Frary & Clark Manufacturing Company, Arcade Manufacturing, Wrightsville Hardware Co., Simmons Hardware Co. and Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Co.
There are many imitators of vintage coffee grinders these days but many don't have the quality of the real thing. If you can find an authentic vintage coffee grinder that is in working condition it will probably still be functioning well when you pass it on to your children or grandchildren. These antiques look beautiful in your kitchen whatever type of décor you have; they accentuate the charm of older kitchens and lend an air of quiet dignity to modern kitchens.
You will find that a vintage coffee grinder is the perfect addition to your kitchen and frequent can produce a more consistent grind than modern electric bean grinders.