KitchenAid Coffee Grinders: Blade or Burr, Explained
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KitchenAid is best known for its stand mixers, and its coffee grinders carry the same colorful, sturdy style onto the countertop. The range is a friendly entry point for new coffee lovers because it covers both main grinder types: simple blade grinders that chop beans with a spinning blade, and burr grinders that crush beans between two textured metal surfaces for a more even result. If you are shopping for a gift, knowing which type suits the person’s coffee habit is most of the decision.
In short, the BCG111 and the BCG211 combo pack are corded blade grinders (the combo adds spice bowls), the KCG8433 and KCG0702 are burr grinders with 70 and 15 grind settings, and the KitchenAid Go grinder is a cordless blade model that runs on a separate 12V battery.
KitchenAid Coffee Grinders Compared
| Model | Grinder type | Capacity | Grind settings | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder | Blade | 4 oz bowl, up to 12 cups | None (you control time) | Corded |
| KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice Combo (BCG211) | Blade | 4 oz coffee bowl plus 2 spice bowls | None (you control time) | Corded |
| KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder (KCG8433) | Conical burr | Not listed | 70 | Not listed |
| KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder | Burr | Glass hopper, 7 oz beans | 15 | Not listed |
| KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder | Blade | 4 oz bowl, up to 12 cups | None (you control time) | 12V battery, sold separately |
KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder for First-Time Grinders
Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder, 4 oz, Empire Red
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder
Best for: New drip coffee drinkers
Pros
- One-touch push-down control
- Cup markings on removable bowl
- Grinds for up to 12 cups
- 1-year replacement warranty
Cons
- Blade grind is less even
- No grind-size setting
The KitchenAid BCG111ER Blade Coffee Grinder is the simplest way into fresh-ground coffee. You press down on the clear cover to start and let go to stop, watching the beans through the lid until they look right. The stainless steel blade grinds enough beans for up to 12 cups of coffee, and the 4 oz stainless steel bowl lifts out so you can pour grounds straight into your coffee maker.
A handy detail for beginners: the bowl has markings showing how many beans to add for 4, 8, 10 or 12 cups, so there is no scale or scoop math. The listing names a 1-year hassle-free replacement warranty and an Empire Red finish. One inconsistency is worth mentioning: the included-items list calls the unit a “Burr Grinder,” but the title, description and features all describe a stainless steel blade, so treat it as a blade grinder.
This suits someone who brews drip coffee and wants a small upgrade from pre-ground bags. Because a blade chops rather than crushes, the grounds are less even than a burr grinder’s, so espresso fans should look at the KCG8433 instead.
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder Combo Pack for Home Cooks
Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder Combo Pack, Onyx Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice
Best for: Home cooks who grind spices too
Pros
- Two spice bowls included
- Shaker and airtight lids
- Removable coffee bowl with markings
Cons
- Blade grind is less even
- More parts to store
The KitchenAid Blade Coffee Grinder and Spice Grinder Combo Pack, model BCG211 in Onyx Black, is the same one-touch blade grinder with a spice kit added. You get the 4 oz coffee bowl with cup markings for 4, 8, 10 or 12 cups, plus two stainless steel spice grinding bowls for whole peppercorns, cumin and more.
The kit also includes a shaker lid, so you can sprinkle freshly ground spice straight onto a dish, and two airtight storage lids to keep leftovers fresh. Keeping coffee and spices in separate bowls matters: grinding cumin in your coffee bowl would leave flavors behind. The listing names a 1-year full replacement warranty. As with the BCG111, the parts list says “Burr grinder” while every other line describes a blade, so expect a blade grinder.
This is the thoughtful pick for a cook who also drinks coffee, and it makes an easy housewarming gift. If spices are not part of the plan, the BCG111 does the coffee job with fewer parts. Cooks who love KitchenAid gear may also enjoy our guide to the KitchenAid sausage stuffer attachment for the stand mixer.
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder (KCG8433) for Espresso and Every Brew Method
Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder, KCG8433, Matte Black
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder
Best for: Espresso to cold brew enthusiasts
Pros
- 70 grind settings
- Smart Dosing Technology
- Stainless conical burrs
- Portafilter holder included
Cons
- Tallest here at 15 inches
- Bigger countertop commitment
The KitchenAid Burr Coffee Grinder, model KCG8433 in Matte Black, is the most capable grinder in the lineup. It uses commercial-grade stainless steel conical burrs, which crush beans to a uniform size. Even grounds matter because water pulls flavor out of small and large pieces at different speeds; uniform grounds give a more balanced cup.
It has 70 grind settings, from coarse for cold brew and French press to fine for espresso. Its Smart Dosing Technology automatically adjusts grind time to deliver the right amount for your chosen drink. The bean hopper twists and lifts off so you can swap or empty beans without turning the grinder upside down. Included are a grounds tray, a portafilter holder for grinding directly into an espresso handle, top and bottom hopper pieces and a cleaning brush. It measures 5 by 8.2 by 15 inches, weighs 6.5 pounds, fits under most kitchen cabinets and carries a 1-year warranty.
This suits someone who owns or plans to buy an espresso machine, or who switches between brew styles. For pairing ideas, see our guide to a home espresso machine. If they only make drip coffee, the KCG0702 or a blade grinder may be plenty.
KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder for a Simple Burr Upgrade
Kitchen Aid
KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder, Contour Silver
Price and specifications are read from the Amazon product page and can change.
KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder
Best for: Simple burr upgrade from blade
Pros
- 15 grind levels
- Glass hopper holds 7 oz
- Stainless steel burrs
Cons
- Heaviest at 9.9 pounds
- Listing gives few details
The KitchenAid KCG0702CS Burr Coffee Grinder in Contour Silver is a straightforward burr grinder. Its description names stainless steel burrs, 15 grind levels and a glass bean hopper that holds up to seven ounces of whole beans, covering French press, automatic drip, espresso and anything between.
The listing is short on details. It gives dimensions of 5.9 by 10 by 9.8 inches and a weight of 9.9 pounds, the heaviest here, but it does not specify whether the burrs are conical or flat, what accessories are included or the warranty. The title says KCG0702CS while the spec line lists model KCG0702CU, so double-check the color and model on the product page before buying.
It suits someone moving up from a blade grinder who wants consistent grounds without learning 70 settings. Anyone serious about espresso will get finer control from the KCG8433.
KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder for Outlet-Free Grinding
Best for: Owners of KitchenAid Go batteries
Pros
- Cordless, no outlet needed
- Grinds for up to 12 cups
- Light at 2.1 pounds
Cons
- Battery sold separately
- About 6 minutes runtime per charge
The KitchenAid Go Cordless Blade Coffee Grinder, model KBGR100 in Porcelain White, removes the cord. It runs on the KitchenAid 12V MAX removable battery, model KRB12, which is sold separately; the listing gives up to 6 minutes of continuous runtime per charge, varying with battery age and use. Since a batch of beans takes well under a minute, that is enough for many mornings, but it is still a limit to know about.
Otherwise it works like the corded blade models: one-touch control, a stainless steel blade and a 4 oz grind bowl for up to 12 cups. It weighs 2.1 pounds and measures 4.41 by 5.29 by 8.41 inches. The listing does not mention cup markings on the bowl.
It suits someone who already owns KitchenAid Go cordless appliances and their battery, or who has few free outlets. If you would need to buy the battery just for this grinder, the corded BCG111 is simpler.
How to Choose the Right KitchenAid Coffee Grinder
Blade or burr. Blade grinders (BCG111, BCG211, Go) are compact and simple but produce uneven grounds. Burr grinders (KCG8433, KCG0702) give even grounds and let you pick a grind size.
How they brew. Drip coffee works fine with a blade grinder. French press benefits from a burr. Espresso really needs fine, consistent burr grounds, which points to the KCG8433. If you are still choosing a brewer, our look at a stylish drip coffee maker may help.
Extras. The BCG211 adds spice bowls; the KCG8433 adds Smart Dosing and a portafilter holder; the Go adds cordless freedom but needs a battery.
Counter space. Blade models are small. The KCG8433 is 15 inches tall, and the KCG0702 weighs 9.9 pounds.
FAQ
Is a KitchenAid blade grinder good enough for espresso?
Not really. Espresso needs very fine, even grounds, which a burr grinder like the KCG8433 with 70 settings is designed to produce.
What is the difference between the KitchenAid BCG111 and BCG211?
Both are one-touch blade grinders with a 4 oz coffee bowl. The BCG211 adds two spice bowls, a shaker lid and two airtight lids.
Does the KitchenAid Go grinder come with a battery?
No. The 12V MAX battery, model KRB12, is sold separately.
How many grind settings does the KitchenAid burr grinder have?
The KCG8433 has 70 settings and the KCG0702 has 15. The blade grinders have none; you control fineness by how long you grind.
Which KitchenAid grinder is easiest for a beginner?
The BCG111: press to grind, release to stop, and use the markings in the bowl to measure beans.
