The Chefman Conical Burr Digital Coffee Grinder (Model RJ44-SS-TCB) is a household appliance designed for quickly producing freshly ground coffee. It features a sleek, stainless-steel construction and offers a high degree of control over the grind size and time, catering to various brewing methods from French press to Turkish coffee and espresso.
Function Description:
The primary function of this device is to grind whole coffee beans into a desired consistency using a conical burr grinding mechanism. Unlike blade grinders, a burr grinder uses two revolving abrasive surfaces to grind beans a few at a time, resulting in a more uniform grind size, which contributes to better flavor. The grinder allows users to select from 31 different grind sizes, ranging from extra coarse to superfine, to match specific brewing methods. It also includes an adjustable timer for precise control over the grinding duration.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Grind Sizes: 31 options, from extra coarse (French Press/Cold Brew) to extra fine (Turkish Coffee/Espresso).
- French Press/Cold Brew: Extra Coarse (Grind Setting 31-26)
- Pour-Over: Coarse (Grind Setting 25-19)
- Drip Coffee: Medium Coarse (Grind Setting 18-11)
- Siphon: Medium Fine (Grind Setting 10-6)
- Espresso: Fine (Grind Setting 5-3)
- Turkish Coffee: Extra Fine (Grind Setting 2-1)
- Hopper Capacity: Approximately 10 ounces of coffee beans.
- Grind Time: Adjustable from 5 seconds (minimum/default) to 40 seconds (maximum).
- Overheat Protection: Automatic shut-off after 3 minutes of continuous operation to prevent motor overheating.
- Power Cord: Short, polarized power-supply cord to reduce entanglement hazards.
- Construction: Stainless-steel base.
Usage Features:
- Grind Size Selection: A grind selector ring located just under the hopper allows users to easily choose the appropriate grind size. Finer grinds are suitable for quick-brew methods like espresso, while coarser grinds are ideal for longer brewing cycles such as French press.
- Adjustable Grind Time: The grinder offers a digital timer with a default of 5 seconds and a maximum of 40 seconds. The "+5 SEC Button" allows for incremental adjustments, and the "MAX TIME Button" sets the time directly to 40 seconds. Grind time can also be adjusted during grinding (adding 5 seconds once per cycle).
- Pulse Mode: For customized grinding durations, users can press and hold the "START/STOP Button." The display timer will count up to 40 seconds in this mode, and grinding stops upon release of the button.
- Memory Function: Once a desired grind time is set, the unit remembers it as the new default. This setting is retained until reset or unplugged, at which point it reverts to the 5-second default.
- Sound Control: The grinder beeps with each button press. This feature can be turned off or on by holding down the "MAX Time" and "+5 SEC" buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds. The LED display will show "OF" or "ON" to indicate the status.
- Ground Coffee Container: The unit includes a ground coffee container with a lid. A rubber mat is provided to be placed under the container to lift it closer to the dispensing grounds, minimizing "flyaways" due to static electricity.
- Safety Features: The grinder will not operate if the hopper is not properly attached and locked into place. It also has an overheat protective device that powers off the unit after 3 minutes of continuous use.
- Standby/Sleep Mode: After grinding, the unit enters standby mode. If left inactive for 3 minutes in standby mode, it will go to sleep, requiring a press of the START/STOP button to return to standby.
Maintenance Features:
- Easy Cleaning: The ground coffee container, its lid, the hopper, and the hopper lid are washable with warm, soapy water. They should be dried thoroughly. The rubber mat is dishwasher-safe.
- Burr Cleaning: The upper conical burr is removable for cleaning. It can be detached by holding its handle, turning it counterclockwise, and lifting it out. A brush is provided to clean residual coffee dust and grounds from both the upper and lower burrs. The upper burr is also dishwasher-safe.
- External Cleaning: The exterior of the unit can be wiped down with a damp cloth. It should never be immersed in water or placed under running water.
- Hopper Detachment/Attachment: The hopper can be easily detached by pressing a release lever and rotating it counterclockwise until the unlock icon aligns with an arrow. To reattach, align the unlock icon, rotate clockwise until the lock icon aligns, and ensure it clicks into place.
- Motor Protection: To prevent overheating, the unit should not be used continuously for longer than 3 minutes. A 30-minute cooling period is recommended between uses if the overheat protection activates.